MURFREESBORO, December 17, 2015– The American Conservative Union (ACU), a national organization founded in 1964, has released their 2015 state legislative scorecards and has given Rep. Bryan Terry, MD a score of 100% for his conservative voting record. Additionally, the ACU has awarded him for conservative excellence. The ACU proclaims to support liberty and the strength of the constitution, as well profess being the largest and strongest grassroots conservative organization.
“I’m honored to be recognized by the American Conservative Union as being a conservative leader for Tennessee. As someone who believes in liberty and the Constitution, I’m proud to stand up as a liberty minded conservative to represent District 48,” stated Rep. Terry
Rep. Bryan Terry campaigned on the theme of “Principles, Process, and Passion” which laid out an overview of the principles that guided him, as well as the pragmatic process he uses to seek solutions. He describes his principles as the three “rights” and looks to answer questions as it pertains to those rights. Is it our right or constitutional? Is it the right thing to do based on his liberty minded, conservative Christian worldview? Is it right for the District and Tennessee?
“Whether it is nationally or locally, I often see elected officials either not taking a principled approach or functioning as an ideologue without regard to constituents or the Constitution. Just because one believes something is the right thing to do based on one’s worldview doesn’t mean that it is constitutional nor something that constituents want. Conversely, just because constituents or even a majority may want something, it doesn’t make it right or even constitutional,” said Terry
Dr. Terry described his pragmatic process as a four step approach to finding solutions. First, one identifies the problem or premise. Secondly, one determines the goals. Then one looks at the options and how well they line up with one’s principles. And lastly, one determines the feasibility of each option. The approach, according to Dr. Terry, has served him well as it pertains to patient care, business, and now in government.
“Whether it is the media, constituents, or even patients, I sometimes get asked for an immediate yes or no response. You don’t tell a patient what kind of anesthetic they are having before you identify the type of surgery or evaluate the patient’s health,” said Terry. “You shouldn’t take that kind of approach in government, either. One doesn’t always have the luxury of time, but when one is able to take a measured, pragmatic approach to a problem, we end up with better results.”
While Terry is proud of his 100% conservative rating, he says he also prides himself on outreach and the diversity of views and individuals that he has on what he calls “#TeamTerry”. He states that he seeks out varying opinions on different issues and speaks with people from across the political spectrum, as well as various demographics.
“The commonality that I share with those on my team and those that are impactful to the process is liberty and respect,” said Terry. “If one is looking to change the hearts and minds of those that don’t necessarily align with one ideologically, then taking a principled and pragmatic approach allows those to see the process to a decision. Having respectful dialogue that focuses on liberty, rights, and freedom bridges many differences.”
Terry says that the “passion” in his theme was the passion to make a difference for his children and their generation with his conservative philosophy.