Annapolis, MD – Despite being 700 miles away, Sarah Leming held a press conference for media and supporters in Tennessee’s 6th District today to explain why her husband Ben Leming wants to serve in the U.S. Congress.
“Ben has served all his life and see’s this as an opportunity to continue serving his country and the people of this district,” Leming said of her husband.
Leming, a Major in the Marine Corps Reserve, used the event as an opportunity to tell potential voters about her husband and family. Sarah met Ben while they were both midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy.
Viewers logged in to view the event and ask questions from 26 separate locations, including group gatherings in various areas of the 6th District.
During the conference Sarah described Ben Leming’s commitment to “Mission First,” a Marine term that typifies the notion of doing what’s right before playing politics.
Questions poured in on the site’s chat function, through emails and Facebook submissions. These questions included, “Why would anyone want to be in politics right now?” Sarah explained that Ben wants to embrace the politics of courage by doing what’s right and try to get away from the divisive politics of fear.
The Tennessee blog community also participated in the event. There was at least one live blog of the conference on Daily Kos. One blogger commented, “This is pretty cool,” and said the event was an innovative way to connect with Tennessee voters.
One participant asked if Ben, or any Democrat, could win this race. Sarah responded by saying that Ben offers voters a fresh face with new solutions to the same old problems. “Ben is a Marine and not a career politician,” said Leming.
Murfreesboro native Ben Leming, a Marine Captain, Naval Academy graduate, and Iraq War helicopter combat veteran, is running to be the next Congressman in Tennessee’s 6th District. Ben kicks off his campaign on May 1st, once his active duty military commitment ends.
Those interested in learning more about Ben’s campaign can visit www.benleming.com. YouTube footage of the conference will be released shortly.