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A Democrat running for Congressto portray Nashville provided an odd justification for herself following previous eventscomments indicating she 'hates' Music City have recently come back to light.
Aftyn Behn, 35, stated she has "cried at least ten times" in the Country Music Hall of Fame and gained attention for expressing her dislike of the tourists and country music in the capital city of Tennessee.
"I despise the city, I despise the bachelorettes, I despise the pedal taverns, I despise country music, I despise everything that defines Nashville. I hate it," Behn is heard stating in the revived clip from the GRITS podcast in February 2020.
With the caption "BREAKING: I DO NOT HATE NASHVILLE LOL," Behn shared a nearly two-minute video on Thursday evening, attempting to clarify her position and criticizing the 'national'GOPHer new attack" on her is merely "wild rumors.
She also attempted to demonstrate her Nashville authenticity by stating she goes to the city's renowned Ryman Auditorium "just to hang out."
Behn mentioned that she consistently hopes "Nashville will improve so individuals can flourish" and acknowledged that the city's image as a center for bachelorette parties and honky-tonk bars bothers her.
"Sure, I sometimes get angry at the bachelorettes, I get angry at the pedal taverns," she said in the video.
The Democrat stated that these remarks came to light because she is "close to victory."
"The Republican gaze of Sauron has ultimately turned to me," she said, alluding to Lord of the Rings.
Today, the Republicans have chosen to begin a story that I, the state representative who serves downtown Nashville, dislike the city.
Behn concluded the video by stating she will "not fall for the trap" and remains committed to her efforts to defeat Republican Matt Van Epps.
Nevertheless, on a podcast from five years back, Behn expresses her views on the city's culture clearly.
She has also previously referred to sororities as "a staple of white supremacy," and labeled the entire conceptTennessee a 'racist state.'
Behn received her private education at the $27,000-a-year Webb School in Knoxville and later enrolled at the University ofTexas at Austin.
Republicans took advantage of the incriminating recording, contending that it's ridiculous for Behn to claim she represents a location she has acknowledged she despises.
"If Behn despises Tennessee so much, why is she attempting to advocate for it?" the Republican National Committee (RNC) shared on Thursday.
Kate Briefs, Behn's campaign manager, stated that the GOP is grasping for any possible argument.
"Republicans are feeling anxious and, in a final effort, are diverting attention from the reality that Washington Republicans ... are increasing expenses for Tennessee families and taking away their healthcare," Briefs stated in a release.
Aftyn Behn aims to reduce expenses for Tennessee households and enhance the affordability of groceries by removing the state's sales tax on food items.
However, Behn faces a challenging fight against Republican Matt Van Epps, who previously served as the Tennessee General Services commissioner.
They are competing to take over the state's 7th congressional district, previously held by Republican Mark Green, who stepped down earlier this summer to pursue a position in the private sector.
The seat is rated R +10 by the Cook Political Report, even though Green previously won by more than 20 points.
The competition has also moved somewhat in the direction ofDemocrats, moving from 'solid Republican' to 'lean Republican' last week.
A super PAC supporting Trump, called MAGA Inc., entered the competition last week, spending $15,000 on phone calls.
Major Democratic wins in elections this month have attracted considerable media coverage and funding to the race in recent weeks.
Former vice president and unsuccessful 2024 presidential hopeful Kamala Harris personally campaigned for Behn earlier this week, describing her contest as "the most competitive race in America."
Nevertheless, she did not refer to the candidate by name or be seen with her.
Donald Trump, on the other hand, backed Van Epps through a virtual rally last week, describing him as a 'genuine America First patriot who has devoted his whole life to serving our nation.'
Behn has received support from organizations including the Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC, AFL-CIO, and the Working Families Party.
At the same time, Van Epps receives backing from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the Club for Growth PAC, and the National Rifle Association (NRA).
Green's abrupt exit from Congress took everyone by surprise.
He expressed his sorrow in a statement at the time, announcing his decision to step down from Congress.
"Recently, I received an offer in the private sector that was too thrilling to ignore," Green added.
Green described it as "an honor of a lifetime" to work in Congress, and he also highlighted several of his accomplishments as a committee chair.
He also commented on his earlier decision to retire and the later change of heart.
"Although I had intended to retire at the conclusion of the last Congress, I remained to ensure that President Trump's border security initiatives and objectives passed through Congress," he wrote.
By managing the border security part of the budget agreement, I have fulfilled that responsibility. Following this, I will step down, and a special election will be held to select my successor.
The statement was also made following Green's public involvement in a suspected 2024 relationship scandal and his criticism by his ex-wife on social media.
Read more- Amid the Republican backlash, can Aftyn Behn rejuvenate her campaign by pledging to reduce expenses and eliminate Tennessee's sales tax on groceries?
- What caused Rep. Mark Green to unexpectedly step down as chairman of the House Homeland Security committee, contrary to his earlier commitments?
- Was Rep. Mark Green, a prominent House Republican, accused of placing a younger woman's attractiveness above his 36-year marriage amid intense allegations?
- Why has Don Bacon, a rare moderate within the GOP, chosen to step down before the 2026 midterms?
- Can Pete Hegseth's former wife's impressive support help restore his damaged reputation ahead of the important Senate vote?
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