In place of Chris Newton, the first Republican declared is Elizabeth Kalabus. From a press release dated yesterday

Elizabeth Kalabus announces candidacy

Contact Information:

Elizabeth Kalabus
2141 Old Parksville Rd. NE
Cleveland, TN 37323
(423) 559-1674
Ekalabus@aol.com
August 29, 2005

For Immediate Release

To the citizens of Bradley, Meigs and Polk Counties, my name is Elizabeth Kalabus. I am pleased to announce my candidacy for State Representative for the 22nd District House of Representatives. I want to serve all the people of this district.

I’ll work hard for improved education and responsible educational spending. Our children are our future. Let’s help them get a good foundation for life. I will work toward helping Tennessee teachers build a fair retirement system. We need to attract and keep good teachers.

Attracting industry and securing a job force in the present, and the future, keeps the economy stable, and assures future economic growth. Building Tennessee in a responsible manner now will help meet the demand for jobs. We can increase industry in low impact ways to preserve the environment.

I was born in the northeast and traveled over the years from border to border due to my husband’s job. I have had the chance to experience a wide variety of cultural diversity. My husband was in the law enforcement field for over thirty years and I am familiar with the problems society is facing.

I have been a business owner, I am a nurse, and I’m presently a student working toward a BS Degree in Paralegal and Pre Law Studies. I have four children, all grown, and understand the problems and concerns parents face.

I grew up without many of the advantages available to young people today. I know the value of working hard and how hard it can be to get ahead when you’re working just to get by.

As a nurse I understand the difficulties faced when you don’t have health care insurance, and what an enormous problem this area is facing trying to provide the care needed. We need a safety net in Tennessee to help those in need of health care now. From the day I take my oath of office, I will work diligently to find an answer to resolve this problem.

I am a strong ally of the second amendment.

I am against a state income tax.

It’s time for a change in the 22nd district.