James Mackler in 2018 TN Senate race
On Civil Rights:
Fight for LGBT rights
Politics and religion have long been the rivals of the LGBT community. The two have even been known to team up against the community, but thanks to people like James and Shana Mackler, some political and religious realms are working alongside
those fighting for LGBT rights. The Macklers have both been fighting for equality for quite some time now. Both grew up being taught important principles such as service, justice, and compassion, which bled over into their professional lives.
Source: Out & About Nashville on 2018 Tennessee Senate race
Jun 7, 2018
On Immigration:
Don't separate kids from parents crossing border illegally
James recalled, "Just a few days ago, Jeff Sessions said anyone who comes across the border (illegally) is going to be arrested, and if they have children, we are going to separate them from their children.
That's not what this country is about and those aren't the values I joined the army to fight for. It can get discouraging, but for me it's motivation. If not now, then when?"
Source: Out & About Nashville on 2018 Tennessee Senate race
Jun 7, 2018
On Principles & Values:
Wife is a rabbi at Congregation Ohabai Sholom
James' wife, Rabbi Shana Goldstein Mackler, has been serving as a Rabbi at The Temple, Congregation Ohabai Sholom, in Nashville, since her ordination at the Hebrew Union College (HUC) in Cincinnati in June 2004. In 2016, Rabbi Mackler was named one of
America's 32 Most Inspiring Rabbis by Forward Magazine. Together the Macklers are a power couple, if you will, at the convergence of religion and politics, working to help Tennessee, and the LGBT community, reach a better state.
In 2017,
James resigned from his job and ran for U.S. Senate because he saw politics in Washington hurting Tennesseans. But, in December of 2017, Mackler stepped aside to support Governor Phil Bredesen.
Since withdrawing from the race,
James has returned to practicing law, but he has also founded a political action committee (PAC) known as Believe in Service, an appropriate name for someone who believes in raising the issue of national service.
Source: Out & About Nashville on 2018 Tennessee Senate race
Jun 7, 2018
On Budget & Economy:
Investment in infrastructure means jobs
James will push for investments in vocational education and job re-training, put Tennesseans to work rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure, and fight for simpler tax policies that help businesses create jobs in both rural and urban areas.
Nobody should have to live in poverty or leave their family and community behind just to make ends meet.
Source: 2018 Tennessee Senatorial website JamesMackler.com
Oct 1, 2017
On Education:
Against vouchers, for accountability
By reducing accountability for charter schools, promoting public funding for voucher programs, and loosening the regulations on for-profit colleges, the administration is putting our children's future at risk.
Tennessee needs a U.S. Senator that will stand up and fight against these policies, not enable them to continue.
Source: 2018 Tennessee Senatorial website JamesMackler.com
Oct 1, 2017
On Free Trade:
Renegotiate NAFTA; it hurts American workers
Americans can benefit from a global economy but only if we stop being taken advantage of in bad trade deals.
James will never support a trade deal that hurts American workers or helps companies ship our jobs overseas. He'll work to re-negotiate deals that have been a disaster for our workforce, starting with NAFTA.
Source: 2018 Tennessee Senatorial website JamesMackler.com
Oct 1, 2017
On Health Care:
Healthcare is a right
James knows where he stands on health care: it is a right. James knows that cuts to Medicaid, increases in premiums for our sick and elderly, and decreases in necessary coverage would be wrong and disastrous.
It is no wonder that the American Medical Association as well as the American Hospital Association oppose the recent assaults in Congress on healthcare and the elderly.
Source: 2018 Tennessee Senatorial website JamesMackler.com
Oct 1, 2017
On Homeland Security:
Against privatization of VA
There are some that want to nearly privatize the VA--suggesting that the market will take care of America's veterans. James stands with the vast majority of veterans groups that believe that complete privatization of the
VA is exactly the wrong approach to take. Under no circumstance would he put our veteran's care in the hands of corporations that prioritize profits over the unique needs of his brothers and sisters-in-arms.
Source: 2018 Tennessee Senatorial website JamesMackler.com
Oct 1, 2017
Page last updated: Mar 21, 2020