KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A new poll by Vanderbilt University said Tennessee lawmakers take positions more extreme than their constituents. The poll showed a 42% job approval rating for the state legislature, pollsters called it a historic low.
"Traditionally, the approval of the state legislature was in the range of 55% to 60% range, and it's gone down a lot," said John Geer, co-director of the Vanderbilt poll and professor of political science.
The poll found Tennesseans disagree with lawmakers on abortion, gun control, safety and education. Republicans hold a two-thirds majority, or supermajority, in both the state Senate and House of Representatives.
"When you don't have competition between the Democrats and Republicans, you only have competition within the primaries," Geer said. "It pulls these candidates to the right."
The poll found Tennesseans overwhelmingly support exceptions to the state's abortion ban. It said 77% of voters support allowing abortion in cases of rape or incest, and 78% support exceptions when the fetus wouldn't survive outside of the womb. Tennessee's current law has a narrow exception for the life of the mother.
"Tennessee is a pro-life state. There's no debate about that," Geer said. "It doesn't mean that the citizenry don't want exceptions."
Knox County Rep. Jason Zachary said he doesn't make decisions based on polls, and the 2024 election will show whether Tennesseans believe lawmakers' position on abortion is out of touch.
"I believe every life is precious. The Lord has a plan for every life," Zachary said. "I am very proud of the way that bill is now."
Rep. Gloria Johnson, a Democrat from Knoxville, said Tennessee's law is far too extreme.
"Republicans in the legislature are out of touch with Tennesseans," Johnson said. "Right now, women are not equal in Tennessee, because we do not have autonomy over our bodies."
Johnson is running for one of Tennessee's seats in the U.S. Senate. Her opponent, Sen. Marsha Blackburn wasn't available for an on-camera interview, but sent the following statement:
"Senator Blackburn believes in protecting the sanctity of life. Under Dobbs, the Supreme Court sent this decision back to the states to decide. Senator Blackburn has long supported exceptions for rape, incest, and life of the mother. The Democrats are the ones who are radicals because they believe in abortion up to the minute before and after a baby is born." -- Abigail Sigler, Campaign Manager, Blackburn for Senate