Testerman steps into the ring in governor's race

[ccharles000]

After promoting a conservative social agenda for more than a decade, outspoken Republican activist Karen Testerman of Franklin has stepped into elective politics as a candidate for governor.

Testerman, who will not give her age, had initially told reporters she would announce the formation of a gubernatorial exploratory committee on Monday. But she then decided to eliminate the interim step and instead announced a full-fledged candidacy.

Testerman is founder of Cornerstone Policy Research, a conservative activist group focusing on social issues. She left the nonprofit organization about a year ago and traveled with her husband, whose job took him temporarily to Washington state. The couple maintained their residence in Franklin, and Testerman said they are in the process of returning permanently.

Testerman said that during the past several months, she has spoken with friends and supporters throughout the state "about the erosion of our freedoms. Our state motto of 'Live Free or Die' is crumbling under the lack of integrity, out of control spending and a lack of principled leadership."

She said her involvement with Cornerstone taught her "the value of the grassroots and that one person can make a difference."

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