BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — Sen. Marsha Blackburn and Rep. John Rose, who are both seeking the Republican nomination for Tennessee governor next year, were at the Sullivan County Republican Party’s Reagan Day Dinner on Thursday night.

Each took time to explain why they think they are the best candidate for the job.

“I feel like our state is facing a real crossroads in the years ahead if we don’t make careful decisions,” Rose said.

“People know that we’ve got a firm foundation and they want us to be America’s conservative leader,” Blackburn said.

Rose also spoke of his experience in the public and private sectors.

“It’s not that experience in Congress that I think equips me to be potentially a good governor of Tennessee,” Rose said. “It’s the business experience I had in the rest of my life. “

Blackburn said she has visited ten counties so far in her campaign, listening to the needs of Tennesseans.

“People are talking about, they want to see a strong economy, they’re concerned about jobs, and jobs they can make careers out of,” Blackburn said. “We’ve heard a good bit about illegal immigration, and just about every meeting, education for our kids, workforce opportunities for adults.”

Both said they have their eyes set on the needs of Northeast Tennesseans.

“We will work hard to make sure we address the issues that are confronting the communities here in East Tennessee, whether that be education, or infrastructure, or access to health care, access to energy, or economic development for this region,” Rose said.

“I’m the one that has the experience to lead this state. Our state doesn’t need a manager; it needs a leader and building out that vision,” Blackburn said.

The Sullivan County Republican Party hosted its Reagan Day Dinner and Silent Auction on Thursday at the Ron Ramsey Agriculture Center.

The party hosted a reception, dinner, and special guests, including Secretary of State Tre Hargett, Blackburn, and Rose. Blackburn and Rose spoke as guest speakers.