Alva Review-Courier -

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee's gubernatorial candidates are often keen to tout their support for farmers and rural communities as they campaign around the state. But former state Sen. Mae Beavers said Monday that she can outdo any of her rivals in terms of hands-on experience.

At a forum hosted by the Future Farmers of America, the Mt. Juliet Republican recounted picking up hay and "holding pigs while my husband cut them."

"I'll challenge anybody to have those experiences," she said.

Beavers' comments are reminiscent of a 2014 television ad by Republican U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa in wh...