For some time, I've been curious about U.S. Senate candidate Terry Adams' decision not to respond to the lengthy, very well-crafted questionnaire Randy put together for Knoxviews. Gordon Ball responded. While some folks might disagree with one or more of his responses, for the most part, they were extremely detailed, and they do provide an extraordinary amount of information about his positions on many issues. Ball was not shy about giving responses to hard questions and saying things he knew some KnoxViewers would not like to hear.

On the other hand, it is my understanding that Adams (or a staffer) initially accepted Randy's invitation to respond, but then declined (after he received the questionnaire). So, I've been wondering exactly why Adams flip-flopped on his decision. After spending a few hours researching Adams' public positions and issues that Adams has failed to publicly announce, I think we have a winner.

I see Adams' website has tabs on the economy, Washington, veterans, and several other issues. I have watched numerous You Tube videos of Adams speaking in public and some posted by his campaign. I have scoured through his prolific Facebook postings. Unless I am grossly mistaken (and I don't think I am), I do not see anything about Adams' positions on the issue of abortion rights (or marriage equality, for that matter). I do know that a local Adams surrogate refused to answer a yes or no question about about marriage equality on a local TV program a few weeks ago, which touched off my interest. And I do know that I have attended several functions where Adams has talked (including one over the weekend) and he has never said the first word about abortion rights or marriage equality. I have been at a meeting where Amendment One was being discussed and Adams chose not to address it.

I know Ball has taken some heat for a couple of his more moderate positions, but certainly not for his positions on these vital issues. He responded to the questions as follows:

KnoxViews: What is your position on a woman’s right to choose whether to terminate a pregnancy?

Ball: I do not want the government peeking into our bedrooms. Roe v. Wade is the law of the land. So long as the termination of the pregnancy is safe and legal, women should be able to make this very difficult personal decision in concert with their doctors and their family.

KnoxViews: What is your position on marriage equality for same sex couples?

Ball: I do not believe the government has a legal right to tell anyone who he or she can or cannot marry. I do not want the government peeking into our bedrooms.

I think someone should get an answer straight from Adams on these important issues. Democrats deserve to know where he stands.