On Monday afternoon [Bill Frist] said he would give an “A” grade to the provisions in the law aimed at expanding insurance to an additional 32 million people. Cost, however, is another matter. While most Republicans would likely slap a failing grade on the cost aspect of the law, Frist said he’d rank it a “C.”
“I like the bill,” Frist said during a panel discussion with former Democratic Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle at the American Hospital Association’s (AHA’s) annual meeting. “I think it’s got lots of positive stuff in it, other than the costs.”
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Looks Like Pinkston Left To Go Work For A Real Democrat...
It's pretty sad when the Democratic President gets higher praise from the former Republican Majority Leader than he can from a Democratic Governor or certain congressional candidates...
Could Reason and Logic Be Infecting The Legislature?
I know, its a hard thing to believe giving the teabagger sentiment running through the halls of the capitol, but on a vary narrow issue, at least one Republican seems to have decided to put aside dogmatic ideology in favor of at least considering a rational approach to our state's prescription drug laws:
Of course, we are a long way away from legalizing medical marijuana in this state. This action is merely an attempt to send the issue off for study, and even that is being blocked in the Senate. Assuming the Board of Pharmacy were to look at this issue rationally and buck the pharmaceutical industry, this state and the federal government have a long track record of ignoring reports indicating a need to legalize marijuana in favor of demagoguery.
But let's assume that this does make its way to the Board of Pharmacy...its a panel made up of 6 pharmacists and one citizen, Joyce McDaniel a local Democratic activist. Are pharmacists going to suggest opening up a host of medical marijuana dispensaries to compete with them? I have my doubts, but time will tell.
The Health and Human Resources Committee approved a measure to authorize a study by the state Board of Pharmacy into the efficacy of making marijuana available by prescription...
...[Bernie] Ellis pointed to the newfound support of Rep. Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald), who is an MD, as a major factor in the committee's reversal. Hensley met with John Donovan, a Red Bank man who uses marijuana to relieve pain caused by juvenile rheumatoid athritis. Donovan spent "hours," according to Ellis, walking the halls of Legislative Plaza lobbying lawmakers.
Of course, we are a long way away from legalizing medical marijuana in this state. This action is merely an attempt to send the issue off for study, and even that is being blocked in the Senate. Assuming the Board of Pharmacy were to look at this issue rationally and buck the pharmaceutical industry, this state and the federal government have a long track record of ignoring reports indicating a need to legalize marijuana in favor of demagoguery.
But let's assume that this does make its way to the Board of Pharmacy...its a panel made up of 6 pharmacists and one citizen, Joyce McDaniel a local Democratic activist. Are pharmacists going to suggest opening up a host of medical marijuana dispensaries to compete with them? I have my doubts, but time will tell.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
The Other Side Of The Ballot
While it has largely been assumed that the GOP candidates don't have a shot in hell in the 5th District in Tennessee, it hasn't stopped a few people from trying.
First, the Tennessean profiles David Hall and his family of political candidates. While he got ink in the Tennessean, he doesn't appear to be getting much love from elsewhere within the party, as all the money he's managed to raise or spend has gone to or from his own pockets.
On the other hand, Jeff Hartline has managed to scrape together a few coins from amongst the party. Granted, it was $45,000 in the last quarter, of which he spent about half, but that is still probably more than many of the previous GOP challengers to Jim Cooper, combined [update: ran the numbers, and its more than all the previous GOP candidates in the past 10 years, combined, probably further back if those records were available online].
Hartline has been spending the money in some various places, including grabbing up the illustrious William Howard "Bill" Hobbs (I guess Mr. Hartline is going to be attacking Jim Cooper's wife?) and the Brumfield Group as campaign consultants.
My guess is that he will be the GOP nominee, given he's really the only one raising or spending money. Unfortunately for him, there are about 8 Independent candidates also on the ballot, and most of them are teabaggers as well...so some of the support he might otherwise get if he stood alone against Cooper on the ballot might get defused into those candidates.
Update:
It's been brought to my attention that not only has Jeff Hartline raised a respectable amount of money for a Republican in the 5th district, it appears that he is going to be kicking his fund-raising game into high gear by announcing a Fund-Raising Chairman, Andrew Miller Jr, the Managing Director for Healthmark Ventures.
Miller gave about $38,000 in Federal Political contributions in 2008.
Press release available here.
First, the Tennessean profiles David Hall and his family of political candidates. While he got ink in the Tennessean, he doesn't appear to be getting much love from elsewhere within the party, as all the money he's managed to raise or spend has gone to or from his own pockets.
On the other hand, Jeff Hartline has managed to scrape together a few coins from amongst the party. Granted, it was $45,000 in the last quarter, of which he spent about half, but that is still probably more than many of the previous GOP challengers to Jim Cooper, combined [update: ran the numbers, and its more than all the previous GOP candidates in the past 10 years, combined, probably further back if those records were available online].
Hartline has been spending the money in some various places, including grabbing up the illustrious William Howard "Bill" Hobbs (I guess Mr. Hartline is going to be attacking Jim Cooper's wife?) and the Brumfield Group as campaign consultants.
My guess is that he will be the GOP nominee, given he's really the only one raising or spending money. Unfortunately for him, there are about 8 Independent candidates also on the ballot, and most of them are teabaggers as well...so some of the support he might otherwise get if he stood alone against Cooper on the ballot might get defused into those candidates.
Update:
It's been brought to my attention that not only has Jeff Hartline raised a respectable amount of money for a Republican in the 5th district, it appears that he is going to be kicking his fund-raising game into high gear by announcing a Fund-Raising Chairman, Andrew Miller Jr, the Managing Director for Healthmark Ventures.
Miller gave about $38,000 in Federal Political contributions in 2008.
Press release available here.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Democrats Must Be In Awe
It takes divine intervention for Democrats to stand united on a bill or procedure...whereas the Republicans just voted against debating a bill to regulate wall street after the biggest financial calamity in many of our lifetimes, and aided by that worthless sack o' shit Ben Nelson no less.
Bob Corker made good on his promise to block reform unless the Dems make a backroom deal with the GOP.
Bob Corker made good on his promise to block reform unless the Dems make a backroom deal with the GOP.
So, Backroom Deals are a Good Thing Again?
Sen. Bob Corker was on "This Week" yesterday morning to discuss, along with Sen. Sherrod Brown, the financial reform package that is scheduled to come up for a cloture vote later this afternoon. According to Corker, he and the rest of the Republicans are going to block forward progress on this bill unless Sen. Dodd is willing to work a backroom deal to give them what they want on a couple of issues, before the bill comes to the floor.
I find this incredibly odd given the GOP's positioning on the health care reform package that "backroom" deals were the antithesis to good government. Yet, here we have the Republicans threatening to filibuster unless all of their qualms about the bill are dealt with in a secretive, private manner by one Democrat. Hypocrisy much?
Of course, that kind of hypocrisy is par for the course, but it does make one wonder whether Sen. Brown's claim, that the GOP and Corker are dragging their feet to garner a backroom "bi-partisan" deal because the longer it languishes, the easier it will be to kill, has merit?
I find this incredibly odd given the GOP's positioning on the health care reform package that "backroom" deals were the antithesis to good government. Yet, here we have the Republicans threatening to filibuster unless all of their qualms about the bill are dealt with in a secretive, private manner by one Democrat. Hypocrisy much?
Of course, that kind of hypocrisy is par for the course, but it does make one wonder whether Sen. Brown's claim, that the GOP and Corker are dragging their feet to garner a backroom "bi-partisan" deal because the longer it languishes, the easier it will be to kill, has merit?
Friday, April 23, 2010
Seems Closer To A Hundred, But Close Enough
Yesterday "nearly 400" women showed up in support of Sen. Doug Henry's campaign to remain in the Senate long enough to see a constitutional amendment banning abortion pass, including for victims of rape, pass...
Thursday, April 22, 2010
The Gift That Keeps On Giving
Michael Steele, in a move to further piss off his party's rank and file, goes ahead and admits that the GOP catered to the angry racist white vote and let the black folk go:
Actually, I think its safer to say that the South "went home" to Jimmy Carter in 1976. The only state in which Bubba got a majority in 1992 in the South was Arkansas. He probably would've won Tennessee outright, but Georgia was a slim plurality with nearly 1/5th of the vote going to Perot.
Regardless, the GOP has been losing the black vote by whopping numbers while continuing to win, their biggest problems have been their xenophobic rantings and Sunday school science policies have pushed away Hispanics and college educated folks.
“For the last 40-plus years we had a ‘Southern Strategy’ that alienated many minority voters by focusing on the white male vote in the South. Well, guess what happened in 1992, folks, ‘Bubba’ went back home to the Democratic Party and voted for Bill Clinton.”
Actually, I think its safer to say that the South "went home" to Jimmy Carter in 1976. The only state in which Bubba got a majority in 1992 in the South was Arkansas. He probably would've won Tennessee outright, but Georgia was a slim plurality with nearly 1/5th of the vote going to Perot.
Regardless, the GOP has been losing the black vote by whopping numbers while continuing to win, their biggest problems have been their xenophobic rantings and Sunday school science policies have pushed away Hispanics and college educated folks.
Why Women Might Like Yarbro
Jeff Yarbro's wife is featured in a campaign email which lists some of the reasons why women, perhaps the "nearly 400" meeting in support of Sen. Henry, might want to give his campaign a look:
That second bullet point is probably an homage to Sen. Henry's declaration on the Senate floor that Rape just ain't what it used to be in the good ol' days when it only referred to the "violation of a chaste female by someone other than her husband".
Jeff Yarbro is also going to be speaking at Belmont on the state reactions to the health care reform bill tomorrow from 10:00-10:50AM* (1900 Belmont Blvd., Massey Business Center, Room 200 B)
*corrected...originally said it was at 10:50am.
# Last year, the legislature passed SJR 127, which is an aggressive step toward amending our state constitution to restrict women’s reproductive rights—even in cases of rape, incest, or threats to a woman’s health. SJR 127 will again be before the legislature in 2011 and Jeff will fight to ensure that it does not get the required 2/3 vote in the State Senate, where the margin is slim.
# The Tennessee legislature was one of the last in the nation to start treating spousal rape as a crime equivalent to other instances of rape. Rather than lagging behind in protecting women, Jeff will work in the legislature to lead Tennessee towards the goal of ending sexual and domestic violence.
# Just this past Tuesday, which marked “Equal Pay Day,” The Tennessean reported that full-time working women in Tennessee make, on average, $9,367 less annually than their male counterparts. Our legislature needs to act to rectify this inequity, relieve the real hardship caused by such a pay differential, and respect the efforts of women in the workplace.
# As a working mother, I am conscious of the need for all parents to have access to high quality, affordable child care, as well as flexibility in the workplace when family responsibilities call. Tennessee should be leading the way on progressive child care policies. Our legislators need to take on issues like early childhood education, prohibiting discrimination against working parents, and broadening access to subsidies for child care.
# It's also critical that our General Assembly address the health crisis facing Tennessee’s children. Currently, Tennessee ranks 48th in infant mortality and in the general health of our children. As the father of a 17-month-old son, Jeff knows we can and should do better.
That second bullet point is probably an homage to Sen. Henry's declaration on the Senate floor that Rape just ain't what it used to be in the good ol' days when it only referred to the "violation of a chaste female by someone other than her husband".
Jeff Yarbro is also going to be speaking at Belmont on the state reactions to the health care reform bill tomorrow from 10:00-10:50AM* (1900 Belmont Blvd., Massey Business Center, Room 200 B)
*corrected...originally said it was at 10:50am.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Not So Fun Is It
You know those past few months when some friend or family member wanted to debate the health care reform package and you had to go through a litany of Fox News talking points that deliberately misinterpret or outright lie about the bill? Well, if you are Bob Corker you probably didn't...but now, as the Senate takes up financial reform legislation, he's having to go through the frustrating process of trying to talk to Republicans about facts, when all they wanna do is demagogue.
Here is our Senator on the floor of the US Senate defending an "orderly liquidation fund" that is called for in the financial reform package that is to be paid for by the industry to fund future liquidation projects...otherwise known as "the bailout".
Poor guy...its like trying to explain evolution to an evangelical Christian. They sorta nod their head until you are done talking and reply, "that ain't what the Bible says, so I ain't buying it." Except now, he's gotta tip-toe gingerly because its his party leadership that is in the process of completely misrepresenting something he supports.
But never fear Corker, some people got your back. No, not your party silly...they are gonna tear you apart if you vote for a bill that isn't watered down enough to the industry's liking that you can get at least 20 Republicans to vote for it. No, its a coalition of labor unions and special interest groups normally aligned with the Democratic party that will have your back in this fight, should you choose to accept it.
Here is our Senator on the floor of the US Senate defending an "orderly liquidation fund" that is called for in the financial reform package that is to be paid for by the industry to fund future liquidation projects...otherwise known as "the bailout".
Poor guy...its like trying to explain evolution to an evangelical Christian. They sorta nod their head until you are done talking and reply, "that ain't what the Bible says, so I ain't buying it." Except now, he's gotta tip-toe gingerly because its his party leadership that is in the process of completely misrepresenting something he supports.
But never fear Corker, some people got your back. No, not your party silly...they are gonna tear you apart if you vote for a bill that isn't watered down enough to the industry's liking that you can get at least 20 Republicans to vote for it. No, its a coalition of labor unions and special interest groups normally aligned with the Democratic party that will have your back in this fight, should you choose to accept it.
Race-Baiting Ain't Easy
Poor King Willie Herenton. In his effort to run a campaign solely on the fact that Steve Cohen is a white Jew and that just ain't cool, he keeps getting bogged down in the details...like this:
Hell, not only that, they couldn't even spell their own candidate's name right; its listed as Hereton instead of Herenton.
Back in February, the Herenton for Congress web site made its debut with a page showing 11 white members of Tennessee's congressional delegation and asking "What's wrong with this picture?"
What was wrong with it was that the picture for U.S. Rep. John Duncan, R-Tenn., wasn't Duncan but was U.S. Rep. John Shadegg, an Arizona Republican. The page also listed the Members of Congress as "State Representatives."
Now, Herenton's web site has another illustration under the heading, "This picture looks better." It shows Herenton representing the 9th District currently held by Steve Cohen.
But there's yet another error. U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., is listed as a Democrat.
Hell, not only that, they couldn't even spell their own candidate's name right; its listed as Hereton instead of Herenton.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Dirty Hippies Invade Military
It appears that energy conservation is not just for the liberal elite any more. The Pew Environment Group did a study and found that the military is at the forefront of creating and utilizing more energy efficient technologies:
“The stakes could not be higher,” said Navy Secretary Ray Mabus. “Energy reform will make us better fighters. In the end, it is a matter of energy independence and it is a matter of national security. Our dependence on foreign sources of petroleum makes us vulnerable in too many ways. The stakes are clear and the stakes are high. Our response has to be equal to that challenge."
With an annual energy budget of approximately $20 billion, the Defense Department incurs more than $1.3 billion in additional energy costs for every $10 increase per barrel rise in the world market price of oil. In addition to vulnerability to price fluctuations, the department’s reliance on fossil fuels also compromises combat effectiveness by restricting mobility, flexibility and endurance on the battlefield. Transportation of fuel to the combat theater is a significant vulnerability as fuel convoys are targets in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Women for Henry
"Nearly" 400 women are expected to gather next Thursday in support of Sen. Doug Henry's 11th bid to represent the 21st Senate district. Krissa Barclay and Betty Nixon are heading up the effort which acknowledges Sen. Henry's impact on the state:
No mention of Sen. Henry's enlightened views on the subject of rape and abortion rights though...
From protecting environmental treasures like Radnor Lake [1973], to leading the effort with Governor Bredesen to secure Race To The Top funding for major education reform [which he said was unconstitutional], Senator Henry has always been a powerful voice and tireless champion for working families and seniors throughout our community
No mention of Sen. Henry's enlightened views on the subject of rape and abortion rights though...
Shows What I Know
Here I thought the beginning of the campaign was when you frontloaded fundraising so you'd have more time to do retail politicking when it would be freshest in the minds of voters. McWherter's camp, apparently, thinks they have a better way of doing things...
Republicans Doing Stuff Too
Ron Ramsey has a new ad up in his battle to see who can get second place to Bill Haslam.
Full DCDP Straw Poll Results
For those interested, here are the complete numbers from last night. A couple caveats; the Dem candidate running against Harwell, Matt Kenigson, was accidentally left off the ballot by the election commission which setup the voting machines...but we assume he would've won by 100%. Also, there seems to have been some confusion that last night Vivian Wilhoite won with 222 votes. That was apparently a miscall, which was immediately corrected, but apparently Wilhoite's supporter didn't hear the correction.
(h/t Adora Bruce for compiling the list for me)
| OFFICE | CANDIDATE | TOTAL |
| US Rep, 5th Dist. | Jim Cooper | 248 |
| US Rep, 5th Dist. | Eric Pearson | 8 |
| US Rep, 5th Dist. | Eric Schechter | 18 |
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| TN Sen 21 | Doug Henry, Jr. | 101 |
| TN Sen 21 | Jeff Yarbro | 190 |
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| Rep. 58 | Mary Pruitt | 46 |
| Rep. 58 | Steven Turner | 203 |
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| Rep. 60 | Tommy Bradley | 82 |
| Rep. 60 | Sam Coleman | 43 |
| Rep. 60 | Larry Crim | 42 |
| Rep. 60 | Charles Hager | 9 |
| Rep. 60 | Chris Tobe | 12 |
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| Circuit Court Clerk | Preston Crim | 39 |
| Circuit Court Clerk | Richard Rooker | 182 |
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| Criminal Court Clerk | Michael Craddock | 57 |
| Criminal Court Clerk | David Torrence | 166 |
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| Juvenile Court Clerk | Jeffrey Brousal | 13 |
| Juvenile Court Clerk | Patricia Courts | 5 |
| Juvenile Court Clerk | Karen Johnson | 36 |
| Juvenile Court Clerk | Howard Jones | 14 |
| Juvenile Court Clerk | Vic Lineweaver | 33 |
| Juvenile Court Clerk | David Smith | 135 |
| Juvenile Court Clerk | Vivian Wilhoite | 22 |
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| UNOPPOSED: |
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| Circuit Court Judge 4 | Phil Smith | 189 |
| Public Defender | Dawn Deaner | 213 |
| Trustee | Charlie Cardwell | 215 |
| Sheriff | Daron Hall | 212 |
| County Clerk | John Arriola | 235 |
| Register of Deeds | Bill Garrett | 216 |
| Governor | Mike McWherter | 241 |
| State Rep, Dist. 50 | Gary W Moore | 190 |
| State Rep, Dist. 51 | Mike Turner | 208 |
| State Rep, Dist. 52 | Mike Stewart | 210 |
| State Rep, Dist. 53 | Janis Sontany | 200 |
| State Rep, Dist. 54 | Brenda Gilmore | 194 |
| State Rep, Dist. 55 | Gary Odom | 200 |
| State Rep, Dist 56 | Matthew Kenigson - u/a |
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| State Rep, Dist. 59 | Sherry Jones | 198 |
| US Rep, 7th Dist. | Greg Rabidoux | 191 |
| TN Senate Dist. 19 | Thelma Harper | 193 |
(h/t Adora Bruce for compiling the list for me)
25 Signatures and a Tennessee ID
That's pretty much all it takes to get on the ballot for everything from Governor to dog-catcher (assuming the position were elected) in Tennessee. As such, it appears there is going to be a raft of Independent candidates on the ballot this year, especially in the Governor's race where so far 14 "Independent" candidates have filed papers for the race.
And to top that, the race for Jim Cooper's seat is more crowded than a Nashville Predator's game on a Tuesday night...
| Brandon Dodds |
| Samuel David Duck |
| Carl Twofeathers Whitaker |
| Boyce T. McCall |
| Toni K. Hall |
| June Griffin |
| Donald Ray McFolin |
| James Reesor |
| Bayron Binkley |
| Mike Knois |
| Thomas Smith II |
| David Gatchell |
| Howard M. Switzer |
| Linda Kay Perry |
And to top that, the race for Jim Cooper's seat is more crowded than a Nashville Predator's game on a Tuesday night...
| Republican | Alvin M. Strauss |
| Republican | Vijay Kumar |
| Republican | Bob Schwartz |
| Republican | Bob Ries |
| Republican | David Hall |
| Republican | Jeffery Alan Hartline |
| Republican | Patrick Miranda |
| Republican | Jarod D. Scott |
| Republican | Lonnie Spivak |
| Republican | Tracy C. Tarum |
| Republican | CeCe Heil |
| Democratic | Eric Schechter |
| Democratic | Eric Pearson |
| Democratic | Jim Cooper |
| Independent | James G. Whitfield II |
| Independent | Jackie Miller |
| Independent | John Smith |
| Independent | John P. Miglietta |
| Independent | Clark Taylor |
| Independent | Stephen W. Collings |
| Independent | Bill Crook |
| Independent | Joe D. Moore, Jr. |
Franklin Republican Under Pressure To Vote Against Guns-in-Bars
Nashville Restaurateur Randy Rayburn thinks he's found a sympathetic Republican for his cause, which is to stop the guns-in-bars legislation from passing a second time. He's even started a Facebook group to enlist supporters to contact Rep. Charles Sargent of Franklin in order to accomplish this.
This Tuesday morning in TN. House Ways and Means Committee will be the last real chance for stopping passage of the "Guns-in-Bars" bill (HB-3125). We lost last week in subcommittee 8-7.
Please call Monday or email Rep. CHARLES SARGENT, R-Franklin, (State Farm Insurance in Green Hills- see billboard on Hillsboro Rd.), at 615-741-6808 or rep.charles.sargent@capitol.tn.gov to ask him to change his votes last week in favor of expanding gun permit carry in all venues, not just restaurants that sell alcohol on premise on House Bill 3125. Ask him to join Rep. Beth Harwell, R- Nashville in opposing this bill that will be harmful to our businesses, customers, employees and tourism. Other cities have used our "Wild West" legislation to help convince convention groups to not visit TN. according to our CVB.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Challengers Win The Day at Straw Poll
A quick snippet of DCDP Straw Poll results...
Steve Turner 203 - Mary Pruitt 46
Jeff Yarbro 190 - Doug Henry 103
David Smith 135, Karen Johnson 36, others...
Dist 60, Tommy Bradley 82, Sam Coleman 42, others...
Big wins for Turner and Yarbro, especially big win for Yarbro given large amount of supposed support from establishment of the party.
Update: Full list of results now up.
Update II: Comments from the victors...
Steve Turner: “I am both excited and humbled by tonight’s results. This is a strong representation of the desire for New Leadership and New Ideas for our community. He goes on to say, “I will take this momentum as encouragement to work even harder to gain the trust and support of my constituents.”
Jeff Yarbro: “Our momentum grows every day we’re on the campaign trail, talking to folks who know our legislature needs to move in a new direction,” Yarbro said. “I chalk this up to the enthusiasm of local voters who want to see Nashville’s energy and ideas represented in the General Assembly.”
Steve Turner 203 - Mary Pruitt 46
Jeff Yarbro 190 - Doug Henry 103
David Smith 135, Karen Johnson 36, others...
Dist 60, Tommy Bradley 82, Sam Coleman 42, others...
Big wins for Turner and Yarbro, especially big win for Yarbro given large amount of supposed support from establishment of the party.
Update: Full list of results now up.
Update II: Comments from the victors...
Steve Turner: “I am both excited and humbled by tonight’s results. This is a strong representation of the desire for New Leadership and New Ideas for our community. He goes on to say, “I will take this momentum as encouragement to work even harder to gain the trust and support of my constituents.”
Jeff Yarbro: “Our momentum grows every day we’re on the campaign trail, talking to folks who know our legislature needs to move in a new direction,” Yarbro said. “I chalk this up to the enthusiasm of local voters who want to see Nashville’s energy and ideas represented in the General Assembly.”
Campfield Being Outspent in Knoxville Senate Race
Rep. Stacey Campfield, the bombastic blogger State Rep, is looking to make his way up the chain of command to the Tennessee Senate, but is facing some stiff competition, at least in the wallet.
There are five Republicans qualified for the seat, of those, three are serious:
The Democrat in the race, Randy Walker, has $14K COH after spending $7K in this last quarter.
Ultimately, if Campfield is able to win in the GOP primary based on his name recognition within the party, he'll probably have to spend all or most of his money to do it. Unless he is just relying on his right wing orthodoxy to win the day, in which case Nashville may no longer have Stacey to kick around any more.
There are five Republicans qualified for the seat, of those, three are serious:
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | COH |
| Steve Hill | $24,250.00 | $664.00 | $23,585.00 |
| Stacey Campfield | $0.00 | $868.00 | $4,741.24 |
| Ron Leadbetter | $22,687.00 | $8,020.00 | $18,820.00 |
The Democrat in the race, Randy Walker, has $14K COH after spending $7K in this last quarter.
Ultimately, if Campfield is able to win in the GOP primary based on his name recognition within the party, he'll probably have to spend all or most of his money to do it. Unless he is just relying on his right wing orthodoxy to win the day, in which case Nashville may no longer have Stacey to kick around any more.
Gotto Reigns Supreme
So far in the race to replace Rep. Ben West Jr, it appears that Jim Gotto has the most juice. In the 1st quarter filings, Gotto shows to have raised $11K and spent about $1,700 of that. Most of the other candidates have shown little or no fundraising prowess to date.
On the Democratic side, former Councilman Tommy Bradley hasn't raised a dime, and Councilman Sam Coleman pulled in $2,300.
The 60th is a fairly conservative district that Republicans have been eying for sometime, and now with the wind at the GOP's back, it appears they may be poised to snatch it up.
On the Democratic side, former Councilman Tommy Bradley hasn't raised a dime, and Councilman Sam Coleman pulled in $2,300.
The 60th is a fairly conservative district that Republicans have been eying for sometime, and now with the wind at the GOP's back, it appears they may be poised to snatch it up.
Reforming Beer Laws in Nashville
Joey Garrison has the story of a restaurant having to go through enormous hoops to sell beer because they are within 100 feet of a residential home.
Instead of offering an exception for Taco Mamacita, why not just review and dismiss the law which requires a 100 foot boundary? I mean, if the Council is just going to make exceptions, which they obviously have for places like the Rose Pepper Cantina which sits adjacent to a condo development, why not make it easier for everyone involved? Is requiring patrons who want a beer, to purchase hard liquor instead, really better for the community?
(h/t Lind)
According to Metro Council Attorney Jon Cooper, Metro law prohibits the sale of beer in establishments within 100 feet of residential areas. Under state law, there are no distance regulations for the sale of liquor, he said.
Taco Mamacita happens to sit about 90 feet from the nearest house. But restaurant owners are hoping to add beer to the drink menu, and are working with Councilwoman Erica Gilmore, who has sponsored an ordinance that would excuse the restaurant from the beer distance rule.
Instead of offering an exception for Taco Mamacita, why not just review and dismiss the law which requires a 100 foot boundary? I mean, if the Council is just going to make exceptions, which they obviously have for places like the Rose Pepper Cantina which sits adjacent to a condo development, why not make it easier for everyone involved? Is requiring patrons who want a beer, to purchase hard liquor instead, really better for the community?
(h/t Lind)
Monday, April 12, 2010
Gubers on Social Issues
That previous thread about the candidates on adoption is part of a larger series with the Chattanooga TFP on various issues. Based on what I've seen, this is how the candidates line up on the crazy scale (from least to most).
Mike McWherter
Bill Haslam
Ron Ramsey
Zach Wamp
McWherter narrowly edges out Haslam due to his response on Planned Parenthood funding. Haslam seems to think defunding Planned Parenthood, and thus increasing the number of unwanted pregnancies due to a lack of affordable contraceptives, is a good thing.
Ramsey and Wamp are pretty neck-and-neck, but Wamp takes the prize for craziest because of this response on evolution...
So you believe in a literal interpretation of the Bible when it comes to our homo-sapien selves, but somehow the parts about God either creating animals right before, or right after, he spake human beings into existence isn't good enough for you? HERETIC!
Its simple folks. What's good for the goose is good for the gander. Either all animals and human beings were created within the span of a week by an omnipotent being, or we all descend from a common primordial soup. There isn't much in-between. If you take a literal interpretation of the Bible vis-a-vis human beings, it makes no sense to then assume that the Bible is just pulling your chain about plants and animals.
When it comes to wine in grocery stores, I might be inclined to give Haslam the win but for his incessant need to say as little of substance as possible at all times. Ron Ramsey gets a shout-out for supporting wine in grocery stores, and Mike McWherter gets a stormy cloud for backing up the current laws (can't blame him though, he's benefited greatly financially from our shitty laws). See Goldni for more on that.
Mike McWherter
Bill Haslam
Ron Ramsey
Zach Wamp
McWherter narrowly edges out Haslam due to his response on Planned Parenthood funding. Haslam seems to think defunding Planned Parenthood, and thus increasing the number of unwanted pregnancies due to a lack of affordable contraceptives, is a good thing.
Ramsey and Wamp are pretty neck-and-neck, but Wamp takes the prize for craziest because of this response on evolution...
"Wamp: “I believe that God created the world we live in and crafted human beings in his own image, and I also believe in the scientific evolution of other species. However, most decisions on local school curriculum are best left to local school boards, educators and parents to debate and decide.”"
So you believe in a literal interpretation of the Bible when it comes to our homo-sapien selves, but somehow the parts about God either creating animals right before, or right after, he spake human beings into existence isn't good enough for you? HERETIC!
Its simple folks. What's good for the goose is good for the gander. Either all animals and human beings were created within the span of a week by an omnipotent being, or we all descend from a common primordial soup. There isn't much in-between. If you take a literal interpretation of the Bible vis-a-vis human beings, it makes no sense to then assume that the Bible is just pulling your chain about plants and animals.
When it comes to wine in grocery stores, I might be inclined to give Haslam the win but for his incessant need to say as little of substance as possible at all times. Ron Ramsey gets a shout-out for supporting wine in grocery stores, and Mike McWherter gets a stormy cloud for backing up the current laws (can't blame him though, he's benefited greatly financially from our shitty laws). See Goldni for more on that.
Definition of Family
The candidates for Governor wax poetic about what it takes to be a family. McWherter and Haslam loves them some "traditional family," but are (now) open to leaving it up to the system to decide about individual adoptions.
Ramsey exclaims the virtues of ignoring "political correctness" by injecting conservative bigoted politics into the adoption process.
Wamp loves him some Mom and Dad family structure. You know, the kind where Dad is largely absentee, living with a bunch of other guys in Washington while mom raises the kids. He'd be so kind as to allow singles to adopt, but so long as those singles don't love on people of the same sex, because that would make them bad parents.
(h/t Lind)
Ramsey exclaims the virtues of ignoring "political correctness" by injecting conservative bigoted politics into the adoption process.
Wamp loves him some Mom and Dad family structure. You know, the kind where Dad is largely absentee, living with a bunch of other guys in Washington while mom raises the kids. He'd be so kind as to allow singles to adopt, but so long as those singles don't love on people of the same sex, because that would make them bad parents.
(h/t Lind)
At First, I Thought They Were Talking About Moon Pies
Sen. Andy Berke and others will be gathering tomorrow to talk about the problem of "food deserts":
While I won't be able to make this press conference, tomorrow at 1PM in HHR30 at the Capitol, I'm interested to see what solutions they've come up with. Short of government run/subsidized grocery stores, I'm not sure what all the State can do to increase the quality of choices in very urban or very rural communities.
Ellen Holtzman, legal affairs advisor and development associate for The Food Trust, and David Eichenthal, president and CEO of the Ochs Center, will announce long-term efforts to combat food deserts in Tennessee. Food deserts are areas in which residents have little or no access to food needed to maintain a healthy diet.
While I won't be able to make this press conference, tomorrow at 1PM in HHR30 at the Capitol, I'm interested to see what solutions they've come up with. Short of government run/subsidized grocery stores, I'm not sure what all the State can do to increase the quality of choices in very urban or very rural communities.
DCDP Straw Poll Tomorrow
The Davidson County Democrats are putting on a straw poll to serve as a low-dollar fundraiser for the party, as well as give candidates the opportunity to tout early success among Democrats.
I'd say the three races to watch in this will be the Juvenile Court Clerk race...Lineweaver has been a mainstay of Democratic events for the past few years, and it will be interesting to see if that pays dividends with this crowd. If he can't win among die-hard Democrats, I'm not sure where his base would be.
The other two races would be the primary challenges against Rep. Mary Pruitt and Sen. Doug Henry. Steve Turner and Jeff Yarbro have been up-and-comers in the party the past couple years, but these events are often frequented by a more seasoned group of Democrats who might be more inclined towards the incumbent, especially Doug Henry. I'm sure both campaigns would like to show some early success by winning these otherwise irrelevant straw polls.
The Davidson County Democratic Party (DCDP) is hosting a Straw Poll and Supper at the Nashville Farmers Market on Tuesday, April 13th and you are invited.
The event starts at 5:00 pm with polls open from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. We plan to announce results shortly after the polls close.
The ballot will include Democratic candidates running for:
* U.S. House 5th and 7th Congressional Districts,
* Governor,
* TN Senate (Districts 19 & 21),
* TN House representing Davidson County,
* and ALL Davidson County local offices.
I'd say the three races to watch in this will be the Juvenile Court Clerk race...Lineweaver has been a mainstay of Democratic events for the past few years, and it will be interesting to see if that pays dividends with this crowd. If he can't win among die-hard Democrats, I'm not sure where his base would be.
The other two races would be the primary challenges against Rep. Mary Pruitt and Sen. Doug Henry. Steve Turner and Jeff Yarbro have been up-and-comers in the party the past couple years, but these events are often frequented by a more seasoned group of Democrats who might be more inclined towards the incumbent, especially Doug Henry. I'm sure both campaigns would like to show some early success by winning these otherwise irrelevant straw polls.
Friday, April 09, 2010
Well, He Is A Jeffersonian-Democrat
Sen. Doug Henry, who considers himself to be a Jeffersonian Democrat, has followed his mentor's footsteps and enlisted the help of the French in his battle to retain his political office. As such, Sen. Henry is touting his role in landing an "honorary" consulate here in Nashvegas:
There are nine official consulate offices in the United States, and each region has various honorary consuls. Nashville joins Memphis, Auburn AL, Hattiesburg MS and others in receiving such an honor under the jurisdiction of the Atlanta Consulate.
The Consul General made the surprise announcement about the consulate at a reception in honor of Senator Henry, hosted by the Nashville chapter of the Alliance Française, Sister Cities of Nashville and the Vanderbilt University Department of French and Italian. Deunff, who serves at the French consulate in Atlanta, and others lauded the contributions Senator Henry has made to education in foreign language and culture in Tennessee.
There are nine official consulate offices in the United States, and each region has various honorary consuls. Nashville joins Memphis, Auburn AL, Hattiesburg MS and others in receiving such an honor under the jurisdiction of the Atlanta Consulate.
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Governor Haslam Figures Out Employment Crisis
The future Governor of Tennessee, Bill Haslam, has this jobs problem licked. His solution? To pretty much do exactly what we already do:
Sounds like a great idea, which is why Tennessee is already doing it.
Welcome to "The Source," a comprehensive website maintained by the Tennessee Department of Labor which has statistics on unemployment rates, degrees obtained, job listings, etc...
Now, either he has some vision of how this website can be improved, OR, he just didn't know it existed. Which is perhaps the case for many Tennesseans, and would likely remain so under a Haslam administration unless they want to put money into advertising it.
As governor, Mayor Haslam will lead the creation of a system that will allow users to easily access tailored information on each community and region’s industry strengths and educational attainment levels, projected workforce needs, and the training and education required for high demand career fields as well as information on how it can quickly be obtained.
Sounds like a great idea, which is why Tennessee is already doing it.
Welcome to "The Source," a comprehensive website maintained by the Tennessee Department of Labor which has statistics on unemployment rates, degrees obtained, job listings, etc...
Now, either he has some vision of how this website can be improved, OR, he just didn't know it existed. Which is perhaps the case for many Tennesseans, and would likely remain so under a Haslam administration unless they want to put money into advertising it.
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Freedom Is For European Decedents
I can't help but see a bit of irony in the rush to defend the US military for the actions in the video brought to the public by WikiLeaks.
The conservatives have spent the past few weeks bemoaning the end of freedom in America, the coming of fascism, etc...etc...Yet they see no problem with the US military, from thousands of feet if not a mile or so away, laying waste to a group of Iraqi men standing in their own street because a grainy video indicates they may be holding weapons.
You know, the same Conservatives who think any infringement on a person's ability to own a .50 caliber machine gun in America is tantamount to peeing on the graves of the founding fathers. Yet they see no problem whatsoever with the American military laying waste to foreigners in their own sovereign country for so much as gathering in a group of people, some of whom might be packing.
OK, fair enough. Oh, but while we fear the power of the American government and their evil attempt to force insurance companies not to kick you off your health care when you get sick, they see absolutely nothing wrong with opening fire on a van of people who are trying to load in a person bleeding on the streets. Yep, that's perfectly acceptable. You see, not only is it a crime instantly punishable by death to hold or be seen (from a mile away) next to someone holding a weapon, but its also a crime punishable by death to try and tend to someone lying bloody and wounded on the streets.
Now, I don't know who all had what credentials. Maybe they all were a bunch of murderous terrorists hell-bent on killing women and children. And quite frankly I don't know or care if this is a "crime," because it seems as if the only crime this particular group of soldiers is guilty of is killing news media. How many other people have been killed in Iraq and elsewhere from miles away because they happened to be in proximity to a suspected combatant. But those actions go largely unnoticed because nobody gives a piss about an Iraqi unless they happen to be credentialed by a European or American company.
Regardless, the next time someone starts blathering on about how their freedoms are gone because they have to pay a higher tax rate than a person working at McDonald's, or because they are an employer who now may have to purchase health insurance for their employees, show them this video, and let them know what its like to truly experience the business end of the American government's power.
The conservatives have spent the past few weeks bemoaning the end of freedom in America, the coming of fascism, etc...etc...Yet they see no problem with the US military, from thousands of feet if not a mile or so away, laying waste to a group of Iraqi men standing in their own street because a grainy video indicates they may be holding weapons.
You know, the same Conservatives who think any infringement on a person's ability to own a .50 caliber machine gun in America is tantamount to peeing on the graves of the founding fathers. Yet they see no problem whatsoever with the American military laying waste to foreigners in their own sovereign country for so much as gathering in a group of people, some of whom might be packing.
OK, fair enough. Oh, but while we fear the power of the American government and their evil attempt to force insurance companies not to kick you off your health care when you get sick, they see absolutely nothing wrong with opening fire on a van of people who are trying to load in a person bleeding on the streets. Yep, that's perfectly acceptable. You see, not only is it a crime instantly punishable by death to hold or be seen (from a mile away) next to someone holding a weapon, but its also a crime punishable by death to try and tend to someone lying bloody and wounded on the streets.
Now, I don't know who all had what credentials. Maybe they all were a bunch of murderous terrorists hell-bent on killing women and children. And quite frankly I don't know or care if this is a "crime," because it seems as if the only crime this particular group of soldiers is guilty of is killing news media. How many other people have been killed in Iraq and elsewhere from miles away because they happened to be in proximity to a suspected combatant. But those actions go largely unnoticed because nobody gives a piss about an Iraqi unless they happen to be credentialed by a European or American company.
Regardless, the next time someone starts blathering on about how their freedoms are gone because they have to pay a higher tax rate than a person working at McDonald's, or because they are an employer who now may have to purchase health insurance for their employees, show them this video, and let them know what its like to truly experience the business end of the American government's power.
Nashville Bar Eyes David Smith for Juvenile Court Clerk
In other news about offices that probably shouldn't be elected positions, the Nashville Bar Association took a poll of their lawyers to see what they felt about the upcoming May 4th primary to decide the county clerks. When it came to the most contested seat, the Juvenile Court Clerk, there appears to be overwhelming disapproval of the incumbent, Vic Lineweaver, who got an 11.5% recommend to 66.5% do not recommend rating, the highest of any candidate out there. But that doesn't mean they see any good options on the other side of the aisle, as the Republican candidate to be, Eric Crafton, is roundly rejected by the Bar with a 10.2-to-57.1% do not recommend rating.
The candidate who has the highest approval among the lawyers polled is David Smith, who had a combined 49.1% recommendation rating with only 6.6% not recommending, the lowest of any other candidate.
(h/t JRlind)
The candidate who has the highest approval among the lawyers polled is David Smith, who had a combined 49.1% recommendation rating with only 6.6% not recommending, the lowest of any other candidate.
(h/t JRlind)
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