Setting The Standard
Posted on January 6, 2009 at 2:16 pmTennessee making a name for itself in the realm of environmental disasters.
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Corker Says Lamar Is Awesome
Posted on January 6, 2009 at 2:13 pmBob Corker on Lamar Alexander’s official start to his second term:
“Tennesseans are very fortunate to have Lamar representing their interests in Washington, and I was proud to be on-hand today as he was sworn in for his second term in the U.S. Senate. Lamar is one of the most thoughtful, eloquent members of our body. He is the consummate statesman, and I can think of no better partner in the Senate.”
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Architects Of Defeat OR What Can Brown Do For Bone?
Posted on January 6, 2009 at 1:22 pmR. Neal throws around a bit of gossip floating around the race for Tennessee Democratic Party Chair:
There is also talk that Bone would install Mark Brown as Executive Director and Keith Talley as the Communications Director. Chip Forrester notes that they are good guys but are also the architects of the 2008 Disaster as directors of the Democratic State House and Senate caucuses respectively.
It appears there is a power struggle going on in Nashville between the old school apparatchik and a more progressive grassroots movement. Is it even possible for Democrats to drag Tennessee into the 21st Century? Can Democrats elect progressive candidates statewide and join the emerging New New South, or do we have to keep running Republican-lite candidates and letting the TNGOP dictate the rules of engagement?
The next couple of years are going to be interesting. By the end of this month we will know the general direction.
Baker Boys Walk Lamar Down The Aisle
Posted on January 6, 2009 at 1:09 pmFrom a press release:
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) released the following statement this morning after being sworn in on the Senate floor, beginning his second term as U.S. Senator. During the ceremony, Alexander was escorted by Former Senate Majority Leader Howard Baker, Former Senator Fred Thompson, and Senator Bob Corker.
“It is a privilege to represent Tennesseans in such serious times. As I did as Governor and during my first term in the Senate, I will work across party lines to get results on the big issues, including energy independence, controlling spending, and helping every American have access to affordable health insurance.
“I will do my very best to continue to earn your confidence and support.”
SEE ALSO: First Read
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The Follow Through
Posted on January 6, 2009 at 1:04 pmFormer Tennessean City Editor Ricky Young compares Operation Tennessee Waltz to the Blagojevich situation:
what’s unclear to me is, why shouldn’t blagojevich appoint a senator? he hasn’t even been indicted yet. we had a cluster of legislators indicted in the operation tennessee waltz sting in nashville, and they performed their duties for months. they were accused of following through on bribery, not just talking about it…
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Meeting Punts Vote On Conservatism Of Chair Candidate
Posted on January 6, 2009 at 12:30 pmMembers of the RNC’s Conservative Steering Committee had originally planned to vote on which of the candidates for chairman were the most conservative, after holding a series of 30-minute interviews with each Republican hopeful.
But that plan was voted down by the roughly 50 committee members who participated the closed-door session, according to several people in the meeting. The steering committee will now conclude the day by holding a roundtable discussion about each of the candidates.
One member present for the vote said the motion to remove the straw poll was raised by supporters of former Maryland Lt. Gov Michael Steele.
Canceling the straw poll removes a potential hurdle for Steele, who shone at a candidate forum on Monday but is seen as the most moderate among the Republicans seeking the post and might have faltered in a survey of the more rigidly conservative RNC members.
Wamp Gubernatorial Bid Meet With Trepidation At Oak Ridge
Posted on January 6, 2009 at 12:13 pmFrank Munger reports:
Jeff Smith, ORNL’s deputy lab director for operations, said, “Zach’s been a great supporter of the laboratory. Who could ask for a better congressman? Having him move into a governor’s role and vacating that congressional seat would obviously be a change, and we would work very hard to get the next congressman up to speed and help the laboratory.”
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The Corporate State
Posted on January 6, 2009 at 12:03 pmA small business owner comments on the deference shown to large corporations by the federal government:
Only the big corporations are lining up for bailouts. No surprise. I have little respect for them anyway, about as much as I do for unions. With few exceptions, big corporations are PC. They’re monopolistic not entrepreneurial. They adopt unwise labor practices that inhibit their competitiveness, like paying health benefits for homosexual partners of their employees and pushing the Family Leave Act, and then endorse them as law so they can compete against smaller, more efficient private companies. And I’ve noticed they do not seem to answer to their shareholders any more, or else the golden parachute phenomenon would not exist. I presume that’s because most stock ownership these days is via retirement accounts where the stock purchases are really made by cartels, not individuals.
(FT: Silence)
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U.S. Senate Appointee Turned Away
Posted on January 6, 2009 at 11:58 amThe taintless Roland Burris was barred from being sworn in as Illinois’ new Senator:
Burris told reporters that he was advised by Senate officials that his credentials “were not in order.” Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White has refused to certify the appointment because Blagojevich was arrested prior to picking Burris for allegedly seeking to auction off the seat to the highest bidder.
In brief remarks, Burris said he was not interested in seeking a confrontation and that he would consult with his attorneys to weigh the next steps in the process.
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Would You Like A Medal?
Posted on January 6, 2009 at 11:55 amSouthern Beale comments on the Medals of Freedom being given out by our outgoing president.
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Tennessee Five Year-Old Meets PEBO
Posted on January 6, 2009 at 11:28 amMichael Silence has a photo.
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The Rep. Becomes The Zionist
Posted on January 6, 2009 at 11:25 amRep. Stacey Campfield reports on his mother’s recent trip the the holy land.
She said when she was over there that Israel was being randomly bombed on a regular basis. I think everyone (including her) knew there were attacks there but she saw how it was actually much, much worse than what you see get reported. Some of her trip was cut out because some areas were just to hot for a tourist to go into. To much bombing going on, to many innocent people being killed.
Israel was just sitting back and taking it, day after day. Her tour guides and people she talked to knew where (Pretty specifically) the problems were coming from but the guides also knew and openly talked about how as soon as Israel fought back the the world media would be all over them for “destroying homes, killing innocent people and trying to start a war”.
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Coming Correct
Posted on January 6, 2009 at 11:15 amConservative English Only opponent corresponds with the Godfather of the Nashville English Only movement:
Eric Crafton at 9:10am January 6
There is no such thing as a conservative Anti-English response to the
English First Charter Amendment. If you believe Nashville’s boards, commissions and Council meetings should be in English, then you should vote YES. It’s just that simple!Nathan Moore at 9:15am January 6
Correct me if I am wrong, but aren’t they already in English?Eric Crafton at 9:17am January 6
I’m walking out the door. I’ll correct you at the debate today.
The debate is on within the hour.
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Like A Feith In The Night
Posted on January 6, 2009 at 10:25 amSome Democrats aren’t all that happy but the folks who brought us the Iraq War are quite pleased with Barack Obama’s choice for CIA Director.
Taking Some Time For Family
Posted on January 6, 2009 at 10:18 amJeb Bush may not run for Senate down Florida way as many folks had expected.
Republican excitement over the prospect of Jeb Bush running for U.S. Senate has given way to increasing speculation that the former governor will stay out of the race.
Bush declined to comment for this article but was expected to make an announcement perhaps as early as this week.
Even with his father on national TV Sunday touting Bush as a terrific potential future senator or president, friends say family considerations could outweigh the pull of public service.
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The Constitutional Treasure
Posted on January 6, 2009 at 10:16 amClarksville Online breaks down the race for Tennessee State Treasurer.
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The 18th District Council Race
Posted on January 6, 2009 at 10:12 amChris Sanders updates us on what his favorite candidate is doing in pursuit of Keith Durbin’s council seat:
David Glasgow’s campaign for the 18th District Metro Council seat has gotten some big boosts recently. First, there is the beginning of a website.
Nice graphics and great slogan for the 18th District: “Neighborhoods First.”
Second, he’s got his first campaign event in the district scheduled for this Sunday from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Provence (the 21st Avenue location).
Third, and quite significant, you’ll note that his treasurer is attorney Kathryn Barnett.
She and husband Will Cheek are well connected in Democratic circles in the district, city, and beyond.
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Geography Is Destiny
Posted on January 6, 2009 at 9:41 amTom Humphrey examines how the grand divisions of Tennessee might play a role in the GOP primary for Governor:
In a competitive primary this year, it would seem a credible candidate will need at least $3 million, and that could mean an advantage for the person best able to self-finance. That has often been true for candidates besides Corker, including Frist and sitting (and term-limited) Gov. Phil Bredesen.
On the other hand, geography could play a bigger role in the 2010 campaign. If Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey enters the race later - as many expect - the Republican primary would have three East Tennesseans to split the regional vote.
That, in theory, could help Gibbons of West Tennessee or U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn of Middle Tennessee, should she decide to join the fray. Blackburn’s district stretches into the Memphis suburbs.
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Going Dark On Inauguration Day
Posted on January 6, 2009 at 9:30 amSarah Moore will be desperately avoiding visual media on the day Barack Obama takes the oath of office:
During a phone conversation with my sister this evening, I told her that I intended to avoid all TV on January 20 (except for perhaps the Noggin Network … can’t deny my girl her Dora). My sister is a strong Obama supporter and naturally disagreed with my decision. I am not looking forward to an Obama administration and I am fairly certain that the unending fawning over our new president (of the “thrill going up my leg” variety) will make me rather ill. Liberals just need to recall their need to vomit when Bush got reelected in 2004 and then multiple it to capture my feeling.
Tolerant And Enlightened Williamson County
Posted on January 6, 2009 at 9:27 amAunt B. thinks Davidson County needs to roll like our well-monied neighbors to the south:
Why is the Nissan headquarters in Cool Springs and not Nashville? There’s no place in Davidson county to put an office campus? Or is it more likely that Williamson County has sold itself to the world as an affluent, understanding place where the right kinds of people (with the right kinds of money) can settle in easily?
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