tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60339512011-12-14T20:55:07.153-06:00ANDY PACmy page about politics and current events
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andypac2012@yahoo.comAndyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.comBlogger2191100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-75051999362622621732008-09-09T11:50:00.001-05:002008-09-09T11:50:26.212-05:00you can find me now at andy2012.blogspot.comAndyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-18897780863287455462008-03-31T12:04:00.002-05:002008-03-31T12:13:56.365-05:00It has been too long ... Since I last posted. but here I am again.The political season is shaping up in Tennessee. Attorney Bob Tuke is challenging U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander. Also running in the Democratic primary is Knox County Clerk Mike Padgett. Tuke should win. He is a former TN Democratic Party Chair and currently heads-up the Obama effort in Tennessee. He should win the primary, that Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-58995254921561779792008-01-23T00:19:00.000-06:002008-01-23T00:41:32.694-06:00The Great Need of the HourOn Sunday, Barack Obama spoke at Ebenezer Baptist Church. He chose as his theme Dr. King's focus on Unity as The Great Need of the Hour. Obama is fond of saying he's running for President because of what Dr. King called, "the fierce urgency of now."Now, at this hour, our need is unity. Obama's campaign is a national one and his message understandably relates to the Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-83276248130260934822008-01-17T09:47:00.000-06:002008-01-17T09:49:11.377-06:00Tennessee Early VotingEarly voting began in Tennessee yesterday. I am proud to say I was among the first Tennesseans to cast a vote for Barack Obama. Obama has a Nashville office and recently opened an office in Memphis. The Nevada campaign is heating up -- and so is South Carolina. Through both of these contests, Tennesseans will be able to vote early. Vote early. Vote Obama.Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-10529299382935381062008-01-09T16:15:00.001-06:002008-01-09T16:18:30.926-06:00We have a race ... So, after Obama's convincing win in Iowa, Hillary narrowly wins NH. the race is on. And 2 people are in it. John Edwards will likely see a steady decline in his support. I would suspect that many of his supporters would vote for Barack Obama. It's good that we have a race. Voters should thoroughly vet Clinton and Obama and decide who they want. I prefer Obama, of course. Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-72599617079719999942008-01-07T14:18:00.000-06:002008-01-07T14:25:18.556-06:00One more day!Obama is opening up a big lead on Clinton. CNN has it at 10 points, USA Today at 13. This is incredible. The crowds in NH appear to be incredible. A win in NH will likely lead to wins in Nevada and South Carolina. Hillary will have a tough time recovering from a second consecutive loss -- especially if it is not close. BUT -- it is NOT over. People in NH who support OBAMA must go Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-22823756816138532102008-01-04T15:36:00.000-06:002008-01-04T15:53:54.325-06:00Excitement in IowaSo, Obama won Iowa. HUGE victory, 9 points ahead of Hillary. Watching last night, I couldn't help but feel incredibly emotional. I know what it's like to work hard for a candidate and watch them win. To have that moment of victory that is the payoff for your efforts. I know what it's like to work for the candidate who people say can't win -- the candidate who is not supposed Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-18197983695416023052008-01-02T09:52:00.000-06:002008-01-02T10:07:23.589-06:00Kucinich = Obama?So, the latest word out of Iowa is that Dennis Kucinich is telling his supporters to support Barack Obama on the second ballot in the Iowa Caucus tomorrow night. so what?Well, here's what. Back in 2004, Kucinich made a deal with John Edwards -- and in precincts where Kucinich was not "viable," his supporters backed Edwards on the second vote. So, in a race that might have been Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-84362458239938394262007-12-14T09:47:00.000-06:002007-12-14T09:52:52.817-06:00Who will the Republicans choose?For a while, it looked like Romney was inevitable. He was way out in front in Iowa, had a solid lead in NH, and was 1st in SC. Three wins in succession and he's the nominee, right? Sure, Giuliani was/is ahead in Florida but after 3 straight Romney wins, the tide might turn, right?Well, not so fast. Huckabee is way ahead in Iowa now. Romney may still win NH. Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-76456866168595308162007-12-12T10:35:00.000-06:002007-12-12T10:37:46.374-06:00White House Press Secretary Dana PerinoOk, so she may not have all the facts about the Cuban Missile Crisis. But, the woman is sharp. Well-dressed, beautiful, young, and able to hold her own in a fairly hostile environment. She's 35, graduate of the University of Southern Colorado -- state school, go! :)Anyway, I've seen her do several briefings now and I'm impressed. Not sure why she's a Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-65439362095121226782007-12-10T11:59:00.000-06:002007-12-10T12:04:36.009-06:00So, is Mitch really running scared ... ...Or have the Democrats given up? Apparently, Crit Luallen will not make the race. And Attorney General Greg Stumbo is still "evaluating."Hmm.Mitch is polling at 45, it's a year in which Democrats are poised to do well, and NO Democrat wants to take him on? Are you kidding? What about the "fierce urgency of now?"I guess his $9 million campaign account Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-70291872297116936752007-12-08T11:53:00.000-06:002007-12-08T11:56:20.985-06:00Lamar! Unopposed?Hmm. It seems like no one is willing to take on Lamar Alexander. Mike McWherter is not going to do it. Neither is former Democratic Party Chair Bob Tuke. So, will Lamar! get a free pass?A guy who has supported Bush on the war since day one? A guy who talks a good game on the environment but has a questionable environmental record?Sure, he was a two-term Governor and twice Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-50984497345785782272007-12-07T14:11:00.000-06:002007-12-07T14:17:17.317-06:00Iowa and Obama!It started last week. An ABC/Washington Post poll had Obama up by 4 in Iowa. Hillary was running 2nd, Edwards a close third. Now, a new poll has Obama up 6 in Iowa and Edwards and Hillary tied. What if Hillary finishes 3rd in Iowa? Meanwhile, the gap is narrowing in NH, with Obama only 5-6 points behind. Let's say he wins Iowa. And Hillary finishes 3rd. Suddenly, Barack is the Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-70808095212730306022007-12-05T13:31:00.000-06:002007-12-05T13:35:53.680-06:00Ron Lewis has an opponent?A real opponent? Yep! According to politics1, State Senator David Boswell of Owensboro will run against Ron Lewis in 2008. The last time Lewis had a serious opponent was in 1996 when Joe Wright (former state Senator) ran against him. Wright ran a fairly miserable campaign and lost badly. My first real campaign experience was in 1994 when I worked for Dave Adkisson (Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-18125978288084768062007-12-03T09:48:00.000-06:002007-12-03T09:54:01.808-06:00Mitch is running ... running scared and running hardI was in Louisville with family for Thanksgiving. It was a nice time except for the few times I noticed Mitch McConnell re-election commercials on TV. Nearly ONE full year before election day 2008. Mitch is polling below 50% -- bad news for most incumbents. And, Democrats appear to be coalescing around State Auditor Crit Luallen. So, what's Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-87984558499770202852007-11-06T10:06:00.000-06:002007-11-06T10:08:51.734-06:00Election Day!Kentucky voters today will elect Steve Beshear to replace Ernie Fletcher as Governor. Beshear leads by 15-20 points in every poll taken and despite last-minute gay-bashing attempts by the Fletcher campaign, Beshear should win handily. the next question for Kentuckians: what do do about Mitch McConnell. He's hovering at 45 -- not a great place for an incumbent. So, which Dem will Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-2477339362153886132007-10-31T12:28:00.000-05:002007-10-31T12:35:39.274-05:00Who won?Well, the Democrats debated last night. Again.Who won?If you watched the first 30 minutes, you'd probably say Hillary Clinton. She was solid, she responded to attacks from Edwards and Obama, and she stuck to her message. If you are going for straightforward, consistent, and strong answers through a full 2 hours, Joe Biden's your guy. He was funny, engaging, and right on most of the Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-16153018985581463602007-10-30T09:58:00.001-05:002007-10-30T10:01:25.521-05:00Mitch is stuck at 45yep, new polling shows that no matter who the opponent is, Mitch is stuck at 45%. yes, he's ahead in all the polls -- by between 4 and 11 points -- but the fact that no matter who the opponent is, Mitch is at 45 -- well, that says a lot. A good, solid Democrat (or even Stumbo) could beat McConnell. Of course, that would be helped by a strong candidate at the top of the Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-87804949353948569142007-09-25T13:51:00.000-05:002007-09-25T13:55:58.425-05:00Obama -- NOWOk, first I want to note that my last post was post #200!Now, moving on to important business.I've written a lot about Barack Obama here. But not officially endorsed him. Well, now I am.Here's why: He gets it!He understands that bringing people together will change the system. His campaign has the potential to transcend traditional politics the way Jimmy Carter's did. He is using aAndyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-2023531149102279982007-09-13T09:21:00.000-05:002007-09-13T09:27:04.077-05:00How has your life changed since the war?As I was driving in to work today, I started thinking about the fact that we are going about our lives, day-to-day, and yet there is a war going on. are we really doing anything different?I know Rick Malek has talked about his personal training for the army. I know when I saw my neighbor miss the birth of his youngest son b/c he was in Iraq -- watched his Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-25506679489406608042007-09-05T11:45:00.001-05:002007-09-05T11:46:36.600-05:00Fred ThompsonWho is excited about this guy?Is he any more conservative than the highly credible Mike Huckabee -- or the respectable, reliably conservative Sam Brownback?Can he win?does he even want the job?I won't say I want the GOP to choose Thompson -- he may well be formidable. I would like to hear a good rationale for his candidacy.Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-77670467944089329482007-08-29T10:13:00.000-05:002007-08-29T10:22:26.822-05:00Senator John Warner, Freedom's Watch, etc.Ok, so the John Warner break with the Bush team over Iraq is fading now b/c of the Larry Craig revelations. BUT, i want to talk about Warner.Warner "boldly" suggests "redeploying" 5,000 or so troops starting in December. That's a nice thought, really, it is. But let's try this: Let's stop using DC speak and start WITHDRAWING troops immediately. Why is Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-25033327253663822132007-08-15T11:15:00.000-05:002007-08-15T11:21:59.616-05:00Don't get "Be-sheared"I was thinking this morning that KY Senator Mitch McConnell is probably quietly hoping that Steve Beshear wins the governor's race. And then I laughed when I remembered the "Be-sheared" commercial from 1996 when McConnell was challenged by Beshear for his U.S. Senate seat. Here's the deal: McConnell tried to orchestrate the primary in 2007 so embattled Gov. Ernie Fletcher Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-78832776137429727832007-08-13T11:34:00.000-05:002007-08-13T11:39:05.295-05:00HuckabeeWill another man from Hope be taking a seat in the White House in 2009?Mike Huckabee spent no money and had no TV ads and still was the #2 choice of voters in the Ames Straw Poll. Sure, it's a straw poll. But it's a test of organization and strength of your campaign. Romney bussed in a ton of peopled and won. But Huckabee beat out so-called frontrunners like Giuliani and Thompson. Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-61011084561899412122007-08-06T10:35:00.001-05:002007-08-06T10:37:54.062-05:00Romney v. Obama?Republican Debate Sunday: Romney attacks Obama on Pakistan and meeting with foreign leaders. On "Meet the Press" polls are discussed -- Romney has very solid leads in Iowa and NH. Obama leads in Iowa and SC. (narrowly in Iowa). Interestingly, he got into the lead just after his "controversial" remarks about meeting with foreign leaders. Will it be Obama v. Romney in 2008? WhatAndyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-85212517199448948002007-07-23T09:22:00.001-05:002007-07-23T09:27:28.504-05:00CNN and Presidential RaceSo I'm watching CNN yesterday and they make a big deal about pointing out that among Democrats in New Hampshire, there's not a white male in the top 3?Why?The reporter proceeded to point out that the first place candidate, Hillary Clinton was a woman, that Barack Obama was black and that Bill Richardson (who now runs third ahead of John Edwards) is hispanic. hmm. I don'tAndyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-62606731400293123752007-07-17T08:58:00.000-05:002007-07-17T09:00:54.717-05:00More on McWherter-AlexanderI know I've written before about speculation that Mike McWherter, son of former Tennessee Gov. Ned McWherter, may run against Lamar Alexander in 2008.Further evidence is found in the fact that McWherter plans to attend the Sumner County 3-Star Celebration - an annual fundraising event for the local Democratic Party. McWherter appears to be making the rounds and getting Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-19609641865469872862007-07-11T12:39:00.000-05:002007-07-11T12:43:49.255-05:00Bredesen Supports Richardson?At a recent Nashville event for Democratic Presidential hopeful and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen was in attendance and made a point of mentioning that his wife, Andrea Conte, had donated the maximum ($2300) to Richardson's campaign.Is this an indication that Bredesen is supporting Richardson? The two would seem to have a lot in common.Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-49982863038047401102007-07-09T11:32:00.000-05:002007-07-09T11:37:58.692-05:00Michelle ObamaSo last night I'm watching C-SPAN -- and Michelle Obama is speaking to the New York Historical Society.I'm impressed. This woman really knows her stuff. She's energetic, progressive, and intelligent. And I start imagining the Obama White House. A young family headed-up by a man and woman who have worked hard and found opportunity. And I think that an Obama Presidency is the Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-46066426212557427292007-07-02T12:26:00.000-05:002007-07-02T12:34:30.781-05:00OBAMA!$32.5 millionHillary's at $27 million.John Edwards and Bill Richardson are virtually tied (Edwards=9 million, Richardson, 7)Richardson is quickly becoming the top "second-tier" candidate.He could surprise Edwards in an early primary (say, Nevada) and knock John out of the race.Hillary leads in 36 of 38 primary states -- but not in Iowa (Edwards, Obama, Clinton) and not in South Carolina (Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-65840088024046659502007-06-28T09:30:00.000-05:002007-06-28T09:43:26.857-05:00End of QuarterNow is the time. June 30 marks the end of the 2nd quarter. And you're probably getting emails from your favorite presidential candidates about making "important" donations at this "critical" time. Keep in mind, it's June of 2007. But also note, the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary are coming in just a few months. and then, National Primary Day, February 5th. So, having Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-3995859108913783832007-06-26T10:49:00.000-05:002007-06-26T10:52:40.786-05:00Fred Thompson?really?this is the guy Americans want as their President?right now, it looks like a Thompson-Romney race with Giuliani also running close. Of course, Hillary beats them all ... Giuliani coming the closest at a 5-point margin.So, should Democrats nominate Hillary -- a candidate who will make no mistakes and win where she needs to? Or, should they pick Barack Obama and take a chance Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-44689617692649739852007-06-25T13:36:00.000-05:002007-06-25T13:39:44.236-05:00A real challenge to Lamar?It looks like former Tennessee Governor Ned McWherter's son, Mike, may be seriously thinking of challenging Lamar Alexander in the U.S. Senate race next year.McWherter would be a serious challenger and a real threat to Lamar. While Lamar is one of the most popular ex-governor's the state has had, Ned Ray McWherter is probably even more popular. He's incredibly Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-43844004476432888732007-06-21T20:17:00.000-05:002007-06-21T20:21:57.434-05:002 States in Need: Kentucky and TennesseeBoth Kentucky and Tennessee will have U.S. Senate races next year.Both are represented by Republicans. Lamar Alexander in Tennessee is mildly tolerable.Mitch McConnell is the President's mouthpiece as minority leader. He's also single-handedly led the Kentucky GOP to a position of prominence in state politics.Lamar may not be beatable. He's a popular Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-3926531835059278332007-06-20T11:14:00.000-05:002007-06-20T11:18:28.379-05:00Fred ThompsonThe former Tennessee Senator is running for President. I guess people here in TN are excited.I can't imagine Thompson generating widespread national interest. But maybe if he drives around Iowa in a red pickup truck, he'll get some attention. He's already leading in some key states. And with McCain faltering, Thompson has room to grow.Can he raise the money to be effective at Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-51930570521832421252007-06-19T16:28:00.001-05:002007-06-19T16:28:50.924-05:00TennesseeIs anyone going to run against Lamar Alexander in 2008?Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-35578168892146609432007-06-18T09:31:00.001-05:002007-06-18T09:36:03.098-05:00McConnell?Is Mitch McConnell really in any trouble in 2008?It appears there is some movement toward a Larry Forgy primary challenge. Forgy has long wanted to win statewide office -- and for a time, he was a leading figure in the Republican Party.His alignment with Ernie Fletcher creates problems for him -- but it also gives him a base of support for a primary campaign. If, by some miracle, Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-88791990610475330852007-06-15T09:33:00.000-05:002007-06-15T09:38:06.744-05:00Chris Dodd?I realized yesterday that Chris Dodd is running for President.Why?He's a respectable Senator with a reasonably progressive record. But who the hell knows who he is?I mean, I just can't imagine a groundswell of Chris Dodd supporters. Is he just getting older and realizing he had better run now or that's it?Is he running so he'll be considered good VP material?He's not even as Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-59485956955154203372007-06-14T09:04:00.001-05:002007-06-14T09:07:39.326-05:00Back!I'm back. Posting again. Mostly political news items of interest - national and Kentucky and Tennessee news.For example, Steve Beshear appears to be headed to the Governor's mansion in Kentucky. After a promising early career that saw a young Beshear rise to Attorney General and then Lt. Governor, he hit a wall. First, losing in the primary in 1987 to Wallace Wilkinson. Then, making a "Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1169661175320818262007-01-24T11:42:00.000-06:002007-01-24T11:52:55.336-06:00I've heard these lies before ... Senator Jim Webb got it right when he called President Bush's bluff last night. He pointed out that Bush had in 6 State of the Unions mentioned a call for more "energy independence." Yet so far, not one damn thing has been done. Bush isn't serious about it. "Clear Skies" means dirtier skies. No Child Left Behind means find more kids to leave behind (oh, and beAndyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1169219742154810712007-01-19T09:03:00.000-06:002007-01-19T09:15:42.186-06:00Listen Carefully ... Because this is what you are about to hear:"U.S. troops in Iraq were attacked today by a group of insurgents with links to al-Qaeda. U.S. intelligence believes the group is being supported by operatives in IRAN."This will be the news story.then, President Bush will address the nation, saying something like:"It is clear that al-Qaeda is operating out of Iran. Their Iranian Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1168615930523742382007-01-12T09:28:00.000-06:002007-01-12T09:32:10.566-06:00McConnell: Wrong on IraqKentucky's Senior Senator has pledged to filibuster any attempt by Democrats to limit President Bush's planned troop "surge." (CNN, 1/11/07). That's right, Kentucky. Mitch McConnell wants to send MORE of our young men and women into harm's way. He wants to continue blindly supporting the President. Remember when Lyndon Johnson said the way "not to lose" in Vietnam was Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1168292250101017712007-01-08T15:33:00.000-06:002007-01-08T15:37:30.116-06:00McConnell ... Let's make him go!2008 is our chance, KY.Sure, in 2007 we have a great shot at winning the Governor's race.But in 2008, we can beat Mitch McConnell -- the new minority leader in the Senate.He's been a menace to our state for years -- engineering a Republican takeover of state government that brought us Ernie Fletcher and his attendant incompetence. He also brought us Ron Lewis in Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1162573701753898512006-11-03T10:57:00.000-06:002006-11-03T11:08:21.773-06:00EndorsementsFor what it's worth, here are my endorsements in key races in Tennessee:U.S. Senate -- Harold Ford, Jr. The Corker-Ford race could determine who controls the U.S. Senate. If Republicans stay in power, Bush will continue to advance his agenda of tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans and leaving every child behind in schools suffering from the underfunded NCLB. Bush will continue Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com53tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1160589783826083252006-10-11T12:50:00.000-05:002006-10-11T13:03:03.856-05:00Very Local Post (Sumner County)Republicans have gained lots of ground in Sumner County lately. The County Executive is a Republican (Hank Thompson) the Assessor is a Republican (John Isbell) and in the August 2006 elections, the voters elected a Republican Trustee (Marty Nelson) and a Republican Sheriff (Bob Barker). Additionally, the County Commission is now dominated by Republicans. Who is Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1159543149503698222006-09-29T10:16:00.000-05:002006-09-29T10:19:09.533-05:00Will we see Big Red in D-IA football? here's the release:WKU President To Conduct Football Forum September 27, 2006Bowling Green, Ky. - Western Kentucky University alumni and friends in the Owensboro area will have a chance to hear about WKU’s proposed move to Division I-A football at forum Tuesday afternoon (Oct. 3) at the WKU-Owensboro campus.WKU President Gary Ransdell will discuss the Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1158163226289197502006-09-13T10:52:00.000-05:002006-09-13T11:00:26.310-05:00Based on Bumper Stickers ... I'd say Harold Ford, Jr. is on his way to the U.S. Senate. I live in the Nashville area, of course and so there are plenty of Democrats here. But I have yet to see a Corker sticker on any car in the area -- I did see one recently, but the car had Knox County plates. If all those Ford, Jr. stickers are voters, he's doing great. I find it interesting that i see a Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1157731264491772852006-09-08T10:54:00.000-05:002006-09-08T11:01:04.513-05:00At least he's asking...?Bush Calls For Greater Wiretap AuthorityPresident Says Power Is Needed for ThreatBy Anushka Asthana and Karen DeYoungWashington Post Staff WritersFriday, September 8, 2006; Page A01ATLANTA, Sept. 7 -- President Bush urged Congress Thursday to give him "additional authority" to continue his administration's warrantless eavesdropping program. The speech was his latest effortAndyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1157578680899015042006-09-06T16:29:00.000-05:002006-09-06T16:38:00.923-05:00Notre Dame in the BIG EASTLots of conferences talk about adding Notre Dame. As I see it, only two make sense -- the BIG TEN or the BIG EAST. The ACC is not a good fit for geography reasons. The Big Ten is a logical fit based on history, tradition, and schedule -- i mean, ND plays Michigan, Michigan State, and Purdue just about every year anyway -- the used to regularly schedule Ohio State until Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1156348063049463352006-08-23T10:44:00.000-05:002006-08-23T10:47:43.073-05:00NED LAMONT!Someone please tell Joe Lieberman to go away. Sure, he WAS a Democrat. But Democrats in Connecticut chose someone else. They chose progressive Ned Lamont. The good news: Ned's only down 2 points. it's 44-42. The problem: Republicans will vote, too -- and may vote for Lieberman -- since he's one of those DLC-Democrats. Republican-lite I call them. But Ned is sure to get all kindsAndyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1155310268976909372006-08-11T10:19:00.000-05:002006-08-11T10:31:08.993-05:00Dismantling Public EducationI heard a brief snippet on the radio this morning about the federal government seeking to "redefine" a college education and overhaul America's system of higher education. Keep in mind, America has a higher education system that is revered around the world. While we may lack in K-12, especially in math and science, a degree from an American college or university is Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1154964306388563872006-08-07T10:21:00.000-05:002006-08-07T10:25:06.410-05:00COHEN WINS!State Senator Steve Cohen of Memphis won the Democratic primary to replace Harold Ford, Jr. in Congress -- Should Cohen win in November (which now seems likely), he will be the first non-Ford to hold the job since 1974 when Harold Sr. won - in fact, he'll be the first person not named Harold Ford to have the job in 32 years!Cohen beat out Nikki Tinker, who outspent him by slightly Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1153851561005028522006-07-25T13:17:00.000-05:002006-07-25T13:19:21.026-05:00Kentucky: Murray State rejections questioned (Courier-Journal):Fletcher may have broken law, office says.Gov. Ernie Fletcher may have broken state law by rejecting six candidates for the Murray State University board of regents, the attorney general's office said yesterday. And Murray's acting president said he believes Fletcher's goal is to place an ally on the board who would side with the Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1153838088198365262006-07-25T09:26:00.000-05:002006-07-25T09:34:48.263-05:00Endorsementthis blog is proud to endorse Steve Cohen in his bid for Congress.We've already written some positive things about him, but we want to be sure that those in Tennessee's 9th District elect the best candidate to serve them in the U.S. House.That candidate is clearly Steve Cohen. Cohen has an impressive list of endorsements ranging from the Commercial Appeal to the UFCW, FireFighters, Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1152904805436187372006-07-14T14:16:00.000-05:002006-07-14T14:20:05.533-05:00Bush Keeps on SpyingSo the headline in my email update from the Washington Post says, "Bush compromises on spying program..."Excuse me?The only acceptable compromise is for President Bush to STOP spying on the American people.Period.Where the hell are the Democrats? Where is the outrage? There is NO compromise. Americans deserve their freedom -- it's what makes this country great. And Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1151614881390200022006-06-29T15:53:00.000-05:002006-06-29T16:01:21.416-05:00Bunning and the NYTKentucky's junior Senator, Jim Bunning, is acting crazy again. Problem is, this time, other Repubs are joining him.It seems that if only that pesky liberal rag the New York Times hadn't bothered to tell Americans they are being spied on by their own government, everything would be right with the world.And if that same NYT hadn't had the journalistic gall to expose yet another Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1150823545930630282006-06-20T12:01:00.000-05:002006-06-20T12:12:25.953-05:00Is Fletcher destroying the Kentucky GOP?The New York Times has this report:Kentucky: Governor's Troubles Threaten G.O.P. in Kentucky (New York Times)FRANKFORT, Ky. — The real risk in noodling, which involves sticking your arm into a catfish nesting hole and yanking out whatever swallows your fist, is not in getting caught doing it out of season, but in reaching too far into the hole and getting Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1150395432776370382006-06-15T13:15:00.000-05:002006-06-15T13:17:12.790-05:00Trey GraysonI have received several comments on an earlier post in which I labeled Trey Grayson as "unstellar."the commenters said that he has accomplished much in a short period of time and that even Democrats are saying good things about himHowever, I have yet to read media accounts of Greyson's tremendous "success." I have yet to hear or read what he has done to improve the Secretary of Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1149874425537809212006-06-09T12:13:00.000-05:002006-06-09T12:33:45.553-05:00He said what?"It’ll be a sad day when queers and lesbians are allowed to get married... and kiss in front of the courthouse," state Rep. Eric Watson, R-Cleveland, said at a news conference on the steps of the Hamilton County Courthouse. Yep. That's Eric Watson. A State Representative right here in Tennesee. And he certainly has every right to express his opinion on the gay marriage issue. BUT,Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1149796875067348612006-06-08T14:57:00.000-05:002006-06-08T15:14:40.366-05:00Tennessee Waltz ConvictionFormer State Senator Roscoe Dixon of Memphis was convicted today on extortion and conspiracy charges related to the Tennessee Waltz sting.Dixon was alleged to have taken bribes in exchange for his influence on legislation impacting a fake company, E-Cycle Management, set up by the FBI to investigate Capitol Hill corruption.Perhaps the most damning evidence came in the Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1149613341402414652006-06-06T11:56:00.000-05:002006-06-06T12:02:21.433-05:00Fletcher's Troubles ... It just keeps getting worse for Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher. This story details the latest -- will Fletcher show up for his own arraignment?To make matters worse, his Lt. Gov., Steve Pence, announced last week he would not be on the ticket with Fletcher in 2007. Fletcher asked Pence to resign. Pence refused -- and did not rule out a run against his boss.Now, Pence has Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1145303599669729302006-04-17T14:52:00.000-05:002006-04-17T14:53:19.686-05:00COHEN!Show your support for Steve Cohen's congressional campaign!The unofficial site for Cohen Campaign Gear is HERE!Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1144349249862852592006-04-06T13:38:00.000-05:002006-04-06T13:47:29.910-05:00From Here to Anywhere!It seems the Tennessee State Senate is the training ground for candidates of all sorts.In 2006, Senator Rosalind Kurita, a Clarksville Democrat, is running for U.S. Senate. Senator Steve Cohen, a Memphis Democrat, is running for Congress.And Senator Jim Bryson, a Williamson County Republican, is running for Governor. Apparently, this is the year for Senators to move on up!Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1144090923653252492006-04-03T13:59:00.000-05:002006-04-03T14:02:03.653-05:00Cohen for CongressIt's official. State Senator Steve Cohen is running for Congress from the 9th District -- the seat being vacated by Harold Ford, Jr.This blog whole-heartedly endorses Cohen. He'd be an excellent Member of Congress and would represent the Memphis area and all of Tennessee well.He's an able legislator, a brilliant student of public policy, and he's not afraid of a tough fight.Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1144090628491734352006-04-03T13:56:00.000-05:002006-04-03T13:57:08.500-05:00Bryson to announce today ... Republican state Senator Jim Bryson is scheduled to make an announcement today about his plans in the Governor's race. Word on some conservative TN blogs is that he's in.Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1143766113600335182006-03-30T18:43:00.000-06:002006-03-30T18:48:33.613-06:00Bryson for Governor?Tennessee State Senator Jim Bryson (R-Brentwood) said today he is "strongly leaning toward" running for Governor against incumbent Democrat Phil Bredesen.This is interesting b/c Bryson would have to give up his very, very safe Senate seat to challenge Bredesen -- and Bredesen is very popular. Either Bryson wants to keep raising his name ID for a future race -- OR, he really Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1143125659377100312006-03-23T08:52:00.000-06:002006-03-23T08:54:19.390-06:00Final FourLast year, the UofL Cardinals made the NCAA Final Four. This year, it's the NIT. But nevertheless, the CARDS have had a great season and may will end up as NIT Champs. What's really impressive is that this year's Cardinal team is basically Taquan Dean and a bunch of very young guys...And going down the stretch in the BIG EAST -- America's toughest basketball conference -- the CARDS Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1141838506152836602006-03-08T11:02:00.000-06:002006-03-08T11:21:46.213-06:00She's Back!Capri Cafaro is running for Congress ... Again!In Ohio's 13th District.She's a great candidate, energetic, young, and bright.Check out her site ... and give her some support if you can!Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1141761399788490872006-03-07T13:55:00.000-06:002006-03-07T13:56:39.803-06:00Rick Santorum!Tell Rick Santorum how you really feel!Click Here and get a wearable statement!Although he'd never admit it, Rick Santorum Sucks!Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1140555532619265772006-02-21T14:56:00.000-06:002006-02-21T14:58:52.633-06:00Leave Cheney Alone!There are big issues out there.And I get an email from John Kerry (still unaware he LOST, i guess) about Dick Cheney shooting some other guy.Why?Democrats, don't we have a message?Democrats, can't we stand FOR something instead of against everything?Where is OUR agenda?Leave Dick Cheney alone. At least about the shooting business.Sure, bother him about Halliburton.And secret Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1138309949184170902006-01-26T15:10:00.000-06:002006-01-26T15:12:29.210-06:00Hamas, etc.who is friends with Palestine?Why is America Israel's strongest ally?Why shouldn't the Palestinians elect Hamas ... a military-based group that promises to fight back against an aggressive Israel?Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1134667360215013072005-12-15T11:19:00.000-06:002005-12-15T11:22:40.230-06:00The Hole Keeps Getting DeeperKentucky: E-mail: Pence sought LINK job (Courier-Journal)Spokeswoman denies lt. governor involved. FRANKFORT, Ky. — A special adviser to the governor said Lt. Gov. Steve Pence wanted to be the Louisville representative for an agency that prosecutors allege was a political patronage machine, according to an e-mail released in court records yesterday. But prosecutors Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1133980768515772732005-12-07T12:37:00.000-06:002005-12-07T12:39:28.526-06:00Trey GraysonThis post is for the commenter who said even some Democrats admire Trey Grayson (Kentucky's Secretary of State) for his accomplishments so far.I haven't heard much about Trey. I haven't heard much about anything he has accomplished.But that doesn't mean he is "un-stellar" as I previously wrote.It's possible he has done a lot of good stuff.So, I'm opening it up for discussion.What has Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1133562050855495332005-12-02T16:19:00.000-06:002005-12-02T16:20:50.870-06:00Republicans Suck!I could list all the reasons, but I'll spare you the details.For now.But if you agree, you should check this out.And believe me, there's more to come from this handy little site!Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1133545566286640672005-12-02T11:43:00.000-06:002005-12-02T11:46:06.296-06:00Clinton in Louisville Tonight!The next President of the United States, Senator Hillary Clinton, will be in Louisville tonight for a fundraiser benefiting Kentucky Democrats.The event is expected to raise $250,000 -- some much-needed cash for the Democratic Party. There is, of course, some controversy surrounding the event. I predict it will be a HUGE success and only wish I could be in LouisvilleAndyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1133201525883429362005-11-28T11:35:00.000-06:002005-11-28T12:12:05.946-06:00Who's running?Politics is a game of speculation. So, here goes.Some thoughts on who might be running for Governor in Kentucky and Tennessee -- We'll take the Tennessee 2006 race first.Incumbent Gov. Phil Bredesen has seen a recent severe dip in popularity -- his current approval rating is about 52% -- down from a high of nearly 80% going into his second year in office. That said, the man has Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1132255641851027872005-11-17T13:13:00.000-06:002005-11-17T13:27:21.870-06:00Kentucky: Fletcher pardon clears 4 aides (Courier-Journal)Judge says grand jury can continue indicting. FRANKFORT, Ky. -- A judge dismissed indictments against four former Fletcher administration aides yesterday, saying they are covered by the governor's pardon order, even though it does not name them. But in a separate ruling, Franklin Circuit Judge William Graham also said that Gov. Ernie Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1129316839030252042005-10-14T13:18:00.000-05:002005-10-14T14:07:19.073-05:00The Case for a Full-Time LegislatureTennessee's General Assembly has come under fire in recent months as a result of the Tennessee Waltz sting and subsequent revelations about the "culture" on Capitol Hill. One proposal sometimes mentioned but never seriously considered is making the legislature full-time.The rationale given for so quickly dismissing the idea is that the public won't go for it. Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1128524561659225872005-10-05T09:58:00.000-05:002005-10-05T10:02:41.663-05:00Mitch Must Go!That's right, Kentucky.It's time to get rid of Mitch McConnell.Just this week, Mitch was around when a Western Kentucky State Rep. switched parties and became a Republican.The GOP is closer than ever to complete control of Kentucky politics.And who brought this on? Mitch McConnell.The same Mitch McConnell who brought us Gov. Fletcher -- and don't forget about Hunter Bates.Word is Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1126721319906179332005-09-14T12:48:00.000-05:002005-09-14T13:08:39.913-05:00Metro Voters Reject Sales TaxMetro Nashville voters overwhelmingly rejected a sales tax increase yesterday. The increase would have taken the sales tax rate in Nashville from a total of 9.25% to 9.75%. I'm glad the sales tax hike was rejected. I'm all for schools and seniors -- but the campaign didn't make much sense, it was poorly organized, and there was great irony in that the same liberals Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1117231131086945452005-05-27T16:52:00.000-05:002005-05-27T16:58:51.090-05:00It's not over yet ...The Tennessee General Assembly is still in session -- and will be tomorrow. That is to say, the Senate passed the budget and other assorted bills and the House adjourned at around 4:00 PM until 9:00 AM tomorrow. That means the Senate will come back in at noon tomorrow.An interesting thing happened during the budget vote today ... 2 Senate Democrats voted against the Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1116956788663163342005-05-24T12:42:00.000-05:002005-05-24T12:46:28.670-05:00Legislator-BloggersHere in TN, Senator Roy Herron and Rep. Stacey Campfield have started blogs. To my knowledge, they are the only bloggers in the TN General Assembly. I'm wondering -- are there other legislator-bloggers? I'm especially interested in Kentucky -- but would love to hear about legislator-bloggers across the country. On another note, I've been remiss in not linking to "Blogging forAndyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1116440483862385512005-05-18T13:10:00.000-05:002005-05-18T13:21:23.876-05:00Look at all these rumors ... Sources inside the Sumner County GOP confirm my previous reporting that State Senator Diane Black is seriously considering a campaign against Congressman Bart Gordon in 2006. This source claims the campaign is already taking shape as Black finalizes plans -- if true, she would likely need to launch not too long after the legislative session ends (probably the end of Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1115732698614841852005-05-10T08:37:00.000-05:002005-05-10T08:44:58.620-05:00From the Senate to the HouseThat's the State Senate to the U.S. House. As in TN State Senator Diane Black (R-Gallatin) is rumored to be interested in the 6th District U.S. House seat held by Democrat Bart Gordon. Gordon has held the seat since 1984 when he took over for Al Gore who was elected to the U.S. Senate that year. On Teddy Bart's Roundtable yesterday, Black was asked about the rumor. Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1114451786109605692005-04-25T12:40:00.000-05:002005-04-25T12:56:26.113-05:00Injustice SundaySo yesterday was "Justice Sunday." An event highlighting the "Filibuster Against People of Faith." The event took place in Louisville, Kentucky at Highview Baptist Church. Dr. James Dobson and other right-wing evangelicals led the proceedings. The basic premise was that by using the filibuster, Senate Democrats are preventing President Bush's judges who happen to be "people of Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1112987312513592712005-04-08T14:04:00.000-05:002005-04-08T14:08:32.513-05:00KY House Speaker Faces '06 ChallengeRepublican Attorney Brett Hines of Bowling Green announced this week he will challenge KY House Speaker Jody Richards next year for the 20th district seat Richards has held since 1976. Hines is 32 and has two degrees from WKU and earned a law degree from the University of Louisville (I hope he enjoyed their Final Four run). This will be the first time in recentAndyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1112804778415202602005-04-06T11:23:00.000-05:002005-04-06T11:26:18.416-05:00Jr. Releases a pollHarold Ford Jr. released a poll today that shows him with a strong lead over the only announced Democrat running for U.S. Senate, State Senator Rosalind Kurita. The poll also showed Ford beating Bob Corker in a general election matchup while narrowly trailing both Ed Bryant and Van Hilleary.Also of note in the poll was the showing in the Republican primary that Ed Bryant has aAndyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1112136012427678422005-03-29T16:38:00.000-06:002005-03-29T16:43:39.533-06:00Pearl to UTSo it's not Bobby Knight ... it's Bruce Pearl (formerly of UW-Milwaukee) who will next lead the Vols on the basketball court. Should be interesting. Seems like a nice guy and a good coach. Maybe he'll get lucky and his career won't end at UT like that of so many other promising coaches.Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1111601999680396302005-03-23T12:14:00.000-06:002005-03-23T12:19:59.683-06:00Dean in TennesseeDNC Chair Howard Dean is in Tennessee. He came in yesterday and is hanging around today, too. Doing fundraisers, speeches, and party-building.I had the chance to meet him yesterday. He is awesome. Very dynamic, passionate, and concerned about making sure Democrats compete and win in all 50 states.Republicans seem to have known for a long time that you lose 100% of the races Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1111437859094091222005-03-21T14:39:00.000-06:002005-03-21T14:44:19.096-06:00Knight at UT??Rumor has it that Bob Knight has been contacted by the University of TN regarding their coaching vacancy.Knight would be an interesting hire. Of course, he'd have to start wearing orange sweaters, which might not be all that attractive. The money might be better -- and recruiting opportunities.But does he really want to rebuild another program and risk getting fired if he doesn't Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1111165889306664472005-03-18T10:59:00.000-06:002005-03-18T11:11:29.310-06:00A note on basketballTo go off topic for a moment, I want to talk about the coaching vacancy at the University of Tennessee. 4 years ago, UT forced out Jerry Green who had led the team to 4 straight NCAA appearances -- they wanted to take their program to the "next level" and Green just wasn't getting it done. Dennis Felton of Western Kentucky was interviewed -- and either he didn't want it or UTAndyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1110903571571423932005-03-15T10:03:00.000-06:002005-03-15T10:19:31.613-06:00Van Hilleary -- Candidate for U.S. SenateHilleary to run for Senate -- Chattanooga Times-Free PressBy Andy Sher Washington BureauWASHINGTON — Former U.S. Rep. Van Hilleary, R-Tenn., on Monday launched a campaign for Tennessee’s open Senate seat in 2006, saying he will run a "campaign of ideas." The 45-year-old Rhea County native said he sent paperwork to the Federal Election Commission and the Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1110483761652767412005-03-10T13:41:00.000-06:002005-03-10T13:42:41.686-06:00Bush in Memphis!President Bush will be in Memphis tomorrow pitching his Social Security plan. Democrats in Nashville are holding a rally to "Save Social Security" Tennessee will be getting a good bit of national attention tomorrow. And no matter how forcefully Bush pitches, I can't imagine him getting a very warm reception.Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1110243663297194592005-03-07T18:59:00.000-06:002005-03-07T19:01:03.300-06:00Scooter for Governor?It looks like FirstBank official and former UT Board of Trustees member Scooter Clippard may become a Republican candidate for Tennessee Governor in the next few days.Clippard must be trying to raise his name ID for some future race -- or, he's really confused and thinks he has a shot at knocking off very popular incumbent Democrat Phil Bredesen.Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1109881760905295852005-03-03T14:27:00.000-06:002005-03-03T14:29:20.906-06:00And the poll says ...A poll released by state Senator Rosalind Kurita's U.S. Senate campaign shows her with a 44-39 lead over Rep. Harold Ford Jr. The results come in the "informed choice" section of the poll when voters are given the positive information about both candidates. Kurita is also in a dead heat with Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker in the General. Corker gets 38% and Kurita 37%. Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1109624357632590352005-02-28T14:54:00.000-06:002005-02-28T14:59:17.633-06:00And now, another D in Tennessee Senate 2006There is continuing speculation that state Democratic Party treasurer and former State Chair of the Kerry campaign Bob Tuke will jump into the U.S. Senate race in 2006. Tuke would be the second Democrat to enter behind state Senator Rosalind Kurita of Clarksville.Tuke has some positives, like access to a network of donors and some activists who really Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1109354847695607222005-02-25T12:03:00.000-06:002005-02-25T12:07:27.696-06:00LouisvilleNominal Democrat Denise Bentley left the Louisville Metro Council to take a job with Gov. Ernie Fletcher's Administration. The part-time metro council position pays $42,000. In Fletcher's administration, she'll make $75,000.METRO COUNCIL IN LOUISVILLE, a part-time job, pays $42,000!Metro Council in Nashville pays $15,000. A Tennessee State legislator, by contrast, makes $16,500.The Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1109186905451819932005-02-23T13:27:00.000-06:002005-02-23T13:28:25.453-06:00It's Wednesday ... Still no word on Ford.Maybe he'll do a Thursday push?Maybe he's just trying to pique media interest -- make them think he will really get in.Van Hilleary appears to definitely be in on the GOP side. Says the decision is coming in a week to 10 days.Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1109095728436756582005-02-22T12:03:00.000-06:002005-02-22T12:08:48.436-06:00And what about Marsha...?Apparently, Marsha Blackburn hasn't completely ruled out a run for U.S. Senate in 2006.She represents the congressional district previously held by Ed Bryant. She achieved prominence and statewide name recognition as a state Senator who fought hard against the income tax. While she issued a letter recently about the race, it never said explicitly that she is not running.Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6033951.post-1108670645218417942005-02-17T13:30:00.000-06:002005-02-17T14:04:05.220-06:00Ford is ...According to today's Memphis Commercial Appeal, Congressman Harold Ford, Jr. cancelled a trip to Afghanistan and Iraq scheduled for next week to make an announcement regarding his plans for the U.S. Senate race. Speculation is that he's in. Already running in the Democratic race is State Senator Rosalind Kurita of Clarksville. The Memphis Flyer said of Kurita she "has a reputation Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01196573545170581548noreply@blogger.com1