Are you kidding me… I just heard about this today …. Mary Parker (candidate for the State Senate in Tennessee) actually appeared in Circuit Court (see video) to get out of a ticket… she appealed this from General Sessions to Circuit????  And, she is a candidate for State Senate, and, yet, she would have the audacity to say that “in Nashville, they just let lawyers get out of tickets”.  Quick… call Turko!

By the way, I love the look on Judge Tim Easter’s face as she is telling him this.  No wonder she lost.  That …. and she was running against a great candidate (Jack Johnson).

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Let’s call it what it was.  No need for spin.  This election was a referendum on the President.  And, a lot of people got hurt in the process.  I hope the President is listening and responds, effectively. 

I have always felt that W’s biggest mistake was deserting the conservatives who elected him.  And, now, he must pay by becoming a 2-year lame duck President.  But, at the same time, it is clear to me that the Democrats do not have a mandate to do what they “really” want to do.  In this election, the American people were saying … “we want politicians to work together.”  Therefore, Pelosi, Reed, etc. will not be able to follow the agenda that they really would like to follow …. impeaching President Bush and the immediate withdrawl from Iraq!

Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see how the next few years play out in D.C.  Congratulations to the Democrats.  They campaigned well at the national level.  I think that the real winner this year is Rahm Immanuel, the orchestrator of this election.  Expect Immanuel to become a MUCH more powerful force in Washington.

But, on a local level, I could not be more pleased.  I am sorry, of course, that Jim Bryson did not win.  Jim is a fine man.  But, Bredesen’s victory does signify a reinforcement of conservative principles in state governance.  Bredesen has acted more like a conservative Republican that Sundquist ever did or hope to. 

Also, congratulations to the now State Senator Jack Johnson.  He will do an excellent job for Williamson County and the state. 

And, of course, congratulations to Senator Bob Corker and all of the Corker supporters.  It was a tough-fought campaign.  Though the national picture doesn’t look to rosy for Republicans, at least, in Tennessee - we can take comfort in this victory.

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Volunteer Voters discusses the new Wall Street Journal poll, showing Bob Corker with a decisive lead: 

From Blogging for Corker:

A new Wall Street Journal/ Zogby Poll released today shows Republican Senate candidate Bob Corker with a 7 point lead over Washington Congressman Harold Ford. The independent poll has a margin of error of 3.3%.

So what do you think this means? Is this poll proof that the Ford campaign has reached its ceiling and that the retooled Corker campaign has reclaimed it’s rightful place atop the heap?

Or is this just one more poll among many others that will swing back and forth right up until election day?

I have always maintained that Ford needs to be within or above the margin of error to win. This poll is not within the margin AND it favors Corker. Not good news for Ford however you slice it — especially since folks are beginning to actually cast early voting ballots.

I have to agree with A.C..  I have to hand it to Ford.  From the beginning, I didn’t think (and many didn’t) that he even stood half of a chance.  But, I admit … about a month ago …. I became slightly concerned.  The primary just tore all three apart.

But, from the beginning, I have also thought that Ford just had no margin for error in order to win this race.  I saw the momentum change a month ago.  But, now, clearly, based upon new polling data, the momentum has shifted again.  While I think that this race may be closer than 7, I now feel pretty confident in Corker’s win.

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Apparently, Ford and Martha Stewart are no stranger to the Hamptons or the “Hampties” for that matter …. pretty funny:

  NRSC: Will Fancy Ford Return To The Hamptons To Reclaim His Title This Summer?

WASHINGTON—Memorial Day marks the traditional start of summer and for Harold Ford that means partying with the stars in the Hamptons, an exclusive New York beach hideaway. Today, the NRSC is updating Fancy Ford to recognize Ford’s title as the Hamptons “Coolest Politician” the summer of ’04.

“Winning awards from New York gossip columns is fancy but it’s probably not going to help Harold Ford’s efforts to connect with mainstream Tennesseans,” said NRSC spokesman Dan Ronayne. “Hanging out with the stars at a posh retreat grooving to Nirvana is not how most Tennesseans spend their summers but Harold Ford is a fancy guy.”

In 2004, The New York Post’s “Page Six” summed up the summer season at New York’s ultra-exclusive Hamptons resort community by bestowing awards—‘Hampties’—on the celebrities, models, debutantes, and media moguls who inhabit that fanciest of beach destinations. The rich and famous flock to the area every summer, but only a select few have the style, gusto, and chic attitude to win a Hamptie…one of those select few is the Democrat Congressman representing Memphis, Harold Ford, Jr., who won a Hamptie to bring back to Washington DC.

Ford Won The Hamptie For “Coolest Politician.” “Coolest Politician: Rep. Harold Ford Jr., 34, of Tennessee, who was spotted dancing the night away at Cabana last month. The Democratic rising star’s best move? Swaying solo to Nirvana’s ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit.’” (Dan Kadison and Bridget Harrison, “What You Did This Summer,” The New York Post, September 5, 2004)

Ford Is A Fan Of The Hamptons, According To Ford’s 2004 Cycle Disbursements, His Campaign Spent $752.18 On Food And Beverages In East Hampton In August 2004. (Re-Elect Harold Ford, Jr., Third Quarter Report, Federal Election Commission, October 15, 2004)

If he wants to win another Hamptie, he’ll have to keep up his fancy ways.

Competition For Hampties Was Tough In ‘04, With Celebrities And Their Publicists Partying To Impress. “‘The Hamptons is where it’s at’ was the cry this summer as A-listers headed for the beach and Kathy Hilton and Lizzie Grubman both turned up in the East End with reality-TV camera crews.” (Dan Kadison and Bridget Harrison, “What You Did This Summer,” The New York Post, September 5, 2004)

Indeed, Ford Had To Compete With The Likes Of Martha, Gwyneth, And Paris. “This season saw Martha Stewart trying to act like she wasn’t about to face a stint in jail, Gwyneth Paltrow trying to act like she wasn’t famous and Paris Hilton trying to get the attention of anyone who crossed her path.” (Dan Kadison and Bridget Harrison, “What You Did This Summer,” The New York Post, September 5, 2004)

But At Least Ford Was In Fancy Company While Pursuing His Hamptie. “Other stars having fun in the sun included Robert Downey Jr., Richard Gere, Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick, Charlize Theron, Jamie Lee Curtis, Steven Spielberg, Gisele Bundchen and Leonardo DiCaprio and proud new East Hampton homeowner Jon Bon Jovi to name but a few…” (Dan Kadison and Bridget Harrison, “What You Did This Summer,” The New York Post, September 5, 2004)

Other 2004 Hamptie Winners Included Ivanka Trump, Beverly Hills 90210 Star Shannen Doherty, Calvin Klein, Howard Stern, Sean ‘P. Diddy’ Combs, And An “Unknown Person Who Left A Baby In An SUV To Attend A Hamptons Magazine Clambake Back In June.” (Dan Kadison and Bridget Harrison, “What You Did This Summer,” The New York Post, September 5, 2004)

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If this story on Volunteer Voters is true, this primary is now officially, ridiculous!:

I witnessed only the end of a combative argument, I spoke to three others who saw and/or heard the heated discussion. Early Saturday night as attendees were making their way intol the building, Both Hilleary and Corker were strategically standing to shake hands and ask for votes. Corker was first in line and then roughly six feet away was Hilleary then speaking to those people Corker had been schmoozing seconds before.

Bob Corker’s new television ads were a main stay of the subject matter discussed. Mr. Corker claims to have “saved” Chattanooga and lowered taxes…a stretch for even the kool-aid drinking Corkerites. As I was standing outside passing out Hilleary stickers, evidently Bob Corker took offense to Van Hilleary telling voters that Bob Corker’s ad were untrue or, best, a more likely political lie.

As Corker confronted Van Hilleary on his campaign tactics of calling Corker on his untruthful ads, as even the Tennessean seems to think Corker ads are full of B-S, The argument was on with Bob Corker accusing Van Hilleary of “never doing anything with his life” (US Congressman? Gulf War veteran?) and Van Hilleary firing back that Corker should have the guts to tell the truth about Corker raising taxes. Mr. Corker reportedly said that he “had” to raise taxes in order to help Chattanooga. Van advised Mr. Corker that the more “lies” that the Corker Campaign told, the more times Bob Corker would be exposed as a fraud. The two grew angrier and a high level Shelby County Republican supporting Ed Bryant said after Corker’s initial volley, Van Hilleary was “barking back” down in Corker’s face. He also said that he though Van might “slap the taste of out [Corker’s] mouth.”

After a couple of minutes, someone came outside to tell me that “Van and Corker are getting into it.” I saw an angry Van and a timid Bob Corker who went outside and chatted with me and several others for a few minutes. Surprisingly Mr. Corker said he completely agreed with my recent assessment of the senate race, except the likely winner. (I am still humbled and surprised by who and how many read our little newsletter and Blog.)

Several people told me later they thought the two were going to have to be separated and it was clear from the witnesses that Bob Corker’s reaction shows his infamous thin skin and that he may have to grow up a little this summer if he wants to stand up and fight for a senate seat. This ain’t beanbag. This is not the same race or even the same Party it was in 1994.

I think that, next, we need to have a steel cage match.  And, the winner wins the Republican Primary.  We can bring down Jesse the Body to referee, or maybe, we could have a Royal Rumble.  The possiblities are limitless.

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Last week, I had the privilege of having breakfast with Jack Johnson, candidate for the Tennessee State Senate.  Prior to our meeting, I admit that I didn’t know Jack that well.  I had seen him at numerous Party functions.  For those of you who do not know him, as you can see from his bio, Jack has been very involved in the Republican Party in Tennessee for years. 

Before meeting him, I knew that he had an impressive resume of involvement in Republican politics.  However, after I met with him, I left our meeting even more impressed.  Jack is a very impressive guy, and he will make a very formidable candidate.  He is very personable with a common sense approach to politics.  And, I think that anyone who has the opportunity to meet him would likely vote for him.  Also, I think that he has a good sense of what he needs to do to win this seat. 

I know that Nathan Moore earlier referred to his law partner, Chip Throckmorton, as the “front runner”.  After meeting with Jack and keeping my ear to the ground, I will respectfully have to disagree with Nathan.  Jack is a very impressive individual who is worthy to assume the seat of our esteemed State Senator, and hopefully, next Governor, Jim Bryson.  Good luck, Jack.  I know you will do well.

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Apparently, with all the celebrity contributors that Harold Ford has, clearly, Hollywood sees Ford as a friend.  I admit . . . this article discusses celebrities outside of Hollywood who are in support of Ford.  This article mentions that “Tennessee has had nationally recognized and respected senators who are guided by and grounded in Tennessee values.  Ford shares those values.”  But, I ask you . . . does Rob Reiner share the same values as the typical Tennessean?  Probably not.  My guess is that “Meathead” (All in the Family reference) went for Kerry in ‘04, Gore in ‘00, Clinton 2 times, Dukakis, Mondale, and McGovern.  I don’t remember Tennessee doing the same.  Clearly, liberal celebrities know something that the Ford campaign does not want to share.

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This post actually makes me sad.  I feel that Ed Bryant is a good and honorable man.  But, Bob the Fraud looks like the dying gasp of a campaign.  If this campaign still has life (and I still believe that it does), why do something like this?

Believe me.  I have a sense of humor.  Anyone who knows me knows that.  And, yes, I even thought Fancy Ford was funny.  It was.  But, this is different.  Bob the Fraud accuses Bob Corker of fraud.  Bryant campaign, do you even know what fraud is?  This is a STRONG allegation. 

And do you find it to be slightly over the top to have Bob Corker depicted with a pimp-looking character who reminds me of “Sweet Daddy” from Good Times - attacking another Republican?   In one word this is ridiculous.  And, let me add on another word . . . sad.  I think that the Bryant campaign should be embaressed by this website.  Where is this campaign going?  Who is in charge here?  And, do they really think that this website will persuade one voter?  Am I the only one who thinks this site is ridiculous?  I don’t think so.  Not from what I have read.

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The Tennessean published an article today stating that “Memphis Democrat Harold Ford Jr.’s fundraising since Jan. 1 is nearly that of the three leading Republican contenders combined.” 

However, when one looks at WHERE the money is coming from, it is easy to see why.  Harold Ford knows no geographical boundaries with his fundraising.  And, it appears that Ford knows others much better than he knows Tennesseans.  For example, let’s contrast the candidates:

Bob Corker 95% in-state, 6% out-of-state

Van Hilleary 88% in-state, 13% out-of-state

Ed Bryant 91% in-state, 10% out-of-state 

However, a whopping 59.2% of Harold Ford’s money comes from outside the state of Tennessee!  ONLY 40.8% of Harold Ford’s campaign financing comes from the people who he wants to represent.  Unbelievable!  Now, these numbers cause me to wonder who Harold Ford really wants to represent.  Fortunately, Ford cannot bus in Bill Clinton, Sarah Jessica Parker, and the rest of his supporters to vote in the election.  Unfortunately for Harold, at some point, he will actually have to reach out to Tennesseans and ask for their votes.

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And, the talking continues.  JB has a good post about whether Van Hilleary will bow out of the Senate race to run for Governor.  A lot of rumors continue to fly around about whether he will leave the race to run.  These rumors do make you think.  Van would be in a decent financial position to make a run for Governor - although Jim Bryson is a much more viable candidate and would make a much better Governor.  It will be interesting to see how this one plays out.

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