Is Van Hilleary leaving the race?
OK, I have heard this rumor several times all over the internet and the news. I want some scoop if anyone has it. Does anyone have actual knowledge that Van is leaving the race, or is this mere speculation?
Category: 2006 Senate Race
Harold Ford out of touch with Tennesseans
I see FancyFord.com for what it is . . . funny. But, others don’t quite see it that way. Look, I would never try to justify indiscretions by Republicans . . . or their taste in cigars. But, that is not what this critique of fancyford.com is about. Besides, this website merely dredges up Republicans who are no longer in office as a comparison to the antics of Harold Ford. I think fancyford.com does a good job of telling who Harold Ford really is. If these are the facts, voters are entitled to know about them. Voters are entitled to know that he spends $2,549 for Armani suits while professing to be a public servant championing the causes of the poor and middle class. People are entitled to know that Ford spends thousands of dollars on lavish hotels. And, when you get into the numbers, people are entitled to know that nearly half of his campaign contributions are coming from out-of-state, that Harold Ford is the king of PAC money, and that Washington, D.C., New York City, and Chicago are listed in the top 5 areas for contributions to Harold Ford (not Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Jackson, and Memphis!). One of these facts alone does not tell the story. But, collectively, it tells me that Harold Ford is completely detached from the average Tennessean.
Harold Ford became a Congressman the year he graduated from law school. He failed the Tennessee bar exam, and he has YET to spend one day as a lawyer. Fancy Ford has never held a job outside of public office. This is not an attack. It is just fact. He has no idea what the values of Tennessee are. He is just another product of the exclusive Washington boys school, St. Albans. Tennessee does not need another St. Albans grad as a United States Senator.
Ooooh, Fancy Ford
Wow, Jay Bush pointed out this very entertaining website about the lavish lifestyle of Harold Ford. It is called Fancy Ford. Amazing that a “public servant” could live such a lifestyle. It reminds me of that show on E! called “It’s Good to Be [insert celebrity name]”. I think it is time for “It’s Good to be Harold Ford”.
The Al Gore Fundraiser
Here’s an issue the mainstream media won’t cover. Have you heard anything about Al Gore’s fundraiser for Harold Ford that took place last week? Oh, you haven’t. I am shocked. You would think that Harold Ford would be touting the support of a former Vice-President from his party, right? No, I guess Harold is not too proud of the conflicting messages. . . . while he is trying to “sale” Tennesseans on his avered conservatism, one of his biggest supporters is abroad bad-mouthing America. Well, I guess Harold is too busy fundraising out-of-state from New Yorkers to be concerned about such matters.
Corker’s interview with Steve Gill
For those of you in Nashville, I thought that Corker did a very good job in his interview with Steve Gill (although I felt that Gill punted a few to him and didn’t ask the tough questions). Also, they failed to discuss the “tax” issue and how Corker didn’t pay taxes during 2 years in the ’80s. On this subject, I ask “what’s the big deal?”. If he can show that he had no legal reason to pay taxes, why are we talking about this? Any taxpayer would take advantage of available laws to keep from paying more in taxes, right? At that time, he was involved in real estate deals. He had some deductions. And, he didn’t pay taxes. So, what???
The most “popular” candidate in this race
Well, I guess this poll will finally quiet all of the individuals who still hold on to the ridiculous claim that Van Hilleary is the “most popular” candidate in this race. Further, this poll shows that all three of the major Republican candidates defeat Harold Ford in a head-to-head.
Concerns about the Senate race
Dennis Sadler of Team GOP has some interesting thoughts about the nature of the Tennessee Senate race. I admit that I have had some of the same thoughts. Some of the attacks in the Republican primary (particularly from Van Hilleary’s campaign) concern me. Attacks on Republicans in a primary on insignificant issues are a new and negative trend that needs to be stopped.
Corker should release his tax returns
Bottom line, if you like him or you don’t like him, this tax issue is starting to eat at the Corker campaign. Right now, people (in general) are not following this race. However, for those that are, it is clearly an important issue. Blogging for Bryant talks today about the huge political impact of a failure to pay taxes for certain years based upon past Tennessee races. But, bottom line, to prevent this story from getting legs, the Corker campaign needs to release Mr. Corker’s tax returns. This kind of issue will eat a candidate alive (especially in the late-summer and fall) if it is allowed to fester. The only way to get out from under something like this is to tell more than anyone wants to know. If there is nothing to this, Corker Campaign, disclosure is indeed the best policy. Release the returns. You can’t ignore something of this magnitude.
Would Van leave the race?
While Jay Bush has a great idea about Van backing off to seek Gordon’s seat, I am a bit turned off about the possiblity of these individuals floating around uncommitted to any one position . . . and just seeking to be voted into office somewhere. I think there is a reason Van would not have sought that seat to begin with. While it would be nice for Bryant, I think the fine people of the Boro would be sold short by having a Congressman who has pretty much no connection with them (He moved there after he got out of office - from what I understand.) and clearly had no desire to pursue that office at the beginning of this election cycle.
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Ford - lack of support in Tennessee
Conservatives for Corker discusses how Ford has a significantly higher percentage of his contributions coming from outside the state. Unlike Harold Ford, the rest of the candidates in the race continue to build a base inside Tennessee while Ford continues to mingle with rap stars, New Yorkers, and others who do not have the interests of Tennesseans at heart. Years ago, Tennessee elected a senator who lost touch with this state. He became more concerned with how New England senators felt about his voting record than Tennesseans. That senator was named Al Gore, Sr.. Tennesseans voted to bring him back home. Given Ford’s incessant desire to court popularity outside the state, rather than within Tennessee during this campaign, who do you think Ford will care more about “representing” if he got the U.S. Senate?