My choices in the August election

 So, Early Voting started today at the locations around the County.  My favorite, given where I live, is Greater Lewis Street Church at the SE corner of Poplar and Parkway, it is relatively easy to get in and out.  Please know that when I write these posts, they are MY opinion and MINE ONLY.

There is only one General election this August, for General Sessions Court Clerk.  The Republican nominee is Lisa Arnold, who worked there for many years before retiring a decade ago to work as a bail bondsman and a bounty hunter.  The Democratic nominee is former County Commissioner Tami Sawyer, who spent one term in the Commission before deciding not to seek re-election in 2022 after an ill-fated race for City Mayor in 2019.

Arnold has downplayed that she is the GOP nominee and I do not blame her, and Sawyer is proud to be a Democrat but has spoken more about what the office entails. While Arnold herself has not gone on the attack, commenters on the Daily Memphian have tried to suggest that she would be like Wanda Halbert, who, sadly, has been less than competent as County Clerk.  These charges are ridiculous and dog-whistling.

For her part, Sawyer did move away for a while but returned a while back, and while I certainly did not support her for Mayor, I think she will do a fine job in this office and I recommend a vote for Tami Sawyer for General Sessions Court Clerk.

Now, to the primaries.

US House District 9 - I like Corey Strong, but not right now.  He had attacked Steve Cohen for not bringing home enough grants and Federal dollars to the district.  One wonders how he reacted upon hearing that the incumbent secured $400 Million today to completely replace the I-55 Memphis-Arkansas Bridge, which has stood since 1948.  Now is not the time to change horses, especially a workhorse like Cohen.   Corey is a good guy and I can see him in elected office, but not here and not now.

US Senate - This is going to be an uphill race no matter who the Democratic nominee happens to be, but why make it more difficult than it has to be?  Gloria Johnson of Knoxville, the hard-fighting State Representative, is the best choice to go up against the completely useless Marsha Blackburn of Williamson County.  If you can help Gloria, please do, but vote for her to be the Democratic nominee first.

I do not live in State Senate District 30, but I ask those of you who DO to please vote for incumbent Senator Sara Kyle, who has been a stalwart and one of the best public servants the STATE has ever had, much less District 30.  She is opposed by Erika Stotts Pearson, who supports VOUCHERS so that public schools can be drained of funds and given to rich people who send their kids to private schools.  Even if Sara Kyle were not the tremendous legislator that she is, the fact that Pearson, who apparently has not bothered to file her campaign disclosures, is a supporter of the voucher scam, is more than enough reason to vote for Sara.  Please vote for SARA KYLE.

State House District 84.  Joe Towns, Jr. is opposed by Vernell Williams but I have yet to hear a good reason from Williams why Joe Towns should be replaced, let's keep Joe Towns.

State House District 86. Often criticized by many for being to showy, Rep. Justin J. Pearson understands that sometimes being quiet just does not get the job done, because it does not change the issue that we are being bullied by the GOP Supermajority, which we all want to come to an end this November.  Sometimes you just have to raise hell at injustice, and Pearson has done that and raised money for other progressive candidates in the process.  We need to keep Rep. Justin J. Pearson as long as he wants to serve us as a legislator.

State House District 93 - Rep. G.A. Hardaway, Sr. is opposed by Lashanta Rudd but I have not heard her or why she is running against the veteran legislator.  I recommend another term for Rep. G.A. Hardaway, Sr..

State House District 96 - This district was vacated by my friend of more years than I can count, Rep. Dwayne Thompson, who flipped this seat in 2016 after a strong campaign in the Cordova area.  While there are several good candidates in this race, like Eric Dunn, one stands above the rest:  Former SCDP Chair Gabby Salinas, who almost unseated the now-convicted Senator Brian Kelsey in 2018 in a close race.  She, better than any other candidates, represents what Dwayne Thompson has stood for; strong public schools, good government, and making sure that government is fully funded.  Gabby Salinas is my choice for District 96.

Unopposed in their State House primaries are first-time candidate Noah Nordstrom, who will face incumbent GOP Rep. Mark White in November in State House District 83, Rep. Jesse Chism (86), House Democratic Leader Karen Camper (87), Rep. Larry J. Miller (88), Rep. Torrey C. Harris (91), Jesse Huseth (97), who faces GOP Rep. John Gillespie in the state's MOST-FLIPPABLE DISTRICT, and Rep. Antonio Parkinson (98).  

As I live in MSCS Board District 1, that seat is not up for election until 2026.  I have only two recommendations, for the re-election of Commissioners Stephanie Love (3) and Mauricio Calvo (5), both of whom have given great service to the schoolchildren during their time on the board.

So, these are my choices, please go vote in this election and later in November, where I will have only one recommendation: VOTE DEMOCRATIC IN EVERY PARTISAN RACE as our Democracy depends upon it.

You asked for it and you are going to GET IT, Part 3 - State and Federal Democratic Primaries

 Thank you for your patience.

Ok then.  As always, your mileage may vary, but here we go!

GOVERNOR - Jason Brantley Martin - While the good ER doctor from Nashville is not what I would call a powerhouse on the stump, he does have the best chance to defeat Bill Lee.  Nothing against Councilor JB Smiley Jr or Carnita Atwater, but ask yourself this question: Of the three, who do you think could get the most votes in Dyer County?  Lincoln County?  Polk County?  

Yes, that is what we are up against, and every vote we can pull away from the worst Governor in the history of this state helps us down the ballot, and down the road as we fight the Party that supports seditionists.  Smiley has a future, but he is moving too fast by half.  Nice guy, I agree with him on a lot of things, but I don't think he can win.  Atwater has less of a chance than I do and I am not running. 

So, Dr. Martin it is.

UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, DISTRICT 9.

Steve Cohen until he doesn't want to do this anymore, which won't be any time soon, thankfully.

As with most of these seats, there is no primary opposition, I will skip them and jump ahead.

STATE SENATE, DISTRICT 33

When Katrina Robinson was forced to resign after her federal conviction, there was only one real possibility to fill this seat, and LONDON LAMAR was that person.  She has done so much even before she was elected to State Representative District 91, having built the Shelby County and Tennessee Young Democrats into powerhouses.  She was a terrific representative, fighting hard for her district and getting bills passed in both houses despite being in a super minority as a Democrat. In the redistricting, I was moved from Brian Kelsey's District 31 to her District 33.  It does not get much better than that!  Please vote and support LONDON LAMAR for a full term in the State Senate!

Tennessee House of Representatives, District 84  Surprisingly, Joe Towns Jr faces opposition in Brandon Price.  No idea who this person is, I am sticking with Joe Towns!

Tennessee House of Representatives, District 85 - Jesse Chism is the choice over Phyllis Parks, he has been solid and steady since arriving in Nashville.

Tennessee House of Representatives, District 86

Every year someone runs against Barbara Cooper and every year they LOSE.  She may be in her 90s but she is always out in her district and is a familiar sight there.  I wish I had that much energy!

Tennessee House of Representatives, District 91

We have all heard the saying that when one door closes, another one opens.  TORREY HARRIS can tell you firsthand about that.  When his district was combined with District 91 and District 90 was sent into the hinterlands, it wasn't long before Katrina Robinson's departure from the Senate led to the elevation of London Lamar to her seat and House 91 was left open.  While the County Commission decided to wait for the August election,. Harris, who was now living in 91, filed for the seat.  He was a good representative for 90 and he should be nominated and elected in November to this seat full time.

Tennessee House of Representatives, District 97

My address was moved from 90 to 97, which used to be primarily Bartlett, Raleigh and Berclair, where Allan Creasy and Gabby Salinas each attempted to capture it.  However, Rep. John Gillespie got Bartlett and Raleigh out of the district in order to get more of the Poplar Corridor into it, where the fundraising was presumably better.  That said, it is also a more flippable district now, since it reaches all the way to Humes Heights!  No, I am not running, but HOUSTON WOLF is, and I voted for him today, and if you now live in House 97, I want you to do so as well!

State Executive  Committeewoman  District 30  In all of the state Democratic Executive Committee races, this one is the only contested race, with Committeewomen Allison Brownlee (Senate 29), Sarah W. Freeman (31), Deborah K. Reed (32) and Rosemanry Winters (33) join Committeemen Darrick "Dee" Harris (29), Allan Creasy (30), Dave Cambron (31), and Jonathan Carroll (33) in advancing to the Committee.  Yes, before you ask, that is OUR Jon Carroll, delighted to see him and Allan Creasy going to the TNDPEC to shake things up.

In the State Executive  Committeewoman  District 30 race, there are two powerhouses.  Anyone who reads this blog knows Norma Lester, who has been involved as long or longer than I have, having served on the SCDPEC, the Shelby County Election Commission and various campaigns, and there is relative newcomer Jasmine Boyd.  Ms. Boyd has brought energy and organizational ability to each campaign she has worked with, and has developed a lot of support in a lot of Democratic areas.

I adore Norma Lester, it is hardly a secret and all who know her do as well.  That said, for the work that is ahead in building back the state party, especially in each Senate District, needs energy and organization.  Norma has done so much for this Party in this county, her advice is always listened to when given.  However, for what needs to be done, I am going to support JASMINE BOYD for this office.  We need to maximize the Democratic vote in EVERY SENATE DISTRICT FROM 1 TO 33, and I believe that for the task at hand, Ms. Boyd will be the best for this position.  No doubt Norma is always going to be a part of this Party and is and will be treasured by all Democrats, but Jasmine Boyd is best suited for this role at this time.

All right, fire away y'all!  Lets beat every Republican wherever we can!

You asked for it and you are going to GET IT, part 2 - Judgeships!

 I am only going to do the seats in which there is a contested election, so here we go:

CIRCUIT COURT, DIVISION 2

Part time City Attorney Carlos Bibbs won the Bar Association poll over former state representative and City Councilor Carol Chumney and attorney Kenneth Margolis, who has a huge billboard at the Poplar Viaduct.  Bibbs is well-liked and has a good record.  All that said, I have known Carol since the late 80s and worked in most of her campaigns.  I am voting for Carol Chumney in this race.

CIRCUIT COURT,  DIVISION 6

Stuart Breakstone is facing Cedrick Wooten in this one.  Breakstone won the Bar poll, which can be found here.  That said, I have known Cedrick Wooten since he was in high school and I believe he will be an outstanding Judge.  I am supporting Cedrick Wooten.

CIRCUIT COURT, DIVISION 7 

Incumbent Mary Wagner won the bar poll, along with the endorsement of Mayor Strickland and former Democratic Chair and outgoing Commissioner Van Turner.  Paul Robinson, Jr.  is opposing her.  I will probably vote for Judge Wagner.

CIRCUIT COURT, DIVISION 8 

Incumbent Bob Weiss faces Damita Dandridge and Larry Parrish, but won the Bar poll handily.  I have heard nothing bad about him so I will likely vote for him.

CHANCELLOR, PART 1

I am just going to list whom I am voting for at this point.  Gadson William Perry is the incumbent and I am supporting him.

CHANCELLOR, PART 3

Joe Jenkins, the incumbent, gets my support here.

PROBATE COURT JUDGE, DIVISION 2

Incumbent Karen Webster gets my vote.

CRIMINAL COURT, DIVISION 1

Incumbent Paula Skahan is one of the best judges in this STATE.  She will get my vote every time!

CRIMINAL COURT, DIVISION 2

This is wide open and I am going to go with Samuel Winnig, with Joe Ozment a close second.

CRIMINAL COURT, DIVISION 3

Michael R. McCusker is my choice here.

CRIMINAL COURT, DIVISION 5

Undecided between Christopher Lareau and Carlyn Addison,

CRIMINAL COURT, DIVISION 6

Judicial Commissioner David Pool gets my vote.

CRIMINAL COURT, DIVISION 7

Incumbent Lee V. Coffee gets the nod here.

CRIMINAL COURT, DIVISION 8

While incumbent judge Chris Craft is very well liked among the lawyers in this town, we need more people on the bench who have been on the defense side of the aisle, and Sanjeev Memula is getting my vote here.  He may be younger, but he understands Criminal Court as well as anyone running, and I am voting for him.

CRIMINAL COURT, DIVISION 9

Judge Mark Ward,  the incumbent, is highky respected and with good reason.  he gets my support.

Now, onto General Sessions Court!

GENERAL SESSIONS CIVIL COURT JUDGE, DIVISION 1

Incumbent Lynn Cobb is my pick here.

GENERAL SESSIONS CIVIL COURT JUDGE, DIVISION 3

Lots of good lawyers here, but my choice is Danielle Mitchell Sims.

GENERAL SESSIONS CIVIL COURT JUDGE, DIVISION 4

Voting to keep Deborah Ann Means Henderson on the bench.

GENERAL SESSIONS CIVIL COURT JUDGE, DIVISION 5

Betty Thomas Moore deserves another term.

GENERAL SESSIONS CIVIL COURT JUDGE, DIVISION 6

Bring back LONNIE THOMPSON for 8 more years.

GENERAL SESSIONS CRIMINAL COURT JUDGE, DIVISION 7

 I believe Judge Bill Anderson created this particular court and does a fine job with it.

GENERAL SESSIONS CRIMINAL COURT JUDGE, DIVISION 8

This is a tough race, but I am backing Lee Wilson.

GENERAL SESSIONS CRIMINAL COURT JUDGE, DIVISION 9

Incumbent Gerald Skahan has done quite well here and deserves another term.

GENERAL SESSIONS CRIMINAL COURT JUDGE, DIVISION 10

 This is a wide open race, but I like Kevin Reed here.

GENERAL SESSIONS CRIMINAL COURT JUDGE, DIVISION 11

I am voting for the incumbent, Karen Massey.

GENERAL SESSIONS CRIMINAL COURT JUDGE, DIVISION 12

Silvio "Ron" Lucchesi has done good work on the bench so I support him for another term.

GENERAL SESSIONS CRIMINAL COURT JUDGE, DIVISION 13

Terrance Tatum  is my choice to unseat Louis Montesi.

ENVIRONMENTAL COURT JUDGE DIVISION 14.

Patrick Dandridge  was trained for this job by his predecessor, Larry Potter, and it was no surprise when he replaced him on this bench.  He has done well overall, and I am choosing him for another term, but I do understand the frustrations over the SERENITY TOWERS case.  But, he is a judge first, and I appreciate that.

GENERAL SESSIONS CRIMINAL COURT JUDGE, DIVISION 15

8 more years for Judge LOYCE LAMBERT-RYAN!

Ok y'all, that is it for tonight, State and Federal Democratic Primaries tomorrow!

You asked for it and you are going to GET IT, County General Election (not judgeships)

 Ok, y'all, Early voting opened today statewide and the voting centers will be open until 7 pm today, 10-4 on Saturday, and closed on Sunday before starting back on Monday and going through July 30.  You may want to vote early because precincts have changed for Election Day and its better to find out your new precinct when you get to an Early voting Center.  Here is the list from the SCEC.

Most of you have been around a while but for those who may not have been, the August election is essentially the COUNTY GENERAL ELECTION and the State and Federal primaries, which can be confusing.  And of course, as part of the COUNTY GENERAL ELECTION, we have the every-8-year elections for District Attorney General, Juvenile Court Judge and various other judgeships.  It is a BIG ballot, so I hope you can get some time to study this.  The MEMPHIS PUBLIC LIBRARIES have taken the time a trouble to create a Voter Guide to study the candidates.

We are going to start with the COUNTY GENERAL ELECTIONS, which are partisan except for the judgeships.

Since they are partisan, I will say this: VOTE DEMOCRATIC.  EVERY FREAKING RACE, EVEN COUNTY CLERK.

District Attorney General - Steve Mulroy.  This is the single most important race in this election because we have the chance to truly change the direction of crime and punishment, which we really have never had.  The incumbent., Amy Weirich, has been the DAG for 14 years and a prosecutor for many years before that.  What she does is not working.  Period.  Mulroy is a former AUSA in another part of the country, a current law professor at the University of Memphis and was a County Commissioner for eight years.  He has a different vision for how we prosecute people in this county, and we damn sure need it.

County Mayor - Lee Harris - Mayor Harris has taken criticism for the County's handling of the pandemic.  He let the then-head of the County Health Department, Dr. Alisa Hausholder (a holdover fromr the prior Republican administration of Mayor Mark Luttrell, IIRC), who, frankly mishandled the situation.  Others do not like the way has dealt with the County Commission, but it was really not much different that the battles Luttrell had with HIS own party in Terry Roland.  His GOP opponent, Worth Morgan, son of the legendary financier Allen Morgan, has been the City Councilor for District 5 since 2016.  He has had some successes, but is not ready for this.  

County Commission, District 13 (my new district). - Michael Whaley is seeking his second term, and while maybe not as lefty as I would like, he is certainly enough of a Democrat to support over Republican Ed Apple, whom I do not know.

As for your districts, find the Democrat, vote for them and it will work out fine.  I am not playing this year.

Assessor of Property - Melvin Burgess has done a fine job since succeeding Cheyenne Johnson and has programs to help certain area improve their values and raise their investment in their neighborhoods.  This is the kind of thing we needed. 

County Trustee Regina Morrison Newman, who collects taxes for not only the County but the City of Memphis, has won awards for her department's great work to ensure the County receives what they need to ensure the governments can operate.  Let's keep this going!

Juvenile Court Judge.  Tarik Sugarmon is my choice to replace Dan Michael, who is the latest in a series of Judges that have overseen a Court that sends children to adult court at a ridiculously high rate and has not done much to break the school-to prison pipeline. While Michael ha said he sees that changes are necessary, I do not have confidence that he will do what is necessary to make those changes.  Tarik Sugarmon WILL.

Sheriff - Floyd Bonner - How good has the longtime veteran of the Sheriff's Department been for the County?  Republicans refused to run anyone against him and all he has are two little-known independents challenging him.  He has done right by this county and we need to elect him one more time.

Circuit Court Clerk - Jamita Swearengen - This is a tough one, as I have known Soheila Kail and her husband Danny for many years.  If this were a non-partisan race, this would be real tough for me.  But it is not, and I cannot support any Republican for office because of the January 6 coup attempt.  I get that this is why a lot of Republicans WANT these races to be non-partisan, but you made your bed in 1994, and now you get to reap what you sow, GOP.  As for Democrat Jamita Swearengen, current City Council Chair apparently found herself with support from the current Circuit Court Clerk team in the primary against the incumbent, the outgoing Tamiika Gipson.  As Councilor Swearengen has been through many political battles, she is the favorite here.

Criminal Court Clerk - Heidi Kuhn, The incumbent, who was a veteran of County Government before her 2018 election, has worked tirelessly to streamline the Clerk's office and has started and operated an outstanding program to help former convicted members of society to be able to expunge their records.  This in turn helps these residents when they apply for jobs, which is more critical for our County.

Juvenile Court Clerk - Janeen Gordon is the Democratic nominee and the winner as no Republican qualified for the office.  Ms. Gordon, longtime morning traffic report at WMC-TV and a radio personality at various stations in town, is the daughter of outgoing Clerk Janis Fullilove, a beloved figure in this city.  However,, Ms. Gordon, who is NOT related to the Fullilove part of the family, insisted on being listed on the ballor as Janeen Fullilove-Gordon, which is crappy, in my opinion.  I have decided to write in someone of my choice and even though she will win, I can't support her.

Probate Court Clerk - outgoing County Commissioner Eddie Jones unseated incumbent Bill Morrison in the May primary and is the favorite to defeat Republican DeWayne Jackson.  I will vote for him as I don't vote for Republicans.  

County Clerk - oh man.  The incumbent is Democrat Wanda Halbert, whose prior successes on the School Board and the City Council have just not translated to this position, which he won in the 2018 sweep.  She has seemingly been in a constant fight with the Harris Administration and the state of Tennessee, who, surprisingly, has been correct.  This hurts, but I just can't do this.  I am going to vote for Independent Harold C. Smith because this needs to change.

Register of Deeds - outgoing County Commissioner Willie Brooks unseated Shelandra Ford in the May primary and is favored over Republican Bryan Edmiston and Independent George "Dempsey Summers.  Brooks is a veteran of county government and very knowledgeable at its workings.  He will do well.

County School Board. District 1 is a rematch of 2018 with current incumbent and Board Chair Michelle McKissack facing the man she unseated then, Chris Caldwell.  Given that she is chair at the time the Board has placed Superintendent Joris Ray on leave while he is being investigated to see if he had affairs with Board employees, it is unnerving to want to replace her.  I voted for Caldwell four years ago and have not been impressed with her term.  I am voting to return Chris Caldwell to the school board.

Oh, andI almost forgot, tthe City of Memphis has a resolution on the ballot, which states the following;

Shall the Memphis City Charter be amended to increase the number of terms of a person holding or elected to the office of the Mayor or Memphis City Council may be allowed to serve,with a maximum of three consecutive 4-year terms?   

I am going to vote for this for only the most selfish of reasons, as most of you know, my wife works on the 7th Floor and I would like to see a third term for Mayor Strickland.  I also get that even most of his devout supporters who would also like to see that happen will vote NO because they are not keen on the idea of Councilors also getting potential third terms. The Mayor did not exactly stump for this to pass the other day, merely indicating that if the community did pass it, he would seek a third term.  Vote your conscience and we will all be fine by and by.

OK, that is it for part 1 - County General Elections.  Coming up next, - the judgeships!

You asked for it and are you going to get it!

 At the request of several, and I thank you for still wanting to know, I am presenting my choices for the Democratic County Primary to select nominees for the County General Election in August.  Early Voting begins at the satellite sites on Monday, April 18 and continues through Thursday, April 28.  There was EV at the downtown location ONLY on Wednesday and Thursday this week.  This was because most of the sites were churches.  (NOTE: with as many SECULAR, GOVERNMENT RELATED FACILITIES such as SCHOOLS and FIRE STATIONS, why are we still renting churches?  I feel a post coming on about that, but not now.)

I am not getting into the County Commission races except for the one I have been redistricted into, the new District 13, which will be represented by Commissioner Michael Whaley, the Democrat formerly from District 5, which was moved to Cordova.  He is unopposed, so I will vote for him.

I am not picking in the Republican Primary because I never vote in that Primary and if I DID choose anyone, they would be called RINOs get beaten badly.  So, there is that.

Also, as Democrats hold all but one County office, my watchword, for the most part, will be to support incumbents.  If it isn't broke, don't fix it.  Since the only one that IS broken is the one the Republicans hold, and since it appears to be first on the ballot, let's go pick a good Democrat for that seat, shall we?

DISTRICT ATTORNEY GENERAL, 30th JUDICIAL DISTRICT

 First, all three of the candidates running in our primary would do a much superior job that the current incumbent, who has held her job for 14 years and worked as a prosecutor there for over 30.  Simply put, let me ask you this question: ARE YOU SAFER NOW THAN YOU WERE 8 YEARS AGO?

Of course not.  That's because what that entire office has done for half a century HAS NOT WORKED. We have to try a different approach, and each of the candidates would try a new approach and give the County a chance to move into the 21st Century.   

The candidates are former County Commissioner, former Assistant US Attorney and current UM Law professor Steve Mulroy, attorney Janika White and Linda Harris, also a former Federal Prosecutor and former Memphis Police officer.

That means the question at hand is, which one?  As a Democrat who wants change, the question I ask is this: Which of the candidates is best positioned to defeat the current incumbent in August?  I believe it is former County Commissioner Steve Mulroy.  

Not only has Mulroy proven knowledgeable about what the job entails, he knows how to run the race necessary to defeat the current incumbent and take the job and the office in a better direction.  As he CAN win, I support STEVE MULROY for this office.

COUNTY MAYOR

If this office did not have a Democratic incumbent, I would very much be inclined to vote for Ken Moody, special assistant to Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland.  I have voted for him before when he ran for a clerk position.  I know he had some issues when working for former Mayors Willie Herenton and AC Wharton.  However, under the Strickland Administration, he has really shown to be a solid leader who gets things done for the City.  Personally, I think he is terrific as a person and as a public servant.

Having said that, we DO have an incumbent County Mayor in Lee Harris, and Mayor Harris understands the differences in the jobs of County Mayor and Memphis Mayor, which is a much more hands-on position.  This allows Mayor Harrs to take a different tack in the County Mayor's office, taking more partisan positions for what IS a partisan office.  Just as Mayor Strickland's style of management fits City government like a glove, Harris is perfectly suited for the office of County Mayor.  He will be leading the Democrats into battle in August, and he is just the person I want to be there this year.  I support LEE HARRIS for our nomination for County Mayor.

ASSESSOR OF PROPERTY

MELVIN BURGESS has done a fine job as our Assessor, in addition to keeping the appraisals current, he has a project to raise values, leading to more investment, in one of the city's most depressed areas, Orange Mound.  Again, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.  Four more years for MELVIN BURGESS.

COUNTY TRUSTEE

Not just because she has been my friend for (muffled sounds) years, but because her work has been recognized as one of the best in Tennessee, REGINA MORRISON NEWMAN is unopposed in the Democratic Primary for good reason, and she has earned your vote and mine now and in August.  Enough said.

SHERIFF

I know that a few Democrats may not be happy with incumbent Sheriff FLOYD BONNER, who has no primary opposition and only a few Independents in August.  Republicans knew better than to send up a sacrificial lamb and waste their efforts.  He received more votes than ANY OTHER CANDIDATE in the August 2018 county elections, and will again this year.  He is a veteran of the SCSO and understands what the job requires.  Again, four more years!

CIRCUIT COURT CLERK

The candidates are incumbent Temiika Gipson, who surprisingly won the primary 4 years ago and was swept into office that August.  While I have heard nothing about how the office has been run (admittedly, a very good sign for a clerk's office) she has drawn opposition from City Councilor Jamita Swearengen, who is in the next to last year of her last term.  She is also from a very prominent political family; her father James Swearengen was a well-respected judge in Shelby County, and her aunt Barbara Swearengen Holt Ware was a legendary Councilor who could get seven votes on almost any issue she wanted.  I have yet to decide, I need to do more research, I will let you know how I voted after I make up my mind.

CRIMINAL COURT CLERK

The incumbent, Heidi Kuhn, is seeking a second term in the office, and is opposed by Maeve Briggs Bernard, who either has or still does work in that office, and Carla Jean Stotts, who lost to Kuhn four years ago.  I am supporting HEIDI KUHN for re-nomination and re-election because she has done a fine job, particularly for one of her great projects, working to expunge criminal records for those who have paid their debts to society, helping them become more attractive to employers and reducing recidivism among them.  Four more years!

JUVENILE COURT CLERK

REGINALD MILTON is far and away the best possible choice for Democrats to succeed the outgoing Janis Fullilove.  He is a term-limited County Commissioner who is and has always been the ultimate public servant.  Before being elected to the Commission in 2014, and since, he is the founder and creator of the non-profit organization South Memphis Alliance, which has worked to assist lower income residents of the area, and has been tireless in his efforts for his District, the City and County as a whole.  He will be the type of leader we MUST have to reform the Juvenile Court system, as he understands County Government like very few.  REGINALD MILTON is my choice.

PROBATE COURT CLERK

BILL MORRISON is the incumbent and has done a solid job in that position and is deserving of another term.  He is opposed by outgoing District 12 Commissioner Eddie Jones and former candidate William Chism Jr.; however, neither have provided solid reasons to replace Morrison.  Four more years!

COUNTY CLERK

I have ALWAYS voted for Wanda Halbert for an office when the opportunity presented itself.  Her office helped implement the system where you can pay for your vehicle registration online and have tags or license plates mailed to your home in Shelby County.  I am a little troubled by the fact that there seems to be confusion on the funding of her office, but I think she has otherwise done a good job.  She face tough opposition in the primary in William Stovall, the Chief Administrative Officer for General Sessions Court Clerk Joe Brown, who has solid experience and is more than capable of running an office.  In addition, Arriell Q. Gipson, daughter of Circuit Court Clerk Temiika Gipson, joins Stovall and Mondell Williams in attempting to oust Wanda Halbert.  UPDATE: Thanks to Gale Jones Carson for coming to my rescue to let me know that Arriell Q. Gipson is not Clerk Temiika Gipson's SISTER but her DAUGHTER.  My apologies to all involved.

All in all, I am going to vote for her this time, so four more years for WANDA HALBERT.

REGISTER OF DEEDS

Like Circuit Court Clerk Temiika Gipson, Shelandra Yvette Ford was a surprise winner in the 2018 Primary and General Election, upsetting incumbent Tom Leatherwood.  Like Gipson, I have heard little about her operation of the office, which is a good sign.

She has fierce opposition from outgoing District 6 County Commissioner Willie Brooks, who has been raising a large campaign chest, with impressive lists of supporters.  Wanda Logan Faulkner is also seeking the nomination,   While Brooks has had an impressive eight years as a Commissioner, I am not sure why he is running.  So, unless someone provides solid reasons to do otherwise, I am going to support SHELANDRA YVETTE FORD for a second term as REGISTER OF DEEDS.

Like my choices?  Say so in the Comments!  Think I am full of crap?  You better give a defensible reason in the comments.  Like some, hate some?  COMMENT!!!!

All right, going to sit back and see what you think, and as always, thank you for reading.

 

A waste of the TNDP's time is at hand. Let's not do this, shall we?

 So, if you have wandered into this wondering why I have suddenly reappeared after almost two yesrs, please read this fine article from the Daily Memphian's Bill Dries.  Go ahead, I can wait.

First things first, Mayor Strickland, in addition to taking care of our city, has also been raising money for and contributing several local Democratic candidates, just as he has every two years for as long as I have known him.   As I do have sources in that office, it is my understanding that the first time the Mayor was even aware of Ruby Powell-Dennis's campaign for State Senate District 31 was after she complained that he endorsed Republican Brent Taylor for the seat.  She had, to my knowledge, made no attempt to contact him to ASK for his support, which I thought one does out of common courtesy.

I feel for Dave Cambron, the hard-working TNDP male rep for District 31, who has a complaining candidate on his hands.  I even get their frustration, but it is past time to point out some background here.

First, as Dave points out himself, this has NO EFFECT on Mayor Strickland.  Unlike his colleagues in Shelby County. Mayor Strickland has a NON-PARTISAN office.  He has never run in a Democratic Primary and has had to seek votes from everyone regardless of partisan lean.  So, WHAT THE HELL IS THE POINT OF THIS?  Shouldn't we trying at the TNDP to actually flip FLIPPABLE SEATS (more on that in just a minute)?

Ms. Powell-Dennis (whom I have met and think highly of, despite this action out of frustration) pointed out that Gabby Salinas nearly won the seat in 2018.  Let's have some background, shall We?  She nearly won that seat because even then, a lot of Republicans detested Kelsey for his lack of concern for anyone except his donors.  Many of them rallied behind Democrats like Gabby and David Weatherspoon, and then gravitated to Gabby after the primary.

Sadly, even that was not quite enough.  Republicans are many things, but dumb (at least some of them) they are not.  They knew as this election approached that they had to gerrymander, er, REDISTRICT Senate 31 to shore up their candidate, whomever they may be.  As a result, according to the new map (which I located at DAVE'S REDISTRICTING; GOOGLE IT) the voters of the precinct that NOW comprise Senate 31 voted for Republicans 77% of the time between 2016 and 2020.  

I was one of the Democrats moved to another district, I got very lucky and was moved into Senate 33, where my new Senator is our up and coming STAR, London Lamar!  Guess who else got moved out of Senate 31?  You guessed, Ms. Powell-Dennis, who was drawn into Senate 30, where we already have a great Senator in Sara Kyle.

Undaunted, Ms. Powell-Dennis announced she was selling her home and preparing to move back into Senate 31, where her intended battle was going to get much harder.  Look, I understand why the Mayor did what he did.  It;s likely going to stay Republican, and Taylor, by all accounts, is nowhere near the whackadoodle the outgoing Kelsey was. That should be good for a Mayor who needs all the help in Nashville he can get with a GOP-dominated legislature.

Truth be told, I would still vote for Ms. Powell-Dennis if she were the Democratic nominee and I still lived in Senate 31.  I just don't vote for Republicans.  But I completely understand why Mayor Strickland endorsed Taylor and I support his decision.

Now, let's get down to brass tacks here.   I know that a lot of you for various reasons don't like the Mayor.  That is fine, whatever.  I want you to look me in the eye, though, and tell me what difference this action makes other than flipping off a mayor that was re-elected by 2/3 of the city and a majority of Black voters, who was never elected as a Democrat, even though he is and has been one his entire life.

Still don't like him?  Fine, he leaves January 1, 2024, to ride off into the sunset.

However, if you really want to prove him wrong, why don't you do something that actually HELPS Ruby Powell-Dennis in her dramatically uphill battle for Senate 31.  HERE is a link to her campaign website. HERE is a link to her donation page. Quit bitching about how Jim Strickland isn't a Democrat when he has done more than most of the complainers (I said MOST) and actually DO SOMETHING THAT WILL ACTUALLY HELP. Promise and then make calls or knock on doors for her.

Hell, after we finally get past the May and August primaries and she is the actual nominee, I can send some money too.  I challenged one of my strong Democratic friends who doesn't like the Mayor to do this, and HE DID.  See, that is what needs to be done rather than get the TNDP to pass a meaningless resolution.  They have other work to do right now.

Thanks for reading and I will be back closer to the start of Early Vote for my picks in the May primary.

Recommendations for August 6

So, I am ok, no tests for me yet, no symptions, either. 

I was asked if I was going to do any recommendations for the Primaries and the GS court clerk race, so here we go.

I agree with some of my friends that neither Paul Boyd (R) or former councilor Joe Brown (D) deserves the job of General Sessions court clerk, considering how great a job the outgoing Ed Stanton Jr. has been doing in the position.  That said, since it is almost impossible for a write-in to win, one of these two will be the next Clerk.  Simply based on the hope that the former Councilor will have less of a turnover in that office, I held my nose and voted for Joe Brown. 

Sigh.  Can't help but wonder how many people in our March Primary thought they were voting for the former state and TV judge.

Ok, then, onto the state and Federal primnary.   James Mackler should have been our nominee against Marsha Blackburn, except that Chuck Schumer and others in Tennessee had the bright idea to force him out and replace him with Phil Bredesen.   So, how'd that work out for y'all?  Not sure that Mackler would have been closer, but I would have felt better about my vote.  There are other good people in this race, but only Mackler can (and HAS) raise enough money to compete against what ever the GOP throws up at us.  What can you say about a primary where George Flinn is the closest thing to a voice of reason.  EWWWWWWW

TN-09.  Steve Cohen still up and at it?  Ok, good enough for me.  Especially now that we have the ,majority in the US House, Nancy Pelosi is going to be Speaker, and that is why we need Steve Cohen to stay there.  He has fought for his constituents since 1984 in either the State Senate or Congress, and he does what a Congressman is supposed to do, great constituent work and keeping that Federal grany money rolling in.

Corey Strong is a good dude but when I see his commercials, I wonder if he knows what a Congressman is supposed to do.  (It looks like he is running for Mayor, not Congress).  Any way, Cohen until he decides he doesn't want to do this any more.

HOUSE 90  - TORREY HARRIS .  I am in 31 so no Senate race on my ballot this year.  The race to replace the removed John DeBerry as our Democratic nominee should go to Harris, who has government experience and and understands what is needed in our district.  The other two candidates, Catrina Smith, boasts an endorsement from TV Judge Greg Mathis (and that helps anyone how????) and Anya Parker have not really impressed me, so Harris it is.

I voted to retain the Appeals Judge, Carma Dennis McGee.


So, those are the races I voted in.  Now, to the rest of the primaries.

There are some races with no primary opposition, here they are:

Senate 32 - Julie Byrd Ashworth
House 83 - Jerri Green, our best hope to knock off Mark White.
House 87, our terrific Leader, Karen Camper!!!
House 91, our up and coming star, London Lamar
House 93, the venerable GA Hardaway
House 95, Lynette Williams, who is challenging Kevin Vaughn out east
House 96, the man you can blame for getting me into all this, Dwayne Thompson!  :)

And now, the primary battles:

SENATE 30 Senator Sara Kyle has LaTroy Williams against her in the primary.  Sara Kyle has been a public servant as long as I can remember.  She is tough as nails, a fighter for her people, and has never tried to bilk candidates into supporting a sample ballot.  no contest, Sara Kyle!

HOUSE 84.  Joe Towns, our friend of many years, has primary opposition in Dominique Primer.  I have to confess, I know nothing about her, but she seems to have some support.  Joe, yes, I will support you BUT WILL YOU HIRE A DAMN TREASURER TO DO YOUR DISCLOSURES???  Rant over.

HOUSE 85 - First term Rep. Jesse Chism has opposition from former SCYD Chair Alvin Crook.  Based on what I have seen so far, I am of the opinion that if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

HOUSE 86.  Why the hell does BARBARA COOPER have opposition in the primary every two years?  I see she has three candidates against her again, and I will bet all of them combined won't get to 40%.  She stays connected to her community, they love her and will re-nominate her.

HOUSE 88 - Larry Miller, because, again, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

HOUSE 97 - ALLAN CREASY.  He busted his butt two years ago against Jim Coley, and he made a major dent, but it is tough to unseat an incumbent.  Even though it is tough with COVID to do door to door, he has made major headway in the areas of the District, even in the giant red blob that is Bartlett.  ALLAN IS OUR BEST SHOT TO FLIP THIS SEAT.  Yes, we all love Gabby Salinas and she has raised a ton of money, but I think it would be tougher for her in November.

HOUSE 98 - Rep. Antonio Parkinson always faces primary opposition because he fights FOR public schools and AGAINST charters and vouchers.  Stick with him District 98, he always fights for you!

SCS BOARD positions.

My District, 1, is not up this time.  I was for Mauricio Calvo in 5 but he withdrew over the weekend in favor of Sheleah Harris, so I will trust him here.

I had not one but TWO friends who were planning to run since Kevin Woods had not planned to run for re-elecion.  He changed his mind and ran, they pulled out and supported him, so I will go with Kevin Woods in 4.

Re-elect Stephanie Love in District 3 and Miska Clay Bibbs in 7 and that rounds out my suggestions.

EITHER REQUEST AN ABSENTEE BALLOT OR EARLY VOTE!  You have until 4 PM on Saturday, August 1.

As always, be careful out there AND WEAR A DAMN MASK WHEN YOU LEAVE YOUR HOUSE!

Elizabeth Warren for President and other thoughts

Of course I am supporting Elizabeth Warren for President, she REALLY knows how to get things done.  If she had run four years ago, she would be running for re-election now and Donald Trump would still be begging NBC to let him stay on the air. 

But she didn't run, Bernie did, and I voted for him in the primary.  I voted for Hillary in the general, like all of the DEMOCRATS who voted for Bernie in the primary did.  The Bernie or Bust crew were NOT Democrats, so what happened happened.  He is not going away, in fact, most of his 2016 platform has been scooped up by the other candidates, except "Mayo Pete", as Duncan Black at ATRIOS calls the Mayor of South Bend.

Democrats, can we talk for a minute?  WILL YOU CALM THE HELL DOWN???   NOTHING CAN BE DONE LEGALLY TO REMOVE DONALD TRUMP UNTIL NOVEMBER 3. EVEN THEN, WE WILL STILL HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL JANUARY 20 FOR HIM TO LEAVE.

Now, do I have your attention?  We have so far only had votes in two of the whitest states in the Union, and some really good people couldn't even get there, like Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA), who was my #3 choice after Warren and Sanders.  I do believe Joe Biden is sinking, and unless he wins BIG in South Carolina, he is toast.  That expectation, no doubt, is why former Republican NYC Mayor Mike Bloomberg jumped parties and is spending $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ in Super Tuesday states, when he will finally appear on ballots.   I know a lot of people who are working for him.  I am not upset, bills gotta get paid somehow.  That said, I sure as hell am not going to vote for him IN THE PRIMARY and I hope like hell I don't HAVE to vote for him in the general.

Yes, I will in November if I have to.  That even goes for Mayo Pete.

But I really want our Democrats to find someone they like IN THE PRIMARY and help them.  Vote for them, give them money, do your best to help them but don't get pissed off if they lose.  THAT MEANS YOU TOO, BERNIE PEOPLE, THERE IS NO DAMN ROOM FOR ANYONE OR BUST.  CAPICHE??? 

But we will get to the general soon enough.  Frankly, I believe the Obama/Trump people have already returned to the fold, based on what we saw in 2018 in the Congressional races.  I feel better about the Midwest than I did 4 years ago. 

One last thing.  I know most all of you hate Trump.  I pity him more than anything else.  Just remember, he FEEDS on your hatred.  Do me a favor and IGNORE HIM.  Do NOT give him what he craves, which is the satisfaction that he can make your life miserable.  Don't hate, ORGANIZE behind the Democrat of your choice AT EVERY FREAKING LEVEL of government.  HELP THEM.  GIVE THEM MONEY.

Do that, and we will do the laughing on November 3.

Reginald Milton for General Sessions Court Clerk

As Jon noted back in January, Ed Stanton Jr. has decided not to seek re-election as General Sessions Court Clerk.  What is interesting is that the first person he informed of this decision was my friend and my County Commissioner, Reginald Milton.

After giving the matter great thought, as he does whenever he is considering such decisions, he decided to run for the Democratic nomination for that seat.  As he has spent the majority of his adult life serving others, whether it is through his non-profit South Memphis Alliance or with the Shelby County Democratic Party, or as he has since 2014, as District 10 County Commissioner, Reggie puts the people he serves first. 

He is not just a great servant, he is an even better human being.  I have no doubt that he will keep everything in great shape, hire great staff when needed, and serve the lawyers and other users of that office with the same strength and wisdom that he uses at the Alliance and on the Commission.

Early voting started on Wednesday and goes through February 25, with the regular election day at your polling place on March 3.  Please join me and so many other citizens of our County, like City Court Clerk Myron Lowery and our Mayor, Jim Strickland, in supporting Reginald Milton for General Sessions Court Clerk!