Tonight began the campaign of the next Mayor of Shelby County

Full disclosure up front: I was on the host committee for this event, a fundraiser for County Commission Chair Deidre Malone, who is seeking the office of Shelby County Mayor.

She packed the Walnut Room at the Racquet Club, with supporters and well-wishers listening to Commissioner Malone list her numerous qualifications to succeed the term-limited AC Wharton as County Mayor. By the way, Mayor Wharton, a late arrival, was also on her host committee.

I have worked closely with Deidre since we served together in the late 90s on the SCDP ExecCom, and assisted her in planning a reorganization convention. I know first-hand her dedication to anything she works on, whether her family, her county, or her Party. She will not be out-worked, and she doesn't particularly care who gets the credit on a project, a CRITICAL quality for making things work in Shelby County.

Yes, I am eagerly supporting Deidre Malone for County Mayor, and over the months I hope to show you why I do, and hope that you will as well.

On prosecutors, federal and state

Everyone in town knows and talks about the ongoing investigation of Mayor Willie Herenton, and we've heard people say "he's just about to be INDICTED!" for what, three years now? It still hasn't happened. Oh, I know, Pete Aviotti and Charles Carpenter appeared before the Grand Jury recently, but so what? You've had all these years and you STILL don't have him cold?

Put it out there, US Attorney's office, let's see what you have. I say you've got NOTHING.

Cracker, are you out of your mind? Defending the Mayor? Not really. I'm just saying that I believe the USA's office is fishing, desperate to dump a nice steamy turd on the doorstep of the new, Democratically-appointed USA. Then, if said USA looks through the evidence and finds it less than satisfactory to stand up before a jury, said USA will of course be accused of being a Democratic stooge and soft on crime. Considering Hizzoner has backed Republicans as often as he has Democrats, that will be ironic and idiotic.

Even though the Mayor is looking more and more like a tired old man desperately trying to state relevant with his faux-campaign for TN-09, and even though the arrow has pointed DOWN for him since 2004, IMO, he shouldn't have to fight jail unless they really have something. And, if they HAD something, they would have indicted him before now.

Now then, what the hell do we make of THIS? Why, General Gibbons, would you NAME Couuncilor Barbara Swearengen Ware if you do not intend to indict her? Considering that this happened under the watch of a REPUBLICAN County Clerk (and maybe TWO of them, if they went back far enough), why slander a known Democrat? Again, do you have something on her, or are you just trying to make yourself look tough for your gubernatorial campaign? Is that why you suddenly CLOSED MEDIA ACCESS to your fundraiser? Are you worried that the Wilson County Straw Poll may have revealed severe weakness outside the Western Division?

And what of Debbie Stamson in all of this? If she indeed knew nothing of this, why not? That shows lack of oversight, and that's the BEST case scenario.

Fair's fair, people. I'm not a fan of Mayor Herenton, but the USA's office needs to piss or get off the pot, as my grandfather used to say. If Bill Gibbons wants to make himself look tough by attacking a Democrat when it was the GOP Clerk's fault for not seeing something under her nose, he needs to be held accountable.

There's enough going on here to do things right without going after people for bullshit reasons.

Rant over.

Expounding on the poll

This, I believe, is a combination of things. First, people of all colors, races, religions, etc. are HAPPY with Steve Cohen representing the 9th District in Washington. Memphians are notorious for keeping legislators in legislative positions and not letting them move into executive positions, and vice versa.

As hard as Cohen has worked in and for the African-American community, it is not surprising that they have responded so favorably.

As for the Mayor, well, that's another story. 16 years in office, especially as high-profile as the Mayor has been, can wear down any group of constituents. As Steve Ross notes in this comment, Herenton only got 42% of the vote last year. Had Morris dropped out, Carol Chumney would have won.

This, of course, is even before you get into the ongoing investigation of the Mayor. My own belief on this is, if you have something, it had better be strong and not just grasping for straws. Unless you have videotape AND a smoking gun, leave it alone, the city can't handle that much stress right now.

In any event, the Mayor is weakened right now, and while I don't doubt his base areas would support him against the Congressman, this race seems ill-advised. However, it should teach the Congressman NOT to take anything for granted, and ALWAYS keep fundraising!

I waited until midnight to post this

From Yacoubian Research:

In a race between Congressman Steve Cohen and Mayor Willie Herenton, who would you vote for for Congress?

1. Steve Cohen - 65%
2. Herenton - 14%
3. Undecided - 20%

How would you rate Congressman Steve Cohen's job performance?

84% said excellent or good.

This information is due to be published in the Commercial Appeal tomorrow morning and was reported during the 10 PM (CDT) news broadcast on WMC-TV Channel 5 in Memphis.

This poll was commissioned and paid for by WMC-TV in Memphis for their exclusive on-air use. Here is a link to more detailed survey results and methodology via WMC's website: http://www.wmctv.com/global/Story.asp?s=10265453

Arlen Specter knows which way the wind blows

And, per The Great Orange Satan, is switching parties. Here is his statement:

Statement by Senator Arlen Specter

I have been a Republican since 1966. I have been working extremely hard for the Party, for its candidates and for the ideals of a Republican Party whose tent is big enough to welcome diverse points of view. While I have been comfortable being a Republican, my Party has not defined who I am. I have taken each issue one at a time and have exercised independent judgment to do what I thought was best for Pennsylvania and the nation.

Since my election in 1980, as part of the Reagan Big Tent, the Republican Party has moved far to the right. Last year, more than 200,000 Republicans in Pennsylvania changed their registration to become Democrats. I now find my political philosophy more in line with Democrats than Republicans.

When I supported the stimulus package, I knew that it would not be popular with the Republican Party. But, I saw the stimulus as necessary to lessen the risk of a far more serious recession than we are now experiencing.

Since then, I have traveled the State, talked to Republican leaders and office-holders and my supporters and I have carefully examined public opinion. It has become clear to me that the stimulus vote caused a schism which makes our differences irreconcilable. On this state of the record, I am unwilling to have my twenty-nine year Senate record judged by the Pennsylvania Republican primary electorate. I have not represented the Republican Party. I have represented the people of Pennsylvania.

I have decided to run for re-election in 2010 in the Democratic primary.

I am ready, willing and anxious to take on all comers and have my candidacy for re-election determined in a general election.

I deeply regret that I will be disappointing many friends and supporters. I can understand their disappointment. I am also disappointed that so many in the Party I have worked for for more than four decades do not want me to be their candidate. It is very painful on both sides. I thank specially Senators McConnell and Cornyn for their forbearance.

I am not making this decision because there are no important and interesting opportunities outside the Senate. I take on this complicated run for re-election because I am deeply concerned about the future of our country and I believe I have a significant contribution to make on many of the key issues of the day, especially medical research. NIH funding has saved or lengthened thousands of lives, including mine, and much more needs to be done. And my seniority is very important to continue to bring important projects vital to Pennsylvania’s economy.

I am taking this action now because there are fewer than thirteen months to the 2010 Pennsylvania Primary and there is much to be done in preparation for that election. Upon request, I will return campaign contributions contributed during this cycle.

While each member of the Senate caucuses with his Party, what each of us hopes to accomplish is distinct from his party affiliation. The American people do not care which Party solves the problems confronting our nation. And no Senator, no matter how loyal he is to his Party, should or would put party loyalty above his duty to the state and nation.

My change in party affiliation does not mean that I will be a party-line voter any more for the Democrats that I have been for the Republicans. Unlike Senator Jeffords’ switch which changed party control, I will not be an automatic 60th vote for cloture. For example, my position on Employees Free Choice (Card Check) will not change.

Whatever my party affiliation, I will continue to be guided by President Kennedy’s statement that sometimes Party asks too much. When it does, I will continue my independent voting and follow my conscience on what I think is best for Pennsylvania and America.

GDC Meeting Tuesday night!

GERMANTOWN DEMOCRATIC CLUB
GERMANTOWN, BARTLETT, CORDOVA, COLLIERVILLE, EAST MEMPHIS LAKELAND, BOLTON, ROSEMARK
MILLINGTON AND UNICORPORATED AREAS

WWW.GDCTN.ORG

APRIL, 2009


Meeting
Tuesday, April 28, 2009, 6:30 PM
Cordova Public Library, 8457 Trinity Rd
(East on Trinity Rd. from Germantown Parkway)

Come join us at the Cordova Public Library. Our Speaker will be Dr Freda G. Williams. She is a Commissioner on The Memphis City School Board. Dr Williams has a wealth of experience in the teaching professions. Her current position as a commissioner and her teaching experience gives her an in depth understanding of the Memphis School System. I believe that most of us realize the importance of education and its impact on the future of all of Shelby County.

Shelby County Democratic Party’s Executive Committee Elects Van Turner as Chairman. Congratulations Van Turner!

Here's another Ward Cammack video

He talks about unemployment here, some counties are up to 25%. No, I am still neutral, and Cammack is the only one putting these out, that I know of right now. Kim, Roy, Mike, when you do something, send it to me and I will put it up. In the meantime, here we go:

a compendium of sorts

Well, we all know by now of the quasi-truce between the TNDP and The Honorable Phil Governor on Thursday, brokered by Rep. Mike Turner, House Democratic Caucus chair and all -around good guy. (I'm serious about this, he saw the nuclear potential of this and stopped it!)

Post Politics' AC Kleinheider, after first projecting that this was a crushing blow to Chair Chip Forrester, has revised his thoughts and now believes, as I do, that this can work:

Forrester, in turn, gets to keep his hand on those parts of the party that he is most interested in building: the grassroots and the communications shop. And he will be able to do so free and clear because the haters, instead of trying to tear the party down in order to take it back over, have agreed to leave him be.

Yes, Forrester will be without a lot of the big money donors, but he was always going to be without them. This deal actually takes the pressure off Forrester. He no longer has to bear the brunt of the blame for any losses and any lack of money raised because his detractors have taken on some of that burden for him. Instead of fighting over control of the party, each camp, the haters and supporters, can play to their strengths in pursuit of Democratic victory.

Instead of two angry mules trapped in a barn kicking each other, the two sides can now behave like two horses in a harness, separate but moving in the same direction together as one.

Thank You Friends

Hat tip to Geoff and Gary for having this as a closing theme song every day. presenting the magnificent Big Star:

What do you mean you're AGAINST consolidation?

Let Steve Ross explain himself at VIBINC, it is a terrific read, go there now.

So, Texas, you want to leave, huh?

I'd hate having to have a passport to go to NTIF, but I understand this video; take away Austin and Dallas, and well, just watch this from Andy Cobb!

New DNC Ad

Meet the New GOP, you might know them!

Let's get behind HB0335

Rep. Jeanne Richardson (D-89) is sponsoring Hate Crimes legislation that takes TCS 40-35-114 (17) and changes the word “gender” to “gender, or gender identity or expression”.

Why this is important is Vibinc's topic, and Grand Divisions also has a post up about it. This merely adds transgendered people to the list of those protected under current hate crimes law.

Considering that Shelby County leads the state in attacks against transgendered people, this is critical. Go check out the other posts, and let's get this passed!

Reminders and Announcements

Crossposted at Drinking Liberally- Memphis

First, of course, this is a reminder to come out TONIGHT from 7-9 PM at RP Billiards at 525 South Highland for fun, food and the occasional drink.

Next, we want to announce that we will work with all the candidates for the Democratic gubernatorial campaign to bring all of them to Drinking Liberally over the course of the next few months. As you remember, Kim McMillan came and spent time with us earlier this year, and we are working to bring in Ward Cammack within the next month or so, and we will be in contact with EVERY campaign to give YOU the chance to sound out each one of them.
Stay tuned to your local DL e-mail for more information, and come and see us TONIGHT!

I agree with Brad and PD

This craziness is a distraction from the fact that Pete Aviotti may well be singing like a canary before the Grand Jury, and his days in elected office might be numbered.

I could be wrong, and his narcissism may well have engulfed the mayor to the point where he thinks he could beat Cohen. I, however, just think he's setting himself up to blame an indictment on political issues in order to inflame his base.

Ever hear of the guy who cried WOLF, Mr. Mayor?

What a progression!

First Glen and Dabney met at DL, then started going out, then decided to take up housekeeping together, then he proposed (and she accepted!), now they are ready to take the big step.

Doing a blog together! Ladies and gentlemen, presenting That's My B! Go check it out....

Oh, and I forgot something. They are also part of that killer Memphis Trivia League team Samurai Cooder, currently rocking the house every Tuesday night at Tug's in Harbor Town. Playoffs here we come!

Here's a video about Ward Cammack

Please note: right now I am playing Switzerland WRT to the Democratic race for Governor, completely neutral. However, if the campaigns would like something put up here, I will do it, as long as it's not an attack piece.

Here's a short piece featuring Ward Cammack:

Busy day so far, and it's not even 2 PM

IBEW business manager Paul Shaffer with County Commission candidate Norma Lester at her kickoff today, held in the IBEW hall.

After inexplicably waking up at 0630, I got going about 9, went out for breakfast, then attended the campaign kickoff for Norma Lester, who is seeking to fill the County Commission seat being vacated by term-limited (and County Mayor candidate) Deidre Malone.

The event was well-attended; joining your Cracker at the kickoff were activists like Germantown Democratic Club president Dick Klenz, local Teamsters leader and SCDP member Nate Jackson, City Councilor Jim Strickland, former SCDP Chair (and current DNC member from Tennessee) Gale Jones Carson, activist and SCDP member Danny Kail (who is considering a run for Probate Court Clerk; I will support that run if he goes for it), and SCDP Chair Van Turner, who spoke briefly.

I have worked with Norma on the SCDP for many years, and believe she is the right person to follow Commissioner Malone on the Commission. No one will outwork her, and her heart and mind are in the right place to make this run. She gave a good speech thanking everyone; as more campaign information becomes available, you will read it here.

Before I got to the IBEW, I heard a fascinating story about MS-01 rookie Congressman Travis Childers. Apparently, he had promised to vote for the Employee Free Choice Act, which is critical for union organization in the US. Then, last week, he stunned his labor supporters with a renege of that promise, stating he could not vote for it.

This led to a come-to-Eugene-Victor-Debs meeting yesterday in Memphis with the Memphis and North Mississippi Labor Councils, who made their dissatisfaction known in no uncertain terms. It apparently got quite heated, I have been told.

Well, while we can somewhat sympathize with a rookie who has a high R+ constituency, Rep. Childers needs to learn the lesson of business guru Tom Peters: Always under-promise and over-deliver. If Childers thought he could not have voted for EFCA, he should never have made that commitment. All those labor guys who put your signs up throughout MS-01 last year might just find something else to do in the fall of 2010, knowwhutImean?

Rule 1 - never piss off your base, they can and will go somewhere else. I know your bidness-people are begging you to vote no on EFCA, your base (who PUT you there) are telling you to vote yes. Paybacks can be hell, sir.

And a side note to my source: this was a labor-only meeting; no Democratic Party people from either state were told of this meeting or invited.

I have work to do on my house, so I have had to pass on the Millington fundraiser for County Trustee Paul Mattila, who has continued to amaze us all with his powerful recovery from cancer, he looks stronger than ever.

Ok, back to work on the house!

Reason # 865 to love Stephen Colbert

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
The Colbert Coalition's Anti-Gay Marriage Ad
colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor NASA Name Contest

Random thoughts

I went to Speaker Naifeh's Coon Supper last night with Vibinc and the semi-retired Freedonian, where we met up with our beloved Newscoma, who gives us a spot-on report of the evening.

There were lots of folks from Big Shelby, as well as Gubernatorial candidates aplenty (Kim McMillan, Ward Cammack, Roy Herron) and potential candidates (Andy Berke, as well as our own Jim Kyle). I agree that what happens at Coon Supper stays at Coon Supper; let's just say a great time was had by all.

In other news, since Deidre Malone has to vacate her County Commission seat due to term-limiting before she is elected as County Mayor (and I am supporting that effort, more on that later), I can think of no one better to replace her in that seat than my friend Norma Lester. Norma is having a meet and greet at the IBEW, 1870 Madison, from 11AM to 1PM on Saturday (tomorrow), and there will be hot dogs and soft drinks, so come on out and meet Norma if you don't know her. I worked with her on the ExecCom and she is tireless in whatever she does, she will be terrific on the Commission.

Two weeks to the TNDP Summit, (and my vacation) so it's crazy time, nothing but a-holes and elbows between now and then, as the old saying goes. Gotta get ready for work, more later!

OK, Back to sanity

THIS is more like it. Here's jackson Browne with Running On Empty, which I was fortunate enough to see live on the 1979 tour...

Because you weren't expecting it...

Here's my FGF video, let's go back to the early 70s, it's

Neil Sedaka???? BWAHAHAHAHA!

Go to Vibinc NOW

Here's why.

PD takes blogging to a new level

Go check out this post on the conservative movement, watch it twice because you'll be fascinated by the new technology the first time.

He really doesn't have a British accent in person, though!

With thanks to our buddy Rick,

THIS is what the Teabaggers are about, folks, don't forget it. 95% of ALL taxpayers are getting a CUT from the Obama plan, it's only the WEALTHY who are paying more. Let us hear the rhymes!

OK, into another land mine

I think we had an amazing conversation below on perceptions regarding gay rights as viewed as civil rights (which they are, and which no one seems to disagree with), so I'm going to go in a different direction now.

Ryan at MyMidtownMemphis says what most hospitality WORKERS, not management, are saying about the departure of the COGIC Convention to St. Louis in 2010: Don't let the doorknob hit you on the ass on your way up the river!

While hotels loved to see the Saints roll into town, the bellmen, waiter/waitresses and those who dealt directly with theese folks dreaded their arrival. Notes Ryan:

These visiting supposedly nice churchgoers are the epitome of rude, cheap and ungracious people and I hate to stereotype a whole group but I never met anyone to prove otherwise. For years, their head pastor and leader was a patron of one place I worked at and you would think that a recognized public figure would realize that if he's cheap and rude to people at restaurants then word would get around. I mean talk about bad PR, but he never seemed to put the pieces together nor did his congregation.

It's time to move on without them, although I suspect the Saints may have a change of heart after 2010 when the conventioneers receive a less than open-arms welcome in St. Louis. No one likes to lose a huge convention, but when the perception among the hospitality workers is that it brings nothing but pain with little to show for it, who could blame them?

If this is a day about peace, how about this?

I don't post very often. Heck, hardly ever. But I have a question out there for all of you. It is a very relevant question for the black population.

A large portion of the African-American population, especially male, refuse to accept that gay rights are civil rights. What is repugnant to me is that they use the same arguments virulent racists used to promote racism and seperation. They are one and the same, all people have rights, and to deny them to one, is to deny them to all.

Do you like when this is pointed out?

The SCDP is up and rolling, and they have a newsletter again!

That didn't take long at all! As they tweak the SCDP website, Lexie Carter (whom I supported as an Obama delegate to the Democratic National Convention last year) has the April newsletter up for you.

You can either access it through the website or directly right here; either way, go read it and enjoy!

Oh, and GO SIGN UP FOR THE TNDP, WILL YA?

Join TNDP, and it won't cost you a THING!

Allow me to let our friend R. Neal of KnoxViews tell you about it:

Hey all you fellow Tennessee Democrats. Are you tired of stuff like this? Here's something you can do and it won't cost you one thin dime.

Head on over to the new Tennessee Democratic Party website and sign up. Then invite your friends and neighbors and in-laws and outlaws to sign up, too.

It's easy. Here's all you do.

1. Go here, fill out the info, and click 'sign up'.
2. Once you're signed up, go here and invite other folks to sign up.

Once you've done that, check out the growing number of online groups that are forming up and join the ones that interest you. And don't forget to sign up for TNDP e-mail news.

Bonus: once you're signed up you will have your very own personal TNDP blog. It is all completely free of charge, and no salesman will call.

And here's a challenge for all you progressive Tennessee bloggers: Let's see if we can get ONE THOUSAND new signups at the TNDP website in the next seven days or even sooner.

This hits home with me.

Thursday, April 9, is an important date for many reasons to me. It will be the 21st anniversary of officially becoming a Buddhist, it will be, I believe, the 100th anniversary of my late paternal grandmother's birth, and it would have been my mother's 80th birthday.

My father didn't care for spectator sports; he went to Wrigley Field as a boy and was supremely bored, which infuriated me, as I didn't get to visit until my late 20s. My mom, along with her parents, turned me into the maniacal sports fan I am today. She could hold a grudge, too; she never forgave the Cardinals for trading Ken Boyer to the Mets after the 1965 season, only a year after his MVP season of 1964. We argued sports, and she loved all of them, as a devout Laker fan (until they got Kareem; if she were alive when Jerry West was with the Griz, she would have asked him why he acquired him) and as a Reds fan (Johnny Bench and Pete Rose were her guys), and interestingly enough, she was a Packer fan. Well, she wasn't perfect.

All of which leads me to this beautiful obituary Keith Olbermann wrote for his mother, Marie, who passed away recently. I urge you to go read it, it's a loving tribute without being maudlin in the slightest.

Rest In Peace, Mrs. Olbermann.

Congratulations UNC, The SCDP elects officers, and Corey Maclin for County Clerk???

First, UNC was the best team in the country, and they would have KILLED the Tigers. Sorry, but it's true. Congrats to Josh Pastner, the 31-year-old-wunderkind hired to replace Cal.

Now, on to politics. Bill Dries was on the case tonight at the IBEW, as the SCDP elected the rest of their officers tonight. Among those elected:

1st VC - Desi Franklin

2nd VC- Cherry Davis

Secretary - Reginald Milton

Treasurer - Barbara Williams.

And now, for the craziness, which DIDN'T happen at the IBEW: Per the above story, wrestling promoter/announcer Corey Maclin has announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for Shelby County Clerk. What, Jimmy Hart wasn't available?

Enough, I'm going to bed now.

Today should be a NATIONAL holiday

Why? Because it's OPENING DAY!!!!!! The Sox, unfortunately, got snowed out of their home opener against KC, and the Cubs open up tonight in Houston against the Astros. The rain and snow seems to be moving out of St. Louis, as seen above, in time for their 3:15 start with Pittsburgh. If you can, GO WATCH BASEBALL.

Oh No You Didn't

Oh yes she did.

IOWA ROCKS!

Their Supreme Court came to the logical conclusion that denying gay couples the right to marry was a violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution.

LEGAL gay marriage will happen in our lifetime, people, it's nothing more than logic and reason. If gay marriage is legal, no religious institution will be forced to sanction it, unless individual denominations or congregations do so of their own free will, and any one who tells you otherwise is either mistaken or outright lying.

Civil Rights is Civil Rights, people; gay marriage is coming.

FGF extra!

The legendary Al Green doing the Ray Price classic FOR THE GOOD TIMES!

I'm in the mood for something STRONG for FGF

OK, now what?

I think Mike Anderson, Bruce Pearl, and possibly Tim Floyd owe the University of Memphis a commission for helping them get fat new deals with their respective universities to remain as head basketball coach. They, of course, were the top three coaches the U of M Search team were looking at to replace John Calipari.

I come to bury Cal, not to praise him, as evidenced by the post below. However, we need to remember what made him different than other successful U of M coaches. This may make us more depressed, but it will give an understanding as to the real uphill battle the Tigers face in replacing Cal, no matter how much money we're willing to spend.

First, he won WITHOUT local talent. Look at last year's national runners-up: Derrick Rose (Chicago), Chris Douglas-Roberts (Detroit), Joey Dorsey (Baltimore), Antonio Anderson (Lynn, MA), Robert Dozier (Lithonia, GA). Andre Allen (BTW) was the only Memphian on the roster last year, and he got kicked off the team (AGAIN) for violating team rules.

I am sure William Wesley has much to do with that. It gave Calipari freedom, however, to ignore the local high school coaches, who overrated their own talent trying to get their hooks into the Tiger program. It was the right thing to do, because, other than Thaddeus Young, you have to go back to Penny Hardaway and Elliott Perry to find Memphis high-school talent that made it big in the NBA.

It was those same high-school coaches that turned their back on Larry Finch when he wouldn't give into their demands, and Finch watched as Nolan Richardson wined and dined them, causing an unending stream to flow to the University of Arkansas. Richardson turned that into three Final Fours, back-to-back Championship Games, and the 1994 National Championship (with FOUR Memphians in the starting lineup).

Whomever we hire HAS to be able to recruit nationally, and take ONLY the top level of Memphis talent; otherwise the high-school coaches (and families of the local talent as well, who stick their noses in at every opportunity) will shake down the new coach. THIS is where we will miss Cal the most.

It's not 1973 or 1985 again, and it never will be. Our talent locally just isn't that hot, and if we can't hire someone who can recruit nationally, we're sunk.

Our search team has its work cut out for them, and I hope they can land a Sean Miller (Xavier) or someone like that, someone with experience but still young and hungry. No, not you, Tony Barbee.

Wouldn't you love it if someone from Memphis went up to Cal and did THIS?

I don't know who's behind this, but I sure support it!

Some enterprising soul has taken it upon him or herself to create a website dedicated to the defeat of the Stuntbaby of Germantown, Brian Kelsey.

It's called CAN KELSEY, and it is has a neat 50s feel to it. Go check it out, you can even follow them on Twitter!

Oh, you mean you DIDN'T know?

Of course it was an April Fool's Joke, or part of one, haven't heard how the other part went....

I('ll have to ask my co-conspirators, who shall remain nameless!

Stunning news: Wyatt Bunker to switch to the Democratic Party!

I have just received an amazing press release concerning Shelby County Commissioner Wyatt Bunker, who has apparently had a change of heart, and now of Party. I present the release:

APRIL 1, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

_______________________________________________________________________


I have done some serious thinking of late about the ideological
debates in which I have engaged with my Commissioner colleagues. At times, I
have aggressively advanced conservative positions during these debates with
great zeal, but have also kept my mind open to the opposing view. It has caused
me to rethink my positions. This rethinking has led me to make a significant
decision in my career, one which I want to share with my Commission colleagues.

The election of Barack Obama as President only accelerated the evolution
which has been taking shape in my own heart for a number of years now. After
full consideration, I feel that I have no choice but to be honest with myself
and acknowledge that I have been wrong to advance such a conservative view, and
that a new chapter in my political life must begin.

So, today, I announce that I am switching my allegiance to the Democratic Party. Its
positions on government intervention in the marketplace, its compassionate
spending priorities, and, above all, its recognition of the need to fight
climate change as the world’s number one global priority, command my respect and
my loyalty.

I will continue to represent my constituents the best way I know how. Today, that means doing everything I can to advance the Obama agenda. It is my hope that I can do that effectively as I work on the County Commission and work privately to secure the reelection of Mayor W.W. Herenton.

I welcome your questions, your comments, and your prayers.

Cc: Shelby
County Commission
Mayor A.C. Wharton
Local Media