Braisted Catches Curtis Halford Whining About Democrats Telling the TRUTH

Sean Braisted has a GREAT post up about Rep. Curtis Halford, who complains to his colleagues about the fact the Democrats are doing a TERRIFIC job of pointing out that the GOP-controlled Assembly is doing NOTHING with regards to job creation.

Go read it; you'll love the letter Halford sends to his colleagues.  Great work, Sean!

Fundraiser/Get Together with Jeanne Richardson THIS SUNDAY AFTERNOON

Fundraiser/Get Together with Jeanne Richardson

Democrats, Friends and Supporters,

Please join me and my family for a fundraiser/get together at my home, 797 N. Evergreen, this Sunday, January 9th starting at 3pm.

As you may know, State Representatives and Senators are prohibited from fundraising during session, so this is my last opportunity to do so until session ends.

There is no minimum suggested donation, so please don’t let any post-holiday budget crunch stop you from coming. I want to see my friends and supporters before I head off to Nashville for the beginning of session.

Thank you for your love, kindness, and support. I can’t tell you how much it means to me.

Sincerely,

Representative Jeanne Richardson
House District 89

We have a candidate in District 98!

 
Antonio "2Shay" Parkinson, the hardest-workin' man in Frayser and Raleigh, announced on Facebook that he is a candidate to succeed his mentor, the late Representative Ulysses Jones as representative of House 98.

While we do not yet know who else will run, I believe he would be the best candidate to succeed the North Memphis firefighter who became a powerhouse in Nashville.  I support Antonio for this office.

Rep. Ulysses Jones has passed away

Jackson Baker is reporting the death of 12-term legislator Ulysses Jones (D-North Memphis) last night after an illness.  Jones was a longtime committee chair and had just been re-elected to a 13th term. Cause of death appears to be a collapsed lung.

Please remember his family and his colleagues in the legislature and the Memphis Fire Department in your prayers; this is a significant loss for Memphis and Shelby County and we mourn his passing.

THIS is Why I am a DEMOCRAT and why we MUST get the TN House back

Your potential next Speaker of the House, Rep. Glen Casada (R-Franklin):

The canary in the coal mine is singing - LOUDLY

Well, I didn't think much about it when John Tanner retired because I knew Roy Herron or someone like him would jump in and win the TN-08 seat. It's a rural Democratic seat that voted for McCain in 2008, much like AR-01 across the river.

However, Bart Gordon's stunning retirement this morning has sent shockwaves all over the state, and not good ones if you are a Democrat. His seat is a R +13 seat that has trended more Republican each year for the last decade. His outstanding constituent service kept him in office, and he will be missed.

I suspect, just as in Tanner's case, the prospect of a very tough but winnable race figured into his decision. The prospect that he would win in 2010 but be re-districted out in 2012 figured even more into his thought processes, I suspect.

Folks, we are in serious re-alignment in the South; Democrats may be soon as extinct here as Republicans are in the Northeast. Whether we realize it or not, the only way the Democratic Party in Tennessee has a chance to be saved is for Democrats to re-take the state House. If so, there is a reasonable chance that Congressional and General Assembly districts can be drawn so as not to heavily favor the GOP.

If not, it will soon be 7 Republicans and 2 Democrats representing Tennessee in the US House; not even the GOP could take away TN-09 from Cohen or TN-05 from Cooper (or any Democrat, for that matter).

However, if you love the idea of the Brian Kelseys of the world running the Tennessee General Assembly, passing more guns bills while the rest of the state crumbles around you, I guess you could sit back and let it happen.

I'd rather not see that happen. What I haven't seen, however, is a plan from the State House Democratic Caucus to prevent that from happening. All they have tried to do is stay just barely to the left of the GOP so as not to offend their preachers or cousins. I guess they have forgotten President Truman's message(found at the top of this blog), which is no less true today than it was when he uttered it.

Give people a CHOICE, not an echo, dammit! (Gee, how'd that Goldwater get in there? :)) Give them A REASON to vote Democratic and stop being so TIMID. Make this about money and not lifestyle, make this election about real ideas and stop trying to be nice to the very Republicans who would roast you over a spit if they got the chance.

This is a war for the soul of Tennessee, and I will admonish you of the House Democratic Caucus the way Spartan mothers used to send their sons into battle: come back WITH your shield, or ON it.

Random thoughts

Photo courtesy of Rick Maynard

Yes, there was such goofiness later in the evening at Bratfest; this is what happens when you mix sausages, beer and good friends. By the way, many thanks to Jackson Baker for the shoutout in his column; we appreciate that you were there.

Now, about other things. One of the things I bemoaned to our beloved Newscoma and Squirrel Queen was that I wasn't writing enough, and that will change as I start using my mornings more carefully. Twitter allows me to provide my snark in short bursts, but it keeps me from blogging, which is not a good thing. Now, onto other matters.

The Archcrone writes about the changing face of the GOP and the state Democrats' struggles to come up with an answer for it, and I want you to read it. THIS, in particular, hit home with me:

Dems, liberals and progressives nationwide should note in the Ronald Brownstein piece that it is the southern arm of the GOP that is defining the party, and should take advantage of that. But, this does not give us any clues on how dems, liberals and progressives in southern states should/could combat the far-right stranglehold in those states.

Here in TN, the democratic party strategy has been to push forth conservative dems, or put dems that have supported regressive republicans in positions of authority (which failed) or as candidates. And quite honestly, that is not working. It may work in counties that are largely conservative that already have a dem in office. When the dem party pits a relatively conservative dem against an incumbent gop (even against someone this extreme) they will, unfortunately, lose, simply because why would a republican or righty independent vote for a conservative dem when they can vote for the gop? Sounds like a pretty simple explanation, don’t you think? But, for some reason, it seems to escape party officials.

The outcome of continually electing conservative dems clearly shows the dysfunction found in the state democratic party itself, when we look specifically at the state of Tennessee. In short, this strategy belies the mission of the national democratic party, overall.

Exactly what we lefty bloggers around the state have been arguing all along: why aren't you giving Tennesseans a choice???

I think that there is a growing disconnect between Democratic elected officials (especially in rural areas) and their constituents, to the point where the people out there have lost any reason to vote for Democrats because they are always on DEFENSE (or just giving up, as on SJR127) and never advancing a Democratic message (when they can come up with one), which hurts Democrats (ESPECIALLY progressives and liberals) overall.

Right now, House Democrats (and CONGRESSIONAL Democrats, because Tanner, Davis and Gordon could well be redistricted out of jobs) are petrified that they will not be able to get back the state House, and have no role in redistricting after the 2010 elections. If that happens, you can say goodbye to Mike Kernell, Jeannie Richardson, Beverly Marrero, etc, because they will be redistricted out of jobs.

While Jim Cooper and Steve Cohen will be safe in a general election, they will become the outliers in a Gooper-controlled state. Since the GOP cares a lot more about firing up their base than governing, 3rd-world status will get to Tennessee very quickly, and we'll soon replace Mississippi in the "Thank God for" statement. Oh, wait, they have Haley Barbour, so maybe not, but still.

I just want to say these things to the House Democratic Caucus before I meet with them next week (if it's still on):

1. Give voters a reason to vote FOR you, not just because the Goopers are crackpots, show DIFFERENCES.

2. While I understand Shelby County is different from anywhere else in the state (hell, different that ANYWHERE, period), don't automatically discount what we have to say.

3. STOP BEING SCARED OF THE LOCAL PREACHERS! They only have as much power as YOU allow them to have; fight back!

4. Most importantly, GO TALK TO YOUR CONSTITUENTS, and NOT just the ones with whom you're comfortable. Newscoma pointed out how local bar owners in Hooterville were never contacted about the guns-in-bars bill, and they are PISSED. (Maddox, get off your ass!)

Ok, that's enough rabble-rousing for today, carry on!

Vibinc produces an epic in three parts that you MUST read

Mr. Ross has taken time out from being the hardest workin' man in show business to write three terrific posts connected to a theme, and I urge you to read them in order:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

I'm not even going to excerpt them because you just need to read them in order. Together, they're called It's Time For Action, and it helps you understand what is needed to change the horrific direction of the state of Tennessee.

Go read it NOW.

The legislators go all 21st Century on us

The Shelby County legislative delegation has put up a new website at http://shelbydelegation.com/, go check it out!

There are links to each legislator, along with pictures and a community calendar. Nice job, it's something on which they can build.

Ok, I know, where have I been, yada yada

I'm OK, working an earlier schedule this week, so we have a lot to go through.

First, five words I am delighted to put on this page:

Pat Quinn, Governor of Illinois.

Now that idiot Blagojevich can wait to see what Fitz has in store for him, which I hope is 20 years in the joint.

Now to more local corruption, and no, not the Herenton investigation, which has seemingly gone longer than the Hundred Years War with no indictment of the Big Fella in sight. This is about something else, something almost as distasteful.

As you are aware, it appears that the new Speaker of the House, Kent Williams, apparently made an ass of himself while drunk and told Rep. Susan Lynn something to the effect that he would pay to see her naked. OK, folks, drunk or not, that's harassment.

Lynn chose not to make a fuss, but asked for a meeting with House leadership to request that the then freshman Rep be told not to let something like this happen again. At that time, the matter appeared to have been settled. (my note: Williams' behavior was inexcusable, and yes, I believe Lynn. As there is no evidence that this has continued, I am willing to forgive as long as SHE is.)

Now, we know that Williams made a deal a couple of weeks ago with the House Democratic Caucus to get their 49 votes, which added to his own, gave Tennessee a more moderate Republican speaker than Jason Mumpower, the House Republican Leader. Williams then split the committee leadership, as befitting a divided House.

However, Rep. Brian Kelsey, who earned the nickname Stuntbaby of Germantown for his antics in Nashville from the venerable AC Kleinheider, decided to file an ethics complaint against the new Speaker. However, he apparently sought "conciliation" with Speaker Williams first, with one caveat; he wanted a full committee chairmanship. Kelsey admits to texting the Speaker's assistant with this bombshell:

“Tell Kent I’m willing to talk about reconciliation if he’s willing to talk about chairman of the full committee.”

Sure as hell makes you wonder what he meant by "reconciliation", doesn't it? Then, Kelsey claims he was so upset by Williams' denial of Lynn's charge (which should only have been brought up by HER, not Kelsey, because SHE, not Kelsey, was the aggrieved party) that he decided to bring up the Ethics charge.

The counsel for the Ethics Committee decided that theirs was not the proper venue for the complaint, so it was dismissed, as it should have been.

If Rep. Lynn wants to bring this back up and make a full complaint, I'm all for it; it's her call. But she DIDN'T, and she apparently wants to let this go, so I'm with whatever she wants.

Kelsey, with this flagrant act, has made himself look like an idiot, and also has injured the reputation of the House Republicans in general, which is not of the good, as Newscoma would say.

Look, I have never denied that I am a Democratic hack, but I also understand that the local House Republicans, Jim Coley, Steve McManus, Ron Lollar, Curry Todd, they're all good guys who I don't often agree with, but who will work with their Democratic counterparts. Same goes for Mark Norris, the Senate Republican Caucus Chair. They get hurt when Kelsey pulls one of these moronic acts, and it makes them look incapable of governance, when they work hard for their districts and generally do what their constituencies want.

As for Kelsey, quit bitching; you wound up as chair of the Civil Practice subcommitee of Judiciary. Don't you think it's time you started practicing some civility? You may not be as safe as you think, pal, so straighten up and act like a leader.

Unless you want to end up like Blagojevich.

UPDATE: The CA has a word for Kelsey's act: EXTORTION.

Speaker Emeritus, Part 2, and other things.

Judging from the post below, and comments on Rep. Campfield's Facebook page (He is one of my Facebook friends because I find him fascinating, even if we agree on little), the Republicans are PETRIFIED of the Speaker Emeritus idea for Jimmy Naifeh.

Now, if this turns out to be anything more than an honorary title, then I have problems with it, OK? So, far, NOTHING indicates that this is anything more than an honorary title for someone who served in the office longer than anybody, IIRC. Remember, the Speaker can ask ANYONE from the House membership to sit in the chair if he chooses; this is done frequently in Washington, and I believe it can be done here.

I also note that Speaker Williams voted with the Republicans on all three constitutional offices (although, as The Rep has noted, each race was effectively over after the Senate gave each Republican a five-vote lead coming out of there) and he is in charge. Now, it appears that the committee assignments have yet to be done; however, the Lege is on recess until February 9, so we should know something by then.

At that point, we will get some idea of how this is going to shake out. Right now, Kent Williams is the most powerful person in the legislature, because he is the 50th House vote. He is no liberal by any means, and while Mumpower and his troops will not have the carte blanche they thought they were getting, I suspect that they won't be shut out, either.

Does Williams owe Naifeh and Odom? Well, hell yes he does, but to what extent? Williams knows if he looks like a puppet for EITHER Naifeh or Mumpower, it will hurt him back home. His area is OLD-SCHOOL Republican, long before the new breed of Gingrichites arrived. Williams beat Mumpower's guy TWICE, so Williams knows if he does what his district wants, rather than what the party tells him to do, he will be just fine, even if he's not Speaker in the 107th General Assembly.

There needs to be serious reflection for Mumpower, Casada and the other 47 in his group, as there are a few in that group for whom I have a deep respect. Stories like this make the Mumpower group look like bumpkins who've come to the big city for the first time, not people who have been asked to govern. As is often said to football players who over-celebrate a touchdown, act like you've been there. Even if you haven't.

We are three weeks away from the actual work of the session, with committee assignments and the Governor's undoubtedly dire budget address. There's a hell of a lot of work to do for this state and not much time to do it. EVERYONE needs to focus and remember why they are there, and it's not about your press clippings. As we were reminded this week, it ain't about the talk, it's about the walk.

In other news, I am an idiot for not telling you about this, because for the last two weeks I have been devouring a new website set up by Sadcox and our beloved Newscoma called NewsTechZilla. It's all about news, technology, journalism, and lots and lots of good stuff. Go check it out, you should subscribe to either the email or RSS feed, or both, as I have done. It's got the 'Coma touch, so it's top-notch! You'll also find it below and to the right in THE ENDLESS BLOGROLL, of course.

Now, to my crackpot predictions for the NFL.

It's an all-BIRD Super Bowl, my friends, as the Arizona Cardinals, (the Norman Chad Team of Destiny) led by 78-year-old Kurt Warner, will defeat the Philadelphia Eagles and face the Baltimore Ravens of rookie sensation Joe Flacco and ultimate gangstas Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, who will send Ben Roethlisberger to the emergency ward while humiliating the Steelers at Heinz Field. Remember, with these picks, you're getting your money's worth!

That's enough for now, I ponder a FGF pick for the morning.....

It's time to put these out...

UPDATE: Tomorrow is Election Day; if you haven't yet voted and you are registered, I ask you to consider these choices, as you will not hear from me again until after the election.

Ok, 'Mute has his endorsements up, so I might as well put mine out there.

We'll go Federal to State to County to Local...

US Senate - Democratic Primary - Bob Tuke

Bob Tuke has the best chance of the Democratic candidates to hurt, if not outright defeat, incumbent GOP Senator Lamar Alexander, who is a nice inoffensive guy that nonetheless has been round-heeled for the policies of the Bush Administration. Tuke is tough, he was a great TDP chair, and if you remember how former TDP Chair Jim Sasser stunned incumbent Bill Brock in 1976, you know anything is possible.

US House - District 7 - Republican Primary - Tom Leatherwood

Dwayne's spot-on commentary aside, it is not going to be possible for a Democrat to win in 7, so I am supporting Leatherwood because A) he is from Shelby County and not Williamson County, and B) he is decent and honest, neither of which I would say about his opponent Marsha Blackburn.

US House - District 9 - Democratic Primary - Steve Cohen

Yeah, THERE'S a shocker, eh? If you believe in more and better Democrats, A) we already have one and B) who could be better than who we have? No one, so why change? If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Tennessee House - District 85 - Democratic Primary - Larry Turner

Larry Turner is one of the best in the General Assembly, so why change?

Tennessee House - District 87 - Democratic Primary - Karen Camper

Karen was appointed to fill the vacancy left by the tragic death of Rep. Gary Rowe this spring, and she has done a creditable job in Nashville. She is opposed by internet talk show host Jennings Bernard, and I see no reason to replace Camper.

Tennessee House - District 92 - Democratic Primary - G.A. Hardaway

I like GA Hardaway, he is outspoken and a fighter for his issues, even when they are not popular, like his bill to require that all newborns be given a paternity test. At first glance, it seemed like an attack on women, but after he explained his reasoning, I understood why he filed it. I am troubled by the fact that he is supporting the unqualifed Nikki Tinker for Congress, but, I just don't know Eddie Neal, and I am not ready to make a change.

Tennessee House - District 98 - Democratic Primary - Ulysses Jones

I am not happy with Rep. Jones' bill to weaken the Sunshine Law, I think it was ill-timed and misguided. However, aside from that, he has done a good job for his constituents and the city of Memphis. While I like Boris Combest and think he would be hard-working and conscientious, why throw away a committee chairmanship if you don't have to?

State-wide & Shelby County General Elections

Criminal Court Judge, Division 6 - John T. Fowlkes, Jr.

I know, for a supposed bomb-thrower, I'm playing it close to the vest. I rely on my sources in the legal community, and most, if not all, are very happy with the incumbent. I see no reason to replace him.

Assessor of Property - Cheyenne Johnson

Yes, I endorsed her months ago, because she knows this office backwards and forwards. She has been Rita Clark's Chief Administrative Officer for several years, and Cheyenne will provide continuity, ensuring that this office will continue to be run as outstandingly well as it has been since Rita took office in 1996.

Trustee - Paul Mattila

Paul was Bob Patterson's right-hand man, and. like Cheyenne, provides much-needed continuity in a well-run office. He is the DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE, despite the mysterious LaTroy Williams' indications to the contrary. Paul is the right person for this position and deserves a full term on his own.

General Sessions Court Clerk - Your Choice Here

It is the policy of this blog not to endorse a Republican over a Democrat in a contested partisan election. This race is the closest I have ever come to over-riding that policy. While I have forgiven Democratic nominee Otis Jackson for his ill-advised Independent run for Register in 2000 that cost John Freeman that office, I cannot make the same arguments for him that I could for Cheyenne and for Paul.

Just because he starred at point guard for the Tigers in the late 70s and early 80s, that does not make him qualified to run a County office with dozens of employees. He is currently a security officer for FedEx Security, and yes, that's the same as a policeman out there. To my knowledge, he knows little or nothing about how the office should be run, and simply has no business there.

As Chris Turner ran crying to the GOP after the loss of his state House seat in the early 90s, I'm not going to endorse him, either. I really wish I could tell you to vote for the Democratic nominee here, but competence is too important. Pick 'em.

There are three County School Board races out there; however, since I have no knowledge or the candidates out there, you're on your own. Early vote started yesterday, so GET OUT THERE!

It was a good time...

Senator Beverly Marrero at the petition-signing party for her and Rep. Mike Kernell Saturday at Garibaldi's on Walker.

         Your Cracker with Carol Chumney and Senator Marrero

Your humble Cracker with our Trustee nominee, Paul Mattila

Sen. Marrero, County Commissioner Steve Mulroy, Carol Chumney, Rep. Mike Kernell.

Photos courtesy of Jody Hurt

It was an enjoyable gathering at Garibaldi's on Walker Saturday after noon as Senator Beverly Marrero (D-30) and Rep. Mike Kernell threw a petition-signing party.  Among those in attendance were City Councilor Shea Flinn, County Commissioner Steve Mulroy, former State Representative and City Councilor Carol Chumney, former SCDP chair David Cocke, State Executive Committeeman David Upton, Jackson Baker of the Memphis Flyer, SCDP Committeeman Lynn Strickland, Democratic activists Will Beaty, Latoya Belgrave, Howard Cohn, Mike Brester, and Paul Mattila, our Democratic nominee for County trustee.

There was lots of pizza and socializing and discussions about the presidential race; more about that in a later post!  All in all, a fun time was had by all.

Filing deadline is noon on Thursday, and I will be at the County Election Commission to see if there are any surprises in the legislative races.

Hey you! Yeah, you, You live in House 93 or Senate 30?

Then listen up, as Senator Beverly Marrero (D-30) and Rep. Mike Kernell (D-93) are having a petition-signing party this Saturday at Garibaldi's, 3530 Walker Avenue (near the U of M)from Noon to 2 PM. Come by, say hi, and if you like (AND live in their district, that's a must), sign their petitions for re-election.

It should be fun, so come on out and meet with our legislators this Saturday. No, the Tigers play Friday night (and hopefully, Sunday afternoon!), so you won't miss it (they have big screeen TVs in any event.

As always, for more information, contact Jody Hurt at 901-283-5528 or Memphisjody40 at aol.com

RIP Representative Gary Rowe

State Representative Gary Rowe (D-87-Memphis) passed away this morning at Baptist Memorial Hospital from colon cancer; he was 56.

Let us remember him and his family in our thoughts and prayers. Though his service in Nashville was short, his service to the overall Memphis community had been ongoing for many years, and he will be missed by his colleagues and this community.

No news of funeral arrangements are available at this time.

Congratulations to Jeanne Richardson

To the astonishment of absolutely no one,  Jeanne Richardson was elected last night to fill the vacated District 89 seat of former Representative, now Senator Beverly Marrero.

The totals: Jeanne Richardson - 814, Republican Dave Wicker, Jr. 185, and write-in Steve Edmundson received 166 votes in the low turn-out race.

Jeanne follows a long tradition of District 89, as a Democratic woman has represented that area since 1975, beginning with the late Pam Gaia (1975-91), now-City Coincolor Carol Chumney (1991-2003), and Beverly Marrer0 (2003-2007).  In addition, the interim Representative was neighborhood activist Mary Wilder.

She will do a fabulous job for the area, as she is known in Nashville already for her advocacy on behalf of mental health issues, and we are delighted with her victory.

So too, are we delighted that this brings to an end the seemingly ENDLESS series of special elections that began when Carol Chumney left District 89 to run for City Council four years ago.

Great luck to Jeanne, and let's all take a breath until the filing deadline passes at noon tomorrow!

It's almost that time in 89 ALREADY?

NOTICE OF EARLY VOTING
JULY 17, 2007
SPECIAL GENERAL ELECTION

Pursuant to Sec. 2-6-103, Tennessee Code Annotated, notice is hereby given by the Shelby County Election Commission of unrestricted early voting for the July 17, 2007, Special General Election as follows:

Site Locations, Dates and Times

SHELBY COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION

157 POPLAR AVE., SUITE 121

Beginning Wednesday, June 27, 2007 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Thurs., June 28 – Friday, June 29, 2007 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Saturday, June 30, 2007 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Monday, July 2 – Friday, July 6, 2007 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Saturday, July 7, 2007 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Monday, July 9 – Wed., July 11, 2007 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Last day, Thursday, July 12, 2007 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
OFFICE CLOSED ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 2007 FOR HOLIDAY


Satellite Sites

Beginning Saturday, July 7, 2007 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Monday, July 9 – Wed., July 11, 2007 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Last day, Thursday, July 12, 2007 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
OFFICE CLOSED ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 2007 FOR HOLIDAY

LOCATION NAME LOCATION ADDRESS
Berclair Church of Christ 4536 Summer Ave., 38122
Trinity United Methodist Church 1738 Galloway Ave., 38112
Click to display map of the EV Sites

Pursuant to Sec. 2-6-102, TCA, a voter who desires to vote early shall go to the County Election Commission office or to any of the satellite locations listed above within the hours set out for the early voting period, sign an application for ballot and vote. Pursuant to Sec. 2-7-140 (c) (1) voters who are already registered can make address changes at an early voting site. For further information, call 545-4132.

SHELBY COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION

Well, I didn't see that coming....

I thought that the House 89 Democratic Primary would be a closely fought race, and either Jeanne Richardson or Kevin Gallagher could win.

It appears that the Democratic electorate believed that 32 years of female representation in Nashville was NOT enough, as Jeanne Richardson won a solid victory over Kevin Gallagher tonight, 693-373, to earn the Democratic nomination (tantamount to election) for the permanent seat.

Jeanne, who I have praised with good reason here, ran a solid campaign, worked extremely hard in the district, and earned the nomination to face Republican Dave Wicker, Jr.

I openly supported Gallagher, as I thought he deserved the seat; however, I have no problem endorsing Jeanne Richardson in the July 17 General Election, and I urge all in District 89 to vote for her then, and I know Kevin will do the same, he's already told me he will.

So, on we go to July! Congratulations to Jeanne on her victory tonight.

alt="Go to Richardson for TN House Website" />

The voters of District 89 are VERY fortunate.

UPDATE: Today is the day before the Special Election for District 89, and I thought this was the time to bring this back to the top.

Jeannie Richardson has been a Democratic stalwart for years, raising money and helping Democratic candidates all over the County. She has experience working in Nashville on behalf of mental health issues and would be a solid legislator. My understanding is that when the seat became open, she decided to sell her home in Harbor Town and move back into the district in which she once lived. I cannot, and will not say anything bad about her, because it's not possible.

So, why then I am asking you to vote for her opponent, Kevin Gallagher? Because as fine a legislator as she would be, I believe Kevin would be even better.

Kevin and his family have lived in this district for years and he has made a commitment to it. This is his blog where he discusses the issues that face District 89 and how he will respond to them.

He has spent most of his professional life in public service, having worked in county government, and currently consults others about campaigns. You may remember that he was the lead Campaign Manager for our Congressman, Steve Cohen. He, along with Field Director Liz Rincon, laid the groundwork for Cohen's hardfought victory.

In addition, he has served on the Center City Commission, the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth, and the board of the city's AAA minor-league franchise, the Memphis Redbirds.

He, as you know, intended to run for the Senate 30 seat that Congressman Cohen vacated. However, once then-Rep. Marrero got in, he re-thought his candidacy. although he withdrew after the deadline, he took great pains, along with the Marrero campaign, to endorse her, to let the district KNOW he was endorsing her, and supported her victorious campaign.

Kevin has done EVERYTHING we, and those who had promised him an open shot, have asked him to do, even after he made some mistakes that threatened his campaign. He corrected those errors, made it up to all of us who supported him then AND now, and he has busted his ass to win House 89. Kevin DESERVES this chance to be an outstanding representative for 89.

Kevin Gallagher is the right man in the right place at the right time, and if you reside in House District 89, I am asking you to vote for him in the Democratic Primary.

Brian Kelsey is a grandstanding little punk

And what's more, TWO of his OWN GOP colleagues called him out on the House Floor for that act!

Kelsey, of Germantown, was pissed about the House Democratic leadership's decision to promote public investment by allowing each House member (Democratic OR Republican) to provide a list of worthy recipients for up to a total of $100,000.

Kelsey kept whining that this was pork, and then put a piece of bacon in an envelope before insulting his fellow House members by impugning their integrity:

"It smells quite frankly of cronyism; it smells of incumbency protection and even of buying votes. In the wake of Tennessee Waltz, who's to stop someone from receiving this money back as a kickback, as a campaign contribution or even in cash?"

That was enough for Curry Todd, Republican of Millington, who had HELPED Kelsey get elected. He stood up on the floor and, according to the CA, allowed as to how he would be happy to take Kelsey's allotment and give it to his education folks and his district. Then, he smacked Kelsey down with THIS: "And maybe you ought to look at giving back the PAC money (campaign contributions from political action committees) you got from the last election if you're concerned about everything that's going up here."

Then, Todd went on to say "I don't rise very often to disagree with my colleagues but my friend from Shelby County -- who I helped get elected and encouraged him to run -- but I don't support you grandstanding any more, trying to draw media attention to your stuff up here."

Also, Jim Coley, freshman Republican of Bartlett (whom, I might add, was ENDORSED in his Primary by your humble Cracker) stood up and said "I too am going to criticize my colleague from Shelby County. I think if he's sincere in talking about the wining and dining and other things that he has used as a platform up here, he needs to return every bit of the PAC money he's received since serving in the Tennessee General Assembly."

Thank you, Jim. it's time somebody took this little whiner to school about how the Legislature works. If Kelsey isn't bright enough to figure the difference between public investment and actual PORK (and it DOES exist), then he has no business in the General Assembly.

In the words of the great American orator, Bugs Bunny, what a maroon!

UPDATE: Kleinheider has a good take on all of this...