Because it's just TOO good not to!
Core Democratic tennant #2. Democrats shouldn't embrace the consolidation of ridiculous amounts of wealth which are passed on to descendants and create an economic aristocracy in America.
I wrote this about Ford a few months ago.
Harold Ford, Wal-mart and the Estate Tax
A couple weeks ago, I was reading an article in The Nation.
http://www.thenation.com/doc/20051121/featherstone
It was about Wal-mart and the descendants of Sam Walton new-found interest in politics and right-wing causes. Sam Walton used to give almost nothing to political campaigns or philanthropic groups. All that changed after Sam Walton died and especially since the 1998 election cycle. Here are Wal-mart Stores PAC total campaign contributions from http://www.opensecrets.org
1998: To Federal Candidates $135,750
7% to Democrats 93% to Republicans
2000: To Federal Candidates $457,050
14% to Democrats 85% to Republicans
2002: To Federal Candidates $1,081,000
22% to Democrats 78% to Republicans
2004: To Federal Candidates $2,633,783
22% to Democrats 78% to Republicans
2006: So Far To Federal Candidates $321,300
30% to Democrats 70% to Republicans
The Wal-mart Store PAC is now the third largest corporate PAC and the second-largest corporate donor to the Republican Party. What really caught my attention about this article was the Estate Tax. The combined family fortune of the Waltons is $90 billion. Now they have a vested interest in getting rid of the Estate Tax. Over the past few years, the Wal-mart Store PAC has given money to Democratic members of Congress who support the repeal of the Estate Tax.
Some of the most known locally are Blanche Lincoln and Harold Ford Jr. In fairness to Ford, he wanted to repeal the Estate Tax before he started getting money from the Wal-mart Store PAC, but he has been well compensated by it since 2002 for his continued advocacy. Here are the campaign contributions Ford has received from the Wal-mart Store PAC:
1998-$0
2000-$0
2002-$7,500 Only 8 other Democrats received as much or more as Ford.
Wal-mart Store PAC was Ford’s 10th highest PAC donor.
2004-$12,250 Only 7 other Democrats received as much or more as Ford.
Wal-Mart Store PAC was Ford’s 9th highest PAC donor.
2005-$5,000 Ford tied Hillary Clinton for most given a Democrat and only second to George Allen.
Here were Ford’s positions on the Estate Tax as of 2001.
Voted YES on eliminating the Estate Tax.
Vote to pass a bill that would gradually reduce revenue by $185.5 billion over 10 years with a repeal of the estate tax by 2011.
Reference: Bill sponsored by Dunn, R-WA; Bill HR 8 ; vote number 2001-84 on Apr 4, 2001
Voted YES on repealing the estate tax ("death tax").
Vote to pass a bill that would completely eliminate taxes on estates over a 10 year period at an estimated cost of $105 billion as well as $50 billion each year after the repeal of the tax is complete in 2010.
Reference: Bill sponsored by Dunn, R-WA; Bill HR 8 ; vote number 2000-254 on Jun 9, 2000
Ford sponsored the Death Tax Elimination Act:
Title: To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to phaseout the estate and gift taxes over a 10-year period.
Summary: Repeals, effective January 1, 2011, current provisions relating to the basis of property acquired from a decedent. Provides with respect to property acquired from a decedent dying on January 1, 2011, or later that:
1. property shall be treated as transferred by gift; and
2. the basis of the person acquiring the property shall be the lesser of the adjusted basis of the decedent or the fair market value of the property at the date of the decedent's death.
3. Requires specified information to be reported concerning non-cash assets over $1.3 million transferred at death and certain gifts exceeding $25,000.
4. Makes the exclusion of gain on the sale of a principal residence available to heirs.
5. Revises current provisions concerning the transfer of farm real to provide that gain on such exchange shall be recognized to the estate only to the extent that the fair market value of such property exceeds such value on the date of death.
6. Provides a similar rule for certain trusts.
7. Amends the special rules for allocation of the generation-skipping tax (GST) exemption to provide that if any individual makes an indirect skip during such individual's lifetime, any unused portion of such individual's GST exemption shall be allocated to the property transferred to the extent necessary to make the inclusion ratio for such property zero; and
8. if the amount of the indirect skip exceeds such unused portion, the entire unused portion shall be allocated to the property transferred.
9. Provides that, if an allocation of the GST exemption to any transfers of property is deemed to have been made at the close of an estate tax inclusion period, the value of the property shall be its value at such time.
Source: House Resolution Sponsorship 01-HR8 on Mar 14, 2001
http://www.issues2000.org/House/Harold_Ford_Tax_Reform.htm
Fortunately, Ford has slightly modified his position on the Estate Tax as of April 2005.
“Ford's bill would have reduced the estate tax by raising the exemption on estates from $1.5 million to $7.5 million for individuals and from $3 million to $15 million for couples. It would have reduced the tax on the portion above the exempt limit from 47 percent to 27.5 percent.”
http://www.fordfortennessee.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=23&Itemid=34
Now, supporters of Estate Tax repeal or reform always say that they want to help small businesses and family farms. The problem is family farms and small businesses aren’t hurt by the Estate Tax. Here is the Congressional Budget Report from July 2005 about the Estate Tax.
July 2005 Congressional Budget Office:
Report on Effects of Federal Estate Tax on Farms and Small Businesses
This taken from the summary:
“Under current law, if someone dies in 2005 and leaves an
estate worth more than $1.5 million, the estate must file a
return and pay taxes of 43 percent to 47 percent on assets
(minus various deductions) above that dollar threshold.1
Under the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation
Act of 2001 (EGTRRA), estate tax rates will decline
—and the amount of net assets exempt from taxation will
increase—through 2009, at which point the tax will
equal 45 percent of an estate’s net assets over $3.5 million.
The estate tax is then eliminated in 2010. However,
if EGTRRA expires as scheduled in 2011, the tax will be
reinstated that year, at rates ranging from 41 percent to
60 percent on net assets of more than $1 million. The
federal estate tax is projected to raise around $20 billion
to $30 billion in revenues annually through 2011 and
roughly double that amount in the next few years thereafter.
In recent years, fewer than 2 percent of all estates have
had to pay estate taxes. But critics argue that the tax may
pose a particular hardship for a small business or family
farm. If building up such an enterprise results in a taxable
estate without enough liquid assets to pay estate taxes,
heirs may have to wholly or partially liquidate the business
or farm. Purchasing sufficient life insurance might
prevent that problem, but the ongoing cost of paying premiums
would reduce the cash flow available to invest in
the enterprise. In addition, critics charge, because the
estate tax lowers the rewards from investment, a business
owner or family farmer wishing to leave the enterprise to
his or her heirs may be less inclined to invest in it or to
hire workers—or may even be dissuaded from starting
the business.
The amount of estate tax owed on a farm or business can
be reduced in several ways. If a decedent has left heirs
minority interests in a business, the estate may claim a
reduced value for those interests for tax purposes, thus
lowering the taxable value of the estate. In addition, until
2004, family-owned businesses could take a special
deduction—the qualified family-owned business-interest
(QFOBI) deduction—to lower their estate taxes. Moreover,
certain types of businesses can spread their tax payments
over 15 years in some circumstances. For farmers, a
special method of calculating the value of a family farm
can lower the amount of estate tax owed. Finally, as the
amount of assets exempt from taxation increases under
EGTRRA, the estate tax will affect fewer small businesses
and farms (at least until the law expires).”
“Affordability of the Estate Tax Information about whether the estates of farmers and small-business owners can afford to pay estate taxes comes primarily from tax returns. CBO’s analysis examined data from estate tax returns filed in 1999 and 2000
(the most recent data available when the analysis was conducted).
Determining from tax returns what constitutes a
family farm or small business is difficult, however. Returns
identify the decedent’s occupation and industry, but
those categories are broad. For lack of better identifiers,
this analysis considered the estates of farmers to be those
reporting an occupation of either farmer or farm worker
(about 4,500 estates per year) and the estates of smallbusiness
owners to be those claiming the QFOBI deduction
(about 1,500 per year).
The vast majority of estates, including those of farmers
and small-business owners, had enough liquid assets to
pay the estate taxes they owed. However, estates involving
farms or small businesses were less likely than the average
estate to have sufficient liquid assets to cover their estate
taxes. In 2000, about 8 percent (or 138) of the estates of
farmers who left enough assets to owe estate taxes faced a
tax payment that exceeded their liquid assets, compared
with about 5 percent of all estates that owed taxes. For
estates claiming the QFOBI deduction, the corresponding
figure was about 34 percent (or 164 estates). Those
numbers are upper bounds, however, because the definition
of liquid assets used on estate tax returns excludes
some money held in trusts, which could also be used to
pay estate taxes.”
http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/65xx/doc6512/07-06-EstateTax.pdf
This talk of the Estate Tax hurting family farms and small businesses is a load of crap. I would like to hear more on Ford’s position on the Estate Tax and why Wal-mart is such a big supporter of his campaigns.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Leadership Academy puts together an Election Guide
For the sole purpose of INFORMING voters, not lobbying them, which I think is cool.
The link to their website is here, while the direct link to the 51-PAGE PDF (if you're on dialup, it could take awhile) is here. It looks like a really comprehensive overview of Government in the city and county, with maps of districts and who currently holds each office, as well as when they began holding it.
Great job, Leadership Academy! Props to Judy Palmer of MSDIA, David Holt and Jeannette Warren of Germantown Democratic Club for informing me of this guide.
The link to their website is here, while the direct link to the 51-PAGE PDF (if you're on dialup, it could take awhile) is here. It looks like a really comprehensive overview of Government in the city and county, with maps of districts and who currently holds each office, as well as when they began holding it.
Great job, Leadership Academy! Props to Judy Palmer of MSDIA, David Holt and Jeannette Warren of Germantown Democratic Club for informing me of this guide.
Oh, so you think I'M fanning the flames?????
Y'all need to go to Pesky's site, and read the posts about Kurita's departure and the Party as it is right now and then read the comments. I'm jealous!
OK, here's a start
This is part of a response I received to the PD post:
could I get a comprehensive list of the views that one MUST espouse to be a REAL democrat? You guys seem to be writing it one blog at a time.
OK, fair enough. Here's an excerpt from a great DailyKos diary about what I think is the CORE issue of being a REAL Democrat:
Ever since the rise of movement conservatism in 1980, there has been a discernable failure by our government to effect the just distribution of profits in a market economy. Worse yet, liberals have forgotten how to use its principles as way to effectively explain how the middle class and working poor can actually lose ground during periods of high corporate profits.
To that end, liberals must again prove that they will provide Americans with a truer sense of personal security. This goal is attainable simply by using the canons of distributive justice capitalism; the means society uses to allocate its economic resources in proportion to the individual's needs. But to be truly effective, this conversation must be framed within the context of satisfying the greater common good through individual contribution, i.e., the responsibility every citizen has for maintaining the American institutions upon which all citizens rely upon for individual self-development.
Distributive justice democratizes capitalism while leaving intact the incentive for meritorious achievement. While recognizing the employer's right to a just compensation for proper management and economic risk it demands that that the laborer ceases being treated as a commodity but as a dignified individual. It accomplishes this goal not by focusing upon the endless receipt of public assistance, but by emphasizing the dignified compensation for honest labor. Such compensation requires the proportionally just distribution of profits to each individual who contributed to the production of a given item or a provided service.
Expanding the distribution of profits extends opportunity to a greater number of individuals by increasing their ability to acquire and own private property. Increasing both private property ownership and its means of acquisition are major steps forward in satisfying the common good goal of self-sufficiency and individual economic security to a greater number of individuals.
could I get a comprehensive list of the views that one MUST espouse to be a REAL democrat? You guys seem to be writing it one blog at a time.
OK, fair enough. Here's an excerpt from a great DailyKos diary about what I think is the CORE issue of being a REAL Democrat:
Ever since the rise of movement conservatism in 1980, there has been a discernable failure by our government to effect the just distribution of profits in a market economy. Worse yet, liberals have forgotten how to use its principles as way to effectively explain how the middle class and working poor can actually lose ground during periods of high corporate profits.
To that end, liberals must again prove that they will provide Americans with a truer sense of personal security. This goal is attainable simply by using the canons of distributive justice capitalism; the means society uses to allocate its economic resources in proportion to the individual's needs. But to be truly effective, this conversation must be framed within the context of satisfying the greater common good through individual contribution, i.e., the responsibility every citizen has for maintaining the American institutions upon which all citizens rely upon for individual self-development.
Distributive justice democratizes capitalism while leaving intact the incentive for meritorious achievement. While recognizing the employer's right to a just compensation for proper management and economic risk it demands that that the laborer ceases being treated as a commodity but as a dignified individual. It accomplishes this goal not by focusing upon the endless receipt of public assistance, but by emphasizing the dignified compensation for honest labor. Such compensation requires the proportionally just distribution of profits to each individual who contributed to the production of a given item or a provided service.
Expanding the distribution of profits extends opportunity to a greater number of individuals by increasing their ability to acquire and own private property. Increasing both private property ownership and its means of acquisition are major steps forward in satisfying the common good goal of self-sufficiency and individual economic security to a greater number of individuals.
This sums it up in a nutshell.
Polar Donkey had a great comment to a post below, and it sums up what we're talking about, so I'm taking it for it's own post:
Here is Ford's fundamental problem. He scarificed the interests of the constituents of the 9th congressional district for his own political advancement. He didn't have a right to move his voting in the congress to the right in a deliberate attempt to make himself more appealing to conservative voters in the central and eastern part of the state. Are Ford supporters able to say that Ford is not a panderer. I'd like to see that argument made.
Ford supporters know he is a panderer and you know what showed it. That Port security commercial he ran. For two weeks the port deal issue raged. He didn't run that add until 4 days before the republicans killed the deal. Then he kept the ad up for several days longer. If he would have run that ad a week earlier it could have appeared less oprotunistic, but because he is a spineless panderer, he didn't and the ad only contributed to perception he is weak.
I challenge Ford supporters to explain to us why we should vote for him without using the spectre of republican boogey men. Leftwing Cracker, the folks at Pesky Fly, and myself have been specificly explaining why we don't want Ford for a year. I want Ford supporters to specificly explain why they want him.
Here is Ford's fundamental problem. He scarificed the interests of the constituents of the 9th congressional district for his own political advancement. He didn't have a right to move his voting in the congress to the right in a deliberate attempt to make himself more appealing to conservative voters in the central and eastern part of the state. Are Ford supporters able to say that Ford is not a panderer. I'd like to see that argument made.
Ford supporters know he is a panderer and you know what showed it. That Port security commercial he ran. For two weeks the port deal issue raged. He didn't run that add until 4 days before the republicans killed the deal. Then he kept the ad up for several days longer. If he would have run that ad a week earlier it could have appeared less oprotunistic, but because he is a spineless panderer, he didn't and the ad only contributed to perception he is weak.
I challenge Ford supporters to explain to us why we should vote for him without using the spectre of republican boogey men. Leftwing Cracker, the folks at Pesky Fly, and myself have been specificly explaining why we don't want Ford for a year. I want Ford supporters to specificly explain why they want him.
To further note...
Chris D. Jackson, bless his heart, was TRYING to do the right thing when he commented in the post below.
Hell, he's young enough to be my son, and I remember what it was like to be 19 and geeked up about politics. I was 19 and walking a precinct for Brave Cordova Dem, who was running for the legislature (neither of us were in Cordova at the time. He's trying to help his candidate; hell, he apparently just got himself elected to the Lawrence County Commission, so he's learning, one would hope.
He'd better.
However, it's good to remember that Ronald Reagan became the icon of the rightwing (although the nutjobs probably look at HIM as a liberal now) because the CONSERVATIVE BASE of the Republican Party got angry at the Bob Michels and Gerald Fords of the world who rolled over for the Democratic Party, who was then in complete control of Congress, and by extension, Washington.
They showed discipline, they NEVER gave up, and they wound up with complete control of Washington.
Howard Dean is our Ronald Reagan, only a hell of a lot smarter and correct on the issues. He understands that the problem with the Democratic Party are our elected officials in Washington, who are so locked into the Beltway mentality that they would rather be stomped on by the GOP than actually fight back or represent their constituencies. THAT is why he's pissed them off by using the money he raises to build parties at the state and local level and not routing it back to those bloated assholes.
That means to me, NO MONEY TO THE DCCC. NO MONEY TO THE DSCC. I give money to the national Party through a Democracy Bond because I know it's coming right back here for party-building.
I am so sick and tired of being told I have to hide my liberalism for fear it might offend some one. FUCK 'EM! Do you think GROVER NORQUIST hides HIS political beliefs, people? Do you think KARL FUCKING ROVE hides his political beliefs because it might offend someone? HELL NO!
We're the ones who are correct, people! The Democratic Party is supposed to be the LIBERAL party in America, not the whiny little party that won't talk back to the big bad bullies! Why can't people figure that out?
Friends, our Democratic Congressmen & Senators are suffering from Stockholm Syndrome because they've been in captivity so long. That's how you wind up with a craven little coward like Joe Lieberman, and that's why we're going to beat him with Ned Lamont.
Harold Ford, Junior has run his campaign like he is ashamed to be a Democrat, and I will NOT stand for that. That's why I supported Rosalind Kurita, not because she was a flaming liberal, but because she stood up for DEMOCRATIC positions on healthcare and on the war in Iraq. She wasn't afraid, and for that the DC establishment worked to crush her at every turn, succeeding in forcing her out of the race.
At the rate things are going, I'm only going to have TWO REAL Democrats to vote for in November, for Congress (Cohen, I hope; anyone but Tinker otherwise) and Kernell for re-election.
Bredesen and Ford have proven to me that they are NOT REAL DEMOCRATS, and I will not vote for either of them. Oh, I won't vote for Goopers, I never do, I'll just write in the names of REAL Democrats in their place. Maybe I'll write in Harold Ford, SENIOR for the Senate; at least he WAS a REAL Democrat.
Hell, he's young enough to be my son, and I remember what it was like to be 19 and geeked up about politics. I was 19 and walking a precinct for Brave Cordova Dem, who was running for the legislature (neither of us were in Cordova at the time. He's trying to help his candidate; hell, he apparently just got himself elected to the Lawrence County Commission, so he's learning, one would hope.
He'd better.
However, it's good to remember that Ronald Reagan became the icon of the rightwing (although the nutjobs probably look at HIM as a liberal now) because the CONSERVATIVE BASE of the Republican Party got angry at the Bob Michels and Gerald Fords of the world who rolled over for the Democratic Party, who was then in complete control of Congress, and by extension, Washington.
They showed discipline, they NEVER gave up, and they wound up with complete control of Washington.
Howard Dean is our Ronald Reagan, only a hell of a lot smarter and correct on the issues. He understands that the problem with the Democratic Party are our elected officials in Washington, who are so locked into the Beltway mentality that they would rather be stomped on by the GOP than actually fight back or represent their constituencies. THAT is why he's pissed them off by using the money he raises to build parties at the state and local level and not routing it back to those bloated assholes.
That means to me, NO MONEY TO THE DCCC. NO MONEY TO THE DSCC. I give money to the national Party through a Democracy Bond because I know it's coming right back here for party-building.
I am so sick and tired of being told I have to hide my liberalism for fear it might offend some one. FUCK 'EM! Do you think GROVER NORQUIST hides HIS political beliefs, people? Do you think KARL FUCKING ROVE hides his political beliefs because it might offend someone? HELL NO!
We're the ones who are correct, people! The Democratic Party is supposed to be the LIBERAL party in America, not the whiny little party that won't talk back to the big bad bullies! Why can't people figure that out?
Friends, our Democratic Congressmen & Senators are suffering from Stockholm Syndrome because they've been in captivity so long. That's how you wind up with a craven little coward like Joe Lieberman, and that's why we're going to beat him with Ned Lamont.
Harold Ford, Junior has run his campaign like he is ashamed to be a Democrat, and I will NOT stand for that. That's why I supported Rosalind Kurita, not because she was a flaming liberal, but because she stood up for DEMOCRATIC positions on healthcare and on the war in Iraq. She wasn't afraid, and for that the DC establishment worked to crush her at every turn, succeeding in forcing her out of the race.
At the rate things are going, I'm only going to have TWO REAL Democrats to vote for in November, for Congress (Cohen, I hope; anyone but Tinker otherwise) and Kernell for re-election.
Bredesen and Ford have proven to me that they are NOT REAL DEMOCRATS, and I will not vote for either of them. Oh, I won't vote for Goopers, I never do, I'll just write in the names of REAL Democrats in their place. Maybe I'll write in Harold Ford, SENIOR for the Senate; at least he WAS a REAL Democrat.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
It's not over until we SAY it's over!
Autoegocrat, whose passionate endorsement of Rosalind Kurita was what inspired me to endorse her, is just as angry as I am over her departure from the race. Not at her, of course, but some of the things that led to it.
I have learned from my sources that EMILY'S LIST would not return her calls. WTF??? So much for the idea that they support progressive women. This kind of bullshit is what led Markos Moulitsas and Jerome Armstrong to write Crashing The Gate, which I have not quite finished.
It's about how the DC-based consultants and Party staff are destroying the Democratic Party from within. This is the kind of bullshit that Howard Dean is fighting by building the state and local parties from the ground up.
Anyway, back to Autoegocrat, with a terrific excerpt:
If I'm Rosalind Kurita, right now I'm asking myself why my own party stabbed me in the back. In actual fact, I am not Rosalind Kurita, but I still have the same question.
Let's be absolutely clear about what just took place here. Rosalind Kurita now becomes the second eminently qualified Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate whose candidacy was torpedoed by Chuck Schumer. First it was Paul Hackett in Ohio, now it's Rosalind Kurita in Tennessee.
Chuck Schumer lives in New York. That yankee rat wouldn't know the Appalachian Trail if he was squatting on it, he wouldn't know the Mississippi River if he was drowning in it, and he wouldn't know a Ripley tomato if one hit him in the face. And yet, that son of a bitch gets to decide who does and does not get money for their campaigns in the Volunteer State.
For the record, my position on Ford stands: I will not vote for an Uncle Tom Democrat, and the day I let some party apparatchik from New York tell me who to vote for is the day I stop being an American. Uncle Junior's got Chuck Schumer's help, so he clearly doesn't need mine.
Damn skippy.
I have learned from my sources that EMILY'S LIST would not return her calls. WTF??? So much for the idea that they support progressive women. This kind of bullshit is what led Markos Moulitsas and Jerome Armstrong to write Crashing The Gate, which I have not quite finished.
It's about how the DC-based consultants and Party staff are destroying the Democratic Party from within. This is the kind of bullshit that Howard Dean is fighting by building the state and local parties from the ground up.
Anyway, back to Autoegocrat, with a terrific excerpt:
If I'm Rosalind Kurita, right now I'm asking myself why my own party stabbed me in the back. In actual fact, I am not Rosalind Kurita, but I still have the same question.
Let's be absolutely clear about what just took place here. Rosalind Kurita now becomes the second eminently qualified Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate whose candidacy was torpedoed by Chuck Schumer. First it was Paul Hackett in Ohio, now it's Rosalind Kurita in Tennessee.
Chuck Schumer lives in New York. That yankee rat wouldn't know the Appalachian Trail if he was squatting on it, he wouldn't know the Mississippi River if he was drowning in it, and he wouldn't know a Ripley tomato if one hit him in the face. And yet, that son of a bitch gets to decide who does and does not get money for their campaigns in the Volunteer State.
For the record, my position on Ford stands: I will not vote for an Uncle Tom Democrat, and the day I let some party apparatchik from New York tell me who to vote for is the day I stop being an American. Uncle Junior's got Chuck Schumer's help, so he clearly doesn't need mine.
Damn skippy.
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Chuck Schumer, you got what you wanted,
You son of a bitch.
Rosalind Kurita, who was blocked at every turn by the DC establishment, ESPECIALLY the DSCC, which in turn killed her fund-raising chances, is apparently withdrawing from the US Senate race, according to the CA and the Flyer.
I was worried about this all along. She needed to be able to go on TV to push her chances, and now the only hope the Democratic Party had of electing a US Senator in Tennessee in November is GONE.
Fuck you, Schumer.
Rosalind Kurita, who was blocked at every turn by the DC establishment, ESPECIALLY the DSCC, which in turn killed her fund-raising chances, is apparently withdrawing from the US Senate race, according to the CA and the Flyer.
I was worried about this all along. She needed to be able to go on TV to push her chances, and now the only hope the Democratic Party had of electing a US Senator in Tennessee in November is GONE.
Fuck you, Schumer.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
MSDIA makes endorsements tonight...
David Holt informs us that Mid-South Democrats In Action (MSDIA) endorsed several County Commission Candidates, and agreed with your humble Cracker in FOUR of the races.
They endorsed Darrick Harris in District 2, Position 1, Reginald Fentress for Position 2, and Deidre Malone for Position 3. They also tapped Steve Mulroy for District 5, all good choices.
However, we part ways in District 3, as they selected Paul Springer, Jr. in Position 1, who I don't really know, so I can't say anything one way or the other. Then, perhaps attempting to avoid the debacle of having the ExecCom choose the nominee, they chose to endorse Sidney Chism for Position 2.
Like I said earlier, District 3, you're on your own in that race.......
All in all, 4 out of 6 ain't bad, nice job MSDIA!
They endorsed Darrick Harris in District 2, Position 1, Reginald Fentress for Position 2, and Deidre Malone for Position 3. They also tapped Steve Mulroy for District 5, all good choices.
However, we part ways in District 3, as they selected Paul Springer, Jr. in Position 1, who I don't really know, so I can't say anything one way or the other. Then, perhaps attempting to avoid the debacle of having the ExecCom choose the nominee, they chose to endorse Sidney Chism for Position 2.
Like I said earlier, District 3, you're on your own in that race.......
All in all, 4 out of 6 ain't bad, nice job MSDIA!
Our brief local nightmare is over...
Both WRAL-TV in Raleigh and the CA are reporting that John Calipari has turned down the NC State job. I told you earlier I thought that would happen.
Now they can start sweating in Baton Rouge!
Now they can start sweating in Baton Rouge!
ITMFA
What does that mean, you ask? Well, I have linked to it in the blogroll.
This was started by Savage Love sex columnist Dan Savage, and the only other thing I will say is that the first word is IMPEACH.
Go click on it (but not necessarily work-safe!
This was started by Savage Love sex columnist Dan Savage, and the only other thing I will say is that the first word is IMPEACH.
Go click on it (but not necessarily work-safe!
On the Cal situation..
Geoff Calkins seems to suggest today that if John Calipari bails on the U of M for North Carolina State, it's RC Johnson's fault for lowballing him on a raise. Maybe.
Then again, maybe this is just a ploy to ENSURE that he gets what he wants, and that he really has no intention of going to NCSU. Maybe.
Let's look at this realistically. On the one hand, the Tigers are losing Rodney Carney and Waki Williams to graduation, while Darius Washington Jr is considering leaving early for the NBA, and Shawne Williams has all but announced his departure. Next year won't be the great year a lot of UM fans think it will, and he might want to get out of town while the getting's good.
On the other hand, does he want to leave a situation where he is going to dominate an entire conference (not to mention the city of Memphis) for a situation where he will have two DYNASTIES in Duke and UNC within 20 MILES of the campus? Think Best Damn Sports Show will want you when you're fighting for the 7th seed in the ACC Tournament, John?
I just don't believe this man's ego can take being THIRD banana in a market smaller than Memphis. Nothing against NCSU, but they haven't been a real power since Norm Sloan deserted them for Florida, the fluke national championship in 1983 notwithstanding.
I could be as wrong as wrong gets, but I suspect RC Johnson, Harold Byrd and company will give him a package that keeps him here.
Then again, maybe this is just a ploy to ENSURE that he gets what he wants, and that he really has no intention of going to NCSU. Maybe.
Let's look at this realistically. On the one hand, the Tigers are losing Rodney Carney and Waki Williams to graduation, while Darius Washington Jr is considering leaving early for the NBA, and Shawne Williams has all but announced his departure. Next year won't be the great year a lot of UM fans think it will, and he might want to get out of town while the getting's good.
On the other hand, does he want to leave a situation where he is going to dominate an entire conference (not to mention the city of Memphis) for a situation where he will have two DYNASTIES in Duke and UNC within 20 MILES of the campus? Think Best Damn Sports Show will want you when you're fighting for the 7th seed in the ACC Tournament, John?
I just don't believe this man's ego can take being THIRD banana in a market smaller than Memphis. Nothing against NCSU, but they haven't been a real power since Norm Sloan deserted them for Florida, the fluke national championship in 1983 notwithstanding.
I could be as wrong as wrong gets, but I suspect RC Johnson, Harold Byrd and company will give him a package that keeps him here.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Let's start this NOW: If you live in County Commission District ONE
Let's plan a write-in campaign, as there's no need for these Goopers to be unopposed. I want you, loyal Crackerphiles, to pick one of the three positions (wee need to do it together, not just spread it among the three) and let's write in somebody.
Hmmm. I wonder who that could be? Brad Watkins has an idea! Yes, why not the old West Tennessee Liberal his ownself, David Holt! It's a great idea, but remember, WE NEED TO VOTE FOR WHICH POSITION WE WRITE HIM IN!
Fortunately, I don't think Margo knows where I live, so I won't be expecting a letter-bomb, but I agree with Brad that it's a great idea, and I hope you do too.
Here are the Goopers in each position:
COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 1, POSITION 1
Charles Fineberg
Mike Ritz
Mike Rude
COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 1, POSITION 2
George S. Flinn
COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 1, POSITION 3
Mike Carpenter
Karla Willingham Templeton
Remember, pick your position, District One!
Hmmm. I wonder who that could be? Brad Watkins has an idea! Yes, why not the old West Tennessee Liberal his ownself, David Holt! It's a great idea, but remember, WE NEED TO VOTE FOR WHICH POSITION WE WRITE HIM IN!
Fortunately, I don't think Margo knows where I live, so I won't be expecting a letter-bomb, but I agree with Brad that it's a great idea, and I hope you do too.
Here are the Goopers in each position:
COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 1, POSITION 1
Charles Fineberg
Mike Ritz
Mike Rude
COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 1, POSITION 2
George S. Flinn
COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 1, POSITION 3
Mike Carpenter
Karla Willingham Templeton
Remember, pick your position, District One!
Here's another interesting question for the ExecCom:
Are you going to make endorsements in the Judgeship races this year? I remember that we have done so in the past (as I sat on the Elections committee then - just ask the honorable Phyllis Gardner - she remembers me!) and it helped several candidates.
Just ask Judge McLin, or Judge Lambert-Ryan or Judge Stotts! It can be all the difference in the campaign for some judges. Some of those who sat on the ExecCom with me will remember that I attempted to curtail the process. Yes, I did, and I was rightly thumped for it, and the ExecCom voted to do it.
I am going to ask the ExecCom to make endorsements in these non-partisan races. The Goopers are, so we may as well join them. I, of course, will make my own later, but the ExecCom should push forward.
Just ask Judge McLin, or Judge Lambert-Ryan or Judge Stotts! It can be all the difference in the campaign for some judges. Some of those who sat on the ExecCom with me will remember that I attempted to curtail the process. Yes, I did, and I was rightly thumped for it, and the ExecCom voted to do it.
I am going to ask the ExecCom to make endorsements in these non-partisan races. The Goopers are, so we may as well join them. I, of course, will make my own later, but the ExecCom should push forward.
As if they didn't have enough to worry about...
The Shelby County Democratic Party apparently had a good day Saturday morning at their Covenant Breakfast. No, as far as I know, they didn't hold hands and sing "Kumbaya", but they didn't kill each other, either. The best report is found here at David Holt's site.
Now, of course, those ExecCom members that are not active in a campaign (and why aren't you?) are praying that neither Walter Bailey or Cleo Kirk will win their races for County Commission. This, of course, would force them into choosing someone in either district as our nominee; since Republicans never win in either district, this would be tantamount to handing them a Commission seat. Last I heard, both men were continuing to campaign.
Here's a suggestion. There are two races in each district, so why not do this: pick the second-place candidate FROM THE OTHER RACE in each district. Pick the second place candidate from Position 2 for Position 1 in District 2, and then pick the second-place candidate from Position 1 for Position 2 in District 3.
Sorry if that reads like a menu from an old Chinese restaurant, but you get my point: if the people in that district deliberately cast their lot with the Executive Committee when they knew they could have chosen someone available to serve NOW, that's a REJECTION, folks.
Personally, I hope that District 2 voters will choose Darrick Harris and spare us that one. District 3 voters, you're on your own.
Now, of course, those ExecCom members that are not active in a campaign (and why aren't you?) are praying that neither Walter Bailey or Cleo Kirk will win their races for County Commission. This, of course, would force them into choosing someone in either district as our nominee; since Republicans never win in either district, this would be tantamount to handing them a Commission seat. Last I heard, both men were continuing to campaign.
Here's a suggestion. There are two races in each district, so why not do this: pick the second-place candidate FROM THE OTHER RACE in each district. Pick the second place candidate from Position 2 for Position 1 in District 2, and then pick the second-place candidate from Position 1 for Position 2 in District 3.
Sorry if that reads like a menu from an old Chinese restaurant, but you get my point: if the people in that district deliberately cast their lot with the Executive Committee when they knew they could have chosen someone available to serve NOW, that's a REJECTION, folks.
Personally, I hope that District 2 voters will choose Darrick Harris and spare us that one. District 3 voters, you're on your own.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Early voting starts Wednesday
for the May 2 Democratic Primary and runs through April 27.
With this in mind, I offer the Cracker's COMPLETE endorsement guide in contested races...
Mayor - AC Wharton - Oh, come on, he could campaign full-time in a taffeta gown and still win.
Sheriff - Bennie Cobb - He has more law enforcement experience than anyone else in the race by a longshot.
Circuit Court Clerk - No Endorsement - I honestly don't know enough about either Roderic Ford or Johnnie Ruth Williams to give you a choice.
Criminal Court Clerk - Kevin Gallagher - No-brainer here; he has plans to streamline the office and he will bust his butt to do so.
Juvenile Court Clerk - Wanda Halbert - There is a great deal of sympathy, and deservedly so, for Shep Wilbun. However, I do not believe he could defeat Steve Stamson in a rematch, and we need a fresher face for that office.
Probate Court Clerk - Sondra Becton - On sheer doggedness, you have to admire the fact that every four years, she runs against Chris Thomas. Maybe she'll win one of these days.
County Clerk - Joe Young - No one should be surprised at this choice, as I have been a supporter of Joe all along. He is incredibly organized, and will make this a friendlier, more efficient office for all County residents.
Register - Coleman Thompson is unopposed for the Democratic nomination, but I would have endorsed him regardless. I worked along side him as co-manager of the Carol Chumney County Mayor race four years ago, and he is first-rate in everyt respect.
And now, for the Commission races....
District 1 - Who cares? No Democrats are running here; I'll be writing in people in all three races in August!
District 2
Position 1 - Darrick Harris - He has great ideas for the district, and he has paid his dues to this party without question.
Position 2 - Reginald Fentress - Far and away the most progressive candidate in this race; DFM has already endorsed him and is actively helping him.
Position 3 - Deidre Malone is completely unopposed, and will return in September. However, I would have endorsed her anyway; she has been a bulldog for her district.
District 3
Position 1 - Bob Hatton - He has earned this race with his hard work over many years and I believe he would be the best choice.
Position 2 - No endorsement - If Cleo Kirk wins this race, even though he can't serve, come to the May Executive Committee meeting, bring some popcorn and pull up a chair!
Position 3 - Joe Ford is unopposed.
District 4 - Screw 'em, they're all Republicans!
District 5 - Steve Mulroy - Again, a no-brainer, he is our ONLY chance to regain this seat from the GOP, no matter how many billboards developers buy for Joe Cooper.
Flame away, my Crackerphiles!
With this in mind, I offer the Cracker's COMPLETE endorsement guide in contested races...
Mayor - AC Wharton - Oh, come on, he could campaign full-time in a taffeta gown and still win.
Sheriff - Bennie Cobb - He has more law enforcement experience than anyone else in the race by a longshot.
Circuit Court Clerk - No Endorsement - I honestly don't know enough about either Roderic Ford or Johnnie Ruth Williams to give you a choice.
Criminal Court Clerk - Kevin Gallagher - No-brainer here; he has plans to streamline the office and he will bust his butt to do so.
Juvenile Court Clerk - Wanda Halbert - There is a great deal of sympathy, and deservedly so, for Shep Wilbun. However, I do not believe he could defeat Steve Stamson in a rematch, and we need a fresher face for that office.
Probate Court Clerk - Sondra Becton - On sheer doggedness, you have to admire the fact that every four years, she runs against Chris Thomas. Maybe she'll win one of these days.
County Clerk - Joe Young - No one should be surprised at this choice, as I have been a supporter of Joe all along. He is incredibly organized, and will make this a friendlier, more efficient office for all County residents.
Register - Coleman Thompson is unopposed for the Democratic nomination, but I would have endorsed him regardless. I worked along side him as co-manager of the Carol Chumney County Mayor race four years ago, and he is first-rate in everyt respect.
And now, for the Commission races....
District 1 - Who cares? No Democrats are running here; I'll be writing in people in all three races in August!
District 2
Position 1 - Darrick Harris - He has great ideas for the district, and he has paid his dues to this party without question.
Position 2 - Reginald Fentress - Far and away the most progressive candidate in this race; DFM has already endorsed him and is actively helping him.
Position 3 - Deidre Malone is completely unopposed, and will return in September. However, I would have endorsed her anyway; she has been a bulldog for her district.
District 3
Position 1 - Bob Hatton - He has earned this race with his hard work over many years and I believe he would be the best choice.
Position 2 - No endorsement - If Cleo Kirk wins this race, even though he can't serve, come to the May Executive Committee meeting, bring some popcorn and pull up a chair!
Position 3 - Joe Ford is unopposed.
District 4 - Screw 'em, they're all Republicans!
District 5 - Steve Mulroy - Again, a no-brainer, he is our ONLY chance to regain this seat from the GOP, no matter how many billboards developers buy for Joe Cooper.
Flame away, my Crackerphiles!
Thursday, April 06, 2006
More details later; however..
UPDATE - 10 PM - 4/6
Quick notes from filing deadline:
1) Paul Stanley received NO GOP opposition for State Senate 31; there is a Democrat, Ivon Faulkner, running.
2) Jayne Chandler joined an already crowded list of candidates for Juvenile Court Judge, including Curtis Person, Earnestine Hunt Dorse, Veronica Coleman-Davis, and William T. Winchester.
3) Joe Towns had no opposition for his state House District 84, which gives him a free shot to run for the 9th District, and he took advantage of that by filing.
4) Filing as an INDEPENDENT for 9th District was Harold Jr.'s younger brother Jake Ford.
5) Patrick Malone III, who I have learned is the 20-year-old SON of County Commissioner Deidre Malone, filed for State Democratic Executive Committee - District 30 against longtime incumbent David Upton.
6) State Senator Ophelia Ford (D-29) has a primary rematch with STCC professor Steve Haley; however, Terry Roland, her GOP stalker, ALSO faces primary opposition with Kelley Hankins.
7) State Senator Kathryn Bowers (D-33), in addition to her legal troubles, faces primary opposition with Jennings Bernard, John A. Brown, and Steve Webster. There are also two Goopers running, Michael Floyd and Mary Wright (this isn't mary Taylor-Shelby under a married name, is it?).
8) Representative Henri Brooks (D-92), who is a candidate for County Commission in District 2, also filed for re-election. Opposing her in the primary are Democratic activist Elbert Rich, Jr. and Michael Saine.
9) My Godfather, Mike Kernell, faces Gooper Tim Cook in November in District 93.
10) Beverly Marrero (D-89) has Larry Henson of Binghampton in the Democratic primary, and Republican John Farmer (say, isn't he running in US 8?) and independent Charles Irvin Bell in the November election.
Congratulations to the unopposed legislators, all Representatives: Brian Kelsey (R-83), Joe Towns (D-84, see above), Larry Miller (D-88), John Deberry (D-90), Curry Todd (R-95).
I haven't even GOTTEN to the judgeships yet; I'll do that later........
Quick notes from filing deadline:
1) Paul Stanley received NO GOP opposition for State Senate 31; there is a Democrat, Ivon Faulkner, running.
2) Jayne Chandler joined an already crowded list of candidates for Juvenile Court Judge, including Curtis Person, Earnestine Hunt Dorse, Veronica Coleman-Davis, and William T. Winchester.
3) Joe Towns had no opposition for his state House District 84, which gives him a free shot to run for the 9th District, and he took advantage of that by filing.
4) Filing as an INDEPENDENT for 9th District was Harold Jr.'s younger brother Jake Ford.
5) Patrick Malone III, who I have learned is the 20-year-old SON of County Commissioner Deidre Malone, filed for State Democratic Executive Committee - District 30 against longtime incumbent David Upton.
6) State Senator Ophelia Ford (D-29) has a primary rematch with STCC professor Steve Haley; however, Terry Roland, her GOP stalker, ALSO faces primary opposition with Kelley Hankins.
7) State Senator Kathryn Bowers (D-33), in addition to her legal troubles, faces primary opposition with Jennings Bernard, John A. Brown, and Steve Webster. There are also two Goopers running, Michael Floyd and Mary Wright (this isn't mary Taylor-Shelby under a married name, is it?).
8) Representative Henri Brooks (D-92), who is a candidate for County Commission in District 2, also filed for re-election. Opposing her in the primary are Democratic activist Elbert Rich, Jr. and Michael Saine.
9) My Godfather, Mike Kernell, faces Gooper Tim Cook in November in District 93.
10) Beverly Marrero (D-89) has Larry Henson of Binghampton in the Democratic primary, and Republican John Farmer (say, isn't he running in US 8?) and independent Charles Irvin Bell in the November election.
Congratulations to the unopposed legislators, all Representatives: Brian Kelsey (R-83), Joe Towns (D-84, see above), Larry Miller (D-88), John Deberry (D-90), Curry Todd (R-95).
I haven't even GOTTEN to the judgeships yet; I'll do that later........
The filing deadline is NOON today...
for all state and federal races, and for any Independents in county races. Will there be any surprises? We shall see and file a report later....
Watch this space!
Watch this space!
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
You know, you may be right...
By clicking on the title, you will see that the West Tennessee Liberal says that, rather than voting for Walter Bailey in District 2 and throwing it back to the ExecCom, why not get behind the good Democrat who's in the race and needs our help, Darrick Harris.
WTL has a real point. Darrick Harris may not have money out the wazoo like Gibson, but he has put in his time and effort to help this Party, and I should have recognized that. He is going to need LOTS of ground troops, because Early Voting starts next Wednesday, running through April 27.
Evil of Evilblog seconded the proposal at WTL's site; there's no reason NOT to join in.
With that, your humble Cracker endorses Darrick Harris for District 2, Position 1 over JW Gibson and the erstwhile Commissioner, Walter Bailey.
WTL has a real point. Darrick Harris may not have money out the wazoo like Gibson, but he has put in his time and effort to help this Party, and I should have recognized that. He is going to need LOTS of ground troops, because Early Voting starts next Wednesday, running through April 27.
Evil of Evilblog seconded the proposal at WTL's site; there's no reason NOT to join in.
With that, your humble Cracker endorses Darrick Harris for District 2, Position 1 over JW Gibson and the erstwhile Commissioner, Walter Bailey.
Interesting forum last night.....
There was a Candidate Forum at the Main Branch of the Library last night, and our friend the Polar Donkey was there to report on all the (in)action. Here's a snippet:
Overall, Darrick Harris did the best. I'm not sure why the Chism faction has decided to throw him under the bus in exchange for JW Gibson, but that is a mistake. (Funny story about JW. Apprently the reason JW left the republicans in 2005 was because there wasn't an opprotunity for advancement. The thing is, this was the same reason he left the Democratic party over a decade ago. That sir, is not a good excuse.)
Go read the rest...
Overall, Darrick Harris did the best. I'm not sure why the Chism faction has decided to throw him under the bus in exchange for JW Gibson, but that is a mistake. (Funny story about JW. Apprently the reason JW left the republicans in 2005 was because there wasn't an opprotunity for advancement. The thing is, this was the same reason he left the Democratic party over a decade ago. That sir, is not a good excuse.)
Go read the rest...
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
After you're done at the Covenant Breakfast
Come on out to the Poplar Lounge! No, I'm not kidding, it's not THAT early!
The 4th Annual Hot Wing Contest & Festival ,with proceeds going to the Ronald McDonald House & the Shelby County Drug Court Program, will take place this Saturday from 11:30 A.M. to 8 P.M. at the World Famous Poplar Lounge at 2586 Poplar (between Hollywood & Union Extended). There will be several silent auctions (I won a $25 GC to Central BBQ last year) and yes, there will be bands playing.
The Cracker will be there, having been graciously invited to join a team this year. I'll be helping set up on Saturday morning, so I'll miss the Covenant Breakfast. But you shouldn't! Come on down after the Breakfast and hang out and help us raise money for two VERY worthy causes.
Public Service Announcement
The Shelby County Democratic Party
Will Host A Covenant Breakfast
at
Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church
70 North Bellevue Boulevard
Memphis, TN 38104
Saturday April 8th at 9:30 A.M.
Featured Speaker
Mayor A.C. Wharton
The breakfast will be an opportunity for all Democratic candidates to sign the party Ethics Pledge. Party Chair Matt Kuhn will also present the SCDP Covenant, a document setting out Democratic positions on a host of important local issues. featured speaker Mayor A.C. Wharton. All local Democrats are invited to this event as we strive to take back our county.
For more information, please contact Dave Cambron, Public Relations Chair, Shelby County Democratic Party at dcambron@midsouth.rr.com or (901) 830-3283.
Will Host A Covenant Breakfast
at
Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church
70 North Bellevue Boulevard
Memphis, TN 38104
Saturday April 8th at 9:30 A.M.
Featured Speaker
Mayor A.C. Wharton
The breakfast will be an opportunity for all Democratic candidates to sign the party Ethics Pledge. Party Chair Matt Kuhn will also present the SCDP Covenant, a document setting out Democratic positions on a host of important local issues. featured speaker Mayor A.C. Wharton. All local Democrats are invited to this event as we strive to take back our county.
For more information, please contact Dave Cambron, Public Relations Chair, Shelby County Democratic Party at dcambron@midsouth.rr.com or (901) 830-3283.
Suggested donation is $10.
Monday, April 03, 2006
Candidate websites
MOVED BACK TO THE TOP OF THE BLOG 4/3
I will keep at the top of the blog all of the 9th District Democratic websites that I have. Right now, I have Ron Redwing, Ralph White (thanks, Lawrence!), Lee Harris, Ed Stanton, Nikki Tinker, Bill Whitman and Marvell Mitchell and now Tyson Pratcher, but that's it. If you have any other sites, please email me at sjs1959 at yahoo dot com.
I can't find a website for Julian Bolton or Steve Cohen; Steve just filed 4/3 so it's not up yet. That's what I have so far, so if you want your candidate on the blogroll, and they're not listed above, and they have a website, shoot me an email and I will add it!
I will keep at the top of the blog all of the 9th District Democratic websites that I have. Right now, I have Ron Redwing, Ralph White (thanks, Lawrence!), Lee Harris, Ed Stanton, Nikki Tinker, Bill Whitman and Marvell Mitchell and now Tyson Pratcher, but that's it. If you have any other sites, please email me at sjs1959 at yahoo dot com.
I can't find a website for Julian Bolton or Steve Cohen; Steve just filed 4/3 so it's not up yet. That's what I have so far, so if you want your candidate on the blogroll, and they're not listed above, and they have a website, shoot me an email and I will add it!
I know, I know, I should have had my camera...
As Jackson Baker reported in the Flyer on Wednesday, my friend, my Senator, and hopefully, soon to be my Congressman, Steve Cohen announced his candidacy for the US House today at the Election Commission, minutes after filing his petition.
I take nothing away from the group of candidates who are also in this race, and I'm glad they're running, we need new blood. I hope that we continue to see them involved in Party activities after this race.
However, as Steve pointed out, he is the only one in the race who has had to get legislation through both houses of a bicameral legislature. He's been doing that for 24 years. While Mike Kernell led the battle in the House, his persistence in the Senate for over two decades led to the approval of the statewide Lottery and the Hope Scholarships that they provide to high-school students from Memphis to Mountain City.
As I left, I told him that we needed a bulldog in Washington to stop the Bush policies, and that he was it. I hope that you agree.
I take nothing away from the group of candidates who are also in this race, and I'm glad they're running, we need new blood. I hope that we continue to see them involved in Party activities after this race.
However, as Steve pointed out, he is the only one in the race who has had to get legislation through both houses of a bicameral legislature. He's been doing that for 24 years. While Mike Kernell led the battle in the House, his persistence in the Senate for over two decades led to the approval of the statewide Lottery and the Hope Scholarships that they provide to high-school students from Memphis to Mountain City.
As I left, I told him that we needed a bulldog in Washington to stop the Bush policies, and that he was it. I hope that you agree.
Friday, March 31, 2006
Guess my apology wasn't quite enough, so..
Lest I be accused of throwing old friends under a speeding bus (well, hell, it's too late, I already HAVE been), in all honesty, there apparently have been many factors regarding the Primary Board.
Primary Boards are apparently to be appointed every four years, of which we were not aware. Apparently, the Elections committee of the SCDP (on which I once served) and the Candidate Recruitment Committee were to have assisted on pulling the voting histories.
I have been informed that, once the filing deadline passed, a suggestion was made to pull the histories; however, it appears that members of the Primary Board were told that the other committees were working on it, so nothing was done until all hell broke loose.
Which leads me to my earlier point; where were those who were to oversee the process?
It's damned hard to be a Party Chair, especially when you have to make sure everything goes right. When it doesn't, it leads back to the person in charge of the whole shebang. However, to paraphrase the immortal Super Chicken (not the blues guitarist, either), you knew the job was dangerous when you took it, Matt.
It is the job of the Chair and the Steering Committee to keep their eyes peeled. Yes, this is a rookie mistake. Yes, it could have happened to anybody; but it didn't, and with the Goopers looking to hold onto power at damn near any cost, we can't afford to make this mistake.
As for my friends on the Primary Board, mea culpa. I owe you a beer or three. Or more.
Primary Boards are apparently to be appointed every four years, of which we were not aware. Apparently, the Elections committee of the SCDP (on which I once served) and the Candidate Recruitment Committee were to have assisted on pulling the voting histories.
I have been informed that, once the filing deadline passed, a suggestion was made to pull the histories; however, it appears that members of the Primary Board were told that the other committees were working on it, so nothing was done until all hell broke loose.
Which leads me to my earlier point; where were those who were to oversee the process?
It's damned hard to be a Party Chair, especially when you have to make sure everything goes right. When it doesn't, it leads back to the person in charge of the whole shebang. However, to paraphrase the immortal Super Chicken (not the blues guitarist, either), you knew the job was dangerous when you took it, Matt.
It is the job of the Chair and the Steering Committee to keep their eyes peeled. Yes, this is a rookie mistake. Yes, it could have happened to anybody; but it didn't, and with the Goopers looking to hold onto power at damn near any cost, we can't afford to make this mistake.
As for my friends on the Primary Board, mea culpa. I owe you a beer or three. Or more.
REMEMBER THIS???
I sure do. We are roughly 48 hours and 30 minutes from the beginning of the 2006 baseball season, to be opened by the team that closed the 2005 season, the defending WORLD SERIES CHAMPION CHICAGO WHITE SOX.
While we bid a sad adieu to future Hall of Famer Frank Thomas, we said hello to Jim Thome from the Phillies, and new 5th starter Javier Vasquez, who has been impressive this spring. All in all, I will be watching ESPN2 Sunday night for the festivities.
Let's make it back-to-back!
An update!
A friend of mine rumored to know a thing or two about politics suggested that, if he/she were sending this letter out for Walter Bailey, she/he would change it accordingly:
Dear Constituent:
Thank you for all the years of trust you've put in me as your County Commissioner.
I had hoped to represent you one more term if it were your desire to vote for me.
The Tennessee Court of Appeals told me that, in fact, I could offer you my candidacy for one more term. So, I filed my petition & put my name in the running.
The next court said that I COULDN'T run; however, my name will still appear on the ballot.
If you like one of the other fellow who are running, then vote for them. If you would like the chance to vote for someone else in August, then vote for BAILEY and if my names gets more votes, our local Democratic Party will select a nominee to carry our banner to victory on August 3.
Please consider doing this, because the fellow I fear most (and who has the most money to spend), JW Gibson, is a Republican of many years and has sneaked onto the ballot to trick you into voting for a Republican as your Democratic nominee.
Attached is a record of his Republican service and his Republican primary voting. In order to make sure that a REAL Democrat is elected to the County Commission, vote for BAILEY on May 2.
What do you think? In Walter's case, I ABSOLUTELY think he should do this. In fact, Walter, if you read this, take this letter with my blessing and USE IT!
I like Derrick Harris, he's a good guy and works hard for the party. However, against Gibson's money, he will get run over. It's a shame, but that's how it is.
Dear Constituent:
Thank you for all the years of trust you've put in me as your County Commissioner.
I had hoped to represent you one more term if it were your desire to vote for me.
The Tennessee Court of Appeals told me that, in fact, I could offer you my candidacy for one more term. So, I filed my petition & put my name in the running.
The next court said that I COULDN'T run; however, my name will still appear on the ballot.
If you like one of the other fellow who are running, then vote for them. If you would like the chance to vote for someone else in August, then vote for BAILEY and if my names gets more votes, our local Democratic Party will select a nominee to carry our banner to victory on August 3.
Please consider doing this, because the fellow I fear most (and who has the most money to spend), JW Gibson, is a Republican of many years and has sneaked onto the ballot to trick you into voting for a Republican as your Democratic nominee.
Attached is a record of his Republican service and his Republican primary voting. In order to make sure that a REAL Democrat is elected to the County Commission, vote for BAILEY on May 2.
What do you think? In Walter's case, I ABSOLUTELY think he should do this. In fact, Walter, if you read this, take this letter with my blessing and USE IT!
I like Derrick Harris, he's a good guy and works hard for the party. However, against Gibson's money, he will get run over. It's a shame, but that's how it is.
Imagine getting THIS in the mail!
Let's just say, and why not, that you are a Democratic voter of long-standing, and you live in Commission district 2 or 3. Let's say that you go to your mailbox a day or two prior to the start of early voting, when you get this letter:
Dear (voter),
I am (Walter Bailey or Cleo Kirk), your County Commissioner for these last X years. As you may be aware, a recent Tennessee Supreme Court ruling ruled against me and my fellow Commissioners, and assured that I will no longer be able to serve you past the end of my term on August 31.
This letter is to extend my deepest thanks to you for your trust and support, as it has been my deep honor privilege to represent you. I also want to ask for your help one last time.
You may not be aware of this, but due to a legal requirement, my name will still be on the ballot when you go to the polls. Believe it or not, I could conceivably win the election, even though I could no longer legally serve you on the Commission. In that event, the Shelby County Democratic Executive Committee would choose the nominee to represent you in the August general election.
My friends, I ask for your vote this one last time because of my deep concern that my opponent(s) will not provide you with the high level of service that you have come to expect, and I believe sincerely that their stands on the issues are not in your best interest.
I have worked with most of the Executive Committee, and I trust them to make the right decision to select the best possible nominee. I believe it's the right thing to do.
So, for the final time, I ask for your vote for (Walter Bailey or Cleo Kirk) on May 4, and I thank you again for your support and friendship.
Sincerely,
(Walter Bailey or Cleo Kirk)
OK, then.
Dear (voter),
I am (Walter Bailey or Cleo Kirk), your County Commissioner for these last X years. As you may be aware, a recent Tennessee Supreme Court ruling ruled against me and my fellow Commissioners, and assured that I will no longer be able to serve you past the end of my term on August 31.
This letter is to extend my deepest thanks to you for your trust and support, as it has been my deep honor privilege to represent you. I also want to ask for your help one last time.
You may not be aware of this, but due to a legal requirement, my name will still be on the ballot when you go to the polls. Believe it or not, I could conceivably win the election, even though I could no longer legally serve you on the Commission. In that event, the Shelby County Democratic Executive Committee would choose the nominee to represent you in the August general election.
My friends, I ask for your vote this one last time because of my deep concern that my opponent(s) will not provide you with the high level of service that you have come to expect, and I believe sincerely that their stands on the issues are not in your best interest.
I have worked with most of the Executive Committee, and I trust them to make the right decision to select the best possible nominee. I believe it's the right thing to do.
So, for the final time, I ask for your vote for (Walter Bailey or Cleo Kirk) on May 4, and I thank you again for your support and friendship.
Sincerely,
(Walter Bailey or Cleo Kirk)
OK, then.
An Apology
I took a an unwarranted cheap shot at the Democratic Primary Board regarding the JW Gibson & Johnny Hatcher problem, and I apologize.
As always, it is the responsibility of those who have appointed and oversee these folks who are responsible for not knowing about this before March 23.
Enough said.
As always, it is the responsibility of those who have appointed and oversee these folks who are responsible for not knowing about this before March 23.
Enough said.
Back to the statewide race at the moment..
I will post more about the ExecCom situation later, as it appears I may have been wrong about the primary Board, we're still looking into that.
However, as I have noted in the past, Junior continues to trail two of three potential Republican opponents, according to the latest Zogby/WSJ poll (hat tip to JB!). He apparently leads Bob Corker (the numbers weren't published); however, the comments indicate that Corker, despite his money, polls consistently behind Ed Bryant and Van Hilleary.
The results? Ford trails Bryant 49.9-42.4, and trails Hilleary 47.2-44.2. Yes, he's roaring to victory, all right.
I keep telling you he can't win, and these polls keep fleshing that out. You know in your heart that we only have one hope to win this seat, and you know who she is.
However, as I have noted in the past, Junior continues to trail two of three potential Republican opponents, according to the latest Zogby/WSJ poll (hat tip to JB!). He apparently leads Bob Corker (the numbers weren't published); however, the comments indicate that Corker, despite his money, polls consistently behind Ed Bryant and Van Hilleary.
The results? Ford trails Bryant 49.9-42.4, and trails Hilleary 47.2-44.2. Yes, he's roaring to victory, all right.
I keep telling you he can't win, and these polls keep fleshing that out. You know in your heart that we only have one hope to win this seat, and you know who she is.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Vote for Walter Bailey on May 4.
Well, the things you learn when you're out and about......
The 5-3 vote taken tonight to eject JW Gibson from the District 2 race and Johnny Hatcher, Jr from the District 3 race were of the right mind, but way too late. Why? This should have been done within a week after the filing deadline, and the window for removing candidates from the ballot has CLOSED. Once you are within 40 days of the election (and we ARE), you CANNOT remove someone from the ballot.
So, they're apparently stuck on the ballot.
Guess what? So are Walter Bailey and Cleo Kirk!
That's right, gentle readers, Walter Bailey will still be on the District 2 ballot, and Cleo Kirk will still be on the District 3 ballot, and if you live in one of those districts, you can vote for them.
They could even WIN; they just couldn't serve.
OK, Cracker, let's say that happens, what would happen THEN? Well, should Mr. Bailey or Mr. Kirk win their race on May 4, it would fall to your friendly neighborhood SCDP ExecCom to choose the Democratic nominee for the August general election!
That's right, folks, if they so chose, Walter Bailey and Cleo Kirk could go out and campaign with the idea that if they won, the ExecCom would choose the nominee. Twisted? You bet! Possible? This is Big Shelby, people, what do YOU think?
To quote the late Dr. Hunter S. Thompson, "When the going gets tough, the weird turn pro!"
This also means that Sidney Chism is not necessarily an elected County Commissioner just yet, he has to campaign against someone who could beat him, but not hold the seat!
Think this couldn't happen? Remember when John Ashcroft lost his US Senate seat in Missouri to a DEAD MAN, the late Mel Carnahan? The Missouri Democratic Party then chose his widow, Jean, to hold the seat.
Even more recently, Cook County (IL) Board President John Stroger had a near-fatal stroke that kept him from campaigning for re-election against his Democratic primary challenger, Forrest Claypool. However, the Cook County Central Committee campaigned mightily for him, and he won.
Mind you, he will probably announce (AFTER the election is certified) that he is physically unable to run. Who will decide who the Democratic nominee is? you guessed it, the Cook County Central Committee!
Am I advocating this policy? I'll leave that up to you.
However, if the SCDP wants to get itself out of a predicament that they got themselves into when, in reality, the Primary Board didn't check these people out as they should have (OK, send me your emails!), they could do worse than to "suggest" that Democrats vote for the incumbents on May 4.
Don't you just LOVE Shelby County politics?
The 5-3 vote taken tonight to eject JW Gibson from the District 2 race and Johnny Hatcher, Jr from the District 3 race were of the right mind, but way too late. Why? This should have been done within a week after the filing deadline, and the window for removing candidates from the ballot has CLOSED. Once you are within 40 days of the election (and we ARE), you CANNOT remove someone from the ballot.
So, they're apparently stuck on the ballot.
Guess what? So are Walter Bailey and Cleo Kirk!
That's right, gentle readers, Walter Bailey will still be on the District 2 ballot, and Cleo Kirk will still be on the District 3 ballot, and if you live in one of those districts, you can vote for them.
They could even WIN; they just couldn't serve.
OK, Cracker, let's say that happens, what would happen THEN? Well, should Mr. Bailey or Mr. Kirk win their race on May 4, it would fall to your friendly neighborhood SCDP ExecCom to choose the Democratic nominee for the August general election!
That's right, folks, if they so chose, Walter Bailey and Cleo Kirk could go out and campaign with the idea that if they won, the ExecCom would choose the nominee. Twisted? You bet! Possible? This is Big Shelby, people, what do YOU think?
To quote the late Dr. Hunter S. Thompson, "When the going gets tough, the weird turn pro!"
This also means that Sidney Chism is not necessarily an elected County Commissioner just yet, he has to campaign against someone who could beat him, but not hold the seat!
Think this couldn't happen? Remember when John Ashcroft lost his US Senate seat in Missouri to a DEAD MAN, the late Mel Carnahan? The Missouri Democratic Party then chose his widow, Jean, to hold the seat.
Even more recently, Cook County (IL) Board President John Stroger had a near-fatal stroke that kept him from campaigning for re-election against his Democratic primary challenger, Forrest Claypool. However, the Cook County Central Committee campaigned mightily for him, and he won.
Mind you, he will probably announce (AFTER the election is certified) that he is physically unable to run. Who will decide who the Democratic nominee is? you guessed it, the Cook County Central Committee!
Am I advocating this policy? I'll leave that up to you.
However, if the SCDP wants to get itself out of a predicament that they got themselves into when, in reality, the Primary Board didn't check these people out as they should have (OK, send me your emails!), they could do worse than to "suggest" that Democrats vote for the incumbents on May 4.
Don't you just LOVE Shelby County politics?
The gift that keeps on giving...
First, it was our dear Christian Progressive Liberal who laid the smackdown on Young Weird Harold for saying that Miss Vera, his Grandmother, was white.
Then, Wendi Thomas devoted one of her final CA columns to the subject.
Now, The Black Commentator brings the sleddgehammer to Junior for this faux pas and they smash him down. Hard. Hat tip to the CPL for noting it at the Fly!
Here's a snippet from the article, which you should read in its entirety:
Tennessee's "greatest lynching carnival" was held in Memphis in May 1917 when Ell Person, the allegedly confessed ax-murderer of a sixteen-year-old white girl, was burned to death in the presence of fifteen thousand men, women, and little children. The mother of the murdered child cheered the mob as they poured oil on the man and set him afire. The Memphis Press said that "the mob fought and screamed and crowded to get a glimpse of him and the mob closed in and struggled about the fire."
Young Harold Ford (known as "The Prince"), who ascended to his father's congressional seat at the age of 26 in 1996, would have us believe that, during this period of murderous white mob violence, a white couple from Memphis would both decide to become Black, and to subject their children to Jim Crow schools and lynch law justice. It defies all reason - an amazing fiction concocted in Harold Jr.'s head for purposes unknown.
Oops.
Then, Wendi Thomas devoted one of her final CA columns to the subject.
Now, The Black Commentator brings the sleddgehammer to Junior for this faux pas and they smash him down. Hard. Hat tip to the CPL for noting it at the Fly!
Here's a snippet from the article, which you should read in its entirety:
Tennessee's "greatest lynching carnival" was held in Memphis in May 1917 when Ell Person, the allegedly confessed ax-murderer of a sixteen-year-old white girl, was burned to death in the presence of fifteen thousand men, women, and little children. The mother of the murdered child cheered the mob as they poured oil on the man and set him afire. The Memphis Press said that "the mob fought and screamed and crowded to get a glimpse of him and the mob closed in and struggled about the fire."
Young Harold Ford (known as "The Prince"), who ascended to his father's congressional seat at the age of 26 in 1996, would have us believe that, during this period of murderous white mob violence, a white couple from Memphis would both decide to become Black, and to subject their children to Jim Crow schools and lynch law justice. It defies all reason - an amazing fiction concocted in Harold Jr.'s head for purposes unknown.
Oops.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
I've been waiting for this, and now it's here!
Jackson Baker is reporting tonight at the Flyer site that Senator Steve Cohen will file on Monday at 11 A.M. for the 9th Congressional District seat being vacated by the guy running for the Senate, old whats-his-name.
Old Crackerphiles will tell you that I told everyone in January that if he got in the race, I would support him, and that has not changed. My comments from that post:
What would a Cohen in Congress look like? I suspect he would go after the Bu$h policies like a rabid badger, and represent the 9th District like it hasn't been since, oh, 1996?
Look, I've known Steve Cohen since, well, longer than either of us would admit. I haven't always agreed with him, and I've let him know it. However, if he makes this race, I can't imagine supporting anyone else.
That's my bias, and you might as well know it up front.
Just so you know.
Old Crackerphiles will tell you that I told everyone in January that if he got in the race, I would support him, and that has not changed. My comments from that post:
What would a Cohen in Congress look like? I suspect he would go after the Bu$h policies like a rabid badger, and represent the 9th District like it hasn't been since, oh, 1996?
Look, I've known Steve Cohen since, well, longer than either of us would admit. I haven't always agreed with him, and I've let him know it. However, if he makes this race, I can't imagine supporting anyone else.
That's my bias, and you might as well know it up front.
Just so you know.
Welcome!
Today we set a new record for hits at the Cracker, and it's because a lot of you are coming over from the Memphis Flyer, the most trusted source for news in this city.
My thanks to Jackson Baker, Ken Neill, and everyone over there; I am deeply appreciative of the link. We hope you enjoy this look at local progressive politics!
My thanks to Jackson Baker, Ken Neill, and everyone over there; I am deeply appreciative of the link. We hope you enjoy this look at local progressive politics!
Here's something the SCDP is doing RIGHT!
It's called THE SHELBY DEMOCRAT, and it's open for business AND online!
Interesting stories about some of the Democratic candidates; none, fortunately, about the ones we're trying to kick to the curb.
Go read it!
Interesting stories about some of the Democratic candidates; none, fortunately, about the ones we're trying to kick to the curb.
Go read it!
It has come to my attention that...
The SCDP is having an emergency steering committee meeting at 6 PM tomorrow evening to which all ExecCom (SCDP and Shelby County TDP) members have been invited; however, you, the public, are NOT invited. This will occur at the IBEW prior to the regularly-scheduled ExecCom meeting.
The steering committee will apparently hold a hearing regarding the recommendation of the Primary Board that JW Gibson AND Johnny Hatcher, Jr. be removed from the May 4 Democratic County Primary. Apparently, at the ExecCom meeting to follow, (to which you, the public, ARE invited) they, and all other Democratic candidates, will be allowed to take an oath of affirmation of the Democratic covenant.
As I mentioned on another blog, I don't care of either of them come in with Karl Rove's severed head (just kidding, please don't send me to Gitmo), they need to be removed from the Democratic Primary ballot.
We have dealt repeatedly with Gibson's Republicanism;however, Hatcher actually ran against my Senator, Steve Cohen, as a Gooper in 2004. See ya, Johnny.
If either of these fellows are allowed to remain on the Democratic ballot, I am going to publicly ask for the resignation of ANY SCDP officer or ExecCom member who votes for it, ESPECIALLY if they represent District 93.
If a party won't stand up for itself, it deserves no followers.
The steering committee will apparently hold a hearing regarding the recommendation of the Primary Board that JW Gibson AND Johnny Hatcher, Jr. be removed from the May 4 Democratic County Primary. Apparently, at the ExecCom meeting to follow, (to which you, the public, ARE invited) they, and all other Democratic candidates, will be allowed to take an oath of affirmation of the Democratic covenant.
As I mentioned on another blog, I don't care of either of them come in with Karl Rove's severed head (just kidding, please don't send me to Gitmo), they need to be removed from the Democratic Primary ballot.
We have dealt repeatedly with Gibson's Republicanism;however, Hatcher actually ran against my Senator, Steve Cohen, as a Gooper in 2004. See ya, Johnny.
If either of these fellows are allowed to remain on the Democratic ballot, I am going to publicly ask for the resignation of ANY SCDP officer or ExecCom member who votes for it, ESPECIALLY if they represent District 93.
If a party won't stand up for itself, it deserves no followers.
polar donkey: I'd Bang Katherine Harris
Oh. My. God.
Click on the title for the link, you have to see this to believe it.....
Also, see Autoegocrat's post that triggered it here.
Click on the title for the link, you have to see this to believe it.....
Also, see Autoegocrat's post that triggered it here.
Sidney Chism, you've just been elected to the County Commission!
Are you going to Disneyland?
The Tennessee Supreme Court today UPHELD Shelby County's imposition of term limits on county officials, meaning that Walter Bailey is now OFF the ballot in District 2 and Cleo Kirk is now off the ballot in District 3, giving the election to the former state Senator by default.
Now, more than ever, with JW Gibson facing off against Darrick Harris, it is IMPERATIVE that the SCDP act to remove Mr. Gibson.
The Tennessee Supreme Court today UPHELD Shelby County's imposition of term limits on county officials, meaning that Walter Bailey is now OFF the ballot in District 2 and Cleo Kirk is now off the ballot in District 3, giving the election to the former state Senator by default.
Now, more than ever, with JW Gibson facing off against Darrick Harris, it is IMPERATIVE that the SCDP act to remove Mr. Gibson.
I feel a rant coming on.....
Ahem. Don't MAKE me come over there, SCDP. I want to start this rant with a comment to the earlier Gibson post from my friend, the Polar Donkey:
Kind of a funny story. A friend of mine who sneaked into Bush's Social Security speech in order to disrupt it, ran into Gibson the in line to get in the auditorium. Gibson Said to my friend "I thought you would be outside with the protesters." My friend thought that he would be busted and thrown out, but made it in and disrupted the speech. When my friend saw that Gibson was on the ballot as a Dem a few weeks ago, he pointed out that Gibson was a republican, but needless to say no one paid attention. I suggest the Democratic Party pay a little more attention when people have advice or information.
You see, during my six-year-run on the Executive Committee, there were people who all along kept complaining about Democrats who were "pussyfooting with Republicans". I would be remiss if I failed to note that some of these same folks are now fighting to KEEP Gibson on the ballot. WHY?
As PD's comment clearly notes above, this guy WENT TO SEE BUSH WHEN HE WAS HERE, AND NOT AS A PROTESTOR!!! This is even worse than what Richard Fields did, and THAT was unacceptable. Let's review again, people:
A) Since 1994, when Mr. Gibson has voted in a primary, it has been a Republican Primary. B) From 2003-2005, he served on the Shelby County GOP Steering Committee.
No, Mr. Gibson, you do NOT have a right to run as a Democrat with that kind of background, not without spending time AND money for a few years to get yourself back in our good graces. I don't care WHO'S giving you money, you're NOT one of us, not right now.
I am fully aware that the SCDP meeting is a week and a day away, and I am fully cognizant that it is a pain in the ass to attempt to call a special meeting. However, every day that this festers is a day that makes the SCDP look bad. If Bob Tuke has to straighten this out, too, we've got BIG problems.
SCDP, I'm watching.
Kind of a funny story. A friend of mine who sneaked into Bush's Social Security speech in order to disrupt it, ran into Gibson the in line to get in the auditorium. Gibson Said to my friend "I thought you would be outside with the protesters." My friend thought that he would be busted and thrown out, but made it in and disrupted the speech. When my friend saw that Gibson was on the ballot as a Dem a few weeks ago, he pointed out that Gibson was a republican, but needless to say no one paid attention. I suggest the Democratic Party pay a little more attention when people have advice or information.
You see, during my six-year-run on the Executive Committee, there were people who all along kept complaining about Democrats who were "pussyfooting with Republicans". I would be remiss if I failed to note that some of these same folks are now fighting to KEEP Gibson on the ballot. WHY?
As PD's comment clearly notes above, this guy WENT TO SEE BUSH WHEN HE WAS HERE, AND NOT AS A PROTESTOR!!! This is even worse than what Richard Fields did, and THAT was unacceptable. Let's review again, people:
A) Since 1994, when Mr. Gibson has voted in a primary, it has been a Republican Primary. B) From 2003-2005, he served on the Shelby County GOP Steering Committee.
No, Mr. Gibson, you do NOT have a right to run as a Democrat with that kind of background, not without spending time AND money for a few years to get yourself back in our good graces. I don't care WHO'S giving you money, you're NOT one of us, not right now.
I am fully aware that the SCDP meeting is a week and a day away, and I am fully cognizant that it is a pain in the ass to attempt to call a special meeting. However, every day that this festers is a day that makes the SCDP look bad. If Bob Tuke has to straighten this out, too, we've got BIG problems.
SCDP, I'm watching.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
If you're going to be a Democrat, STAY a Democrat
I'm not one to turn away any potential converts, but if you're going to switch parties, it's not a good idea to switch BACK.
J.W. Gibson, who listed among his supporters long-time Democrat Harold Byrd, is facing removal from the 2006 Democratic County primary by the Democratic Executive Committee when they meet on April 6. Thanks to David Holt for the correction; the Primary Board has apparently already approved the removal and the ExecCom will have to vote thumbs up or down on the matter.
Supporters of Commissioner Walter Bailey researched Gibson's primary voting record and found that, after registering in 1987, he voted Democrat solidly UNTIL 1994, when he began voting in Republican primaries, where he has voted ever since. To top it all off, Gibson was elected in 2003 to the Shelby County GOP Steering Committee, where he served for two years, through 2005.
One would think that a fellow might want to take some time and renew his Democratic connections before jumping into another political race, wouldn't one?
Do you think that this might have something to do with the fact that the Democrats are going to capture District 5 and regain control of the Commission this August?
Let's see how the Primary Board votes, and what Chairman Matt Kuhn has to say about this. You don't want to turn converts away, like I said, but you sure as hell first want to be sure that they really ARE converts and not just GOP plants.
J.W. Gibson, who listed among his supporters long-time Democrat Harold Byrd, is facing removal from the 2006 Democratic County primary by the Democratic Executive Committee when they meet on April 6. Thanks to David Holt for the correction; the Primary Board has apparently already approved the removal and the ExecCom will have to vote thumbs up or down on the matter.
Supporters of Commissioner Walter Bailey researched Gibson's primary voting record and found that, after registering in 1987, he voted Democrat solidly UNTIL 1994, when he began voting in Republican primaries, where he has voted ever since. To top it all off, Gibson was elected in 2003 to the Shelby County GOP Steering Committee, where he served for two years, through 2005.
One would think that a fellow might want to take some time and renew his Democratic connections before jumping into another political race, wouldn't one?
Do you think that this might have something to do with the fact that the Democrats are going to capture District 5 and regain control of the Commission this August?
Let's see how the Primary Board votes, and what Chairman Matt Kuhn has to say about this. You don't want to turn converts away, like I said, but you sure as hell first want to be sure that they really ARE converts and not just GOP plants.
List of 9th District Websites
MOVED TO THE TOP OF THE BLOG 3/25
I will keep at the top of the blog all of the 9th District Democratic websites that I have. Right now, I have Ron Redwing, Ralph White (thanks, Lawrence!), Lee Harris, Ed Stanton, Nikki Tinker, Bill Whitman and Marvell Mitchell, but that's it. If you have any other sites, please email me at sjs1959 at yahoo dot com.
I have been emailed by Tyson Pratcher, but his website is not up yet. I can't find a website for Julian Bolton or Steve Cohen (he has only picked up a petition, but I am certain he will file). That's what I have so far, so if you want your candidate on the blogroll, and they're not listed above, and they have a website, shoot me an email and I will add it!
I will keep at the top of the blog all of the 9th District Democratic websites that I have. Right now, I have Ron Redwing, Ralph White (thanks, Lawrence!), Lee Harris, Ed Stanton, Nikki Tinker, Bill Whitman and Marvell Mitchell, but that's it. If you have any other sites, please email me at sjs1959 at yahoo dot com.
I have been emailed by Tyson Pratcher, but his website is not up yet. I can't find a website for Julian Bolton or Steve Cohen (he has only picked up a petition, but I am certain he will file). That's what I have so far, so if you want your candidate on the blogroll, and they're not listed above, and they have a website, shoot me an email and I will add it!
You KNOW you've noticed it...
And, you were disturbed by it, but, for obvious reasons, you didn't want to talk about it publicly.
However, Mid-South local TV viewers, your shame is over, as a courageous reader and letter-writer to the Arkansas Daily Blog asked the question for which we ALL want an answer:
I realize politickin' is your meat and potatoes, but there are so many crucial questions that need answering, and only you are up to the task.
Like, why is Jennifer, the Watson's pool and spa and pool table girl, sporting a new look that makes her look like Eddie Munster on crack? Man, her hair is slicked back like Eddie Munster's and is a startling blonde/black zebra stripe do.
Plus, she appears in her new commercial to be sensationally pregnant, thus rendering her an unlikely candidate to pose fetchingly on the side of an above-ground swimmin' hole as she grins maniacally and shouts, "Watson's!"
It scares me to look at her any more, plus her manly-lad colleague has shaved off his big bushy mustache and as a consequence has lost about 30 per cent of his manliness.
People want answers.
However, Mid-South local TV viewers, your shame is over, as a courageous reader and letter-writer to the Arkansas Daily Blog asked the question for which we ALL want an answer:
A reader, Seymour Butts of Hempwallace, sends a letter to the Blog editor. We think he may have a point:
Don't make the blog into a politics-all-the-time deal, man.I realize politickin' is your meat and potatoes, but there are so many crucial questions that need answering, and only you are up to the task.
Like, why is Jennifer, the Watson's pool and spa and pool table girl, sporting a new look that makes her look like Eddie Munster on crack? Man, her hair is slicked back like Eddie Munster's and is a startling blonde/black zebra stripe do.
Plus, she appears in her new commercial to be sensationally pregnant, thus rendering her an unlikely candidate to pose fetchingly on the side of an above-ground swimmin' hole as she grins maniacally and shouts, "Watson's!"
It scares me to look at her any more, plus her manly-lad colleague has shaved off his big bushy mustache and as a consequence has lost about 30 per cent of his manliness.
People want answers.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Nikki Tinker is officially in the race, and Polar Donkey is waiting for her!
Yes, the PD is rocking the house, having persused her recently updated website. Here's a brief sample:
Who are Tinker's biggest business sector donors. 1) Lawyers and lobbyist ( In the age of Abramoff, do we really need a DLC dem in the pocket of lobbyists?) 2) Transportation 3) Finance/Insurance/Real Estate (Already standing up to those predatory lenders, Ms. Tinker.)
Guess he won't be doing door-to-door for her...
Who are Tinker's biggest business sector donors. 1) Lawyers and lobbyist ( In the age of Abramoff, do we really need a DLC dem in the pocket of lobbyists?) 2) Transportation 3) Finance/Insurance/Real Estate (Already standing up to those predatory lenders, Ms. Tinker.)
Guess he won't be doing door-to-door for her...
Saturday, March 25, 2006
It's becoming THE area for affordable restaurants
Where? Cooper-Young, of course. It's not enough that the the best all around BBQ joint ON EARTH, Central BBQ, is located there on its northern border of Central Avenue. It's not enough that the best plate lunch restaurant, Buns On The Run, is open for lunch Tuesday-Friday (breakfast only on Saturday).
Now, a place has opened up at 862 South Cooper called Soul Fish Cafe. A) the catfish is the best I've had in the area, even including (gasp) the Olive Branch Catfish Company. B) they have far more than just catfish, C) they're open 11-10 Monday-Saturday and 11-9 on Sunday and D) no live music!!!!
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE live music, just not while I'm eating and/or trying to carry on a conversation. However, I hate that I can only hit the Young Avenue Deli on Monday nights, when I can be sure there are no bands.
Back to Soul Fish, the hushpuppies are made with peppers (but not too spicy), corn, salt, cornmeal, and they are ight, fluffy and delicious. It is worth your time, and the best part is the highest price that I remember seeing for any entree is $8.95 USD. Yep.
Go there. NOW.
Now, a place has opened up at 862 South Cooper called Soul Fish Cafe. A) the catfish is the best I've had in the area, even including (gasp) the Olive Branch Catfish Company. B) they have far more than just catfish, C) they're open 11-10 Monday-Saturday and 11-9 on Sunday and D) no live music!!!!
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE live music, just not while I'm eating and/or trying to carry on a conversation. However, I hate that I can only hit the Young Avenue Deli on Monday nights, when I can be sure there are no bands.
Back to Soul Fish, the hushpuppies are made with peppers (but not too spicy), corn, salt, cornmeal, and they are ight, fluffy and delicious. It is worth your time, and the best part is the highest price that I remember seeing for any entree is $8.95 USD. Yep.
Go there. NOW.
Buck Owens 1929-2006
It's not without reason that I'm the Cracker. I grew up on WLS top 40 and Saturday afternoon country music shows, and I remember when Buck Owens was the only country act that was played on the Big 89 in the 1960s.
He defined country music's Bakersfield sound, hewn in the dance halls of California in the areas north of Los Angeles. Along with producer Ken Nelson in the record-shaped buildings of Capitol Records in LA, Buck and the Buckaroos broke out hits like "Act Naturally" (later covered by the Beatles), "Tiger By The Tail", "Love's Gonna Live Here", and his biggest hit, "Together Again".
He toured constantly until he became the co-host of Hee Haw with Roy Clark in 1969, and he stayed with the show through 1986. However, his music was never the same after his close friend and lead guitarist Don Rich was killed in a motorcyle accident in 1974. Rich was a great complement to Owens, and it took a lot out of him.
(CORRECTION - I had earlier said the wreck was in 1971, mea culpa!)
He experienced a renaissance of sorts in 1988 on his duet with Dwight Yoakam, "Streets of Bakersfield" as people rediscovered the Bakersfield style through Yoakam.
Due to smart investments like TV and Radio station, Buck was able to retire to Bakersfield, and played at his own place, the Crystal Palace on occasion.
He was a legend, and he will be missed.
He defined country music's Bakersfield sound, hewn in the dance halls of California in the areas north of Los Angeles. Along with producer Ken Nelson in the record-shaped buildings of Capitol Records in LA, Buck and the Buckaroos broke out hits like "Act Naturally" (later covered by the Beatles), "Tiger By The Tail", "Love's Gonna Live Here", and his biggest hit, "Together Again".
He toured constantly until he became the co-host of Hee Haw with Roy Clark in 1969, and he stayed with the show through 1986. However, his music was never the same after his close friend and lead guitarist Don Rich was killed in a motorcyle accident in 1974. Rich was a great complement to Owens, and it took a lot out of him.
(CORRECTION - I had earlier said the wreck was in 1971, mea culpa!)
He experienced a renaissance of sorts in 1988 on his duet with Dwight Yoakam, "Streets of Bakersfield" as people rediscovered the Bakersfield style through Yoakam.
Due to smart investments like TV and Radio station, Buck was able to retire to Bakersfield, and played at his own place, the Crystal Palace on occasion.
He was a legend, and he will be missed.
YES! It's TRUE!
Hat tip to Jeff at the Pesky Fly for this breaking news:
SOUTH KNOX BUBBA (or R. Neal, as he refers to himself on the site) has RETURNED to blogging!!! Our spiritual blogfather is back in action and he is on the blogroll at www.knoxviews.com. it's called (what else?) KnoxViews and we welcome his return with glee!
SOUTH KNOX BUBBA (or R. Neal, as he refers to himself on the site) has RETURNED to blogging!!! Our spiritual blogfather is back in action and he is on the blogroll at www.knoxviews.com. it's called (what else?) KnoxViews and we welcome his return with glee!
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
We're all octoroons under the skin....
Well now, y'all best get ready, the Christian Progressive Liberal has decided to comment on the ongoing controversy of the race of Ms. Vera Ford, mother AND grandmother of a Congressman, who both say was white.
Here's a morsel of comment:
He won't catch a break from African-American voters that he needs at nearly 100% turnout to balance the White votes he doesn't get, because in going to great lengths to make it known he has a white grandmother, Ford just alienated African-American voters because they may believe that he finds something so negative in being African-American, that he's ashamed of being African-American. Why should we vote for an African-American who's ashamed of his ethnicity? You know how African-Americans diss Clarence Thomas, and he didn't even run for office! By appearing to be ashamed of being African-American, how can Harold Ford aspire to lead other African-Americans? In order to lead us, you need to have a love for us. Claiming a white grandmother and distancing yourself from being African-American doesn't indicate you have a love for African-Americans, and if you say it does, PROVE IT.
As the great South Knox Bubba would have said, OK then. Go read the rest of it!
Here's a morsel of comment:
He won't catch a break from African-American voters that he needs at nearly 100% turnout to balance the White votes he doesn't get, because in going to great lengths to make it known he has a white grandmother, Ford just alienated African-American voters because they may believe that he finds something so negative in being African-American, that he's ashamed of being African-American. Why should we vote for an African-American who's ashamed of his ethnicity? You know how African-Americans diss Clarence Thomas, and he didn't even run for office! By appearing to be ashamed of being African-American, how can Harold Ford aspire to lead other African-Americans? In order to lead us, you need to have a love for us. Claiming a white grandmother and distancing yourself from being African-American doesn't indicate you have a love for African-Americans, and if you say it does, PROVE IT.
As the great South Knox Bubba would have said, OK then. Go read the rest of it!
Let's play the WHAT IF game, shall we?
As you are aware if you live within the Memphis media market, Thaddeus Matthews is spearheading an effort to get a Recall of Memphis Mayor Willie W. Herenton on the August 2006 ballot. His forces must obtain the signatures of between 65,000 and 70,000 valid registered votes of the City of Memphis in order to accomplish this feat.
The recall effort has three potential outcomes, each of which we shall attempt to analyze over the course of a few posts. Those are A) failure to obtain enough signatures, thus failure to recall, B) success in obtaining the necessary signatures and placement on the ballot, but defeat at the August polls, and C) complete success, with Mayor Herenton's removal from office immediately after the August results have been certified by the election commission.
First, let's deal with A. Thaddeus has had good crowds at meetings, and his blog posts indicate that they have a plan to achieve the first victory with a spot on the ballot. But what if they don't get the necessary signatures? How would this affect a 2007 mayoral re-election campaign?
While it's not difficult to envision the Mayor making bold pronouncements about God intervening on his behalf, I don't see it having that much effect, depending upon how close the recall effort gets to the total. The Mayor will still run as if he's invincible, which may not be a bad thing for those who wish to see him removed.
Next, let's talk about B. In the event that the recall troops succeed in getting the recall on the ballot, THEN they have to be able to campaign for it. Do they have the money to run endless spots on TV and radio, especially African-American-oriented radio? You know the Mayor will, and he will be ruthless. Every bit of Thaddeus' past, in particular, will be thrown in his face while another set of commercials will document downtown development and growth.
I am skeptical to think that the recall effort could survive a media onslaught, and it might give some pause to African-Americans who remember how long and how difficult the struggle to elect a mayor of color had been. This might lead them to the conclusion that while they might not be happy with him, they will stick with him. THIS TIME.
I have been hearing rumors from various and sundry sources for a couple of years now that the downtown business community had withdrawn their financial support. If the Mayor has to dip into his warchest for a 2006 recall defense, it might well hurt his abilty to run in 2007, and open the door to a real challenge.
Finally, let's say that, in spite of all the obstacles, the recall is completely successful and the Mayor is out on his tush. First, say hello to Interim Mayor (for 20 days) Tajuan Stout-Mitchell, current City Council Chair and a friendly vote for the Mayor more often than not. She will be in charge until the Council selects a Mayor to serve until the 2007 elections (Note: any current Councilman who wanted the appointment would have to resign their seat on the Council).
Maybe. Let's not forget the wrangling that took place in 1982, when Mayor Wyeth Chandler resigned to take a Circuit Court position. When the dust settled, local attorney Dan Norwood had succeeded in forcing a special election at the November general election. This had the unintended result in jacking up the East Memphis turnout. As most of East Memphis was then in the 7th Congressional District, this killed the chances of Norwood's candidate Bob Clement, and resulted in the surprise election of...........Don Sundquist.
How many members of the current Council would jump into a special election this November? No, not ALL of them, but maybe 6 or 7 out of 13, don't you think? With no runoffs, someone could get elected with barely 20% of the vote, and wouldn't THAT be fun? Not to mention the fallout that would occur with the losers still having to work 1) with the person to whom they had LOST, and 2) with EACH OTHER. Happy Happy Joy Joy, right?
Think also of the effect it might have on the US Senate race, especially if Harold Ford Junior is the Democratic nominee. Hell, the Goopers might file suit to STOP a special election.
OK, enough from me; what do YOU think?
The recall effort has three potential outcomes, each of which we shall attempt to analyze over the course of a few posts. Those are A) failure to obtain enough signatures, thus failure to recall, B) success in obtaining the necessary signatures and placement on the ballot, but defeat at the August polls, and C) complete success, with Mayor Herenton's removal from office immediately after the August results have been certified by the election commission.
First, let's deal with A. Thaddeus has had good crowds at meetings, and his blog posts indicate that they have a plan to achieve the first victory with a spot on the ballot. But what if they don't get the necessary signatures? How would this affect a 2007 mayoral re-election campaign?
While it's not difficult to envision the Mayor making bold pronouncements about God intervening on his behalf, I don't see it having that much effect, depending upon how close the recall effort gets to the total. The Mayor will still run as if he's invincible, which may not be a bad thing for those who wish to see him removed.
Next, let's talk about B. In the event that the recall troops succeed in getting the recall on the ballot, THEN they have to be able to campaign for it. Do they have the money to run endless spots on TV and radio, especially African-American-oriented radio? You know the Mayor will, and he will be ruthless. Every bit of Thaddeus' past, in particular, will be thrown in his face while another set of commercials will document downtown development and growth.
I am skeptical to think that the recall effort could survive a media onslaught, and it might give some pause to African-Americans who remember how long and how difficult the struggle to elect a mayor of color had been. This might lead them to the conclusion that while they might not be happy with him, they will stick with him. THIS TIME.
I have been hearing rumors from various and sundry sources for a couple of years now that the downtown business community had withdrawn their financial support. If the Mayor has to dip into his warchest for a 2006 recall defense, it might well hurt his abilty to run in 2007, and open the door to a real challenge.
Finally, let's say that, in spite of all the obstacles, the recall is completely successful and the Mayor is out on his tush. First, say hello to Interim Mayor (for 20 days) Tajuan Stout-Mitchell, current City Council Chair and a friendly vote for the Mayor more often than not. She will be in charge until the Council selects a Mayor to serve until the 2007 elections (Note: any current Councilman who wanted the appointment would have to resign their seat on the Council).
Maybe. Let's not forget the wrangling that took place in 1982, when Mayor Wyeth Chandler resigned to take a Circuit Court position. When the dust settled, local attorney Dan Norwood had succeeded in forcing a special election at the November general election. This had the unintended result in jacking up the East Memphis turnout. As most of East Memphis was then in the 7th Congressional District, this killed the chances of Norwood's candidate Bob Clement, and resulted in the surprise election of...........Don Sundquist.
How many members of the current Council would jump into a special election this November? No, not ALL of them, but maybe 6 or 7 out of 13, don't you think? With no runoffs, someone could get elected with barely 20% of the vote, and wouldn't THAT be fun? Not to mention the fallout that would occur with the losers still having to work 1) with the person to whom they had LOST, and 2) with EACH OTHER. Happy Happy Joy Joy, right?
Think also of the effect it might have on the US Senate race, especially if Harold Ford Junior is the Democratic nominee. Hell, the Goopers might file suit to STOP a special election.
OK, enough from me; what do YOU think?
The Dixie Chicks are BACK with a vengeance!
The Dixie Chicks have a new album coming out called TAKING THE LONG WAY; one of the tracks plays automatically when you go to their site.
This track is called NOT READY TO MAKE NICE, and it's obvious that they are giving a giant upraised finger to those who got enraged over their comments about Dumbya a few years back. Hat tip to AmericaBlog for letting me know about this and to the Chicks website for the lyrics:
Forgive, sounds good
Forget, I’m not sure I could
They say time heals everything
But I’m still waiting
I’m through with doubt
There’s nothing left for me to figure out
I’ve paid a price
And I’ll keep paying
I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
‘Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should
I know you said
Can’t you just get over it
It turned my whole world around
And I kind of like it
I made my bed and I sleep like a baby
With no regrets and I don’t mind sayin’
It’s a sad sad story when a mother will teach her
Daughter that she ought to hate a perfect stranger
And how in the world can the words that I said
Send somebody so over the edge
That they’d write me a letter
Sayin’ that I better shut up and sing
Or my life will be over
I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could‘
Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should
I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
‘Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should
Forgive, sounds good
Forget, I’m not sure I could
They say time heals everything
But I’m still waiting
Go listen; it's worth it! The CD comes out May 23!
This track is called NOT READY TO MAKE NICE, and it's obvious that they are giving a giant upraised finger to those who got enraged over their comments about Dumbya a few years back. Hat tip to AmericaBlog for letting me know about this and to the Chicks website for the lyrics:
Forgive, sounds good
Forget, I’m not sure I could
They say time heals everything
But I’m still waiting
I’m through with doubt
There’s nothing left for me to figure out
I’ve paid a price
And I’ll keep paying
I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
‘Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should
I know you said
Can’t you just get over it
It turned my whole world around
And I kind of like it
I made my bed and I sleep like a baby
With no regrets and I don’t mind sayin’
It’s a sad sad story when a mother will teach her
Daughter that she ought to hate a perfect stranger
And how in the world can the words that I said
Send somebody so over the edge
That they’d write me a letter
Sayin’ that I better shut up and sing
Or my life will be over
I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could‘
Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should
I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
‘Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should
Forgive, sounds good
Forget, I’m not sure I could
They say time heals everything
But I’m still waiting
Go listen; it's worth it! The CD comes out May 23!
So much for taking back the House, eh?
First, a little background. Two years ago, an unknown named Christine Cegelis ran a terrific campaign against Rep. Henry Hyde (R-IL6) and pulled a stunning 44%, a factor which may have led to his retirement this year.
She had done this by building a solid grassroots organization in what was thought to be an unwinnable GOP district, and her supporters eagerly looked forward to 2006, as they felt she had a real shot to win.
However, the Chair of the DCCC, Rahm Emanuel (D-IL5), was not impressed that she had built this infrastructure in a GOP stronghold; he was upset because she hadn't raised enough money. He tried to get her to drop out, said she wasn't hitting her fundraising targets (even though she met every one, say her supporters).
He went out AND BROUGHT INTO THE DISTRICT an Iraq War vet named Tammy Duckworth, raised money for her (I thought that Democratic national organizations were NOT to take sides in a primary) and got the local downtown machine and Senator Durbin behind her.
With all that going for her (plus the endorsements of the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times, she should have blown out poor Christine Cegelis, right? Right?
Wrong. Duckworth did win the race, but WITH ONLY 44% OF THE VOTE. Despite having all that money and all those connections, she barely beat Cegelis, pissing off Cegelis' supporters in the interim and virtually assuring that, while they may vote for Duckworth, none of them will lift a finger for her in November, probably costing us the seat.
If Emanuel hadn't been such a dick about this and supported Cegelis, we wouldn't be in this shape today.
Which is the reason that Chris Bowers of MyDD is now deeply concerned about our prospects for taking the House back this year:
Nearly the full-force of the Democratic and progressive electoral apparatus "succeeded" in only helping Duckworth win 44% of the vote in the Democratic primary. This wasn't the blow out I was told it was going to be. This wasn't the blowout I imagined it would be considering the establishment support Duckworth had. It wasn't even close to a blowout. It looks like the final margin will be somewhere around 1,000-1,100 votes. IT was very close, and it was a real nailbiter.
This makes me very worried about 2006. The same people and the same organizations who supported Duckworth remain in charge of winning elections of nearly every Democrat nationwide in 2006. If they produce anemic results like this in IL-06, what results can we expect across the country in November? Believe me, whatever group of rag-tag GOTV activists Cegalis had in this election, using their theocon grassroots, the Republican machine will more than match that nationwide in 2006.
Go read the rest of this.....
She had done this by building a solid grassroots organization in what was thought to be an unwinnable GOP district, and her supporters eagerly looked forward to 2006, as they felt she had a real shot to win.
However, the Chair of the DCCC, Rahm Emanuel (D-IL5), was not impressed that she had built this infrastructure in a GOP stronghold; he was upset because she hadn't raised enough money. He tried to get her to drop out, said she wasn't hitting her fundraising targets (even though she met every one, say her supporters).
He went out AND BROUGHT INTO THE DISTRICT an Iraq War vet named Tammy Duckworth, raised money for her (I thought that Democratic national organizations were NOT to take sides in a primary) and got the local downtown machine and Senator Durbin behind her.
With all that going for her (plus the endorsements of the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times, she should have blown out poor Christine Cegelis, right? Right?
Wrong. Duckworth did win the race, but WITH ONLY 44% OF THE VOTE. Despite having all that money and all those connections, she barely beat Cegelis, pissing off Cegelis' supporters in the interim and virtually assuring that, while they may vote for Duckworth, none of them will lift a finger for her in November, probably costing us the seat.
If Emanuel hadn't been such a dick about this and supported Cegelis, we wouldn't be in this shape today.
Which is the reason that Chris Bowers of MyDD is now deeply concerned about our prospects for taking the House back this year:
Nearly the full-force of the Democratic and progressive electoral apparatus "succeeded" in only helping Duckworth win 44% of the vote in the Democratic primary. This wasn't the blow out I was told it was going to be. This wasn't the blowout I imagined it would be considering the establishment support Duckworth had. It wasn't even close to a blowout. It looks like the final margin will be somewhere around 1,000-1,100 votes. IT was very close, and it was a real nailbiter.
This makes me very worried about 2006. The same people and the same organizations who supported Duckworth remain in charge of winning elections of nearly every Democrat nationwide in 2006. If they produce anemic results like this in IL-06, what results can we expect across the country in November? Believe me, whatever group of rag-tag GOTV activists Cegalis had in this election, using their theocon grassroots, the Republican machine will more than match that nationwide in 2006.
Go read the rest of this.....
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
I am stealing this post from Ian Welsh of BOPNews
because it's WORTH IT.
Here we go:
It's a constant refrain. Liberals are traitors for doubting George Bush. If I were an American politician this would be my reply:
If believing a man shouldn't trade freedom for illusionary safety makes me a traitor;
If believing that America shouldn't torture makes me a traitor;
If believing in the fourth amendment right to freedom from arbitrary wiretapping by some presumptuous bureaucrat makes me a traitor;
If these things make me a traitor, then I am proud to be a traitor.
George Washington was a traitor to King George. Jefferson was a traitor to King George.
And today, I am proud to defend the Constitution, and if that means I am traitor to King George, then so be it. Because Americans don't trade illusionary safety for real freedoms.
Here we go:
It's a constant refrain. Liberals are traitors for doubting George Bush. If I were an American politician this would be my reply:
If believing a man shouldn't trade freedom for illusionary safety makes me a traitor;
If believing that America shouldn't torture makes me a traitor;
If believing in the fourth amendment right to freedom from arbitrary wiretapping by some presumptuous bureaucrat makes me a traitor;
If these things make me a traitor, then I am proud to be a traitor.
George Washington was a traitor to King George. Jefferson was a traitor to King George.
And today, I am proud to defend the Constitution, and if that means I am traitor to King George, then so be it. Because Americans don't trade illusionary safety for real freedoms.
This isn't political; however...
Has anyone else noticed that the Grizzlies are being ignored right now? The last two basketball seasons, when the Tigers were struggling to get in the NIT and the Griz were headed for playoff berths, all anyone could talk about, sportswise, was the Griz.
This year, with the Griz headed for a probable 6th-seed in the Western Conference and a third straight playoff appearance, they have been COMPLETELY lost in TigerMania, to the point that their attendance has suffered.
I'm certain that has NOTHING to do with the fact that they are dropping season-ticket prices for next year! Given the fact that these same prices, along with the single-game prices, were increased after the 2004-2005 season, this is a quick reversal.
The single-game prices will remain at the 2005-2006 levels, as the Griz are desperate to lock in their revenue for the long haul and entice people to commit to a season ticket on the cheap.
Given that Memphis has had a reputation for being a walk-up town, that a Griz playoff appearance is almost taken for granted, and the buzz of the FedExForum has begun to wear down, I'm not sure this is going to work.
One thing that this has done is send a sobering message to the Grizzlies organization that when the Tigers are hot, they own the town. I'm not sure the Griz would be doing better if they had the Spurs' record, and that's just how it is. I wonder what Mike Heisley is thinking right about now....
This year, with the Griz headed for a probable 6th-seed in the Western Conference and a third straight playoff appearance, they have been COMPLETELY lost in TigerMania, to the point that their attendance has suffered.
I'm certain that has NOTHING to do with the fact that they are dropping season-ticket prices for next year! Given the fact that these same prices, along with the single-game prices, were increased after the 2004-2005 season, this is a quick reversal.
The single-game prices will remain at the 2005-2006 levels, as the Griz are desperate to lock in their revenue for the long haul and entice people to commit to a season ticket on the cheap.
Given that Memphis has had a reputation for being a walk-up town, that a Griz playoff appearance is almost taken for granted, and the buzz of the FedExForum has begun to wear down, I'm not sure this is going to work.
One thing that this has done is send a sobering message to the Grizzlies organization that when the Tigers are hot, they own the town. I'm not sure the Griz would be doing better if they had the Spurs' record, and that's just how it is. I wonder what Mike Heisley is thinking right about now....
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