Tuesday, August 10, 2010
HEADS UP! If You had Issues Voting Last Thursday, Attend This Meeting
Moved to the Top
Calling all voters who had issues voting last Thursday!
Calling all voters who had issues voting last Thursday!
EVERY VOTER WHO HAD ANY PROBLEM VOTING LAST THURSDAY,
INCLUDING BEING TOLD THEY HAD ALREADY VOTED,
IS ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND A MEETING TOMORROW:
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11TH, 2010
6:00 PM
IBEW UNION HALL
MADISON AVENUE AT MCLEAN
IF YOU TRULY WANT TO HELP CORRECT
VOTING PROBLEMS, PLEASE ATTEND!
And You Wondered Why Steve Cohen Was So Dismissive of Charlotte Bergmann?
Wonder no more. Here's Bergmann ducking and weaving from Mary Beth Conley's questions on Live At 9.
Monday, August 09, 2010
Time To Step Up For One of Our Favorites!
| Time | August 14 · 7:00pm - 9:00pm |
|---|---|
| Location | Home of Edward Frick and & Gregory Hoffman Memphis, TN |
| Created By | |
| More Info | Please join us for wine and hors d'hoeuvre at a fundraiser for Tennessee State Rep. Jeanne Richardson. Help us send Jeanne back to the State Legislature! Jeanne has been previously endorsed by TEP PAC and has been a loyal and unwavering advocate for equality in the Tennessee General Assembly Suggested donations of $25.00, $50.00, or $100.00. Checks should be made out to "Friends of Jeanne Richardson" If you cannot attend the event, send a contribution in advance to Ed Frick at 2288 Edgewood Cove, Memphis, TN 38104 |
Sunday, August 08, 2010
Steve Cohen tells the TRUTH about the County Elections
He was on Informed Sources on NewsChannel3 Sunday night. Listen to what he says:
Saturday, August 07, 2010
Friday, August 06, 2010
OK, Just STOP this now, will you?
Oh brother. Here comes ANOTHER useless press release from the SCDP, asking that the SCEC throw out the election. I have it on good authority from someone I trust that this only affected roughly 230 voters. PERIOD. Even if all those votes went to Democrats, we would not win.
Now, I would love it if the state EC would throw out the Diebold machines and institute optical scanners with paper receipts, but if it didn't happen when WE were in control, it sure as hell won't happen now.
Read on:
Now, I would love it if the state EC would throw out the Diebold machines and institute optical scanners with paper receipts, but if it didn't happen when WE were in control, it sure as hell won't happen now.
Read on:
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO ALL MEDIA OUTLETS
Date: August 6, 2010 Time: 4:30 p.m.
THE REPUBLICANS HAVE GONE TO FAR THIS TIME
According to our estimates, the Shelby County Election Commission’s “gross negligence” or “intentional” malfeasance as Congressman Cohen referred to it, could have affected as many as 30,000 voters yesterday. I understand the tactics of Bill Giannini and the Election Commission. They are attempting to control the message and downplay what happened. Naturally, it is in their best interest to do so until the votes are certified next Tuesday. The issues that we are dealing with are massive. I contend that we should explore whether the whole election should be thrown-out.
What we are experiencing today is just the reason why the Diebold machines need to be retired. Bill Giannini indicated that the problem was resolved at a central location. This is also worth questioning. The fact that they could remotely control the voter lists from one location is alarming. One would think that the entire operation should have been suspended or shut-down to make sure that the problem was resolved. This did not occur yesterday. I ask that the Shelby County Election Commission and the Republican Party of Shelby County to stand with me in asking the Tennessee General Assembly to repeal the Diebold voting machines or implement optical scanners, as the law requires, for the November election and all forthcoming elections in Shelby County. We have the ability to change what we are doing and to finally rid the election process of all these “glitches” and authorized uplinks. However, as long as Republicans keep doing what they are doing, I doubt they will have the integrity to do what’s right, what’s fair, and what’s transparent.
For More Information, Please Contact:
Van Turner, Chair
Shelby County Democratic Party
Post Office Box 40864
Memphis, TN 38174-0864
Phone: 901-283-5017
The SCDP is calling SHENANIGANS!
Here's a press release from Van Turner, SCDP Chair:
PRESS RELEASE
I stand with Randy Wade and the other Democratic Nominees in calling for a federal probe and investigation into yesterday’s election. Bill Giannini, Chairman of the Shelby County Election Commission, stated that the problems regarding voters being told they early voted was resolved at noon. We have received several reports indicating that this was not the case. In fact, one report indicated that both Regina Morrison Newman and District Attorney Bill Gibbons encountered this situation around 5:00 p.m., and they both had to vote with provisional ballots.
Also, Chairman Giannini indicated that there may have been several hundred persons affected at most. This is down from the 3,000 persons he suspected were affected earlier. Our question is how can you know who was affected without an investigation. Furthermore, we submitted information regarding individuals who were turned away at the polls and the Shelby County Election Commission ignored this information. In another instance, we requested that a tape be run for early voting and shared with the respective parties before any uplinking occurred. We were again denied this request. The actual response given was that it would take too long to honor the request they did not want the election results would be delayed. Our ability to review these tapes was the only accurate way we had to double check what actually occurred during early voting. Once again, the inaction on behalf on the Tennessee General Assembly to remove the diebold machines from the voting process or implement optical scanners has left us wondering if the election results were accurate.
For More Information, Please Contact:
Van Turner, Chair
Shelby County Democratic Party
Post Office Box 40864
Memphis, TN 38174-0864
Phone: 901-283-5017
A bittersweet night
Yes, my friend and Congressman Steve Cohen ended the political career of Willie Herenton tonight, to the surprise of few outside the Herenton camp.
And, my friend and Commissioner Steve Mulroy was re-elected to continue as the now-even-more-important 7th Democratic County Commissioner.
However, tonight was the canary in the coal mine for not only Shelby County Democrats, but Tennessee Democrats, for it was a horrible night outside those two races. Ladies and gentlemen, if we can't turn out Democrats any better than that, Mike McWherter might as well fold his tent (and he needs to realize that he had better get his ass down here and fire folks up, or he will lose 2-1 to Bill Haslam).
There were a lot of factors, and, frankly, we can't blame this on the GOP-controlled election commission, as much as I would like to. Factor #1 - As I have kept saying, with NO ONE listening, conflicted African-Americans who neither wanted to vote FOR Dr. Herenton or AGAINST him, chose to stay home, which killed the Democratic ticket. In the state's most Democratic county, the GOP controls all but two county offices. You think Chris Devaney's not doing cartwheels down West
End Avenue tonight?
The good folks at the SCDP, whom I know and like, simply could not turn out folks.
Let us hope that the notion that all the Democrats need to do in Big Shelby is turn out African-Americans to sweep County races is dead and buried FOREVER. Folks, white Democrats were the key swing votes, and they didn't vote for Democrats in County elections, even white Democrats like Regina Newman. Why?
Because A) nobody cares about Clerk elections, B) Joe Ford could never get past the fact that he had changed his mind, C) Randy Wade did his best, but not even Cohen could get him over the hump. D) Most white Democrats didn't know some of the people on the ballot, and the ones they knew they were not enthused with.
Remember, I am not your typical white Democrat because I am active and I knew all of the people on the ballot. But if you never have the money to target white Democrats in the primary and get them to know and like you, you're screwed in August. I have only been preaching about this for over a decade and NOBODY listens to me, they say, "but I'm a Democrat, that should be enough!" WHAT PART OF IT IS NOT ENOUGH DO FOLKS NOT UNDERSTAND HERE?
But let's not lose sight of the fact that had Willie Herenton NOT run for Congress, then several things would not have happened. 1) African-American Democrats would not have had reason to be conflicted, and would have turned out in the numbers necessary to win. 2) Congressman Cohen could have turned some of his impressive supply of cash over to help the ticket, and more than just a ballot handed out at the polls. 3) Mike McWherter might not have been so reluctant to show up here and helped Democrats to get to know him and get them excited for the fall, which they most assuredly are NOT right now.
It is what it is though, and the question remains, where do Shelby County Democrats go from here?
First, my friend and Congressman must now do what Harold Ford Senior did do and Harold Ford Junior refused to do: take control of the county party and help rebuild it so that we groom candidates that know how to run countywide (i.e., raise money and campaign in white areas). Steve Cohen tonight became the undisputed king of Shelby County Democratic politics tonight, and he must assume that responsibility, as the Fords are no longer viable outside Southwest Memphis and Willie Herenton and Sidney Chism are done, finished.
That leaves Steve Cohen, and he may not want to think about it now, but he may have no choice, because not only is Shelby County depending on him, so is the state.
The news coming from around the state was not good tonight for Democrats, as the young Marine Ben Leming lost his primary battle to Brett Carter, who is the definite underdog in TN-06 to Senator Diane Black of Gallatin. The bright young progressive Jeff Yarbro trails Senator Doug Henry by TWO VOTES, with only the provisional ballots to be counted.
Mike McWherter, though he has narrowed the gap in cash-on-hand with Bill Haslam, has to get a HUGE turnout in Shelby and Davidson Counties this fall, and to do so he has to come down here and get to know people, which is what you do in a primary. He avoided Big Shelby like the plague until yesterday, and this is not a good sign.
Folks, we also have the problem that Shelby County can do little about, which is regaining control of the State House of Representatives this fall. Our districts are drawn such that it is nearly impossible in Big Shelby for a seat to change parties.
If the Democrats don't pick up a net of three seats, then the GOP controls redistricting, which means we lose two Democrats in the State House from here, and one Democratic Senator. Also, it means that in all probability Steve Cohen and Jim Cooper will be the only Democratic Congressmen after the 2012 elections.
If the Shelby County Democratic party can't turn things around and quickly, we can't elect a Democratic Governor. We won't be able to lend support to our brothers and sisters in rural West Tennessee, and we will be doomed for a generation.
This is why Steve Cohen did more than win an election tonight. He assumed a mantle and a burden, but I suspect he realizes this. Take a few days to savor this win, Congressman, because it is historic. Just remember that with this win comes even more responsibility, and we're counting on you because we all believe in you.
I'm going to bed, good night.
And, my friend and Commissioner Steve Mulroy was re-elected to continue as the now-even-more-important 7th Democratic County Commissioner.
However, tonight was the canary in the coal mine for not only Shelby County Democrats, but Tennessee Democrats, for it was a horrible night outside those two races. Ladies and gentlemen, if we can't turn out Democrats any better than that, Mike McWherter might as well fold his tent (and he needs to realize that he had better get his ass down here and fire folks up, or he will lose 2-1 to Bill Haslam).
There were a lot of factors, and, frankly, we can't blame this on the GOP-controlled election commission, as much as I would like to. Factor #1 - As I have kept saying, with NO ONE listening, conflicted African-Americans who neither wanted to vote FOR Dr. Herenton or AGAINST him, chose to stay home, which killed the Democratic ticket. In the state's most Democratic county, the GOP controls all but two county offices. You think Chris Devaney's not doing cartwheels down West
End Avenue tonight?
The good folks at the SCDP, whom I know and like, simply could not turn out folks.
Let us hope that the notion that all the Democrats need to do in Big Shelby is turn out African-Americans to sweep County races is dead and buried FOREVER. Folks, white Democrats were the key swing votes, and they didn't vote for Democrats in County elections, even white Democrats like Regina Newman. Why?
Because A) nobody cares about Clerk elections, B) Joe Ford could never get past the fact that he had changed his mind, C) Randy Wade did his best, but not even Cohen could get him over the hump. D) Most white Democrats didn't know some of the people on the ballot, and the ones they knew they were not enthused with.
Remember, I am not your typical white Democrat because I am active and I knew all of the people on the ballot. But if you never have the money to target white Democrats in the primary and get them to know and like you, you're screwed in August. I have only been preaching about this for over a decade and NOBODY listens to me, they say, "but I'm a Democrat, that should be enough!" WHAT PART OF IT IS NOT ENOUGH DO FOLKS NOT UNDERSTAND HERE?
But let's not lose sight of the fact that had Willie Herenton NOT run for Congress, then several things would not have happened. 1) African-American Democrats would not have had reason to be conflicted, and would have turned out in the numbers necessary to win. 2) Congressman Cohen could have turned some of his impressive supply of cash over to help the ticket, and more than just a ballot handed out at the polls. 3) Mike McWherter might not have been so reluctant to show up here and helped Democrats to get to know him and get them excited for the fall, which they most assuredly are NOT right now.
It is what it is though, and the question remains, where do Shelby County Democrats go from here?
First, my friend and Congressman must now do what Harold Ford Senior did do and Harold Ford Junior refused to do: take control of the county party and help rebuild it so that we groom candidates that know how to run countywide (i.e., raise money and campaign in white areas). Steve Cohen tonight became the undisputed king of Shelby County Democratic politics tonight, and he must assume that responsibility, as the Fords are no longer viable outside Southwest Memphis and Willie Herenton and Sidney Chism are done, finished.
That leaves Steve Cohen, and he may not want to think about it now, but he may have no choice, because not only is Shelby County depending on him, so is the state.
The news coming from around the state was not good tonight for Democrats, as the young Marine Ben Leming lost his primary battle to Brett Carter, who is the definite underdog in TN-06 to Senator Diane Black of Gallatin. The bright young progressive Jeff Yarbro trails Senator Doug Henry by TWO VOTES, with only the provisional ballots to be counted.
Mike McWherter, though he has narrowed the gap in cash-on-hand with Bill Haslam, has to get a HUGE turnout in Shelby and Davidson Counties this fall, and to do so he has to come down here and get to know people, which is what you do in a primary. He avoided Big Shelby like the plague until yesterday, and this is not a good sign.
Folks, we also have the problem that Shelby County can do little about, which is regaining control of the State House of Representatives this fall. Our districts are drawn such that it is nearly impossible in Big Shelby for a seat to change parties.
If the Democrats don't pick up a net of three seats, then the GOP controls redistricting, which means we lose two Democrats in the State House from here, and one Democratic Senator. Also, it means that in all probability Steve Cohen and Jim Cooper will be the only Democratic Congressmen after the 2012 elections.
If the Shelby County Democratic party can't turn things around and quickly, we can't elect a Democratic Governor. We won't be able to lend support to our brothers and sisters in rural West Tennessee, and we will be doomed for a generation.
This is why Steve Cohen did more than win an election tonight. He assumed a mantle and a burden, but I suspect he realizes this. Take a few days to savor this win, Congressman, because it is historic. Just remember that with this win comes even more responsibility, and we're counting on you because we all believe in you.
I'm going to bed, good night.
Thursday, August 05, 2010
FROM THE SCEC
Via their Facebook site
Shelby County Election Commission Voters are not being turned away by poll workers following proper election commission procedure. A small number of voting records were affected by erroneous information in electronic poll books but all voters should be allowed to vote. If you were wrongly told by poll worker that you already voted, please return to your polling location before 7:00 pm tonight.
DEMOCRATS WHO ARE VOTING TODAY -LISTEN UP
We are getting reports of people who HAVE NOT VOTED YET being told that they early voted when they arrive at the polls.
If this happens to you - DO NOT LEAVE, ask for a provisional vote or stay there until you are allowed to vote, do not leave because once you do, you cannot ask for a provisional ballot, this is happening all over town. The Election Commission is working on this, but DO NOT LEAVE, we need you to vote.
UPDATE FROM ELECTION COMMISSIONER MYRA STILES:
The issue will be totally resolved before noon.
FURTHER UPDATE:
The only voters affected are those who voted early or absentee in April (a small number) but not in July. And we have a fix!
Also remember this: EVERY precinct has a LIST of those who voted early, make the election official check that list and STAND YOUR GROUND!
If this happens to you - DO NOT LEAVE, ask for a provisional vote or stay there until you are allowed to vote, do not leave because once you do, you cannot ask for a provisional ballot, this is happening all over town. The Election Commission is working on this, but DO NOT LEAVE, we need you to vote.
UPDATE FROM ELECTION COMMISSIONER MYRA STILES:
The Election Commission is aware of the problem with early voting designations. It was an error with the coding of the lElectronic Poll book. If a person is told that he/she voted early, the officer should check a list of people who have voted early/absentee--every precinct has a list. If the voter is in the EPB and not on the participating voter list, they will be allowed to vote on the machine. They will be asked to fill out a fail-safe affidavit (small sheet of paper). and then they will be given a card to vote on the machine.
The issue will be totally resolved before noon.
FURTHER UPDATE:
The only voters affected are those who voted early or absentee in April (a small number) but not in July. And we have a fix!
Also remember this: EVERY precinct has a LIST of those who voted early, make the election official check that list and STAND YOUR GROUND!
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
MMHF wants YOU!
CALL for VOLUNTEERS
The Memphis Music and Heritage Festival is just a few short months away!!
You are receiving this announcement because you have signed up for information about events at the Center for Southern Folklore, have been a valuable volunteer in the past, or have asked to be a part of the 23rd Memphis Music and Heritage Festival.
(Well no, I'm on the Board and I'm putting it up so YOU, dear reader, can be a part of this magnificent event!)
We would like to welcome all y’all to come out and participate in what has become THE music and cultural event of the year in Memphis. Please take a moment and explore the opportunities that are offered by being a festival volunteer.
One of the most amazing facts about an enormous undertaking like the Memphis Music & Heritage Festival is that it’s produced by the Center for Southern Folklore with a full and part-time staff of only a half dozen people. The secret is VOLUNTEERS. Every year, dozens of Memphians and Mid-Southerners contribute their time and their energy to a variety of jobs – setting up vendor booths, serving dinners, keeping the trolley tracks clear, decorating Main Street with festive lighting and so on. This volunteer spirit makes it a truly Memphis festival and represents all the good things about our region that the Center celebrates every day.
If you or your organization would like to be part of the special team of volunteers that produces the Memphis Music & Heritage Festival –Saturday and Sunday, September 4th & 5th - Click here to fill out volunteer application or call 901.525.3655 for more information.
The Festival staff asks that prospective volunteers attend the remaining volunteer orientation meeting on Wednesday, August 18 at 6:00 p.m. in the Folklore Store at 123 S. Main. There, volunteers will meet the staff, learn about the duties involved, and get a background briefing about the Festival. Whether your volunteer form has been filled out, all volunteers are welcome to attend this meeting. The staff will do their best to put this year’s volunteers into positions fitting their desired placement and overall abilities.
Thanks for your help and support. We look forward to seeing you soon at our 2010 Memphis Music & Heritage Festival!
STEVE again - I can tell you that you will have a great time and enjoy yourself, and remember this - per the Weather Channel, the Average high for September 4 and 5 is ONLY 88 degrees, with average lows of 68 degrees, so we should be past this horrible heat by then!
Well, These Are A Start
Mike McWherter has a couple of spots up on the website, and remember, he'll be here tomorrow if you want to meet him. Hat tip to Chas Sisk at the Tennessean.
First up, a spot about support for working people:
Then, a spot on gang problems:
First up, a spot about support for working people:
Then, a spot on gang problems:
Monday, August 02, 2010
Mike McWherter is Coming to Memphis for an Election Eve Rally
Hot off the wire (or Facebook):
Mike will be in Memphis on Wednesday, August 4th. He will join the Shelby County Democratic Party nominees for a Meet the Candidates Reception / Rally at 5:00 PM at the Hunt Phelan Inn (533 Beale Street - just east of Danny Thomas & next the AFSCME building). Please join us in you are in the Shelby County area!
Awesome memory from the West Wing
With a doff of the hat to Trace for sharing, watch this with joy and ask yourself this question:
Why is it that it takes a fictional character to tell the truth about liberalism? Why won't Democrats, especially Southern Democrats (Cohen, etc. excluded, of course) say this now? If you're ashamed to be a liberal, take a hike.
Why is it that it takes a fictional character to tell the truth about liberalism? Why won't Democrats, especially Southern Democrats (Cohen, etc. excluded, of course) say this now? If you're ashamed to be a liberal, take a hike.
Sunday, August 01, 2010
In the event you have not seen this yet
Please go read Jackson Baker's latest post on Dr. Herenton's campaign, with two videos taken during his speech to supporters at Councilor Joe Brown's office at Jackson & Watkins. I am not even showing you the videos, go over there and watch.
And shake your head at the self-destruction of a legacy.
And shake your head at the self-destruction of a legacy.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
The Early Voter Numbers are IN
Breakdown by Party
Democrat - 52,645, 56.2%
Republican- 40,347, 43.0%
No Party - 744, 0.8%
Breakdown by Gender
Female - 55,390, 59.1%
Male - 38,341, 40.1%
Breakdown by Race
Black - 31,525, 33.6%
White - 38,350, 40.9%
Other - 23,861, 25.5%
Now, I happen to believe that OTHER is probably close to the same % as Black/White, so extrapolate away. I mentioned ten days ago why I thought African-Americans were not voting in the same percentages as 2006 or 2008, but I do see that it picked up a little toward the end of Early Voting. There had better be a REAL uptick on Thursday, or Democratic candidates for County offices might be in trouble. There was a motorcade today, one tomorrow, one for Wednesday, and there are meetings going on to prepare for Election Day.
However, unless you can get those folks who just can't bring themselves to vote for or against our former mayor to come out and vote for the rest of the ticket, there might be a lot of eggs on a lot of faces Thursday night.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Shorter Tri-State Defender: We DO Need Just One, But Herenton is NOT That One
The Defender endorses Cohen after a long and thoughtful article.
Here are the money quotes, first on the Doc:
Here are the money quotes, first on the Doc:
So here is the question: Does Dr. Herenton represent the galvanizing leadership that will spur the organization and aggregation of talent and resources needed in the African-American community in Memphis to demand its place at the aforementioned tables through the role of 9th Congressional District Congressman and in doing so improve the quality of life for all Memphians? Given the damage that has been done to his image and the relationship with other leaders and voters in the community it would prove difficult for him to be that guiding and galvanizing force. Additionally, consider the fact that he would be a freshman Congressman at 70 years of age with no seniority and little political capital in Washington. The answer to the question is NO. Dr. Herenton remains a significant and relevant leader in our community and we believe he has a tremendous role to play in fostering positive change for Memphis and Shelby County. However, his most effective place to affect change is not necessarily as an elected official but as a steward and agent of change within the community.Then, about Cohen:
Dr. Herenton’s candidacy is important and should serve as a wake-up call to current and up-and-coming African-American leaders that we must get it together and move together in the “house” towards strengthening the “family”.
Congressman Cohen clearly has been an effective legislator over the course of his two terms and certainly during his tenure in the Tennessee General Assembly. He has been a champion for causes and policy intended to positively impact the African-American community. He has built relationships and worked across racial and political aisles as a masterful diplomatic statesman. Ultimately he has done everything he could do to best represent the broad interests of the constituents he represents.
Congressman Cohen’s positions, relationships and proposed legislation are all on point towards bringing to bear a climate that will allow for positive changes in the 30 percent poverty rate, double-digit unemployment, negligible business revenues, high rate of illness and health challenges and 40 percent dropout rate. Ultimately to truly improve the plight of Memphis, we must have leadership derived from within the African-American community that identifies with and intrinsically understands the “family”. No matter how empathetic, Congressman Cohen will never be the direct catalyst to initiate and foster the change necessary for the African-American community in the 9th District and beyond to make significant strides in meeting the challenges that we face. In fact it can and will only come from within.
Roy Herron is about to kick things off in Big Shelby
North Shelby County, especially the western 2/3 of it, is in TN-08. All those crazy GOP commercials you've been seeing from Fincher, Kirkland and Flinn? Those folks are fighting for the right to lose to Roy Herron.
Roy is opening his Shelby County Headquarters on Monday, August 9 at 5:30 P.M., and it's located at
8052 US Highway 51 North in Millington. Of course, all are invited, and the candidate himself is expected to appear and meet voters.
For more information about the campaign, go to RoyHerron.com.
Roy is opening his Shelby County Headquarters on Monday, August 9 at 5:30 P.M., and it's located at
8052 US Highway 51 North in Millington. Of course, all are invited, and the candidate himself is expected to appear and meet voters.
For more information about the campaign, go to RoyHerron.com.
THIS is what I want to see from Democrats in Congress!
Congressman Anthony Weiner of Brooklyn takes no prisoners on the floor of the House:
I am so freaking tired of Democrats being pushed around and being namby-pamby, finger-in-the-wind types, more of this, please. We are right, they are wrong and it's PAST time we stood up and said so.
I am so freaking tired of Democrats being pushed around and being namby-pamby, finger-in-the-wind types, more of this, please. We are right, they are wrong and it's PAST time we stood up and said so.
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