I do have my concerns, which was a reason I supported Terry Adams in the primary. The Ball campaign understands this, but I believe Lamar Alexander has to be stopped now, because he is no longer the quasi-moderate that people make him out to be. He sucked up to the Tea Partiers to offset Joe Carr, who pulled a stunning 41% in the GOP Primary against Alexander, who barely got 50 of the vote.
I also believe that to vote for Lamar Alexander is to vote for Ron Ramsey as Governor. As I said earlier this year, I do not believe in any way that Alexander serves out a full term. He is 74 years old and if he wins and serves out the term, he will be over 80. If any of you thinks he will serve out the term, I have a bridge in Brooklyn I want to sell you.
I fully believe that if we make the mistake of re-electing LAMAR! to another term, in about 24-48 months, he will suddenly announce that he has "health problems" and will be unable to finish his term. And, faster than you can say boo, Governor Bill Haslam will resign, and be appointed to the seat by the new Governor, Ron Ramsey.
Any of you reading this post think that is a good idea? I didn't think so.
So, whatever misgivings I had in the primary about Gordon Ball are out the window now. It's time to save the state, and we can only do so by supporting Ball for the US Senate seat, which I will do, happily.
Monday, August 25, 2014
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
What Steve Ross Said, Part 876
VIBINC addresses the recent and not so recent problems of the Shelby County Democratic Party, and, as usual, I highly suggest you stop what you are doing and go read it.
This has been another installment of What Steve Ross Said.
This has been another installment of What Steve Ross Said.
Saturday, August 09, 2014
Post-election observations - 9th District
We still need to see precinct breakdowns, of course, but there are a few things I want to say about this race, and how we view our Congressman.
First, to Ricky Wilkins: For someone who has never campaigned for office for himself before, you did a damned fine job. Your campaign clearly was the toughest one that Steve Cohen has faced since he was initially elected in 2006. Sure, there were mistakes, but for a rookie campaign, you have nothing to be ashamed of, and Cohen himself saluted your efforts during his victory speech, something I don't remember him doing before.
However, even with all of that, you just got a third of the vote. What does that mean? It means that, for all of the campaigning you did, two-thirds of the Democratic electorate of the 9th Congressional District is satisfied with the representation that they have received from the incumbent.
Unless the Tea Party is involved in a GOP District, it's damn near impossible to unseat an incumbent Congressman unless that person has been indicted or committed some kind of epic faux pas. That is to say that, as things stand today, only Steve Cohen can really beat Steve Cohen.
Unless he does something really over the top, Steve Cohen is going to continue to be renominated and re-elected to this seat. That is something you may want to think about.
To your credit, Mr. Wilkins, you did everything possible to avoid the suggestion that you were running because the 9th District needed a Black Congressman to serve a primarily-Black District. Some of your supporters, sadly, didn't get the message, and it is they whom I will address next.
I will make this short and sweet: You are no more entitled to a Black Congressman than I am a white Congressman. Any suggestion to the contrary is as racist as anything the Klan has ever said. It, and always SHOULD be, about POLICY and CONSTITUENT SERVICE. I loved Harold Ford Senior and defended him to other people for years. His son? Not so much, Junior threw his constituents under the bus with the Bankruptcy Bill in order to raise money for his Senate run. (I will be angry at him for that as long as I draw a breath.) Do they do their job? If the answer is YES, keep them. NO, get rid of them.
If you are angry that the 9th District does not have a Black Congressman, why don't you go and ask the Black Democrats of the district, the majority of whom voted resoundingly to re-nominate Steve Cohen? All of the petty insider bullshit that we argue about doesn't matter a damn to them, they just want to know that he is there for them, and he has been. THAT, more than any other reason, is why he wins.
That is something beyond the control of Mr. Wilkins or any of Cohen's prior opponents, and it's why he wins every time, and will continue to do so as long as he keeps doing what he is doing.
Now, to my friend of over 30 years and my Congressman, I want to talk to you as well. First, good work by you, John Marek, Stephanie Dunavant, Rick Maynard, Dabney Ring and the rest of your team. You need to go get some rest for a week or so, we all know this was a tough race.
When you get back, lots of us need to sit down with you and talk about the state of the Shelby County Democratic Party. No, you are not the "boss", and I agree that is not what you or the SCDP needs. As the highest-ranking Democratic elected official in this County, we need your guidance and your input to help us turn this thing around, which won't happen overnight. You also need to bring some of that talented staff with you, as they have learned greatly from your tutelage.
This needs to be a table where all feel welcome, regardless of whether they are from South Memphis or Southwind, Brunswick or Smokey City. Only with a dialogue from all parties can we begin to heal and point forward toward future victories.
First, to Ricky Wilkins: For someone who has never campaigned for office for himself before, you did a damned fine job. Your campaign clearly was the toughest one that Steve Cohen has faced since he was initially elected in 2006. Sure, there were mistakes, but for a rookie campaign, you have nothing to be ashamed of, and Cohen himself saluted your efforts during his victory speech, something I don't remember him doing before.
However, even with all of that, you just got a third of the vote. What does that mean? It means that, for all of the campaigning you did, two-thirds of the Democratic electorate of the 9th Congressional District is satisfied with the representation that they have received from the incumbent.
Unless the Tea Party is involved in a GOP District, it's damn near impossible to unseat an incumbent Congressman unless that person has been indicted or committed some kind of epic faux pas. That is to say that, as things stand today, only Steve Cohen can really beat Steve Cohen.
Unless he does something really over the top, Steve Cohen is going to continue to be renominated and re-elected to this seat. That is something you may want to think about.
To your credit, Mr. Wilkins, you did everything possible to avoid the suggestion that you were running because the 9th District needed a Black Congressman to serve a primarily-Black District. Some of your supporters, sadly, didn't get the message, and it is they whom I will address next.
I will make this short and sweet: You are no more entitled to a Black Congressman than I am a white Congressman. Any suggestion to the contrary is as racist as anything the Klan has ever said. It, and always SHOULD be, about POLICY and CONSTITUENT SERVICE. I loved Harold Ford Senior and defended him to other people for years. His son? Not so much, Junior threw his constituents under the bus with the Bankruptcy Bill in order to raise money for his Senate run. (I will be angry at him for that as long as I draw a breath.) Do they do their job? If the answer is YES, keep them. NO, get rid of them.
If you are angry that the 9th District does not have a Black Congressman, why don't you go and ask the Black Democrats of the district, the majority of whom voted resoundingly to re-nominate Steve Cohen? All of the petty insider bullshit that we argue about doesn't matter a damn to them, they just want to know that he is there for them, and he has been. THAT, more than any other reason, is why he wins.
That is something beyond the control of Mr. Wilkins or any of Cohen's prior opponents, and it's why he wins every time, and will continue to do so as long as he keeps doing what he is doing.
Now, to my friend of over 30 years and my Congressman, I want to talk to you as well. First, good work by you, John Marek, Stephanie Dunavant, Rick Maynard, Dabney Ring and the rest of your team. You need to go get some rest for a week or so, we all know this was a tough race.
When you get back, lots of us need to sit down with you and talk about the state of the Shelby County Democratic Party. No, you are not the "boss", and I agree that is not what you or the SCDP needs. As the highest-ranking Democratic elected official in this County, we need your guidance and your input to help us turn this thing around, which won't happen overnight. You also need to bring some of that talented staff with you, as they have learned greatly from your tutelage.
This needs to be a table where all feel welcome, regardless of whether they are from South Memphis or Southwind, Brunswick or Smokey City. Only with a dialogue from all parties can we begin to heal and point forward toward future victories.
Our Chairman Apologizes
During a WREG-TV interview the next day after the August 7th election, I made regrettable comments to the reporter. I said, “I wish those Democrats would go ahead and just sign up and be Republicans. Go ahead and join the party because we don’t need you. You don’t support us.”
After giving much thought to my comments, I realized that it was not wise to express those “at the moment” feelings and I apologize.
On many occasions I have been very proud to state that the Democratic Party is a big tent Party that welcomes everyone regardless of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. That boast should also include having an open mind to those Democrats who don’t necessarily agree with all of the Democratic candidates on the ballot during an election. I do apologize.
Bryan Carson, Chairman
Shelby County Democratic Party
Bryan Carson, Chairman
Shelby County Democratic Party
Below is the WREG-TV Stephanie Scurlock interview:
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Shelby County is considered Tennessee’s bluest county, yet Republicans pulled off some big election wins Thursday.
Six of the seven major county offices were won by the GOP, so WREG asked the head of the Shelby County Democratic Party what they plan to do next.
Bryan Carson is drawing a line in the sand. He’s got a message for those who call themselves Democrats and voted for Republican candidates running for Shelby County offices.
“I wish those Democrats would go ahead and just sign up and be Republicans. Go ahead and join the party because we don’t need you. You don’t support us,” said Carson.
Carson says he’s hurt by the outcome of this election. About 20 percent of the Democrats who voted cast ballots for Republicans running for county office.
“The Republicans would never do that to us. They would never do that for us,” said Carson.
He says the Democrats’ next move is to amp up its get out the vote campaign and bring in those registered voters who aren’t voting regularly.
Carson said, “We need to let them know about the issues. Get out on the ground. Engage with them and bring them out to the polls.”
Friday, August 08, 2014
I don't believe what I just saw
First, if you haven't already done so, go read Jon's post from Wednesday, which seems downright prescient in view of the brutal whipping the Democratic Party took in Shelby County yesterday.
I see in the morning paper where our Chair, Bryan Carson said this:
Bryan Carson, the chairman of the county Democratic Party, feared crossover voting — and it appears he got it, in droves.I don't doubt it. I suspect that, once we see the precinct breakdowns, we'll see that crossover happened in ALL parts of the Democratic community, not just among white Democrats, the whipping boys of Democratic politics for over a decade now.
“It’s disappointing. It looks like the crossover killed us again,” Carson said. “A significant number of Democrats voted Republican.”
A LOT of people in all parts of this county abandoned the Democratic ticket this time. Then, tonight, I find out Bryan said this to WREG-TV:
Bryan Carson is drawing a line in the sand. He’s got a message for those who call themselves Democrats and voted for Republican candidates running for Shelby County offices.
“I wish those Democrats would go ahead and just sign up and be Republicans. Go ahead and join the party because we don’t need you. You don’t support us,” said Carson.
Really? THIS is how you grow the Party? THIS is a rallying cry for us all to come together? You know, I have spent most of the time since I got back on the ExecCom defending you to other people who said you were in over your head. I pointed out that you were put in an impossible situation that had developed over a course of years and that you were doing your damnedest to juggle all the competing interests, which is ANOTHER reason we got hammered.
If you are trying to ensure that we don't win another county election for 20 years, you couldn't have picked a better way to do it.
Frankly, the only viable countywide candidates that we had were Deidre, Cheyenne and Wanda. Joe and Henri killed us with their inane actions and comments. Countywide elections are about COMPETENCE and SKILL and, aside from those three, we had NO CANDIDATES that had the skill and the money to get out the message. That wasn't your fault, but this is like putting out a fire with jet fuel!
I understand what you said on Facebook that both African-Americans and Caucasians are doing this. Instead of running these voters off, we need to go to them and ask WHY they did what they did.
Those answers can tell us where we need to go, instead of telling THEM where they need to go.
Those answers can tell us where we need to go, instead of telling THEM where they need to go.
From Deidre Malone
I
want to thank everyone who supported my bid for Shelby County Mayor. We
ran a race that we can be proud of and we offered Shelby County a
viable Democratic choice for Shelby County Mayor. I want to thank my
family, campaign team, volunteers and donors for their unwavering
support. To mention a few team members that worked so hard on this
campaign: Randa Spears, Ian Randolph, Belinda Anderson, Dave Cambron,
Diane Cambron, Brian Malone, Darrick Harris, Kermit Moore, Alandas
Dobbins, Vicki Johnson, Dawn Carter, Latrivia Nelson, Gabriela Salinas,
Gale Jones Carson, TaJuan Stout Mitchell, State Rep. GA Hardaway, Jesse
Johnson, Anne Carter Nelson, Lauren Anderson, Regina Jones, Brittany
Ousley and Debra Davis. To the Unions that supported this campaign:
Memphis AFL-CIO Labor Council, United Steel Workers, Sheet Metal
Workers, IBEW Local 1288, Ironworkers Union, Teamsters, Shelby County
Firefighters, Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputy’s Association and the
Tennessee Equality Project and Emily’s List – Thank You. I will be
forever grateful for all that you did to get us this far. We cracked the
glass ceiling for a woman winning a primary for Shelby County Mayor, we
didn’t shatter it by winning the General Election but I’m hopeful for
the next woman that makes the effort. I want to say a special thank you
to Commissioner Steve Mulroy for his endorsement and willingness to
aggressively campaign for me during the General Election. We had a hard
fought Primary Election where some of my supporters accused him and his
campaign of race baiting. I’ve known Steve Mulroy for years and he is
not a racist and he has spent his life, professionally and personally,
fighting racism and advancing civil rights and equality for all people.
Thanks Steve for all you do for our community.
Deidre
Deidre
Wednesday, August 06, 2014
Thoughts on the election
What if I told you there was a party where 1 side had an inherent advantage of at least 10% in voters in elections?
What if I told you that this party looses consistently?
What if I told you there was a Congressman who delivers more in services for his constituents than the previous Congressman?
What if I told you this Congressman gets attacked consistently because of his race and ethnicity?
What if I told you that candidates for office seem more concerned with the pay from the job, rather than than the payment to the community that the job should entail?
What if I told you that public service is just that, public service to enrich the city, the community, and the public, it is not about enriching you or your friends pockets?
What if I told you that reaching to the past and clinging to the past is preventing you from seeing and preparing for the future?
What if I told you that sacrificing to help the greater good means that you lift others up and let others take credit at times for your work knowing that the result is the important part, not your part in it?
What if I told you that recognizing when your time is over is difficult, but you must always be aware that your place is fleeting in the grand scheme and you must prepare others to take your place, and also, step away, perhaps early, to let them shine and lead, and continue the work you and the ones who stepped away for you to continue?
What if I told you that to build up a city and make it a vibrant community, you must give people a reason to live there and just as importantly, show people around the city, county, state, nation, and world how to be an example on how to do it?
What if I told you that this party looses consistently?
What if I told you there was a Congressman who delivers more in services for his constituents than the previous Congressman?
What if I told you this Congressman gets attacked consistently because of his race and ethnicity?
What if I told you that candidates for office seem more concerned with the pay from the job, rather than than the payment to the community that the job should entail?
What if I told you that public service is just that, public service to enrich the city, the community, and the public, it is not about enriching you or your friends pockets?
What if I told you that reaching to the past and clinging to the past is preventing you from seeing and preparing for the future?
What if I told you that sacrificing to help the greater good means that you lift others up and let others take credit at times for your work knowing that the result is the important part, not your part in it?
What if I told you that recognizing when your time is over is difficult, but you must always be aware that your place is fleeting in the grand scheme and you must prepare others to take your place, and also, step away, perhaps early, to let them shine and lead, and continue the work you and the ones who stepped away for you to continue?
What if I told you that to build up a city and make it a vibrant community, you must give people a reason to live there and just as importantly, show people around the city, county, state, nation, and world how to be an example on how to do it?
Tuesday, August 05, 2014
Um, does the Wilkins campaign know what district in which they are running?
So, I saw that the Tri-State Defender was endorsing Ricky Wilkins, which is about as shocking as an eastern sunrise, and they had a link to his newest ad, which I have here:
This is a well-produced advertisement, and up until the last few seconds, finds nothing with which I disagree on principle. If this ad, and Mr. Wilkins, were running in ANY other Congressional District in Tennessee, I would be standing and applauding. However, to suggest that the most progressive, nay, LIBERAL Congressman this state has seen in decades is weak against the Tea Party is ludicrous to the point of hilarity. Steve Cohen, not liberal and afraid of Tea Partiers?
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
(/stops, regains breath and composure)
Ok, if Mr. Wilkins wants to imply that he will continue the solid liberal tradition of TN-09, which has been going since 1975, Junior excluded, I get that. That is to be applauded. But to suggest STEVE FREAKING COHEN is afraid of the Tea Party and won't fight for our values??? Wait, I, wait...
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
(/looks for oxygen, sits down to calm down and breathe)
You have to stop doing that, Mr. Wilkins, I'm not sure if I can hyperventilate like that too many more times.
Seriously, other than the union fiasco in which I blame Janice Chalmers more than I blame you, you've done a nice job this campaign and it will be interesting to see how the 9th District responds to you. If this were an open seat or someone representing the district other than Steve Cohen, I LIKE the ad, it comes off nicely.
As long as no one realizes what district you're in, that is. Carry on.
This is a well-produced advertisement, and up until the last few seconds, finds nothing with which I disagree on principle. If this ad, and Mr. Wilkins, were running in ANY other Congressional District in Tennessee, I would be standing and applauding. However, to suggest that the most progressive, nay, LIBERAL Congressman this state has seen in decades is weak against the Tea Party is ludicrous to the point of hilarity. Steve Cohen, not liberal and afraid of Tea Partiers?
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
(/stops, regains breath and composure)
Ok, if Mr. Wilkins wants to imply that he will continue the solid liberal tradition of TN-09, which has been going since 1975, Junior excluded, I get that. That is to be applauded. But to suggest STEVE FREAKING COHEN is afraid of the Tea Party and won't fight for our values??? Wait, I, wait...
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
(/looks for oxygen, sits down to calm down and breathe)
You have to stop doing that, Mr. Wilkins, I'm not sure if I can hyperventilate like that too many more times.
Seriously, other than the union fiasco in which I blame Janice Chalmers more than I blame you, you've done a nice job this campaign and it will be interesting to see how the 9th District responds to you. If this were an open seat or someone representing the district other than Steve Cohen, I LIKE the ad, it comes off nicely.
As long as no one realizes what district you're in, that is. Carry on.
OK, can we all take a long breath now and get ready for Election Day?
I am not going to make any numerical predictions, but I am holding to my suggestion of the other day that Steve Cohen is in good shape for renomination on Thursday, which is tantamount to re-election.
While anything is POSSIBLE, not just anything is PROBABLE. This morning, I received the not-so-shocking news that Congresswoman and Democratic National Chair Debbie Wasserman-Schultz was endorsing Cohen for re-election and issuing a cease-and-desist order against soon-to-be-ousted SCDP Committeeman and noted ballot and sign entrepreneur M. LaTroy Williams. (Note: how in the hell did he get elected in the first place???) Why am I saying he will be ousted? Because, as a fellow ExecCom member, I plan to move to oust him from the ExecCom if he doesn't have the decency to resign his seat after the election.
While our Congressman took pains to avoid the suggestion that Ricky Wilkins had anything to do with the Williams fiasco, Wilkins has to wonder what has hit him in the last week. After running a very solid campaign, the combination of the AFSCME Local 1733 endorsement brouhaha and the Williams situation, Wilkins has to hope that he gets enough vote on Thursday to warrant another run in two years.
One also has to wonder what the average voter in the 9th District thinks about all of this craziness. Will they pay attention to it or just laugh and keep moving and voting as they would have in any event?
Now, on to the County Mayor's race, where the Early Voting numbers showed a stronger-than-expected Democratic push for the last three days suggests potential good news for Deidre Malone. She received additional good news when Commissioner Steve Mulroy, one of her primary opponents, recorded a commercial on her behalf, which we showed you yesterday. Given the acrimony in that race, we are very appreciative of Commissioner Mulroy for stepping up to the plate at this crucial time; kudos to him.
Finally, if you are going to vote in the Democratic Primary for Senate 29, I IMPLORE you to vote for Lee Harris. Senator Ophelia Ford is an embarrassment to our Party and our County and hurts the Ford name and reputation for public service. All you need to know is that one of Senator Ford's biggest supporters is right-wing GOP County Commissioner Terry Roland, who is helping her so that she can return and do whatever the GOP Senators want her to do. It is time for a change in Senate 29; please take the steps necessary to make that change.
Stay tuned!
While anything is POSSIBLE, not just anything is PROBABLE. This morning, I received the not-so-shocking news that Congresswoman and Democratic National Chair Debbie Wasserman-Schultz was endorsing Cohen for re-election and issuing a cease-and-desist order against soon-to-be-ousted SCDP Committeeman and noted ballot and sign entrepreneur M. LaTroy Williams. (Note: how in the hell did he get elected in the first place???) Why am I saying he will be ousted? Because, as a fellow ExecCom member, I plan to move to oust him from the ExecCom if he doesn't have the decency to resign his seat after the election.
While our Congressman took pains to avoid the suggestion that Ricky Wilkins had anything to do with the Williams fiasco, Wilkins has to wonder what has hit him in the last week. After running a very solid campaign, the combination of the AFSCME Local 1733 endorsement brouhaha and the Williams situation, Wilkins has to hope that he gets enough vote on Thursday to warrant another run in two years.
One also has to wonder what the average voter in the 9th District thinks about all of this craziness. Will they pay attention to it or just laugh and keep moving and voting as they would have in any event?
Now, on to the County Mayor's race, where the Early Voting numbers showed a stronger-than-expected Democratic push for the last three days suggests potential good news for Deidre Malone. She received additional good news when Commissioner Steve Mulroy, one of her primary opponents, recorded a commercial on her behalf, which we showed you yesterday. Given the acrimony in that race, we are very appreciative of Commissioner Mulroy for stepping up to the plate at this crucial time; kudos to him.
Finally, if you are going to vote in the Democratic Primary for Senate 29, I IMPLORE you to vote for Lee Harris. Senator Ophelia Ford is an embarrassment to our Party and our County and hurts the Ford name and reputation for public service. All you need to know is that one of Senator Ford's biggest supporters is right-wing GOP County Commissioner Terry Roland, who is helping her so that she can return and do whatever the GOP Senators want her to do. It is time for a change in Senate 29; please take the steps necessary to make that change.
Stay tuned!
Monday, August 04, 2014
New Malone for Mayor Commercial
Very happy to see Commissioner Steve Mulroy in this commercial, please enjoy:
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
I think the 9th District race ended yesterday, for all intents and purposes
Those supporters of Ricky Wilkins had to KNOW that it would be an uphill battle to unseat a very popular incumbent in Steve Cohen, if they were paying attention and if they were honest with themselves.
Until yesterday, I thought that Wilkins' campaign was superior to those of the prior campaigns run to oust the Congressman, as they had avoided mistakes made by their predecessors. Then, Ricky Wilkins stood OUTSIDE the doors if AFSCME Local 1733, claiming an endorsement that had yet to be awarded, according to the President of the local, who advised the press that the membership had yet to vote. In doing so, he looked foolish and desperate.
Part of this, it appears falls on the Union local itself. Someone in their leadership had apparently told Congressman Cohen that HE would be the recipient of their endorsement, and he announced that in an earlier press release, which Wilkins then disputed.
If AFSCME is no better organized than that, I feel for their workers. The Congressman has been around long enough to know when he is getting good information, and correctly called the union leadership upon hearing of Wilkins' comments.
At this point, regardless of whom they endorse, you have to wonder how much it will be worth, given how this process has been botched. This would never have happened when James Smith was around, believe that. I suspect our Congressman, once this is over, will make his feelings known about the situation to the union's national leadership, which won't bode well for the Memphis organization.
As for Wilkins, if it is true, as has been suggested to me, that he is now listening to advice from that noted media personality Thaddeus Matthews, it is now possible to suggest that perhaps the Congressman's fight for renomination is done. He could head for the coast and rest before the November election and still win handily. Also, if Wilkins is really listening to Matthews, he won't even be our NEXT Congressman when Cohen decides to retire. I really hope for Wilkins' sake that this is not true; the only people who listen to Matthews are the unlikeliest voters of all.
Now, to another matter. As you know, 999 times out of 1000, if my Congressman, Steve Cohen, asks me to do something, I want to do it, because I agree with him at about that rate. He actually did something this week with which I will take issue, regarding a local State Executive Committee race.
In Senate District 31, which stretches east from my Humes Heights neighborhood to Cordova and Germantown, two of my longtime friends, Dwayne Thompson and David Upton, are battling it out. Upton, who has taken a more active role in the Congressman's campaign this year, was endorsed for the seat by Congressman Cohen over Thompson, who won four years ago, unseating Joe Weinberg.
David Upton sat on that body from Senate 30 until four years ago, when he was surprisingly voted out by Democrats for Kevin Gallagher, who never really campaigned. Upton has been involved at the state level for a while, and I get that he wants back on the state committee.
Meanwhile, Dwayne voted for Roy Herron for TNDP Chair, which I didn't agree with but I understood his logic and reasoning for doing so. Fortunately, Roy had the good sense to hire Alan Secrest as Executive Director, which stabilized the state party. Full disclosure: I was recruited by Chip Forrester to run for this office; since Dwayne is one of my oldest friends, I declined to do so.
So, you may ask, why do I care, since both are my friends and both are qualified to sit on that committee?
Dwayne has lived in that district for almost 20 years and has a good understanding of the politics of that area. David, to my knowledge, has not lived outside the Parkways; while I would seek his opinion on anything Midtown or Downtown, I think Dwayne knows our area better. Dwayne, I must add, is also running for State Representative in District 96 (Cordova), and his victory there this fall would be a flaming spear in the heart of Republicanland. I want him to have both titles.
Look, I get that my friend and Congressman wants to stand with those who stand with him; while Dwayne has always supported the Congressman, Upton has taken on a bigger role this year. I believe, however, that Dwayne has earned re-election to this post and I am asking you District 31 voters to stay with him with your vote.
If David were running in the district in which he lives, I would undoubtedly ask you to vote for him. He is not, and I am not.
One final humorous and ironic note here: because of the same law that allowed John Ford to represent Senate 29 in Western Shelby County but live in Collierville, what David is doing IS legal, believe it or not. You all know that the laws regarding residency for County Commission are as unclear in their own way as the state laws, which is why Commissioner Henri Brooks is fighting to stay in her seat until the end of the term.
Looking to provide a process with clarity to deal with such situations, Commissioner Steve Mulroy has led the fight to create such a process and further define residential eligibility, for which he is to be lauded. He has also decided to help the manager of his County Mayor's campaign by recording robocalls that declare Mulroy's support for his friend.
That campaign manager and friend? David Upton, the guy who doesn't live in the district.
Gotta love it.
Monday, July 21, 2014
There is a 8th District Congressional Primary in Shelby County, too.
One of the candidates is Lawrence Pivnick, who wanted a chance to tell you about himself:
Lawrence “Larry”
Pivnick is running for the office of
U.S. Congressman for Tennessee’s Eighth District in the August 7 Democratic
Party primary. Pivnick defines himself
as a social progressive, who believes in
traditional Tennessee values, the
U.S. Constitution, and a strong national government that defends our nation,
secures liberty and justice for all, and provides for the general well being of
all Americans. Pivnick also believes in fiscally responsible government under a
balanced budget, and opposes deficit spending, government debt, and government
waste. Pivnick supports reducing individual income taxes on 95% of Americans
and lowering taxes on businesses to promote new investments and good jobs with
fair living wages. Pivnick believes in a Congress that is proactive, productive, and collaborative,
irrespective of party.
For the past 40 years, Pivnick has served as a Professor
of Law at the University of Memphis, and was the founder and director of the
University of Memphis Legal Clinic, providing free legal services for thousands
of West Tennesseans who could not afford representation. He has also served as
Faculty Senate President and as the UM faculty mediator. Pivnick is the author
of several highly relied upon legal books on Tennessee procedure.
Pivnick has been married for 32 years to Dr. Eniko
Pivnick, a pediatric geneticist and professor at UT Health Sciences Center, and
they have 2 daughters, Hajnal and Lilla. Pivnick is a member and regularly
attends services at Temple Israel.
For more information, see www.pivnickforcongress.com
and www.facebook.com/pivnickforcongress.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
From Joe Brown, Shelby County District Attorney Candidate - Statement of Apology to and Action on Behalf of LGBT Community
I have received the following statement from the Judge Joe Brown campaign:
Statement of Apology to and Action on Behalf of LGBT Community
A lot has been said lately about some off-cuff and misconstrued remarks that I made about my opponent. I want to start by apologizing once again to the gay community for making sexual orientation an issue on the campaign trail where its only place should be how we plan to protect this disenfranchised community. My comments have allowed my opponent to circumvent any responsibility that she has in protecting this class of citizens. I'm going to do, concisely, what I should have done from the start. I'm going to draw the distinctions between my opponent and myself on this issue. While my opponent identifies with and proudly belongs to a party that vehemently stands in the way of the gay community's right to equal protection in the workplace and everywhere else, I plan to ensure their protection in the streets. As District Attorney, I will effectively utilize sentencing enhancement factors on hate crimes perpetrated as a result of sexual orientation or GENDER IDENTITY. I, unlike those on the far-right, do NOT believe "every crime is a hate crime". And neither does the Federal Government. I would fight tooth and nail, bench and gavel, to see to it that we use not only the tools we have at our disposal, but that we advocate vigorously for new tools; such as adding gender identity to the State Hate Crimes Sentencing Act. Too many citizens turn a blind eye to violence against our constituents and I'll be damned if I sit idly aside while the state does too. This is someones mother, father, sister, brother, or loved one in Shelby County and we need to be fighting for every one of our citizens. Now while the issue of judicial involvement in our schools, with regards to bullying, is a tricky subject, as the last thing we want to be doing is exacerbating the school-to-prison-pipeline, as my opponent is doing, there should be absolutely no contention as to whether the District Attorney's office should be a part of the conversation and solution when it comes to bullying in our schools. Nor should there be any question as to whether we should use the resources we have to protect the LGBT student when we find out that they're being abused or neglected at home because they didn't turn out the way mom and dad wanted them to. That's gotta stop now. These children deserve better than the cold and dangerous streets of Memphis. Finally, we're failing to effectively define domestic violence among this community. While less than 2% of domestic violence cases occur among same-sex couples, that's still an increase of nearly 50% since 2008. The application of the law, when it comes to protecting its citizens from violence must be blind and non-discriminatory. My opponent is a tactician. She's a politician. Detraction from real issues is what she specializes in. But if she were really serious about her job, she'd be talking about the issues that the LGBT community are actually facing instead of being appalled when she's vicariously accused of being one. Being accused of being gay should never be something that offends a person. That speaks volumes about my opponents character...since we've been talking about character and all.
Statement of Apology to and Action on Behalf of LGBT Community
A lot has been said lately about some off-cuff and misconstrued remarks that I made about my opponent. I want to start by apologizing once again to the gay community for making sexual orientation an issue on the campaign trail where its only place should be how we plan to protect this disenfranchised community. My comments have allowed my opponent to circumvent any responsibility that she has in protecting this class of citizens. I'm going to do, concisely, what I should have done from the start. I'm going to draw the distinctions between my opponent and myself on this issue. While my opponent identifies with and proudly belongs to a party that vehemently stands in the way of the gay community's right to equal protection in the workplace and everywhere else, I plan to ensure their protection in the streets. As District Attorney, I will effectively utilize sentencing enhancement factors on hate crimes perpetrated as a result of sexual orientation or GENDER IDENTITY. I, unlike those on the far-right, do NOT believe "every crime is a hate crime". And neither does the Federal Government. I would fight tooth and nail, bench and gavel, to see to it that we use not only the tools we have at our disposal, but that we advocate vigorously for new tools; such as adding gender identity to the State Hate Crimes Sentencing Act. Too many citizens turn a blind eye to violence against our constituents and I'll be damned if I sit idly aside while the state does too. This is someones mother, father, sister, brother, or loved one in Shelby County and we need to be fighting for every one of our citizens. Now while the issue of judicial involvement in our schools, with regards to bullying, is a tricky subject, as the last thing we want to be doing is exacerbating the school-to-prison-pipeline, as my opponent is doing, there should be absolutely no contention as to whether the District Attorney's office should be a part of the conversation and solution when it comes to bullying in our schools. Nor should there be any question as to whether we should use the resources we have to protect the LGBT student when we find out that they're being abused or neglected at home because they didn't turn out the way mom and dad wanted them to. That's gotta stop now. These children deserve better than the cold and dangerous streets of Memphis. Finally, we're failing to effectively define domestic violence among this community. While less than 2% of domestic violence cases occur among same-sex couples, that's still an increase of nearly 50% since 2008. The application of the law, when it comes to protecting its citizens from violence must be blind and non-discriminatory. My opponent is a tactician. She's a politician. Detraction from real issues is what she specializes in. But if she were really serious about her job, she'd be talking about the issues that the LGBT community are actually facing instead of being appalled when she's vicariously accused of being one. Being accused of being gay should never be something that offends a person. That speaks volumes about my opponents character...since we've been talking about character and all.
Monday, July 14, 2014
This Blog Supports Reginald Milton! Come to my house and let's raise some money for him!
I knew that when Reggie Milton decided to run for County Commission, District 10, that I would help him, especially when I realized that I was moving into the district. He is an outstanding servant of the people now with his non-profit South Memphis Alliance, and I can't wait for him to bring leadership to a County Commission that needs it so desperately.
So, why don't you come to my house Thursday night, and bring a check to help him WIN on August 7?
My lovely co-hosts Susan Sutton Steffens and Jon Carroll (in his own way, I guess) are joining me in inviting you. If you are on Facebook, go here. If not, here are the particulars:
WHEN: Thursday, July 17 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM CDT
WHERE: 2766 Natchez Lane, 38111 (we're the ones with all the signs in the yard)
HOW MUCH? Suggested donation is $50, but we will take all amounts from $10 up to the maximum of $1500! We have to charge to get in because this IS a fundraiser!
SO, WHAT DO I GET FOR THAT? Food, soft drinks, and wine, plus the immense satisfaction that your money is going to aid a great person in getting elected to the County Commission.
There will be comments from Reggie, as well as from me.
We look forward to seeing you there!
So, why don't you come to my house Thursday night, and bring a check to help him WIN on August 7?
My lovely co-hosts Susan Sutton Steffens and Jon Carroll (in his own way, I guess) are joining me in inviting you. If you are on Facebook, go here. If not, here are the particulars:
WHEN: Thursday, July 17 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM CDT
WHERE: 2766 Natchez Lane, 38111 (we're the ones with all the signs in the yard)
HOW MUCH? Suggested donation is $50, but we will take all amounts from $10 up to the maximum of $1500! We have to charge to get in because this IS a fundraiser!
SO, WHAT DO I GET FOR THAT? Food, soft drinks, and wine, plus the immense satisfaction that your money is going to aid a great person in getting elected to the County Commission.
There will be comments from Reggie, as well as from me.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Friday, July 11, 2014
NEVER BE AFRAID TO DO THE RIGHT THING
(Editor's note - this post is written by one of my colleagues on the SCDP Executive Committee, Corey Strong of HD 91. I have been impressed with his abilities for some time, and support his candidacy for State Executive Committee, District 33. This is in reference to an attempt on Wednesday night to reopen and reconsider three of the judicial endorsements. He voted to do so, I voted against. I include this because I thought he made excellent points here.)
When I got to my first ship a decade ago, my Captain told me
a story about an important lesson he learned as a junior officer. He was given
a very large assignment that involved a great many sailors moving equipment
onto a ship. He made a mistake that led to the equipment being loaded in the
wrong way. That mistake would require a great deal more man hours and rework
and some weekend working days just before a major deployment for the ship. When
he discovered his error, he informed his Captain of his mistake and how he
would correct it. His Captain was not happy about the error but appreciated
that he discovered, owned, reported, and CORRECTED his error. Had he not done
this, the ship would have deployed unprepared which is an unacceptable outcome.
The lesson to me was that you will make mistakes but the pain of correcting is
far worse than the pain of not.
I could not help but think of this at Wednesday’s monthly
meeting of the County Party. We were presented with at least a few potential
mistakes that were made during our judicial selection process. I am not here to
absolve the candidates that did not receive the nominations because they
certainly could have done more to ensure they received the nomination. Nor am I
here to argue whether or not we should have endorsed candidates at all. What I am here to say is that the SCDP has an
obligation to correct mistakes if and when they are made regardless of how
painful that correction may be. We have
promised to promote qualified and worthy DEMOCRATIC candidates. If we are
unsure of the worthiness or qualification of a candidate, then we should avoid
promoting them or remove an endorsement when one of those things comes into
question. When you correct a mistake,
the short term pain will always be small compared to the long term injury that
comes from not correcting it.
It was clear that there are many people on the Executive
Committee who are too concerned with the short term consequences to do the
right thing and correct a potential mistake. Many people commented that we
would look like little kids if we did not stand by our decision. I argue that
we look like little kids if we are unwilling to correct a mistake. If you broke
something when you were a child, you hid it. If you something went missing, you
lied about it. If you got in trouble at school, you blamed your classmates. But
most of us got older, and left those habits behind because we understood that
there was a greater duty in life than avoiding uncomfortable situations. Some of us are still content looking at a
mess or ignoring it because they don’t want to deal with the scolding.
Every day, major companies like GM ignore mistakes that cost
people lives and cause them injuries. We are appalled when that mistake is
allowed to persist. What if my Captain was afraid of a scolding by his superior
and never corrected his mistake? He would have put lives in danger and he could
not live with that. We are seeing in our city government what happens when you
stick with a bad decision and it comes back to haunt you later. Here, members
of the Executive Committee are afraid of a scolding by the media if we change
our minds. (SIDE NOTE: This is the same media that is clearly owned by and
generally catering to Republicans which makes all attempts at satisfying it fools’ errands. They are in it to sell
papers and air time. Therefore, we should NEVER make decisions to avoid bad
press because the SCDP is ALWAYS going to get bad press. ) Meanwhile, we are
ignoring the real possibility that we may support a candidate that is
unqualified or unworthy. That decision would bring 8 YEARS of discredit to the bench,
undermine the judicial process for our citizens, and dilute the value of our
SCDP nominations in the future. I can deal with a few CA and Channel 3 stories
this July of 2014 if it avoids many potential stories and injuries in the years
to come.
I understand that this process has been long and tedious and
realize that taking ownership of our mistakes is a hard lesson that most of us
struggle with all the time. But as a county party, we cannot waiver from that
responsibility. We have to do the right thing when that is called for as it is always
our name that is at stake.
Friday, July 04, 2014
Happy Independence Day, America!
Because, after all, what says America more than Steve & Eydie singing the best of Soundgarden?
Wednesday, July 02, 2014
Bryan Carson's statement on the Joe Brown comments
I am out of town for a family funeral, therefore, I am submitting a written statement regarding my support, and the Shelby County Democratic Party’s support of the LGBT community.“First, let me make it clear that no Democratic candidates speak on behalf of the Shelby County Democratic Party. Also, the SCDP does NOT condone any of its Democratic nominees personally attacking anyone regardlessof Party or sexual orientation. We want our candidates to conduct nothing but clean campaigns.
"As publicly stated on numerous occasions, the Democratic Party is a “big tent” party made up, of and accepts, all races and religions including members of the LGBT community. We do NOT discriminate based on sexual orientation, religion or race. We believe in fairness and equality for all people regardless of their race, religion, or gender. I am not only speaking for the Shelby County Democratic Party, I personally believe in fairness and equality for all people.”Bryan Carson, ChairmanShelby County Democratic Party
And now, a personal note from me: Bryan has been busting his ass trying to juggle everything that has gone on and keep our candidates focused on the task at hand. He deserves a lot better than what he's gotten.
Friday, June 27, 2014
There is a Democratic primary in August, too
So, let's take this one by one, shall we? Since I am also a private citizen, I will voice my opinion in these races:
U.S. Senator - TERRY ADAMS, Terry Adams, as I noted earlier, speaks my language and understands that we have to develop a new progressive vision for Tennessee, and that what worked in 1992 no longer works in Tennessee. Gordon Ball has lots of money, but he takes positions that are to the right of what a successful Democratic candidate should have. I back Terry Adams, and I hope that you do as well.
U.S Representative, 9th District, Isaac Richmond. JUST KIDDING! Steve Cohen is the best Congressman we have had since Harold Ford, Senior, and sometimes even better. He works tirelessly on behalf of his constituency, providing great constituent service and votes EXACTLY the way I would vote if I were the Congressman. What more can you ask? Oh, and he brings home Federal money for the institutions of the 9th District.
Where Ricky Wilkins will have difficulties has nothing to do with him personally. There is no rising groundswell to replace Cohen, except in the minds of some members of the political class who can't accept that a majority of African-American voters have repeatedly chosen a person of non-color to represent them. Ultimately, the first question in a Congressional primary with an incumbent is this: Are you satisfied with the representation you have received? If the answer is yes, then the rest of it is moot. If Wilkins can't get enough people to reconsider a decision they have made several times before, then he has little chance.
This is why he has no choice except to attack Cohen, which will make the summer quite interesting.
Governor - John McKamey. The former Sullivan County Mayor decided to run earlier this year, and I got to hear him speak at the Germantown Democratic Club, and I liked what I heard. He faces a decidedly uphill battle against the incumbent, Bill Haslam, of the Pilot/Flying J Haslams.
State Senate, District 31 - No one bothered to file against The StuntBaby of Germantown, so I will write in someone, suggestions may go in comments.
State House, District 90 - A long, long time ago in a far away land, there was a state representative that I admired for his integrity, and supported him when he ran for the State Senate against Ophelia Ford. He fundraised little, and while I didn't agree with him on social issues, we were in lockstep on financial issues.
Somewhere along the way, John DeBerry found that the forces working to kill public education in Tennessee were only too happy to fund his campaign against Jeanne Richardson, and all of a sudden these newfound buddies were only happy to buy ads for him. DURING THE 2012 SUMMER OLYMPICS. That, of course, was the end of Jeanne's legislative career, and another progressive voice was silenced by money.
So, as a protest, I am, for the foreseeable future, writing in Jeanne Richardson's name for House 90. I know I will sleep better for having done so.
Democratic State Executive Committee, District 31, Female - Adrienne Pakis-Gillon is unopposed, but I would vote for her even if she were opposed. Even though she voted for Roy Herron. ;)
Democratic State Executive Committee, District 31, Male - Dwayne Thompson, for whom I first knocked on doors back in 1978, and will do again later this year as he also attempts to unseat Rep. Steve McManus (R-Cordova). I trust him, and it doesn't hurt that he actually LIVES in Senate 31.
Now for races in the County in which I do not have a vote, but an opinion:
State Senate, District 29 - Lee Harris. The City Councilor and UM Law professor is the best choice to involuntarily replace Senator Ophelia Ford, who, putting it as charitably as possible, is not of sound enough health to continue serving in the legislature. Even giving her the best of it, she no longer needs to serve in Nashville, as she has not proven that she can physically perform her duties.
I like Ricky Dixon but I believe Lee Harris is the best fit for the district that contains South Memphis, Downtown and Cooper-Young.
State House, District 84 - Joe Towns. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
State House, District 91 - Raumesh Akbari. She has been a great fit for the district, falling in the footsteps of the late, magnificent Lois DeBerry. She deserves a chance to continue her solid representation of District 91.
I believe in more youth moving into positions of service, so I am supporting Corey Strong for the District 33 male position on the State Executive Committee and London Lamar for the female position in that District.
Have I missed anything? No, I didn't think so.
U.S. Senator - TERRY ADAMS, Terry Adams, as I noted earlier, speaks my language and understands that we have to develop a new progressive vision for Tennessee, and that what worked in 1992 no longer works in Tennessee. Gordon Ball has lots of money, but he takes positions that are to the right of what a successful Democratic candidate should have. I back Terry Adams, and I hope that you do as well.
U.S Representative, 9th District, Isaac Richmond. JUST KIDDING! Steve Cohen is the best Congressman we have had since Harold Ford, Senior, and sometimes even better. He works tirelessly on behalf of his constituency, providing great constituent service and votes EXACTLY the way I would vote if I were the Congressman. What more can you ask? Oh, and he brings home Federal money for the institutions of the 9th District.
Where Ricky Wilkins will have difficulties has nothing to do with him personally. There is no rising groundswell to replace Cohen, except in the minds of some members of the political class who can't accept that a majority of African-American voters have repeatedly chosen a person of non-color to represent them. Ultimately, the first question in a Congressional primary with an incumbent is this: Are you satisfied with the representation you have received? If the answer is yes, then the rest of it is moot. If Wilkins can't get enough people to reconsider a decision they have made several times before, then he has little chance.
This is why he has no choice except to attack Cohen, which will make the summer quite interesting.
Governor - John McKamey. The former Sullivan County Mayor decided to run earlier this year, and I got to hear him speak at the Germantown Democratic Club, and I liked what I heard. He faces a decidedly uphill battle against the incumbent, Bill Haslam, of the Pilot/Flying J Haslams.
State Senate, District 31 - No one bothered to file against The StuntBaby of Germantown, so I will write in someone, suggestions may go in comments.
State House, District 90 - A long, long time ago in a far away land, there was a state representative that I admired for his integrity, and supported him when he ran for the State Senate against Ophelia Ford. He fundraised little, and while I didn't agree with him on social issues, we were in lockstep on financial issues.
Somewhere along the way, John DeBerry found that the forces working to kill public education in Tennessee were only too happy to fund his campaign against Jeanne Richardson, and all of a sudden these newfound buddies were only happy to buy ads for him. DURING THE 2012 SUMMER OLYMPICS. That, of course, was the end of Jeanne's legislative career, and another progressive voice was silenced by money.
So, as a protest, I am, for the foreseeable future, writing in Jeanne Richardson's name for House 90. I know I will sleep better for having done so.
Democratic State Executive Committee, District 31, Female - Adrienne Pakis-Gillon is unopposed, but I would vote for her even if she were opposed. Even though she voted for Roy Herron. ;)
Democratic State Executive Committee, District 31, Male - Dwayne Thompson, for whom I first knocked on doors back in 1978, and will do again later this year as he also attempts to unseat Rep. Steve McManus (R-Cordova). I trust him, and it doesn't hurt that he actually LIVES in Senate 31.
Now for races in the County in which I do not have a vote, but an opinion:
State Senate, District 29 - Lee Harris. The City Councilor and UM Law professor is the best choice to involuntarily replace Senator Ophelia Ford, who, putting it as charitably as possible, is not of sound enough health to continue serving in the legislature. Even giving her the best of it, she no longer needs to serve in Nashville, as she has not proven that she can physically perform her duties.
I like Ricky Dixon but I believe Lee Harris is the best fit for the district that contains South Memphis, Downtown and Cooper-Young.
State House, District 84 - Joe Towns. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
State House, District 91 - Raumesh Akbari. She has been a great fit for the district, falling in the footsteps of the late, magnificent Lois DeBerry. She deserves a chance to continue her solid representation of District 91.
I believe in more youth moving into positions of service, so I am supporting Corey Strong for the District 33 male position on the State Executive Committee and London Lamar for the female position in that District.
Have I missed anything? No, I didn't think so.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Sidney Chism Picnic THIS Saturday!
And now, a break from the great commentary of the last few days to remind you that this Saturday is the annual Sidney Chism Picnic:
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