by Jordan M. Iwanyszyn
Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, a Republican from Tennessee, decided against running for governor of his state in 2010 on Sunday. The departure of his name from the race sets up a likely crowded field for both Republicans and Democrats.
Two Republicans eager to jump into the race if Frist didn't made their intentions clear quickly. Shelby County District Attorney Bill Gibbons jumped in Sunday, and was followed by Rep. Zach Wamp of Chattanooga with an announcement Monday.
That likely won't be the whole field. Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam, a wealthy former oil executive whose family founded Pilot Corp., is reportedly about to embark on a cross-state tour to announce a bid. Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey, a state senator from northeast Tennessee, is considering it, but says financial and fundraising support will be crucial in his decision. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, a solid conservative from the wealthy southern Nashville suburbs in Williamson County, reportedly made it known through her press secretary that she is also considering a bid. Other GOP candidates may also make a bid.
On the Democratic side, the biggest name that often comes up is that of Rep. Lincoln Davis, who represents a mostly rural district in eastern Middle Tennessee. He has not committed to a race yet, however. Former State House Majority Leader Kim McMillan from Clarksville has already formed an exploratory committee to allow her to raise funds for a race. Freshman State Senator Andy Berke of Chattanooga is "exploring the possibility". State Senator Roy Herron and Knoxville developer Doug Horne may also make bids.
Should the above make up the field, count on Haslam, Wamp, and Blackburn to lead the GOP, and Davis to be the frontrunner for the Dems.
We'll watch this one....
Candidates lining up for run at governor's office in 2010
Wamp declares gubernatorial candidacy
Tennessee: Race to succeed Wamp could get crowded (on who will replace Wamp in the U.S. House)
Wamp Announces Run for Tennessee Governor - CQPolitics
Frist Says No Bid For Governor In 2010
Showing posts with label Tennessee Politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tennessee Politics. Show all posts
Monday, January 5, 2009
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
One Bright Spot For Conservatives In 2008: TENNESSEE
While we got hit nationally with some tough blows, the Volunteer State was one of the few bright spots. In a sign that Tennessee will become a leading state for the GOP, if not one already, the party showed an impressive sign of power.
The state went overwhelmingly to the Presidential ticket of McCain-Palin by a 57-41 percent margin. That is only topped by Nixon's re-election showing in 1972, Reagan's re-election showing in 1984, and George H.W. Bush's election in 1988. Also, Republican U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander won re-election, by a huge 65-32 percent margin over challenger Bob Tuke, one of the best showings for a GOP U.S. Senate candidate in the state's history.
The state legislature in Nashville received a GOP mandate. Coming into last night, Republicans and Democrats each held 16 senators with one Independent. After winning three seats the GOP now hold power in the Senate by a 19-14 margin. In the State House, Dems held the power 53-46. Last night, however, the GOP picked up five seats and lost one for the total of four they needed to take the House. Now the GOP hold a slim lead in House power by the margin of 50-49. However, that is the first time Republicans have gained control of the House since Reconstruction.
Kentucky, Mississippi, and Texas can all be considered among some of the few bright spots, as those three states were crucial in electing Republican senators to keep the filibuster-proof majority the Dems were looking for a myth.
CONGRATS TO THE GOP VICTORS IN THE TENNESSEE STATE LEGISLATURE!
The following are the big difference in switching the power, as they took seats from Democrats or Independents:
In The Senate:
District 4 - Mike Faulk, with 50.2% of the vote. (Beat Incumbent Independent)
District 12 - Ken Yager, with 51.2 % of the vote. (Open Seat-D)
District 26 - Dolores Gresham, with 53.7 % of the vote. (Open Seat, formerly John Wilder's)
In The House:
District 2 - Tony Shipley, with 50.6% of the vote. (Beat incumbent Dem)
District 40 - Terri Lynn Weaver, with 54.7% of the vote (Open Seat-D)
District 48 - Joe Carr, with 51.5% of the vote. (Open Seat-D)
District 66 - Joshua Evans, with 52.4% of the vote (Beat Incumbent Dem)
District 71 - Vance Dennis, with 53% of the vote (Open Seat-D)
The state went overwhelmingly to the Presidential ticket of McCain-Palin by a 57-41 percent margin. That is only topped by Nixon's re-election showing in 1972, Reagan's re-election showing in 1984, and George H.W. Bush's election in 1988. Also, Republican U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander won re-election, by a huge 65-32 percent margin over challenger Bob Tuke, one of the best showings for a GOP U.S. Senate candidate in the state's history.
The state legislature in Nashville received a GOP mandate. Coming into last night, Republicans and Democrats each held 16 senators with one Independent. After winning three seats the GOP now hold power in the Senate by a 19-14 margin. In the State House, Dems held the power 53-46. Last night, however, the GOP picked up five seats and lost one for the total of four they needed to take the House. Now the GOP hold a slim lead in House power by the margin of 50-49. However, that is the first time Republicans have gained control of the House since Reconstruction.
Kentucky, Mississippi, and Texas can all be considered among some of the few bright spots, as those three states were crucial in electing Republican senators to keep the filibuster-proof majority the Dems were looking for a myth.
CONGRATS TO THE GOP VICTORS IN THE TENNESSEE STATE LEGISLATURE!
The following are the big difference in switching the power, as they took seats from Democrats or Independents:
In The Senate:
District 4 - Mike Faulk, with 50.2% of the vote. (Beat Incumbent Independent)
District 12 - Ken Yager, with 51.2 % of the vote. (Open Seat-D)
District 26 - Dolores Gresham, with 53.7 % of the vote. (Open Seat, formerly John Wilder's)
In The House:
District 2 - Tony Shipley, with 50.6% of the vote. (Beat incumbent Dem)
District 40 - Terri Lynn Weaver, with 54.7% of the vote (Open Seat-D)
District 48 - Joe Carr, with 51.5% of the vote. (Open Seat-D)
District 66 - Joshua Evans, with 52.4% of the vote (Beat Incumbent Dem)
District 71 - Vance Dennis, with 53% of the vote (Open Seat-D)
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Looking At Major Tennessee And Pennsylvania Statewide Races In 2008 And 2010
I have yet to find a good place considering the major statewide races in Tennessee and Pennsylvania in 2008 and 2010. These are the two states in whose politics I am most interested. So, I have decided to take it into my own hands and do the looking into on these races. I am looking at the U.S. Senate and Gubernatorial races.
PENNSYLVANIA ~ U.S. Senate 2010
Incumbent Republican (in name only) Senator Arlen Specter will run for another term, despite being 80 in 2010. He will have five terms under his belt and would run for a sixth. He is considered a RINO (Republican In Name Only), and with good reason-he is liberal on most issues.
Specter received a challenge in 2004 when then-Congressman Pat Toomey gave him a primary challenge in the GOP race. Specter barely hung on, and won by only 1.7 percent.
Specter will probably receive another primary challenge, but no major news is in on possible opponents. On the Democrats' side, Governor Ed Rendell is considered to be a good contender. However, Rendell has not been moving strongly in the direction of a run, so a run may not be in the works. Another possible candidate is Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz, from Jenkintown. Pennsylvania has other high-profile Dems, but other strong names have yet to surface.
PENNSYLVANIA ~ Governor 2010
Current Democratic Governor Ed Rendell will be forced to retire under term limits. Some consider him to be jockeying for a cabinet position if a Democrat wins the Presidential election in 2008, likely Energy Secretary. If that would be the case, Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll would likely fill out the rest of his term. Knoll would be 80 at the time of the next election, so she probably won't seek a full term, regardless of whether Rendell moves on with an elected career or not. That would set up a wide-open race.
On the Republican side, a number of potential names are popping up. The three most exciting names are Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett, former Congressman Pat Toomey, and former Senator Rick Santorum. Other names include: House Speaker Dennis M. O'Brien, 2006 candidate Lynn Swann, former Lt. Governor Bill Scranton and former Congresswoman Melissa Hart.
For the Dems, a few names are coming up. The interesting thing is that many of them are not well known. They are "rising stars" for the most part. Leading the list is former State Treasurer Barbara Hafer and former Lt. Governor Mark Singel. Other names include rising star legislator Josh Shapiro, Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato, State Auditor General Jack Wagner and Lehigh County Chief Executive Don Cunningham.
To put this into more perspective, we have to look at the primary basics of Pennsylvania politics. First, Pennsylvania is not really a Democratic stronghold. It is a battleground state that seems to lean Democratic. The Dem holds are Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Everywhere else in the state - the central and northern areas - are conservative and primarily Republican holds. This area is known as the "Republican T", or "Pennsyltucky". These areas seem to pretty much balance off. However, the voter makeup gives a slight edge to the Dems. Here is the statewide party registration in 2006:
Democratic
3,900,685
47.7%
Republican
3,300,894
40.3%
Other
981,297
12.0%
To put it another way, while the state has voted for the Democratic nominee for President in eight of the past 12 elections, the Congressional makeup has been majority Republican, and Bob Casey Jr.'s victory in November was only the first Democratic U.S. Senator to win a full term since Joseph Clark won a close re-election battle in 1962. In Presidential elections, Gore took the state by only 4 percent in 2000, while Kerry won the "Keystone State" by only 2 percent. Pennsylvania is up for grabs!
From the way things look now, the Republican nominee should have a slight edge if he is Corbett, Toomey or Santorum. If another candidate wins the primary, the race should still be up for grabs, depending on who the Dems nominate. Right now the strongest potential Dem candidate should be Hafer. Of course, someone else could always pop into the consideration, but I think these potential candidates are good shots at being candidates. For the Republicans, I think Santorum and Swann are less likely. These two may pursue other forms of public service. Santorum may consider being a part of a future Presidential administration, while Swann is reportedly looking into a run for Congress in 2008. It is also understood that Santorum is planning on spending more time in his residence in Virginia, which was a serious blow in his 2006 U.S. Senate race.
This race is sure to be an exciting one to follow, and it will likely be a closely-watched race nationwide in 2010. For more, click this link.
TENNESSEE ~ U.S. Senate 2008
Incumbent Republican Senator Lamar Alexander is running again to hold on to his seat. He is well respected in Tennessee as a former Governor and former President of the University of Tennessee. He, also, served as Secretary of Education under President George H.W. Bush and was an unsuccessful candidate for the Republican nomination of President of the United States in 1996 and 2000.
Alexander first ran for the Senate in 2002 to fill the retiring Fred Thompson's seat. Thompson is now a likely candidate for President in 2008. Alexander beat then-Congressman Ed Bryant in the GOP primary 54 percent to 43 percent. Alexander won the seat over Democrat Bob Clement 54 percent to 44 percent.
After the 2006 elections, Alexander ran for the position of Senate Minority Whip. He was the early favorite, but Mississippi Senator Trent Lott suddenly jumped in and won a close one over Alexander by a 25-24 vote by fellow GOP senators.
Alexander should have slight GOP primary opposition at best, as he is so well liked in Tennessee. No formidable GOP names are likely to run against Lamar.
Democratic opposition is unsure right now. A popular name that arises is former Congressman and 2006 candidate Harold Ford Jr. I believe him to be unlikely, as he has said he is not considering to oppose Alexander. Another name touted often is Governor Phil Bredesen. Although he is a bit more likely, I don't see this happening either. Congressman Lincoln Davis could be a possible candidate for the Dems, as could Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell, who will not run for another term this year. Still another possible name is State Senator Rosalind Kurita, who attempted a go in 2006, only to back away because she couldn't compete with Ford.
With Fred Thompson now being a likely candidate for President, he is in good position to win the Republican nomination. That being the case, his coattails would be huge for the Tennessee GOP, and Alexander would likely be re-elected in a landslide. If the opposite would happen, and Fred is not the GOP nominee for President (doesn't seem likely that this is the case), Alexander would likely still win re-election.
Go ahead and chalk up this one for the GOP as all things stand now!
TENNESSEE ~ Governor 2010
As is the case in Pennsylvania, current Democratic Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen will be forced to retire under term limits. If Bredesen would be a candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2008 against Alexander and win (not likely at this point), current State Senate Speaker and Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey, a Republican, would become Governor as far as I know. At this time, it doesn't look like Ramsey will be a candidate for Governor in 2010. In that case, a wide-open race will be in the picture.
On the Republican side, a very interesting race seems to be playing out. Former U.S. Senator Bill Frist and Congressman Zach Wamp are both reportedly very interested in the race.
POTENTIAL FRIST CANDIDACY
Race42008.com
Gene Patterson
Nashville Post
Chattanooga Times Free Press
Save The GOP
Nashville Tennessean
POTENTIAL WAMP CANDIDACY
WATE-TV Knoxville, Tenn.
WATE-TV Story 2
WRCB-TV Chattanooga, Tenn.
TenneSpeak
Associated Press
Zach Wamp News
Chattanooga Times Free Press
If these two candidates both enter the race, it would make for a thrilling primary that would likely be watched nationwide. Other names being touted are headed by Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn and Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam. Lesser-known names could drop out if Frist and Wamp were to gain traction.
For the Dems, two common names being floated are Congressman Lincoln Davis and Nashville Mayor Bill Percell. Lesser names include State Representative Kim McMillan and state Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber. Of course, the name of Harold Ford, Jr. again pops up, and he could be a possible candidate this time. Personally, I think Lincoln Davis will run and is in good position to be the Dems' nominee.
Let me handicap this one. For the GOP, I say both Frist and Wamp run. Blackburn and Haslam may consider the race, but at least one of them will likely drop out. It will go down to the wire between the former Senator and the Congressman from Chattanooga. Although something tells me that Frist would win, I can't make a real prediction. I met Wamp on Saturday at the "Draft Thompson Rally" in Cookeville, and he would be a very strong and deserving candidate. Personally, I think I would prefer to support Wamp in the primary.
For the Dems, I say Lincoln Davis is the nominee. In the general election, either Frist or Wamp should have the edge. Although Tennessee is still home to a lot of Democrats, the state is conservative, and is adjusting its vote as such. If all incumbents decided to retire at once, the GOP would likely have a large amount of pickups in Tennessee.
Another place to go for more on this race is Volunteer Voters.
I say the GOP is the early favorite in this race, and it will be one of the races to most look forward to in the next couple of election cycles.
PENNSYLVANIA ~ U.S. Senate 2010
Incumbent Republican (in name only) Senator Arlen Specter will run for another term, despite being 80 in 2010. He will have five terms under his belt and would run for a sixth. He is considered a RINO (Republican In Name Only), and with good reason-he is liberal on most issues.
Specter received a challenge in 2004 when then-Congressman Pat Toomey gave him a primary challenge in the GOP race. Specter barely hung on, and won by only 1.7 percent.
Specter will probably receive another primary challenge, but no major news is in on possible opponents. On the Democrats' side, Governor Ed Rendell is considered to be a good contender. However, Rendell has not been moving strongly in the direction of a run, so a run may not be in the works. Another possible candidate is Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz, from Jenkintown. Pennsylvania has other high-profile Dems, but other strong names have yet to surface.
PENNSYLVANIA ~ Governor 2010
Current Democratic Governor Ed Rendell will be forced to retire under term limits. Some consider him to be jockeying for a cabinet position if a Democrat wins the Presidential election in 2008, likely Energy Secretary. If that would be the case, Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll would likely fill out the rest of his term. Knoll would be 80 at the time of the next election, so she probably won't seek a full term, regardless of whether Rendell moves on with an elected career or not. That would set up a wide-open race.
On the Republican side, a number of potential names are popping up. The three most exciting names are Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett, former Congressman Pat Toomey, and former Senator Rick Santorum. Other names include: House Speaker Dennis M. O'Brien, 2006 candidate Lynn Swann, former Lt. Governor Bill Scranton and former Congresswoman Melissa Hart.
For the Dems, a few names are coming up. The interesting thing is that many of them are not well known. They are "rising stars" for the most part. Leading the list is former State Treasurer Barbara Hafer and former Lt. Governor Mark Singel. Other names include rising star legislator Josh Shapiro, Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato, State Auditor General Jack Wagner and Lehigh County Chief Executive Don Cunningham.
To put this into more perspective, we have to look at the primary basics of Pennsylvania politics. First, Pennsylvania is not really a Democratic stronghold. It is a battleground state that seems to lean Democratic. The Dem holds are Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Everywhere else in the state - the central and northern areas - are conservative and primarily Republican holds. This area is known as the "Republican T", or "Pennsyltucky". These areas seem to pretty much balance off. However, the voter makeup gives a slight edge to the Dems. Here is the statewide party registration in 2006:
Democratic
3,900,685
47.7%
Republican
3,300,894
40.3%
Other
981,297
12.0%
To put it another way, while the state has voted for the Democratic nominee for President in eight of the past 12 elections, the Congressional makeup has been majority Republican, and Bob Casey Jr.'s victory in November was only the first Democratic U.S. Senator to win a full term since Joseph Clark won a close re-election battle in 1962. In Presidential elections, Gore took the state by only 4 percent in 2000, while Kerry won the "Keystone State" by only 2 percent. Pennsylvania is up for grabs!
From the way things look now, the Republican nominee should have a slight edge if he is Corbett, Toomey or Santorum. If another candidate wins the primary, the race should still be up for grabs, depending on who the Dems nominate. Right now the strongest potential Dem candidate should be Hafer. Of course, someone else could always pop into the consideration, but I think these potential candidates are good shots at being candidates. For the Republicans, I think Santorum and Swann are less likely. These two may pursue other forms of public service. Santorum may consider being a part of a future Presidential administration, while Swann is reportedly looking into a run for Congress in 2008. It is also understood that Santorum is planning on spending more time in his residence in Virginia, which was a serious blow in his 2006 U.S. Senate race.
This race is sure to be an exciting one to follow, and it will likely be a closely-watched race nationwide in 2010. For more, click this link.
TENNESSEE ~ U.S. Senate 2008
Incumbent Republican Senator Lamar Alexander is running again to hold on to his seat. He is well respected in Tennessee as a former Governor and former President of the University of Tennessee. He, also, served as Secretary of Education under President George H.W. Bush and was an unsuccessful candidate for the Republican nomination of President of the United States in 1996 and 2000.
Alexander first ran for the Senate in 2002 to fill the retiring Fred Thompson's seat. Thompson is now a likely candidate for President in 2008. Alexander beat then-Congressman Ed Bryant in the GOP primary 54 percent to 43 percent. Alexander won the seat over Democrat Bob Clement 54 percent to 44 percent.
After the 2006 elections, Alexander ran for the position of Senate Minority Whip. He was the early favorite, but Mississippi Senator Trent Lott suddenly jumped in and won a close one over Alexander by a 25-24 vote by fellow GOP senators.
Alexander should have slight GOP primary opposition at best, as he is so well liked in Tennessee. No formidable GOP names are likely to run against Lamar.
Democratic opposition is unsure right now. A popular name that arises is former Congressman and 2006 candidate Harold Ford Jr. I believe him to be unlikely, as he has said he is not considering to oppose Alexander. Another name touted often is Governor Phil Bredesen. Although he is a bit more likely, I don't see this happening either. Congressman Lincoln Davis could be a possible candidate for the Dems, as could Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell, who will not run for another term this year. Still another possible name is State Senator Rosalind Kurita, who attempted a go in 2006, only to back away because she couldn't compete with Ford.
With Fred Thompson now being a likely candidate for President, he is in good position to win the Republican nomination. That being the case, his coattails would be huge for the Tennessee GOP, and Alexander would likely be re-elected in a landslide. If the opposite would happen, and Fred is not the GOP nominee for President (doesn't seem likely that this is the case), Alexander would likely still win re-election.
Go ahead and chalk up this one for the GOP as all things stand now!
TENNESSEE ~ Governor 2010
As is the case in Pennsylvania, current Democratic Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen will be forced to retire under term limits. If Bredesen would be a candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2008 against Alexander and win (not likely at this point), current State Senate Speaker and Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey, a Republican, would become Governor as far as I know. At this time, it doesn't look like Ramsey will be a candidate for Governor in 2010. In that case, a wide-open race will be in the picture.
On the Republican side, a very interesting race seems to be playing out. Former U.S. Senator Bill Frist and Congressman Zach Wamp are both reportedly very interested in the race.
POTENTIAL FRIST CANDIDACY
Race42008.com
Gene Patterson
Nashville Post
Chattanooga Times Free Press
Save The GOP
Nashville Tennessean
POTENTIAL WAMP CANDIDACY
WATE-TV Knoxville, Tenn.
WATE-TV Story 2
WRCB-TV Chattanooga, Tenn.
TenneSpeak
Associated Press
Zach Wamp News
Chattanooga Times Free Press
If these two candidates both enter the race, it would make for a thrilling primary that would likely be watched nationwide. Other names being touted are headed by Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn and Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam. Lesser-known names could drop out if Frist and Wamp were to gain traction.
For the Dems, two common names being floated are Congressman Lincoln Davis and Nashville Mayor Bill Percell. Lesser names include State Representative Kim McMillan and state Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber. Of course, the name of Harold Ford, Jr. again pops up, and he could be a possible candidate this time. Personally, I think Lincoln Davis will run and is in good position to be the Dems' nominee.
Let me handicap this one. For the GOP, I say both Frist and Wamp run. Blackburn and Haslam may consider the race, but at least one of them will likely drop out. It will go down to the wire between the former Senator and the Congressman from Chattanooga. Although something tells me that Frist would win, I can't make a real prediction. I met Wamp on Saturday at the "Draft Thompson Rally" in Cookeville, and he would be a very strong and deserving candidate. Personally, I think I would prefer to support Wamp in the primary.
For the Dems, I say Lincoln Davis is the nominee. In the general election, either Frist or Wamp should have the edge. Although Tennessee is still home to a lot of Democrats, the state is conservative, and is adjusting its vote as such. If all incumbents decided to retire at once, the GOP would likely have a large amount of pickups in Tennessee.
Another place to go for more on this race is Volunteer Voters.
I say the GOP is the early favorite in this race, and it will be one of the races to most look forward to in the next couple of election cycles.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
A Victory For The GOP In Tennessee
Republicans have been successful in smashing the century-and-a-half Democratic dynasty in Tennessee in recent years. In 2004, the State Senate was elected Republican for the first time in 140 years. The GOP maintained the lead in the 2006 elections. Republicans also picked up another seat in the State House Of Representatives in 2006. The makeup of the two chambers are as follows: STATE SENATE 104th (2005-2007) 18 R - 15 D
105th (2007-2009) 17 R - 16D
STATE HOUSE 104th 54 D - 45 R
105th 53 D - 46 R
On Tuesday, the GOP picked up another victory in the battle to end Democratic domination of state politics. Senator John Wilder from Mason was voted out of his position of Speaker of the Senate, a title he had held for 36 years. The Speaker also holds the title of Lieutenant Governor in this state, a position that welds significant power in its own right. The new Speaker is Senator Ron Ramsey from Blountville, who has served in the Senate since 1997. Politics watchers across Tennessee were watching this event, because Mr. Wilder's days as Speaker were now questionable. Mr. Wilder could have been voted out in 2005, but Senator Mike Williams of Maynardville, an "independent Republican", decided to vote with Democrats to continue the "Wilder Era".
Although Mr. Wilder's days as Speaker were recently uncertain again, it took an unexpected turn of events to bring down 140 years of Democratic grip on the Speaker's chair. Democratic Senator Rosalind Kurita from Clarksville broke ranks with her party and, as she put it, "voted my conscience" as she voted for Mr. Ramsey. After it was clear that Mr. Wilder's days were over in that position, Mr. Williams put his vote to Ramsey as well. Mr. Williams sat on the fence throughout these last couple of months, and seemed to enjoy the attention he was getting by being the deciding vote at the time. He even bragged about how he has been "independent" since his young days. The final vote was 18-15 in favor of Ramsey.
This is a big deal for the GOP here in Tennessee. Governor Phil Bredesen, a Democrat, attracted national attention when he came down with symptoms that eventually led him to a Mayo clinic in Minnesota. Back here, the state constitution was brought up, and it was being strongly considered whether Mr. Bredesen could continue to govern out of state for so long.
Now, if a situation happens if Mr. Bredesen can't govern, God forbid, a Republican would have the opportunity to take his place for a time.
Even more important, this is a step in the right direction when it comes to redistricting. As we prepare for the 2010 Census, and the U.S. Congressional redistricting it will bring, a GOP-led state legislature is critical. Now that the Senate has been elected for the GOP in two straight elections and the Speaker is now Republican, we only have to hold the Senate and get to work on the House. Only four House seats have to go GOP to change control for the first time in 140 years. If we pick up maybe two Senate seats, and about seven or eight House seats by redistricting time, we could see U.S. House seats in Tennessee become more Republican.
Currently, Tennessee has five Democratic congressman and four Republican ones. Redistricting could put U.S. House districts Four and Six in play. District Four straddles the line between East and Middle Tennessee and expands to much of southern Middle Tennessee. Important cities in this district include Crossville, McMinnville, Tullahoma and Columbia. District Six stretches from the eastern Nashville suburbs to the Upper Cumberland region, all in Middle Tennessee. Important cities here include Cookeville (home to my Tennessee Tech University),
Murfreesboro and Gallatin.
Both districts were in play during the 1990s. District Four was represented by Mr. Van Hilleary, a Republican, until he stepped away in 2002 and ran for Governor. He lost to the before-mentioned Phil Bredesen. Mr. Lincoln Davis, a Democrat, now represents the district, and he won by a large margin, 66%-34% in 2006. However, his first two elections, in 2002 and 2004, were by close margins in an area that was already redistricted. District Six included the heavily Republican Williamson County in the 1990s, an area dominated by the suburbs south of Nashville. The seat was in play in 1994, when Republicans had a banner year. Former University of Tennessee basketball standout and popular talk radio host Steve Gill was the Republican against career politician Bart Gordon, a Democrat. Mr. Gordon has represented the Sixth District since 1985, and faced a stiff challenge from Mr. Gill. In the end Gordon received a close victory. The 1996 Gordon-Gill rematch was close as well, but Gordon still won again. Ever since, Mr. Gordon has won the district handily, but Williamson County was lost in the redistricting of 2000.
The eastern part of the district has been strongly Democratic for decades, but the hold seems to be loosening. Putnam County (Cookeville) has been reliably GOP for Presidential and U.S. Senate races. The surrounding counties remain reliably Democratic, but the entire area (known as the Upper Cumberland) is experiencing the rise of a Republican grassroots movement. The reason the area is turning GOP is simply a matter of morals. The U.C. area is deeply Christian, has concerns about illegal immigration, and is concerned about the recent loss of manufacturing jobs. The GOP is known for its stand against abortion and homosexuality, and is more concerned with stopping illegal immigration (for the most part) than the Democrats. I worked with the Putnam County GOP during the 2006 election cycle, and comments like, "I can't vote for baby killers" or "Those Democrats will raise my taxes" were heard. A formerly reliable Democratic stronghold is finally waking up to the fact that national Democrats are not looking out for Christian morals. However, I am getting a bit off subject. The point is that a GOP majority is needed in Tennessee legislature to redistrict some now-Democratic seats into play.
If redistricting is done in that manner, the Fourth and Sixth districts could go into play. If they would turn GOP, the party would hold a 6-3 advantage over the Dems in the Tennessee congressional seats.
105th (2007-2009) 17 R - 16D
STATE HOUSE 104th 54 D - 45 R
105th 53 D - 46 R
On Tuesday, the GOP picked up another victory in the battle to end Democratic domination of state politics. Senator John Wilder from Mason was voted out of his position of Speaker of the Senate, a title he had held for 36 years. The Speaker also holds the title of Lieutenant Governor in this state, a position that welds significant power in its own right. The new Speaker is Senator Ron Ramsey from Blountville, who has served in the Senate since 1997. Politics watchers across Tennessee were watching this event, because Mr. Wilder's days as Speaker were now questionable. Mr. Wilder could have been voted out in 2005, but Senator Mike Williams of Maynardville, an "independent Republican", decided to vote with Democrats to continue the "Wilder Era".
Although Mr. Wilder's days as Speaker were recently uncertain again, it took an unexpected turn of events to bring down 140 years of Democratic grip on the Speaker's chair. Democratic Senator Rosalind Kurita from Clarksville broke ranks with her party and, as she put it, "voted my conscience" as she voted for Mr. Ramsey. After it was clear that Mr. Wilder's days were over in that position, Mr. Williams put his vote to Ramsey as well. Mr. Williams sat on the fence throughout these last couple of months, and seemed to enjoy the attention he was getting by being the deciding vote at the time. He even bragged about how he has been "independent" since his young days. The final vote was 18-15 in favor of Ramsey.
This is a big deal for the GOP here in Tennessee. Governor Phil Bredesen, a Democrat, attracted national attention when he came down with symptoms that eventually led him to a Mayo clinic in Minnesota. Back here, the state constitution was brought up, and it was being strongly considered whether Mr. Bredesen could continue to govern out of state for so long.
Now, if a situation happens if Mr. Bredesen can't govern, God forbid, a Republican would have the opportunity to take his place for a time.
Even more important, this is a step in the right direction when it comes to redistricting. As we prepare for the 2010 Census, and the U.S. Congressional redistricting it will bring, a GOP-led state legislature is critical. Now that the Senate has been elected for the GOP in two straight elections and the Speaker is now Republican, we only have to hold the Senate and get to work on the House. Only four House seats have to go GOP to change control for the first time in 140 years. If we pick up maybe two Senate seats, and about seven or eight House seats by redistricting time, we could see U.S. House seats in Tennessee become more Republican.
Currently, Tennessee has five Democratic congressman and four Republican ones. Redistricting could put U.S. House districts Four and Six in play. District Four straddles the line between East and Middle Tennessee and expands to much of southern Middle Tennessee. Important cities in this district include Crossville, McMinnville, Tullahoma and Columbia. District Six stretches from the eastern Nashville suburbs to the Upper Cumberland region, all in Middle Tennessee. Important cities here include Cookeville (home to my Tennessee Tech University),
Murfreesboro and Gallatin.
Both districts were in play during the 1990s. District Four was represented by Mr. Van Hilleary, a Republican, until he stepped away in 2002 and ran for Governor. He lost to the before-mentioned Phil Bredesen. Mr. Lincoln Davis, a Democrat, now represents the district, and he won by a large margin, 66%-34% in 2006. However, his first two elections, in 2002 and 2004, were by close margins in an area that was already redistricted. District Six included the heavily Republican Williamson County in the 1990s, an area dominated by the suburbs south of Nashville. The seat was in play in 1994, when Republicans had a banner year. Former University of Tennessee basketball standout and popular talk radio host Steve Gill was the Republican against career politician Bart Gordon, a Democrat. Mr. Gordon has represented the Sixth District since 1985, and faced a stiff challenge from Mr. Gill. In the end Gordon received a close victory. The 1996 Gordon-Gill rematch was close as well, but Gordon still won again. Ever since, Mr. Gordon has won the district handily, but Williamson County was lost in the redistricting of 2000.
The eastern part of the district has been strongly Democratic for decades, but the hold seems to be loosening. Putnam County (Cookeville) has been reliably GOP for Presidential and U.S. Senate races. The surrounding counties remain reliably Democratic, but the entire area (known as the Upper Cumberland) is experiencing the rise of a Republican grassroots movement. The reason the area is turning GOP is simply a matter of morals. The U.C. area is deeply Christian, has concerns about illegal immigration, and is concerned about the recent loss of manufacturing jobs. The GOP is known for its stand against abortion and homosexuality, and is more concerned with stopping illegal immigration (for the most part) than the Democrats. I worked with the Putnam County GOP during the 2006 election cycle, and comments like, "I can't vote for baby killers" or "Those Democrats will raise my taxes" were heard. A formerly reliable Democratic stronghold is finally waking up to the fact that national Democrats are not looking out for Christian morals. However, I am getting a bit off subject. The point is that a GOP majority is needed in Tennessee legislature to redistrict some now-Democratic seats into play.
If redistricting is done in that manner, the Fourth and Sixth districts could go into play. If they would turn GOP, the party would hold a 6-3 advantage over the Dems in the Tennessee congressional seats.
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