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• Where will Naifeh get his votes from?

  10,000 strong potential Democrat voters have had their voting privlages striped from the voter rolls. This is looking like another major setback for Democrat re election plans state wide. Rumor of contesting the non eligibility of these voters is rampant as director of elections Mark Goins says he may [...]
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  Posted: November 22, 2009, 6:18am EST
  

• No guns in bars could mean guns in ALL bars.

  As you know, a judge has overturned the guns in restaurants bill. A close friend sent this opinion on what could happen from here.
  
  
  it appears that Davidson County Chancellor Claudia Bonnyman decided today that the guns-in-restaurants-that-serve-alcohol bill we passed this year is unconstitutional. It appears from [...]
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  Posted: November 21, 2009, 7:47pm EST
  

• Special session in December

  It is looking like we could be having a special session in December to fix or stop enactment of the workers comp bill for sole proprietors (public chapter 1041). It is looking like it could run for three days around the 13th, 14th, 15th or 16th. [...]
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  Posted: November 21, 2009, 7:29pm EST
  

• " Tax the employers for the non working"

  More taxes on small employers. Just when you thought it couldn't get worse for people trying to keep jobs. Now Phil wants to increase taxes on the people who actually employ people to prop up people who aren't working.
  
  Backwards logic at its best.
  
  The claim [...]
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  Posted: November 20, 2009, 11:45am EST
  

• Word from Isreal

  I am on vacation in the Amazons of Peru but I thought I would just pass on an interesting story. I was talking with a fellow traveler from Israel. I had not passed on any of my political beliefs and I thought I would ask him what he thought Israel [...]
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  Posted: November 20, 2009, 11:36am EST
  

• This is huge

  Memphis accepts 100 million to improve schools. Why is that a big deal? It is something Republicans have been fighting years to get. Accountability from bad teachers and reward for good ones. For years, any sort of accountability was killed by the TEA/NEA because some of their union members [...]
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  Posted: November 19, 2009, 11:59am EST
  

• "Oh lord! Not the golf courses!"

  Lets see, what can we do? Put more felons on the street or cut more of the golf courses and swimming pools
  
  Tough choices in the legislature for some..... [...]
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  Posted: November 17, 2009, 9:19am EST
  

• Why an armed populace is necessary

  When the governor wants to release 3,300 to 4,000 felons back on to Tennessee street and parks (as is suggested in this Richard Locker article) you have to wonder if keeping limits on honest legal carry permit holders is such a good idea. [...]
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  Posted: November 17, 2009, 7:18am EST
  

• The cuts are coming, Who get the ax?

  The cuts in k-12 education funding look to be coming. Bredesen said he wants to cover the projected $82 million in inflation and growth costs for K-12 education costs, but warned that cuts remain possible even there.
  
  Why we can't at least move the 50 million of' [...]
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  Posted: November 17, 2009, 6:46am EST
  

• Interesting

  10 famous homeschoolers. [...]
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  Posted: November 16, 2009, 9:30pm EST
  

• I think I have heard that idea before

  Now even regular people are calling out for more parental accountability with their child's education. I love it. I suggested this idea for all the people who want free state daycare or Pre K. Why not. All studies show parental involvement is the top way to gauge the [...]
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  Posted: November 16, 2009, 8:13am EST
  

• A matter of trust

  The home town paper comes out against Kent Williams being reinstated as a Republican.
  
  It should not be forgotten that no one forced Rep. Williams to sign a pledge that he would support his party’s nominee — then widely understood to be Rep. Jason Mumpower of Bristol — [...]
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  Posted: November 16, 2009, 7:01am EST
  

• Home school hope

  As many of you know I have been working for months (Years?) to set up some sort of program where home school students might get to play in TSSAA sports beyond the limited level they can participate in now. The idea was able to have a victory this last week. [...]
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  Posted: November 14, 2009, 9:20pm EST
  

• In Peru

  Blogging will be limited for the next week or so. I am in Peru and internet is limited (unless I want to pay about a buck a minute). [...]
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  Posted: November 11, 2009, 10:34pm EST
  

• "The best job stimulator"

  I keep hearing Democrats and even some Republicans fall into the trap saying how road building is the best job stimulus investment we can do.
  
  In the short term that may be true, but in the long term I think a strong economy with many thriving, small and [...]
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  Posted: November 08, 2009, 11:25am EST
  

• Strategery

  Tom Humphrey reports on some of the strategery going on behind the scenes of the GOP primary.
  
  In the current Republican gubernatorial campaign, Ron Ramsey said the other day he is positioned to appeal to both wings of the party's Tennessee electorate - the "conservative activists" and' [...]
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  Posted: November 08, 2009, 8:55am EST
  

• Another step

  Any one wonder why it is difficult to trust some people to be in the party? Here is another reason.
  
  The e mail went out a few days ago inter caucus. It was a trial balloon. These things get put out some times to gauge response of the [...]
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  Posted: November 08, 2009, 8:10am EST
  

• The party plan for reform

  According to Phil Valentine its goals should be real simple. Get the old time (political) religion.
  
  Does any of the Republican leadership remember Reagan? Ronald Reagan didn't run as a conservative during the primaries then rush to the middle in the general election like McCain. Reagan staked' [...]
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  Posted: November 08, 2009, 7:50am EST
  

• Josh Evans nails it

  What would it take for Kent Williams to get back in the party? Real simple answer and Josh Evans nails it. [...]
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  Posted: November 07, 2009, 11:39pm EST
  

• Cutting down the money tree

  It seems Phil is upset about the responce to the report on the switchgra.....corncobb refinery.
  
  After legislators were made aware of the refineries diminished capacity and potential loss of revenue other then state dollars ( a non surprise to readers of this blog) many legislators [...]
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  Posted: November 06, 2009, 8:20am EST
  

• Money in, Money out.

  As you may know, the fed gave back the state about $5 billion in "stimulus" money. Most of it went as a carrot to start or expand social programs to push their social agenda.
  
  Of the $5 billion only about $500 million actually went into projects that might [...]
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  Posted: November 05, 2009, 7:55am EST
  

• Money in, Money out.

  As you may know, the fed gave back the state about $5 billion in "stimulus" money. Most of it went as a carrot to start or expand social programs to push their social agenda.
  
  Of the $5 billion only about $500 million actually went into projects that might [...]
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  Posted: November 05, 2009, 7:55am EST
  

• Well no friggin kidding!!

  One of the states top boondoggles for the last few years has been the switchgrass plant. I knew and reported early on that this was going to be a feel good do nothing project that the taxpayer got stuck on the hook for. Guess what?
  
  It is. [...]
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  Posted: November 05, 2009, 4:43am EST
  

• In the other national pass time

  The New York Yankees defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in six games to win the World Series. Mark Rose's favorite team may be beaten but he is not discouraged.' [...]
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  Posted: November 05, 2009, 4:26am EST
  

• Brooks clears the road for Bell

  Kevin Brooks has announced he will not run for the state senate to be vacated by Sen. Dewyne Bunch. While K.B. and Eric Watson would have made a good senators they decided timing wasn't right this time around.
  
  This announcement clearly eases the way for and makes' [...]
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  Posted: November 04, 2009, 8:36pm EST
  

• The latest results of pre K

  In Knox county the results are not just unimpressive, the students seem to be regressing. From the Knox News Sentinel....
  
  "The district regressed in the area of elementary and middle school, missing federal benchmarks in math for black students, poor students and students with disabilities, and not" [...]
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  Posted: November 04, 2009, 6:52pm EST
  

• Up to 9% cuts to state government

  Phil is bracing for the worst. While I agree with him that the cuts will probably be necessary and deeper cuts will probably be coming. I question why we did not start doing the dirty necessary work of cutting costs last year. It would have saved us having [...]
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  Posted: November 04, 2009, 10:02am EST
  

• Go vote!

  If you haven't then today's the day for a lot of local elections. [...]
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  Posted: November 03, 2009, 5:40pm EST
  

• For the wonks

  I have amended the last paragraph of the questions I sent to the AG. Here they are....
  
  If a full term was served by a judge by what constitutional authority does the legislature have the power to call off a scheduled election? If a full term was served [...]
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  Posted: November 03, 2009, 10:57am EST
  

• This could be HUGE!!!!!!!

  I just got back responses to some of my questions regarding the constitutionality of "The Tennessee Plan". Opinion 09-174
  
  One of my key questions was asking by what constitutional authority does the legislature have to fill full terms of office for judges?
  
  The AG responded that they [...]
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  Posted: November 02, 2009, 12:08pm EST
  

• The more things change.....

  It seems these arguments were made a few days ago....
  
  Americans are hungry to feel once again a sense of mission and greatness.
  
  I don ‘t know about you, but I am impatient with those Republicans who after the last election rushed into print saying, “We must broaden [...]
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  Posted: November 01, 2009, 3:28pm EST
  

• Some don't want to get past it

  Rep. Jimmy Matlock does an excellent piece calling for the end of the attack of "Racist" when ever someone disagrees on an issue.
  
  
  Racism creates hard feelings. It causes people to get defensive, and before you know it, we are not even discussing the real issues [...]
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  Posted: November 01, 2009, 2:27pm EST
  

• Quote of the week (health clinic edition)

  A funny quote I heard while at the health clinic.
  
  "I know people who would die to be as healthy as I am"
  
  Really? [...]
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  Posted: October 30, 2009, 8:49am EDT
  

• The hard sell

  I went to the health clinic two days ago to get a yellow fever shot (required for some trips overseas) While there, the nurse of course hit me up for some others (tetanus, hep a and b) while I don't mind them asking I definitely got the hard sell on' [...]
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  Posted: October 30, 2009, 8:09am EDT
  

• Pre K flops again

  A new comptroller report states no verifiable difference in Pre K versus non Pre K kids after early grades. With budget cuts coming up legislators should be willing to look at programs who's cost is high and effectiveness has proven to be limited. Other areas of education could use' [...]
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  Posted: October 29, 2009, 10:14am EDT
  

• We need to talk

  Someone needs to get the Republican parties together to talk. Yes, if you didn't know there are two wings in the Republican party. The right wingers (Often called the Paulyacks after Ron Paul supporters or tea partiers) and the left wing "moderates"(Often called Lamartians after their devotion to the principals' [...]
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  Posted: October 29, 2009, 9:59am EDT
  

• We need to talk

  Someone needs to get the Republican parties parties together to talk. Yes, if you didn't know there are two wings in the Republican party. The right wingers (Often called the paulyacks after Ron Paul supporters or tea partiers) and the left wing "moderates"(Often called the squishies or Lamartians after their' [...]
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  Posted: October 29, 2009, 12:11am EDT
  

• Interesting tax proposal

  Vermont State Rep. Fred Maslack has read the Second Amendment to the U.S.. Constitution as well as Vermont 's own Constitution very carefully, and his strict interpretation of these documents is popping some eyeballs in New England and elsewhere.
  
  Maslack recently proposed a bill to register non-gun-owners and' [...]
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  Posted: October 27, 2009, 3:44pm EDT
  

• "Don't offer it. We might take it!"

  The Obama socialized medicine plan is getting close to a vote and it looks like the public option is going to be a part. The latest pitch is states will be given an opt out provision. If they don't want to take part then they can opt out.
  
  IT' [...]
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  Posted: October 27, 2009, 9:03am EDT
  

• Bunch and Bell

  I am sure many posts will swirl around today about Sen. Dewayne Bunch and Rep. Mike Bells decision to run for the senate. While their is plenty of time to talk about the up coming election I would like to take a few minutes and talk about Senator Bunch.
  [...]
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  Posted: October 27, 2009, 7:51am EDT
  

• Good stuff from mom

  My mom sends me comments jokes and quotables on a regular basis. Many of them become the "Joke of the week" posts. Some just make me smile or think about a topic for a while. I liked this one.
  
  ANYWAY
  The Paradoxical Commandments
  
  
  People are illogical,
  unreasonable, [...]
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  Posted: October 27, 2009, 7:15am EDT
  

• NEWS FLASH!!

  Tennessee State Senator Dewayne Bunch has decided to not run for re election in 2010. Senate Dist 9 covers Polk, McMinn, Bradley and Meigs county.
  
  State rep. Mike Bell has announced he will run for the seat.
  
  More later. [...]
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  Posted: October 26, 2009, 8:48pm EDT
  

• Just some questions

  I decided to ask the Attorney General some questions on my previous post and regarding the judicial selection process. Clarity is always good.
  
  Here they are.....
  
  Is it constitutional for there to be any financial limits for donation amounts to non legislators?
  
  Is it constitutional for [...]
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  Posted: October 26, 2009, 9:40am EDT
  

• Loopholes for lobbyists/ Questions bring questions

  Tom Humphrey's details the loophole for lobbyists to donate to campaigns in this article and sets up some interesting questions down the line.
  
  If a law is unenforceable is it really effective in doing what it was set up to do? I would say most people would [...]
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  Posted: October 26, 2009, 6:40am EDT
  

• Joke of the week (stop light edition)

  A lawyer runs a stop sign and gets pulled over by a sheriff's deputy. He thinks that he is smarter than the deputy because he is a lawyer from Chicago and is certain that he has a better education than any cop from Nowhere, Tennessee . . . He decides [...]
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  Posted: October 25, 2009, 2:36pm EDT
  

• Would you like to be friends?

  I was bumped from my Facebook account for adding too many friends too quickly. I have appealed but have yet to receive any sort of response so I just set up a new account. If you were a friend or would like to be one I ask that you [...]
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  Posted: October 25, 2009, 8:10am EDT
  

• "While I may not be an actual governor, I play a governor on TV"

  Bill Frist drops his plan to put Tennessee in the top 5 for education in 5 years. Thanks for the help and all but don't you think you could have had a greater impact on actually getting it to pass had you been the governor?' [...]
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  Posted: October 24, 2009, 7:48am EDT
  

• But this one never gets old!

  Musicians are arguing their music should not be played for gitmo detainees. I can't see the logic in this. Are they saying even they think their music to closely resembles torture or are they really just looking for a royalty check?
  
  I know this one could never get' [...]
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  Posted: October 24, 2009, 7:15am EDT
  

• Quote of the week (the plot thickens)

  While questions on quotas/race/diversity of board members and employees is standard fair from members of the black caucus. The quote of the week has to go to one Black Caucus member who, while reviewing a board on ambulance regulations added a new twist to the line of questioning and seriously [...]
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  Posted: October 24, 2009, 6:17am EDT
  

• Economy is a car crash

  I have never seen or heard of a re assureing car crash but the Metro Pulse is calling the states economy "car crash" as the good news....But dont worry, its not not a train crash.
  
  Feel reassured?
  
  Don't.
  
  Comptroller Justin Wilson assures' [...]
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  Posted: October 22, 2009, 8:24am EDT
  

• Just too easy

  Reagan Farr looses in court again. I wonder how much he cost the state total now in failed lawsuits and goofy policy like the tobacco agents across state lines. [...]
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  Posted: October 21, 2009, 4:42pm EDT
  

• Step two to sovereignty

  The AWESOME! Rep. Susan Lynn (Who just happens to be running for the state senate in middle Tennessee) was named chairwoman on a committee to push forward the state sovereignty issue. [...]
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  Posted: October 21, 2009, 9:28am EDT
  

• Tennessee Right to Life dinner

  Tonight at 6:30 is the annual Tennessee Right to Life dinner at Rothschild's catering 8807 Kingston pike Knoxville Tennessee.
  
  Featured speaker is Mathew Staver Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel, a national nonprofit litigation, education and policy organization established in 1989. One of the nation’s preeminent constitutional attorneys, [...]
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  Posted: October 20, 2009, 5:33am EDT
  

• Bigger then health care

  When talking with people I often hear their fears of how Obama is going to bankrupt America with his health care plan and how it is important to stop him. While I agree, I think a bigger thing to fear is the White House taking over the census. While health [...]
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  Posted: October 19, 2009, 7:53am EDT
  

• Ya notice who never gets mentioned?

  
  
  When talking about a gas tax increase there is one group that seems to continually get left out of the conversation. That group?
  
  The gas tax payer. [...]
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  Posted: October 19, 2009, 7:48am EDT
  

• Joke of the week (House duty)

  A husband and wife repeatedly argued about who's job it was to cook breakfast and make the coffee. The husband argued it was the wife's job. The wife argued the husbands. Finally after one particular fight the wife said.
  
  "If I can prove to you in the bible" [...]
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  Posted: October 18, 2009, 12:32pm EDT
  

• Listening tour stop

  I am having a listening tour stop at 10 a.m. today, Knoxville Expo Center AKA the I-75 expo center , 5441 Clinton Highway. Everyone is welcome to come by and share ideas, thoughts and concerns for the next legislative session. [...]
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  Posted: October 17, 2009, 7:11am EDT
  

• Victory has many fathers.

  Defeat on the other hand.....Well, this video shows the difference
  
  
  
  David Oatney is calling an end to Jimmy Naifeh's reign as "The man" in the Democrat party. I am not so sure. He has been down and expected out before.
  
  Word from the hill was' [...]
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  Posted: October 16, 2009, 6:43pm EDT
  

• Missing the horn honkers

  Speaker emeritus Jimmy Naifeh and Speaker pro tem Lois Deberry talk tax increases and we all know what that means.
  
  
  
  While I doubt IT will come back this year this little spiel could be a stalking horse for other tax and fee increases to come.[...]
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  Posted: October 16, 2009, 8:32am EDT
  

• Keep the streak alive!

  Some times baseball players get on hot streaks. A 56 game hitting streak. Not missing a game for years. In other sports it could be a long winning streak over a competitor or possibly a long streak of touchdown passes or completions.
  
  In politics, there is one streak I [...]
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  Posted: October 15, 2009, 9:19am EDT
  

• You talk. We listen.

  I am inspired by the next two posts. Both stories were activated and impacted by actions brought forward by citizens. I would like to think you will see more of this sort of thing as we continue to push for a more open and responsive government.
  
  Anyway Big hat [...]
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  Posted: October 15, 2009, 8:20am EDT
  

• Democrat funny money

  Tennessee registry of election finance is about to go after two Democrats for questionable financial disclosures Joe Towns for not reporting where his money went and Sen. Tim Barnes for not disclosing services received while in his court fight to unseat Rosoland Kurita after she clearly won the [...]
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  Posted: October 15, 2009, 8:09am EDT
  

• Taxation by ticketing

  Tom Humphrey gives a rundown on some proposed rule changes for revenue cameras, A.K.A. Red light/speed cameras. Tona Monroe-Ball one of the citizens pushing for change at the meeting was a candidate for state office last year.
  
  Among the proposed changes in state law:
  
  -Require that [...]
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  Posted: October 15, 2009, 7:47am EDT
  

• Quote of the day

  "Eskimos have over 40 ways to say the word "snow". None that I can say here.
  
  I have over 40 things I would like to call Olimpia Snow. None that I can say here."
  
  Tip of the hat to S.C. [...]
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  Posted: October 15, 2009, 7:29am EDT
  

• Indictments coming

  Voter fraud in upper east Tennessee?! Wow. You expect the stories from Memphis or Shelby county. They are legendary. But upper east? No way!
  
  Way.
  
  It is now coming out this is a state wide problem that will show as more and more rampant as investigations are [...]
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  Posted: October 14, 2009, 1:20pm EDT
  

• Hundreds of felons voting. Guess where?

  SULLIVAN COUNTY?!?!?!? [...]
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  Posted: October 14, 2009, 10:56am EDT
  

• Winners and losers

  Last nights results were sweet for some, bitter sweet for others and probably just bitter for a few.
  
  The big win goes to Pat Marsh. He gets the double chocolate cake. A lot of times it just comes down to the candidate. Pat is a good one who worked [...]
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  Posted: October 14, 2009, 7:40am EDT
  

• I look into my Crystal ball and what do I see?

  First, Al Gore lost his home state in his presidential bid. Then the Democrats lost the state senate. Then the Democrats lost Al Gore's home district (badly). The same year Democrats lost a clear majority in the state house. Now they lost another Democrat stronghold that has NEVER been held [...]
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  Posted: October 14, 2009, 12:16am EDT
  

• 51-48

  Nuff said for now. [...]
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  Posted: October 13, 2009, 11:01pm EDT
  

• Separated at birth

  
  
  Mayor Bill Haslam
  
  
  
  Comedian Dana Carvey
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  For those of thin skin, this post is not meant as any sort of insult. I just saw Carvey last nigh on Leno and thought the [...]
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  Posted: October 12, 2009, 10:44pm EDT
  

• Ward Cammack interview

  As Promised here is the Ward Cammack interview. I had been working on putting it up on Youtube this last weekend but was having problems with the sound. Conveniently the Cammack campaign put it up on another video provider. Here is the un cut video. Wards interview was little shorter, [...]
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  Posted: October 12, 2009, 10:35am EDT
  

• Devaney on the block

  A lot is being made out of one state house race in district 62. Is it really Pat Marsh Versus Ty Cobb on the ballot or the new state Republican leadership of Chris Devaney Vs. Robin Smith and Bill Hobbs that is up for a vote?
  
  Some could [...]
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  Posted: October 12, 2009, 8:43am EDT
  

• Lynn sways Lamar!

  A letter highlighted here and by the Wall Street Journal may have helped sway Lamar! on his vote for cap and tax legislation. Good job Rep. Susan! [...]
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  Posted: October 12, 2009, 8:38am EDT
  

• Bredesen expects to follow current spending plan

  As I figured a few months ago the budget for the next few years is going to be tight. Bredesen is going to raid reserve funds spend, future project money now and go out of office looking like Santa Clause leaving the next governor to look like Ebeneser Scrooge. I [...]
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  Posted: October 12, 2009, 8:07am EDT
  

• Gubers tout issues, pepper attacks

  A run down of some gubernatorial rumblings.
  
  At one forum they talked issues for economic development. Jimmy Kyle put a twist on an issue I have touted on this blog...
  
  Kyle also said people think “merger” when the word “restructuring” is used to streamline Tennessee’s higher [...]
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  Posted: October 10, 2009, 8:48am EDT
  

• Just curious

  Now that Obama has won his Peace prize will he increase the number of troops in Afghanistan? I know he has been putting off the decision for about a month.
  
  I would hate to think the president put our undermanned troops in the field in danger just so he [...]
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  Posted: October 09, 2009, 11:25am EDT
  

• The battle of ideas and money

  A rundown of ideas, arguments and news being thrown around with higher ed.
  
  The state wants higher and faster graduation rates Currently the state funding system is based on enrollment. Not graduation. That may change. The lottery may also be opened up to summer courses to speed [...]
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  Posted: October 09, 2009, 8:49am EDT
  

• Fed cuts funding for ICE detention

  This excellent article by the Tennessean details the cut funding for holding of illegal aliens caught in Nashville by about a third. Now instead of illegal aliens being kept in jails awaiting deportation they will be kept in nursing homes and hotels.
  
  Does anyone besides me see [...]
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  Posted: October 09, 2009, 8:21am EDT
  

• Is government closer to the people more responsive?

  To make local decisions, it is usually best to leave it up to the locals to decide. On the gun issue, the state turned over the decision power to the locals. Some liked guns in parks, others did not. With the states action at least the locals were allowed to [...]
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  Posted: October 08, 2009, 8:18am EDT
  

• Listen to the chicken and get plucked

  Ty Cobb is chicken to debate Pat Marsh on any issue. This is getting embarrassing for Cobb. What is that now? for 3?
  What is Cobb so afraid of? His handlers love to take pot shots from the bushes but when it comes time to talk about the [...]
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  Posted: October 07, 2009, 6:13am EDT
  

• Lynn puts Lamar! into the wall

  Rep. Susan Lynn fires hard at Lamar! Alexander in the Wall Street Journal for considering Cap and Tax legislation. [...]
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  Posted: October 06, 2009, 9:23pm EDT
  

• Killing the top 10

  I find it interesting how people are all up in arms about getting Mark Sanford and any other politician who has an affair to step down from office as quickly as possible. But I wonder how many of these same people can't wait to see David Letterman do his' [...]
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  Posted: October 06, 2009, 9:43am EDT
  

• Turner following in John Fords footsteps

  Rep. Mike turner is looking to possibly taking a big job with the Tennessee State Employees union.
  
  From the Andy Sher article...
  
  The chairman of the state House Democratic Caucus said he sees no conflict of interest if he becomes the paid head of the Tennessee State [...]
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  Posted: October 05, 2009, 8:12am EDT
  

• I found the cheese!

  
  
  
  
  This story completely cracks me up. "Fugitive couple hide from law in corn maze. Can't be found for hours!" I just can't get a live version of Pac-Man out of my head. It is just hilarious to me.
  
  I can [...]
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  Posted: October 04, 2009, 12:57pm EDT
  

• Quote of the day

  "There is nothing more unamerican then a "nonprofit". You show me a "nonprofit" and I will show you a bunch of overpaid executives with huge expense accounts flying around the country in fancy jets, staying in the finest hotels, eating the best meals and patting each other on the back" [...]
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  Posted: October 02, 2009, 2:50pm EDT
  

• Frustration

  When people ask me about being a legislator and what it's like I often say it is very rewarding but can also be very frustrating. It is rewarding in that you can bring attention to problems but it can be frustrating when you can't make the needed change as fast [...]
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  Posted: October 02, 2009, 9:08am EDT
  

• Joke of the week (liberal or conservative quiz)

  If a *conservative* doesn’t like guns, he doesn`t buy one.
  If a *liberal *doesn't like guns, he wants all guns outlawed.
  
  If a *conservative* is a vegetarian, he doesn`t eat meat.
  If a *liberal* is a vegetarian, he wants all meat products
  banned for everyone.[...]
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  Posted: October 01, 2009, 9:10am EDT
  

• Are all gun ban's moot?

  Are all of these city and county bans on legal gun owners about to be shown as unconstitutional? It could be decided soon. I have been wondering about this. I knew after the Heller supreme court decision it would only be a matter of time. I thought we might [...]
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  Posted: October 01, 2009, 8:37am EDT
  

• When you dont elect judges.....

  Illegal immigration control specialist Donna Locke has contacted me with a closer look at the people who keep our judges in office since we are not allowed to elect them. Do these people who review judges bring a bias or are they completely neutral and better then the average voter [...]
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  Posted: October 01, 2009, 8:10am EDT
  

• Med mal reform could save 200 Billion

  Limits on punitive damages could save 200 billion dollars in health care costs nationally.
  
  All those in favor of bringing down health care costs speak up now. All others, vote Democrat says this WSJ article. [...]
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  Posted: September 29, 2009, 10:12am EDT
  

• Knox county allows guns in parks

  Knox county allows guns in parks and greenways after a party line vote on county commission. All democrats were for banning legal gun owners. All republicans were for legal gun owners and their constitutional rights.
  
  Word is Zack Wamp was in the audience. An interesting political move [...]
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  Posted: September 29, 2009, 1:40am EDT
  

• Key words "For now"

  Tom Humphrey digs deeper on some comments made about Kent Williams PAC. Seems the waffling has already started.
  
  From the Humphrey article....
  
  Thirty Republican state representatives and two state senators have signed up to help House Speaker Kent Williams launch a new political action committee with [...]
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  Posted: September 28, 2009, 11:40am EDT
  

• Phil needs the jacket

  Separated at birth?
  Well at least on this issue they seem the same [...]
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  Posted: September 25, 2009, 9:08am EDT
  

• The YouTube Governors election?

  Although not yet viewed on public TV, the video interviews I did with the candidates seems to be generating some interest among the campaigns. While I am not sure if they rise to the "Macaca moment" that some videos have They are coming up in major news stories as [...]
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  Posted: September 25, 2009, 7:48am EDT
  

• Oatney catches "the ghost"

  David Oatney drops the photo proof on Ty "The Ghost" Cobb. Seems Cobb can't show at any debate or forum because he is so busy working at 6:30 at night but he has plenty of time to cruise around town in the middle of the day on a Wednesday.' [...]
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  Posted: September 24, 2009, 1:45pm EDT
  

• Support for Kent?

  A little talk has been generated by this Frank Cagle article about Kent Williams fundraiser for his PAC. In the article I think it is inferred that support for the fundraiser is equivalent to support for Kent as speaker.
  
  I decided to go straight to the horses [...]
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  Posted: September 24, 2009, 12:41pm EDT
  

• Combining UT and TBR

  6 in 10 faculty senate support combining the UT system with the Tennessee board of Regents. This has been an ongoing battle in education where redundancy of duties combined with high pay is often sighted as a major waste of tuition and state dollars. [...]
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  Posted: September 24, 2009, 8:39am EDT
  

• Its not the gun, its the bullet

  The nationwide shortage of bullets continues. I have always said there will not be a outright collection of guns by the government. I expect more of a shortage of bullets, regulation, licencing and limiting the use and access of guns into their non significance. [...]
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  Posted: September 24, 2009, 8:23am EDT
  

• "The Dean" gives a lesson

  Tom "The Dean" Humphrey is voted the top state political newspaper reporter in Tennessee by wide margins.
  
  I would like to see how it goes for TV reporters as well. It could be very interesting. The talk radio venue could get hot as well. [...]
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  Posted: September 24, 2009, 8:03am EDT
  

• And so it begins

  The political war of words on the gun issue after Mayor Haslam supported the ban on carry permit holders admission in to Knoxville city parks and greenways.
  
  
  
  From the article....
  
  Ramsey was an original sponsor of Tennessee's handgun carry law, and Todd said his consistent [...]
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  Posted: September 24, 2009, 7:50am EDT