Posted on 03/10/2002 6:35:21 PM PST by StopDemocratsDotCom
Tennessee Rep. Harold Ford just told Rita Cosby he will run for the Senate. Can he take away another Republican seat?
Well see for yourself in the political graveyard. Quite a few tried in the 1900's they never got back in elected office. I'll give you a number on the 1900's in about 30 minutes.
Also, certain people, many times normally democrat, will vote against a black person no matter what, for the same reason many blacks will vote against a white against a black no matter what, or an Irishman vote for an Irishman, etc.
I'd be MUCH more worried about a slick white country democrat that talks conservative, but votes lib. AKA John Edwards.
This guy in a state race has two strikes. He's a black dem. He's from a big city. If I was the GOP opponent, I'd do the same damn thing the dems would use. I'd bait, attack, and drive up the racist turnout, especially blue collar dems, to win this thing. The dems are going to James Byrd this thing. The GOP has to counter(and use 'independent' allies to do so).
I'd have "friends of the candidate" send targeted mailing to Memphis working class inner suburbs there with lots o pics of Ford with Maxine Waters, John Conyors, Geoffrey Fieger, Coleman A Young, Henry Waxman, Schumer, Ted Kennedy, Hillary, and other divisive figures. I'd paint him as soft on crime and a friend of criminals. I'd attack his dad and uncle especially for their politics. I'd attack the city of Memphis. I'd mention his policies as well, but make the race about Harold Ford and the big city Memphis liberal. SCARE SUBURBANITES, and bring up their turnout. Then get the NRA vote out in the rural areas, and this one is over against Ford.
That may sound racist, and I think the tactic is racist. I call it paybacks for James Byrd and fighting to WIN by any legal means necessary. The true enemy is not blacks. It is the WHITE dem leadership like Dasshole, McAufflie, Pat Leahy, Kennedy, and the like. Would I use the racists out there that normally vote dem to win this race? You damn well believe I would.
The gloves better be off here. I KNOW that tactic would work in Michigan. I think it would work in Tennesee as well.
If you say the sky is blue they turn it into a racial issue.
The ford machine is WELL OILED. They bus folks to the poll. Folks of ALL ages vote openly. NO one does a dratted thing about it.
Funny you say that...Keyes had ENORMOUS support from the white conservatives in east Tennessee, but those same voters would slit their wrists before supporting the Ford crime syndicate. On this end of the state, color is not an issue; but your conservative credentials are.
I think Fred Barnes summed the Tennessee senate race up pretty well on Fox News Thursday: "Lamar Alexander could be Tennessee's Richard Riordan."
I have been involved in Tennessee politics for over 20 years. I have worked for Governor Alexander. I have worked for Governor Alexander's state party. I have supported him in the past.
But, plainly spoken, he's had his chance. This is the feeling among many, many Republicans. He's been governor, and he's run two failed campaigns for president. He's also picked up a lot of baggage along the way. There are ethics problems, which are well known and documented. There are problems with being a moderate, then becoming a conservative in the presidential primaries. Hypocrisy is not something quickly forgotten.
A good man and principled conservative is opposing Governor Alexander in the primary. Congressman Ed Bryant has served since 1994. He is a dedicated conservative, a fresh face, and has the fire in the belly for the race.
This will be a spirited campaign, and Governor Alexander will be able to count on the monied interests in the states -- the ones who play both sides to gain access to power. But Congressman Bryant will be able to count on thousands of grassroots Republicans across the state.
Congressman Bryant has not solicited my help nor does he know I'm sending this message. I just believe it's time for new leadership and Republicans who think and vote like Republicans.
The Democrats under Governor McWherter had a three inch file on Governor Alexander. We'll see that information in the fall if Governor Alexander is the nominee. I know this is true because Governor Alexander's folks admitted it when they asked me to back off the income tax fight in 1991.
I hope all of you will consider supporting Ed Bryant. He is exactly what we need in Washington.
And remember, Lamar has been in the background in the attempts to pass a state income tax and passed the largest tax increase in Tennessee history.
Ed is in the process of setting up a campaign, and I'm sure he'll be in touch soon. With all the media bias, I thought it important to let you know that Ed's running and I fully trust and support him.
Thanks.
Tommy
Actually, not.
Do NOT underestimate this guy. I'd put money on him.
Probably, but remember, there are three states of Tennessee.
Ford IMO is a middleweight, but I'd fight him like I'd fight Klinton.
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