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.
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
Howl ong has it been going on? (Or not going on?) Since 1974? The local press had no spine.