TN TAX BATTLE: Henry (R) says in Knox stop Hilleary (R)'not prepared' to lead state

The Knox News Sentinel ^ | 7/10/02 | Jim Blalloch

[JDGreen123]

One other thing to watch is the black independent candidate for Governor, Ed Sanders. He actually is a Republican who is running as an Independent. He has a large following in the Nashville black churches. Tommy Burnett has said that he fears that by playing to the no-income tax vote, Bredesen will be tied to the higher sales tax which is hated in black communities. Burnett fears that Bredesen may lose the black vote to Sanders if he does not give them what they want. One can only hope.

[GailA]

James Lewis
July 10, 2002

http://www.wsmv.com/global/Frameset.asp?P=/default.asp

For the first time in decades, Republicans now may dominate the State Senate.

Since Democratic Senator Bob Rochelle (D-Lebanon) withdrew from the race, the balance of power could very possibly shift.

And when a political power change is imminent, people in state politics start rethinking their positions. For one thing, an income tax would be dead. Colleagues as well as private citizens were astounded.

The Democratic Senator from Lebanon had held power in the Senate for 20 years. But he was on the losing end of the income tax fight.

Back on June 30 on the floor of the Senate, he argued dramatically against an increase in sales tax.

"I wasn't going to roll the dice on stomping on the working families of Tennessee of that bill the Senate just passed. It results in an increase in the sales tax of this state," said Rochelle.

With his abrupt departure, his fellow Democrats feel betrayed.

State Democratic head Sen. Joe Haynes said, "I had a lot of respect for him as a state senator, for his effectiveness but he didn't do this exactly right. This is the wrong way."

Rochelle is Senator from District 17, covering seven counties: Wilson, Trousdale, Macon, Smith, DeKalb, Cannon and Clay.

Now with no Democrat on the ticket, Republican Rep. Mae Beavers is almost a sure thing. She thinks Rochelle's polling numbers were soft anyway.

"Rumor had it that his polls were showing 60% for me, 30% for him and 10% undecided," said Beavers.

She says she's pressing ahead with her campaign. Democratic Representative Frank Buck has been mentioned as a write-in candidate but he says not so.

"I don't think there's any doubt that it puts control of the Senate in jeopardy. I don't think there is any question about that," said Rep. Buck.

That means with the election just three weeks away, Democrats hope to get a write-in candidate who can get more votes than Rochelle. Since he is still on the ballot, some voters will undoubtedly vote for him anyway.