Free Republic

Republicans come up short on candidates as opposition. NASHVILLE - While 16 state legislators are quitting their seats this year, twice as many found themselves with no opponent for re-election when the candidate-qualifying deadline passed last week. The starting lineup in the war for partisan control of the Legislature, established by the qualifying round, appears to favor Democrats - at least in overall numbers. "The Republicans had trouble finding candidates for races all the way from the state House to the governor's race," said state Democratic Chairman Bob Tuke. "We had candidates itching to run." On the other hand, Chris...

http://fancyford.com/Congressman Harold Ford, Jr. likes to live the good life...perhaps a little too much. Lavish hotel stays. Fine dining. Couture suits. Parties with Playboy Playmates...all on his campaign contributors' dime.It makes you wonder...what would the folks back in Tennessee think?

NEWPORT, Tenn. - A convicted chop-shop operator and prolific Democratic fund-raiser who played a key role in winning Cocke County for Gov. Phil Bredesen in 2002 has emerged as a target in a long-running federal corruption probe. Although Harold Eugene Grooms, 58, isn't allowed to vote because he's a felon, he and his family have channeled at least $64,500 into Bredesen's campaign coffers since 2001 through personal gifts and fund-raisers, records show. Grooms' involvement in Democratic politics has won him a measure of clout in Nashville, and his son, Jason Grooms, was given a state job guiding economic development in...

<p>MOUNT JULIET — State Rep. Mae Beavers has lived for the past two years at a suburban home outside her legislative district, neighbors said yesterday, and building records show that she once certified the home as her ''personal residence.''</p> <p>However, the Republican lawmaker also maintains an apartment inside the district that she considers her ''legal residence,'' her attorney said. Beavers' name is on the lease and she pays the rent for the two-bedroom apartment, where she and her husband sometimes stay with her son, lawyer Hugh Green said.</p>