Daily Dose January 09, 2006

Mike Bell Running in District 23 -- I received a note from Mike Bell via our "Send Press Releases" link on the left, noting that he is running in the Republican Primary in District 23. TeamGOP has already noted their support in helping Mike oust one of the "Naifeh Eight" -- a group of eight House Republicans who voted for Democrat Jimmy Naifeh for Speaker.

Ford Backpedaling on Abramoff -- It may have not been such a good campaign move to release a statement encouraging all of the Republican nominees for U.S. to return any contributions from indicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff. According to Conservatives for Corker, Ford has since removed that statement from his website. It turns out Ford himself may have taken money from Abramoff connected organizations and individuals.

According to the Washington Post and Political Money Line, Congressman Ford is much closer to Abramoff than he wants us to believe. Ford has received money from each of the following individuals that the Post clearly identifies as part of "Team Abramoff": Edward Ayoob, Alan Slomowitz, Stephanie Short and Michael D. Smith. These people lobbied on behalf of Abramoff's tribal clients and were vitals parts of the machine that made up this vast conspiracy.

Penseiri: Where's the GOP Gov Nominee? -- Blogger Conservatore has a message for the Tennessee Republican Party:

Mr. Davis, this Author would suggest that you refrain from any other well written, truth based comments on our Governor until you have a person to challenge him. Until then, you are wasting your time, your breath and your resources...When Governor Bredesen wins his second term, a shake-up must occur at the GOP state and grassroots levels. His re-election will be know an the ultimate failure of the Grand Ole Party which is trying to claim front runner status in a conservative, Bible belt, southern state. If Mr. Bredesen is left without serious competition, don't expect the GOP to make big gains in 2006.

Cotton Seeking Love Statements -- Attorneys for indicted Hamilton County Commissioner William Cotton are seeking all tape-recorded statements made by former County School Board member Charles Love, both of whom have been indicted in Operation Tennessee Waltz. Cotton's defense is likely to play off Love's credibility, even though Cotton and Love once had a lobbying firm together. Commissioner Cotton has recently been criticized in Chattanooga papers for frequently missing County Commission meetings since his indictment, despite picking up papers to run for that seat again.