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Daily Dose for January 19, 2007
Daily Dose
Cohen Looks Over Legislation to Cut Troop Funding -- U.S. Representative Steve Cohen is busy these days with the Out of Iraq conference. The conference is hoping to line up office space for antiwar protestors converging on DC as well as review a bill that would cut off funding for additional US troops in Iraq. Cohen's counterpart, US Rep. Marsha Blackburn, meanwhile, drafted a bill that would do the opposite - temporarly prohibit Congress from cutting troop funding.
Kurita Likely Number 2 -- Republicans are paving the way to allow an appointment of State Sen. Rosalind Kurita to the Deputy Lt. Governor spot, the number two leadership spot in the State Senate. Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris called on Lt. Gov. Ramsey to appoint Kurita to the number two spot. Kurita was the only Democrat to break party ranks and allow the historic change in leadership between former Lt. Gov Wilder and the new Republican Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey.
Bredesen's Inauguration Set -- Governor Bredesen's inauguration has been set and funded, thanks in part to large donations from corporations. Corporations are not allowed to contribute to political campaigns, but are allowed to give to inauguration committees. Most corporations contributed to the inauguration in the interests of being "good corporate citizens." Meanwhile, a minor controversy is erupting over the prayer service to be held before the inauguration. Bredesen insists the event is a private ticketed event, but the church where the event is to be held insists worship is always open to the public.
2007: The GA's Year of Sexual Bills? -- Sen. Doug Jackson issued a press release saying he will introduce two new bills in the coming term of the General Assembly that will deal with sex crimes. The first one would expand the online registry of sex offenders and the second would allow juries to choose the death penalty in cases of aggrivated child rape. Given the bills that are already garnishing the most media attention, including a proposal unveiled by Rep. Campfield yesterday to increase the tax on pornography, 2007 could very well be the year of sex regulation in the General Assembly.
More Knox Co. Chaos -- Most of the incumbent officerholders who will be removed because of term limits have settled on endorsing their chief deputies to take their places. County Trustee Mike Lowe endorsed his chief deputy Fred Sisk. Register of Deeds Steve Hall is supporting his deputy Sherry Witt. County Clerk Mike Padgett was the exception to the rule, but he did say his deputy George Stooksbury is very well qualified. Padgett is the only Democrat holding major office in County government. Michael Silence has more.
