Daily Dose for March 21, 2007

Gingrich in TN: I Will Decide After Sept. 27

Gingrich in Tennessee: I Will Decide After Sept. 27 -- Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, an often-mentioned potential Republican presidential candidate for 2008, told reporters Tuesday that he will formally decide whether to enter the race after Sept. 27, the 13th anniversary of the Contract With America after speaking to a group of Vandy students on international economics. However, later in the interview, when asked about whether his revelation of an affair will hurt his Presidential prospects, Gingrich responded: "I’m not a presidential candidate.”

Bredesens Creates Transfer of Power Commission -- Gov. Phil Bredesen has signed an executive order creating a panel to study transfer of executive power in the even the Governor is incapacitated. Bredesen: "I have established by Executive Order an advisory committee to conduct a comprehensive review of the current laws and practices in Tennessee and in other states that address this issue, and have charged the committee with drafting any constitutional amendments, resolutions or bills which would ensure the continuous operation of state government if there is ever a situation where Tennessee's governor is incapacitated and cannot perform the duties of the office." Members of the committee include former Dem. Leader Kim McMillan, Lt. Gov. Ramsey, House Speaker Naifeh and the Instapundit himself - Glenn Reynolds.

AT&T & Cable Companies Fight Over TN -- The state legislature began consideration of a bill that would alllow AT&T to compete with local cable companies throughout Tennessee for the cable television business. AT&T President Marty Dickens: "Consumers would benefit from competition through better service, new technology and lower prices.” The bill would permit AT&T to bypass cities and counties, which currently control local cable-franchising rights, in obtaining statewide franchising rights. Both sides are using their corporate fortunes to try to lobby members of the public to influence the debate - the Tennessean has a report on the television advertisements created by AT&T and Comcast.

Democrats Kill English-Only License Testing, Threaten Tax Swap Bill -- Democrats in the State House, have killed two bills dealing with illegal immigration - one that would have prevented the state driving test from being taken in any language other than English and a second bill which would have allowed the State Highway Patrol to enforce immigration laws. The former was killed with two ex officio members who usually don't vote in the particular subcommittee reviewing the bill. More here and here. House Democrats, backing Gov. Bredesen's budget also said they plan to block Senate Republicans plans to decrease the state sales tax on food, while Senate Republicans said they will oppose the Governor's plan to increase the state's tobacco tax.

Posted by Adam Groves | Email This |