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Daily Dose for March 14, 2007
Daily Dose
Thompson May Wait Til Summer -- The Knoxville paper points out former Sen. Fred Thompson told Fox News that he may wait until summer to decide whether or not he's running for President. UT Poli Sci Professor Michael Gant points out that most big donors and key supporters may be locked up by then, however. Gant: "Anybody (who) tries to get in ... seven months before the primaries and caucuses begin - it's just absurd." Howard Baker comments on Thompson's fundraising abilities: "I don't think Fred would have trouble raising money. I really don't." More - Thompson's son says his dad is looking for a house in Tennessee.
No Wine Sales on Sunday -- Legislation backed by interim Sen. Shea Flinn to allow the sale of wine in grocery stores and allow package stores to be open on Sundays failed in the Senate State and Local Government Committee. Under TN law, beer may be sold at groceries and convenience stores - though not at liquor stores, which sales wines and harder liquors. The status quo of liquor sales in Tennessee is defended by some of the state's most powerful lobbyists, including Tom "Golden Goose" Hensley, longtime lobbyist for the state liquor wholesalers association. Lobbyists used the argument that the bill "would destroy an industry of mom-and-pop businesses that work hard to earn a living." The News-Sentinel reports that liquor lobbyists have given almost $200,000 to legislative candidates from 2004 through 2006, including three members of the committee that failed the measures. More here and here.
Dems Pick Up Two Memphis Special Seats -- I said yesterday there might be upsets in Memphis. It looks like that isn't the case as Democrats pulled out both special election victories yesterday, albeit in close races. In the race to fill the Dist. 30 state senate seat formerly held by Steve Cohen, Beverly Robison Marrero beat Republican Larry Parrish with 56 percent of the vote. In the campaign to replace Henri Brooks, now a Shelby County Commissioner, for the state House Dist. 92 seat, G.A. Hardaway beat Republican Richard Morton with 58 percent of the vote, or just under 400 votes.
Bredesen Backed Bills Going Through -- A Gov. Bredesen-backed proposal to triple the state's cigarette tax passed subcommittee yesterday. Senate Minority Leader Jim Kyle, D-Memphis, noted that the bill to be considered by the Finance Committee addresses only the tax increase and not how Bredesen plans to spend the money. Another Bredesen-backed bill to create a state ombudsman is held up out of concern for its price tag.
Corker's Offices Open -- Senator Bob Corker has opened his permanent field offices in Memphis, Jackson, Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga and Tri-Cities. The Chattanoogan has a complete list with addresses and phone numbers. Corker also moves from the basement of the Dirksen Senate Office Building up to the first floor.
Shelby Co. Mayor May Run for Memphis Mayor -- Shelby Co. Mayor A.C. Wharton says he may run for Mayor of Memphis if incumbent Willie Herenton doesn't run. Wharton just won his second term as county mayor in August, but several people have been talking to him about running.
