Daily Dose for March 27, 2007

More on Thompson

More on Thompson -- Michael Silence has a brief note on Fred Thompson's straw poll victory at a GOP event in Georgia last weekend. Noteworthy because Thompson beat out all the other GOP candidates - combined. Also, in today's Roll Call - HOH mentions Thompson was spoted at DC's Mayflower Hotel having lunch with Sen. Bill Frist. According to the report, the pair lingered over lunch for two hours and were discussing presidential politics.

Because They Don't Have the Votes -- Apparently Gov. Bredesen is trying to buy some more time with his proposal to raise the state's tobacco tax. Senate Democratic Leader Jim Kyle of Memphis, who is shepherding the tax bill for the administration, said he intends to press ahead for a vote on the Senate Finance Committee April 10. The move indicates the administration doesn't think it has the votes to pass the measure, a cornerstone of the Bredesen legislative agenda which would fund a $219M education initiative.

Knox Co. Eyes Consolidated Government -- Knox Co. and the City of Knoxville are once again eyeing consolidated government. Both the County Mayor Mike Ragsdale and Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam support consolidation, as do several members of the County Commission. Voters previously rejected efforts in 1959, 1978, 1983 and 1996. One main issue is whether members of a new Charter Commission - which drafts the charter that sets up a new form of government - would be elected or appointed by the city and county mayors. Knox Co. Commission Chair Scott Moore says a vote on consolidation might be considered for 2014.

I apologize for the lateness of today's Daily Dose. As you know, I was at the Bloggers Day on the Hill last night (more on that later and probably on my personal blog) and as a result had tons of work waiting on me this morning.

Posted by Adam Groves | Email This |