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Daily Dose for March 23, 2007
TN Primary Move-up Clears House
TN Primary Move-up Clears House -- A bill that would move Tennessee's Presidential primary from Feb. 12 to Feb 5 has passed the State House with the support of both political parties. The bill passed 91-2 and now heads to the Senate, where it has the support of both party's leadership. In 1980, only one state primary or caucus came before the end of February. That number could balloon to more than 30 states by next year.
Timberlake Resolution Now Likely to Pass -- Sources say that a resolution honoring Justin Timberlake is likely to pass now that Republicans have had a chance to review the bill. The resolution was pulled from the consent calendar after Republican State Sen. Raymond Finney objected to the bill. Democrats also snuck through a resolution honoring Al Gore and his global warming campaign, with only two Republicans voting against the resolution.
Bredesen's Cig Tax Increase May Fail in Committee -- Republicans in the State House may make a stand and stop Governor Bredesen's bill to increase the state's tobacco tax with some Democrats who oppose the measure. Democratic Rep. John Litz has said he will vote against the measure in the Agriculture Committee. Litz would join Republicans who are making a political stand on the only committee they control a majority in the State House. Bredesen's political team is very worried the tax - the main thrust of this year's legislative agenda - won't pass. The bill would triple the cigarette tax from 20 cents per pack to 60 cents per pack.
Independent Williams Featured on Bredesen PR Tour -- Governor Bredesen's tour around the state to support his CoverTN program made a stop in Knoxville to tout the program as a solution to the growing health insurance for small businesses. Among the lawmakers joining the Governor were State Rep. Joe Armstrong and new Republican-cum-Independent Sen. Mike Williams, whose district is further east than Knoxville. Williams on the program: "This was the Legislature and the governor doing what they should do in the best interest of the citizens of Tennessee. Other states are looking toward Tennessee now. Tennessee is a role model."
RIP, Murfy -- Mary Frances "Murfy" Alexander, the long-time press secretary for U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper died Wednesday night after a bout with ovarian cancer. The Vanderbilt University graduate and Bell Buckle, Tenn., native was 53.
