for May 10, 2007

Thompson Supporters Penning Book

Thompson Supporters Penning Book -- Radio jock Steve Gill is penning a book that he hopes will encourage former Sen. Fred Thompson to throw his hat into the ring for President. The book tenatively called The Fred Factor will feature an introduction by Thompson cheerleader Congressman Zach Wamp. The Fred Factor will be a 200-page straight to paperback job for Music City News Publishing. Wamp: "June is the operative month ... And my view is that people in this country will know for sure what Fred Thompson is going to do by June."

Packin in the Park -- The House Judiciary Committee has passed a bill that allows gun owners to legally bring guns into state and local parks, playgrounds and other government property used for recreational purposes. A political power play by State Rep. Rob Briley to add an amendment allowing guns on playgrounds backfired on him - he was hoping by adding the amendment the bill would be effectively killed, but the committee ended up approving the amendment and the bill. More here and here

Missionary Ridge Cell Tower Despite Calls from Alexander, Corker and Wamp -- Site preparations have started for a controversial cellphone tower in Chattanooga's Missionary Ridge, despite letters from Sens. Corker and Alexander and Congressman Zach Wamp asking the FCC to reinvestigate the deal. Opponents of the plan charge the cellphone tower will obstruct views of historic Civil War battles.

Litz on YouTube -- The Knoxville-based alt-weekly MetroPulse has a brief blurb that State Rep. John Litz is becoming the state's most infamous legislator thanks to YouTube. Among the highlights, in one video Litz points out he wants Hamblen County exempted from a chop-shop bill because a relative of his owns a car shredding operation. In another, Litz sparred with Rep. Bill Dunn over an attempt to override a local referedum on liquor by the drink.

Cooper's DUI -- The Tennessean has an update on State Sen. Jerry Cooper's DUI charges. Cooper's attorney Terry Overton comments: "Anytime you have a blood sample that's over .08 percent, the state feels they have a strong case." The Nashville-based DUI lawyer added that there is little a defense attorney can do if the blood test was properly administered.

Posted by Adam Groves | Email This |