Daily Dose for June 11, 2007

2007 Session at the End

2007 Session at the End -- The 2007 legislative session appears to be close to an end, with a compromise budget emerging that will hopefully allow Democrats and Republicans to end their struggle over how to spend the state's surplus dollars. The Tennessee Constitution requires that a balanced budget be adopted by July 1 and most legislators appear fatigued and ready to get fast approval. Governor Bredesen mostly got everything he wanted, but a the Legislature added a few things: $20M for "community-enhancement grants" which will be distributed by the state when a local agency requests it and a permanent reduction in the state sales tax on grocery food from 6 percent to 5.5 percent, or a half-cent per dollar. Tom Humphrey has the details of the consensus budget and the Tennessean has an overview on the increased fees.

Devaney Leaves State GOP -- Chris Devaney, the executive director of the Tennessee Republican Party and a major Republican political strategist, is leaving the state party to become state director for Sen. Bob Corker. Todd Womack has been serving as both Corker chief of staff and state director. He will remain as chief of staff. Davaney will be headquartered out of the Chattanooga office, where his family is originally from.

Cooper Not Guilty -- State Sen. Jerry Cooper was found not guilty of all charges in his federal land fraud case. Cooper's attorney says the only reason he was targeted is because he is a high profile politican. Dem Caucus Chair Sen. Joe Haynes: "We’re thrilled by this news but not surprised. We had full faith in Sen. Cooper all along. Now we look forward to having him back in Nashville to do the work of the Senate." Republican Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey issued a similar statement.

Tinker Running Against Cohen Again -- Congressman Steve Cohen will again face a Democratic primary from Nikki Tinker, a former staffer for Harold Ford, Jr. Some analysts say the seat is mostly about race - with many in the black community hoping to regain the seat represented by Harold Ford, Jr and his father for 20 years from Cohen, who is white. Tinker picked up the endorsement of a few key interest groups with her 2006 run including pro-choice PAC Emily's List and has already started raising money for the 2008 race. [Ed: Apparently this morning I forgot that Congressmen hold 2-year terms - so the race will be in 08, not 10.]

Ode to John Wilder -- The City Paper looks at what could be the last session for former Lt. Gov. John Wilder, who this year transitioned from being the Senate leader to being just another 'Joe Senator.' Most of Wilder's colleagues say he has handled this transition well and Wilder himself admits he may have made more of an impact on the Senate by actually voting in committees. Wilder: "I’ve had a chance to speak and I’ve had a chance to vote and it’s the first time I’ve voted on a bill in 36 years."

Posted by Adam Groves | Email This |