Daily Dose for September 06, 2007

Fred In!

Fred In! -- Well, it's official, former TN Sen. Fred Thompson is a candidate for President of the United States. Fred skipped the GOP debate in New Hampshire to seperate himself from the other pack of candidates by appearing on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Thompson used the opportunity to take some jabs at his fellow candidates, saying: "We've done in a few months what a lot of people have been working on since they were in the choir in high school." And answering pundits who say he got in too late: "No, I don't think so, but of course we'll find out. I don't think people are going to say that guy would have made a good president, but he didn't get in soon enough."

• Sen. Lamar Alexander officially endorsed Thompson shortly after the announcement. So did MS Sen. Thad Cochran
• Mike Huckabee during the Presidential debate: "I was scheduled to be on Jay Leno tonight, but I gave up my slot for somebody else because I'd rather be in New Hampshire with these fine people. "
• Rudy Gulliani: "[Thompson] has done a pretty job of playing my part on Law & Order. I personally prefer the real thing, but I think Fred will add something to this race."
• Excerpts from the Announcement Webcast
• Additional Coverage: Knoxville News-Sentinel, Memphis Commercial Appeal, City Paper, Tennessean, Politico

New Officers at State GOP -- New GOP Chairman Robin Smith talks to Tom Humphrey about Fred Thompson's campaign and the changes at the State GOP. Smith characterizing the Thompson campaign: "He’s got so much ground to cover, I don’t think a pickup truck, in its truest form, will work ... I know he will have a very hybrid campaign, employing high-tech methodology (but, at the same time, reflecting a personality) as a grassroots, look-you-in-the-eye person.” Smith outlined some changes to the state GOP: former state Rep. Randy Stamps, who had been known as political director, will now hold the title of state director. Mark Winslow has been hired to serve as chief of staff, responsible for “day to day operations and scheduling." Charlie Schnider will hold the title of political director, a “campaign-oriented” position with emphasis on legislative races. He now holds a similar position with the Virginia GOP. Bill Hobbs, as the blogging community already knows, will become the party’s communications director next month.

Coming to Cohen's Defense -- Rev. Dwight Montgomery, Chair of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, envoked Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in his defense of Congressman Steve Cohen, saying race is irrelevant to who represents the 9th Congressional district in Congress. Montgomery: "We support justice and equality for everyone, regardless of race, religion or political affiliation." Cohen has come under fire recently from some black ministers in Memphis, who think the district should be represented by an African-American.

Duncan III Considering House Seat? -- The MetroPulse carries a rumor that John Duncan III, son of 2nd district Congressman Jimmy Duncan (and the subject of an interesting cover story of that same issue of the MetroPulse), is interested in running for the State House, either for State Rep. Parkey Strader, who is battling cancer or in a primary against State Rep. Stacey Campfield. Duncan III, who works for Fred Lawson's BankEast, previously told the Halls Shopper he was not interested in running for Knox Co. Clerk in 08. [Update: Duncan III apparently called Campfield to say he was not planning on running against him.]

Rutherford Moves Back into Own District -- The Chattanoogan reports that City Councilwoman Marti Rutherford has moved back into the district she represents on the City Council. Rutherford's Attorney John Anderson said she has moved to Sweetbriar Avenue, well within the confines of the 6th district. The Chattanooga City Attorney is currently investigating what to do about the Rutherford residency issue. More here.

Knoxville Turnout; Nashville Embellishing -- Two mayoral race notes. Early voting has opened for the Knoxville Mayor's race where incumbent Bill Haslam faces nominal opposition. Turnout was light the first day, with just over 100 people casting ballots for the City elections. In the Nashville Mayor's race, we are edging closer to the September 11 election day. The Tennessean continuing its coverage today covers the topic of whether campaign promises mean anything. [Ed: Updated to reflect that Haslam does have opposition. Thanks, Brian.]

Posted by Adam Groves | Email This |