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Daily Dose for January 24, 2008
Abortion Debate Heating Up
Abortion Debate Heating Up -- The debate over SJR 127, introduced by State Sen. Diane Black, is heating up with Democrats and Republicans both claiming the other is misleading others about their position. Republicans want the amendment, which would add to the state constitution language that would prohibit the state constitution from guaranteeing a right to abortion beyond the scope allowed by the US Constitution - by saying the state constitution does not all for abortions at all. Democrats are attempting to modify the amendment to include specific exceptions for rape and incest - a move Republicans oppose because they say that language shouldn't be in the constitution, but in a later act passed by the General Assembly. Republican State Sen. Bo Watson: "[The amendment would return] power back to the state where the elected representatives can create the state law that governs abortion, however that’s chosen to be done." More here and here.
Lobbyist Requirements Making Lobbyists Who Claim Not to Be? -- Dave Cooley, former deputy governor, and Robert Gowan, former senior adviser to Bredesen, are both getting their feet wet in the debate over AT&T's request for a statewide cable franchise. Both men, who are disqualified from being lobbyists under new state laws have said they aren't lobbying. However, Cooley admits to meeting with several mayors in the area, including Oak Ridge Mayor Tom Beeham, who is expected to be the next President of the TN Municipal League, which strongly opposed AT&T's bid for a statewide franchise last year. Beeham says Cooley just wanted to know his position on the bill - and didn't try to convince him to change it, but watchdog groups say Cooley's action may be "indirect communication."
Local Briefs -- Here's some more news from around the state:
- Knoxville - A candidate for County Commission that has worked in the Knox Co. Register of Deeds office may be getting paid to campaign. 8th District candidate Kay Frazier has been on extended paid leave, starting last year, from the Register's office in violation of a policy which states that an employee shall have accrue no more than 30 days leave.
- Chattanooga - Doug Collier, president of the Tennessee chapter of the Service Employees International Union, wants criminal action filed against former Chattanooga City Councilwoman Marti Rutherford on the grounds that she registered and voted in a district where she didn't live. The Chattanooga Election Commission will review the letter and decide whether or not to forward to the attorney general for charges.
- Memphis - A plan to merge the Shelby Co. Sheriff's Dept with the Memphis City police has already hit a snag. A vote on setting up a Commission to study the matter for implementation has failed in a 3-3 tie in a County Commission Committee. A vote could still come from the full Commission to authorize the Committee, but the safety committee's vote shows some political opposition to the plan.
- Nashville - Metro is still mulling asking the state to authorize Mayor Karl Dean to appoint the Metro School Board, a move that would strip elected school board members of their power. The Metro Council is now debating the plan after a new resolution proposed by Councilman Sean McGuire. The plan would allow for the Mayor to make appointments to the Board which would be approved by the Council.
