Daily Dose for January 28, 2008

TN Presidential News

TN Presidential News -- Here's some news from around the state regarding the 2008 Presidential race:

• Former Senate Majority Leader Howard Baker has endorsed Sen. John McCain. The endorsement is significant because Baker was a major cheerleader for Fred Thompson's entry into the race - it could also signal where Thompson's own loyalties lie, by confirming rumors already that Thompson may endorse McCain based on their long-standing friendship. Thompson's chief fundraiser Scooter Clippard has also switched to McCain.


• Following her loss in South Carolina, Hillary Clinton addressed the historically black college, Tennessee State University, on Saturday, but Jackson Baker says very few blacks were actually in attendance. Following the Nashville visit, Clinton went on to Memphis on Sunday - attending a private fundraising event and then church at Monumental Baptist Church.
• John Edwards is in Chattanooga and Nashville today. Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney's son are both in town for Nashville fundraisers.
• TN Right to Life has endorsed Mike Huckabee
• State Sens. Ron Ramsey and Mark Norris who both signed on to be delegates at the GOP convention for Thompson are encouraging voters to vote for Thompson even though he has dropped out of the race so they can still go to the big show.

State of the State Preview -- The City Paper has a preview of Gov. Bredesen's State of the State address. Budget talk is expected to dominate the address, which will be held today. So far, the state has about a $182 million shortfall this fiscal year, but a surplus in state lottery money - two areas which Bredesen hopes to address. Bredesen's major spending in the budget unveiled today will likely be $100M for the next round of implementation of BEP 2.0 and spending the $447M lottey surplus, with Bredesen expected to suggest expanded Pre-K funding as a way to spend some of that money.

Williams Mum on Reelection -- State Sen. Mike Williams says he still is undecided about running for reelection. Williams - who switched to an Independent after the election of Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey - would likely face a formitable challenger in Republican Mike Faulk. Williams promised to make a decision on his plans by April. Williams: "I’m not fearful of losing. ... I’ve always been outspent in every election ... It really comes down to my wanting to be there or not be there.”

Hayes A Possible for Strader Seat -- Sandra Clark has a potential runner in the race to replace State Rep. Parkey Strader who represents West Knoxville in the General Assembly. Ryan Haynes, a Republican and banker with Regions Bank, is expected to announce. Hayes, 23, is a UT poli sci grad who is apparently good friend with John Duncan III. Georgiana Vines says Strader and Duncan III would likely be co-chairs of his campaign.

Local Briefs -- Here's some news from around the state:

• The Chattanooga Times Free Press has a story on State Rep. Vince Dean and his adoptive dad Rev. Billy Dean, who recently served as the General Assembly chaplain for a day. [Corrected]
• The KNS begins their look at the candidates running for Knox County Commission - starting with District 1
• Gov. Phil Bredesen may be open to the idea of giving Nashville Mayor Karl Dean the ability to appoint school board members, but is fearful of doing so because of the political pressure it will create to allow Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton to do the same, according to today's City Paper.

Posted by Adam Groves | Email This |