Daily Dose for February 06, 2008

Clinton, Huckabee Winners in TN

Clinton, Huckabee Winners in TN -- Much more in the coming days, but as we reported last night, Hillary Clinton and Mike Huckabee are the winners of the Democrat and Republican primaries in TN, respectively. Although McCain won some of the large metro centers, it appears Huckabee got lots of votes among rural voters. Storms probably hurt Barack Obama's chances in TN - with a bad tornado ripping through the Memphis area. The death toll from those storms is over 20.

• Sullivan Co. turnout described as phenomenal.
• Memphis Results from the Commercial Appeal. More from Memphis here.
• A pair of Razorbacks triumph.
• Huckabee CM Chip Saltsman: "I felt good about Tennessee as soon as Fred (Thompson) dropped out.”
• Obama supporter Rep. Jim Cooper: "What matters is the delegate count anyway."
• TN Right to Life Chair Brian Harris on Huckabee's win: "Pro-life voters supported three strong candidates but ultimately the victory went to Governor Huckabee who has an unparalleled record of direct, measurable actions resulting in laws passed and lives saved."

Local Results -- Here's some of the local races that were also decided last night:

• Carol Berz won a seat on the Chattanooga City Council vacated by embattled Councilwoman Marti Rutherford. Berz wrapped up 29% of the vote, 11% above her closest competitor. Speaking of Rutherford, the Hamilton Co. Election Commission has opened an investigation into whether or not Rutherford voted illegally in any past elections while she was claiming her residency in a place she didn't live.
• Knox County was the big news. All of the politicans connected with the "Black Wednesday" affair were ousted with longtime politicans being defeated by newcomers.
• Foster Arnett beat Commission Chair Scott Moore for County Clerk.
• Commissioner Phil Ballard edged former Trustee Mike Lowe for the GOP property assessor's bid, even though Lowe raised more money than any other candidate.
• Even Law Director John Owings, who defended County Commission during the Open Meetings Act lawsuit filed by News Sentinel editor Jack McElroy and nine others, lost to Bill Lockett by nearly 20 percentage points.
• Ed Shouse trampled Lee Tramel, who was one of Commissioners appointed on Black Wednesday, but later ousted, even though the politically connected Tramel raised more money.

Posted by Adam Groves | Email This |