Where on earth did Fleischman get those ugly pictures of Robin Smith? They are black and white photos distorted to make an attractive woman look like a washer woman from the Depression era. I wouldn’t even recognize Robin Smith were it not for the “voice over” in the ad which tells us that “the news is shocking. Robin Smith left the Tennessee Republican Party $100,000 in debt,” according to Fleischman. It is an ad full of distortion and exaggeration. He knows very well that it is not unusual to have campaign debt left over from a campaign.

And speaking of the “voice over,” Mr. Fleischman used a whiney woman’s voice to sling unfair charges, rather than just say what he wanted to say about his opponent’s record.

In the background of the ad we view two caricatures of overweight politicians smoking cigars, meant to plant the idea that Robin Smith was involved in dishonest political deal making. This distortion is clever, but way over the top. There has never been a corruption charge leveled against Robin Smith.

Robin Smith’s record was one of true accomplishment. At the end of her tenure for the first time in 140 years the Republicans controlled both houses of the Tennessee General Assembly. That is truly historic. In an election year when Republicans were losers all over the country, Tennessee won huge victories.

The main objective of either political party is to elect candidates. On that front, Robin and her staff left the Republican Party in great shape. When the Statesman’s Dinner was held in Nashville this year, the GOP had 1400 enthusiastic participants and raised $650,000. The turnout was the largest in several years, and was a celebration for the tremendous work that had been accomplished by Republicans from the grassroots to the top leadership.

Just wondering…. what has Chuck Fleischman done for the Republican Party?

Sue Thompson
Former Member Republican State Executive Committee

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Where did Chuck get those awful Robin Smith pictures? Looks like he used real pictures of the real Robin. He didn't use a shapely blonde model or actress to play a fictitious good time girl as did the state Republican Party in its "Call Me Harold " ad produced for the 2008 Bob Corker senatorial campaign.

By your standards it's fair to assume the model/actress was meant to plant the idea that Harold Ford was involved in illicit assignations with white women. Didn't Bob Corker and other Republicans disavow that "clever but way over the top" ad after the intended damage was done?

Robin was for the ad before she was against it. Dare I write that your comment is a case of the pot calling the kettle black?

Gary Lander

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Mr. Lander's facts are incorrect. Senator Corker was elected in 2006 and Robin Smith was elected chairman in 2007.

Mark Winslow
Robin Smith for Congress

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That is an excellent question that Ms. Thompson posted earlier that
should be answered by Mr. Fleischmann. Why don't you tell us Chuck what you have done for "your" Republican Party? And try to give a straight answer without distorting the truth or resorting to your paid
consultants. I don't recall reading anywhere where you've worked to try and help anyone get elected to office in Hamilton County, the 3rd District, the state level, or federal level - ever.

Let's see what you have done for others in "your" party. You have spent thousands of dollars on distasteful TV ads to try and tear down and distort the truth about your fellow GOP candidates that you fear might defeat you in "your" party's primary.

I also remember reading where you chose to boycott "your" party's
fundraising dinner recently where the funds received go to help other
candidates in "your" party. Was it because you weren't going to get any benefit for yourself that you chose to not help others in "your" party? We know it wasn't because of the $2,000 you would have had to pay as you've already put in over half a million dollars into your own campaign that you've received from all of your lawsuits filed.

I suggest Chuck that you read the statement on "your" party's local
website that states, "... electing leaders who will serve honorably with
the needs of those they serve foremost, and who are willing to sacrifice self for the betterment of others." You have not run an honorable race and you have not sacrificed self, but have indeed sacrificed others for yourself.

One more question, are you sure that you are in fact a Republican, Mr.
Fleischmann?

Carl Scarbrough
Hixson

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Politics has become so sad. When two very good folks have come to this. I do not understand; is it the spring or winter Washington weather they crave so bad? I am sure it’s not the power of being a congressman/woman.
Flip a coin folks.

Mickey Milita
Apison