Re: Roy Exum: The GOP's Hypocrisy
Anyone who has followed Roy for more than a few years knows where he stands on Horse Soring, the terrible trainers who do it and the crooked politicians that shelter it. I don't believe anyone can disagree with Roy's disdain for someone who covers up torturing helpless animals. Unfortunately, I don't believe that most voters will care about this single issue.
I do, however, speculate that the electorate will disapprove of Marsha Blackburn's loyalty to the party instead of the Tennessee voter. She has proven to be a Republican foot solider, dutifully toeing the party line. In the hardcore Republican's eyes, she has faithfully done her duty and she deserves her turn. The rest of us look at her competition and think, "that's not as bad."
Phil Bredeson is a moderate and a self-admitted less-than-favorite Democrat by the party standards. He has been outspoken on the ACA, and gone against typical party talking points. Can we also point out that he has already been elected by the entire state (for governor) with over 50 percent of the vote each time. He is generally looked upon favorably by most Tennesseans.
So on one side, we have a party foot soldier and on the other we have someone who is moderate and often goes against his own party for the sake of his constituents. I think it's fair to say that the Republican Chosen One will face stiff competition. The 2016 election is still on everyone's mind, with both parties feeling some internal divide based on their party's moves. I think we will see a lot of switching parties, people fleeing to independents (look at the candidates for governor!) and general apathy.
Suffice it to say, running a lock-step Republican was a poor chess move for this election and I'm confident we will have a Red State Democrat as our senator this time next year.
Tim Giordano
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Before you rally around the Bredeson rally flag, consider that Tennessee is solidly conservative. And Chuck Schumer is Phil Bredeson’s most ardent cheerleader. Schumer’s endorsement of Bredeson should give everyone the same cautionary thought that if elected, Tennessee will not be represented by his constituent’s ideals, mores and leanings. He will vote against conservative thought and Tennessee will lose another seat in the Senate, not because of his party but because of his leanings and affiliation with the liberal left. Another Schumer soldier. Is that what Tennessee needs?
Marsha Blackburn is a Republican to the core and totes the party line. Marsha represents most every thought-line and ideal for the vast majority of Tennesseans. Better a candidate in touch and representing her constituency than a Red State Liberal who will fail Tennesseans at every turn.
Dave Fihn
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David Finn is right, so before everyone goes all ga-ga over Phil consider two things:
He was the governor who had to work with Tennessee Republicans for the state where he lived and that affected his performance right here at home. In DC, the United States Senate is much different. As Finn said so well and I will rephrase, in the senate Chucky Schumer is the boss and there you play by his rules. Don’t believe otherwise. In fact, name one Senate Democrat that often bucks the party. They don’t have McCains, Grahams or even Corkers in the Democrat Party. Only recently a frightened handful fearful of losing re-election because Trump carried their states dared to go against their master.
Bredesen says he’ll support Trump if “he thinks it’s good for Tennessee.” Really? And if his election gives Democrats control of the Senate then it’s a return to no border enforcement, no wall, no permanent tax cuts, no more conservative judges or Supreme Court appointments.
Are those good for Tennessee? How do you think Democrat Phil Bredesen will vote on those issues?
Recently Joe Biden came to Tennessee bearing a ton of cash for the Bredesen campaign. Follow the money and you will find people who don’t support a border wall, tax cuts or conservative judges. They want gun confiscation, DACA, visa lotteries and numerous other social engineering intrusions into our freedoms. Are those things good for Tennessee? How will they expect Phil to vote?
Say no to Phil and let’s keep Chucky in the minority chair in the corner.
Ralph Miller