by Stuart James
posted September 30, 2007
Health care, taxes, jobs, security, crime and the minimum wage. Add ethics to the list and you have an interesting political race.
The race for State Senate in District 10 represents a political dynamic that has occurred across this country — a dynamic that involves local politics, ethics, and issues we hear about every day. The race also involves a special election called by the governor because of the resignation of a longtime state senator, a leader pleading guilty to one count of taking a gratuity, a felony conviction arising from a government sting investigating government corruption. Finally this race involves issues ranging from immigration and security to universal health care—issues the Democratic candidates largely believe state government needs to address because the federal government is failing us by not passing legislation on universal health care, not passing legislation resolving immigration issues, not passing legislation on jobs, and not passing legislation providing Americans with a meaningful minimum wage.
The district is a strong Democratic district, and the candidates seeking the nomination in the Democratic primary range from the extremely intelligent to the colorful. Voter turnout in the early vote is low, with Democrats outvoting Republicans almost four to one. Yes, there are Republicans seeking their party’s nomination in the primary — if early vote is any indication the Republican candidate is “history” coming out of the starting gate.
With these dynamics in mind, readers should find this race interesting because these same dynamics have come into play in communities across this country. Therefore, here are the candidates and my recommendation on who the people of District 10 should elect in the Democratic and Republican primaries. I deal more heavily with the Democrats because I think the Republicans have no chance of winning the general election in November.
Andy Berke — He is organized. He has organized an efficient campaign that is working the streets to get elected. The candidate himself is going door to door, community to community, asking each of the voters for their vote, trust and confidence. Mr. Berke has a diversity of supporters — from all aspects of the community. He also is using this base of support to do basic things like having his supporters personally call voters, to talk with them about becoming a part of the election. Mr. Berke is not using an automated call system, he is having people talk to people — giving a personal touch to the campaign. Finally, Mr. Berke is right on target with the issues concerning the Democrats in this district.
Mr. Berke believes in a state minimum wage (Tennessee is only one of five states that does not have one), expansion of health care on the state level to fill in the gap where the federal government is failing us, holding the line on taxes while making government accountable for every dollar government spends, and working to restore the voter’s faith in government. Mr. Berke has an intellectual command of the issues, and when elected he possesses the tact and diplomacy to navigate through the dangerous political maze facing him in the state Senate. He will be able to work with those in and out of the “establishment” while holding on to the integrity he established by working hard in his community. He will, for the Democrats, represent their values. With all of this said, Mr. Berke understands the value of compromise - working with others to get the job done. Andy Berke deserves to be the Democratic nominee for state Senate.
John Wolfe — if it weren’t for John Wolfe being associated with a man who believes Nathan Bedford Forrest is a great general (Forrest was a slave trader and racist), and his association with a man who believes that all Democrats are liberal idiots who should be voted out of office, John would be a good solid Democrat for office. However, Mr. Wolfe has associated himself with a man who regularly engages in the politics of hate.
Mr. Wolfe, and Mr. Tim Price host a Saturday radio show - Straight Talk Radio. The show regularly allows Mr. Price to engage in the politics of myth, and the politics of hate. Unfortunately for Mr. Wolfe, this association undermines his credibility, and seriously calls into question whether he is the Democrat he proclaims to be. Mr. Wolfe needs to learn, when you associate with rats…well, you get the point.
Mr. Wolfe’s war against the establishment is also another issue. Mr. Wolfe oftentimes assumes facts, and attacks the power structure just for the sake of attacking the power structure. Oftentimes it appears that Mr. Wolfe engages in this tactic to improve the ratings of his radio show. Unfortunately, this approach undermines Mr. Wolfe’s credibility. With his history of attacking the establishment, Mr. Wolfe has demonstrated an inability to navigate through the difficult waters involved with being a state senator. Mr. Wolfe, if elected, will have to work with those in and out of the “establishment.” His conduct demonstrates an inability to do so. This is unfortunate, because Mr. Wolfe’s baggage is overshadowing his intelligence and his strong Democratic stance on some issues important to Democrats.
With this said, in this election Mr. Wolfe has tried to go back to his roots - his solid Democratic values. Mr. Wolfe believes in eliminating the sales tax on food and stands for universal health care. He strongly believes that a state senator needs to help working families. He has demonstrated a desire to keep the values of his party strong. Despite his efforts to go back to his roots, Mr. Wolfe’s campaign is overshadowed by his negatives.
Mr. Wolfe has the potential to be a solid Democratic nominee for the party and would represent the Democratic District well on issues, only if he had, in the past, demonstrated an ability to effectively represent the district. However, John Wolfe’s baseless conspiracy theories, his accusations about the power structure, and his tendency to get off issue shows he will not play well in Nashville. Unfortunately, if elected Mr. Wolfe will be ineffective because he will go to Nashville with baggage that shows an inability to work with those in the Senate’s leadership.
Ken Jordan — Mr. Jordan is the mystery candidate, often not making public appearances on the media outlets. He recently was a no show for public television’s “Tennessee Insider.” Mr. Jordan also has a history of supporting a U.S. Senate Republican against the Democrat in the 2006 election. Now, do not get me wrong, anyone elected to office will have to work with Republicans, it is a fact of life. More important, a state senator from this district will need solid Democratic support to work with Republicans and to build bridges.
Mr. Berke, unlike any of his opponents, has shown an ability for bridge building. Mr. Wolfe, on the other hand, has too much baggage by his past associations to allow him to gain the support he needs. Mr. Jordan, who faces votes from his Democratic constituency has a problem — he cannot gain, nor will he ever be able to gain, a solid base of support allowing him to build bridges. Mr. Jordan does not have the ability to become an effective leader in the state senate, particularly because of his inability to get Democrats behind him. Here is why Mr. Jordan is doomed for failure.
Mr. Jordan wants the Democratic Party’s nomination. He is black, and he needs the support of the large black population in the District. Blacks are not going to vote for Jordan.
In 2006 this country heard about the difficult and contentious race between Bob Corker and Harold Ford Jr. Mr. Ford is a black who was narrowly defeated by Mr. Corker in the U.S. Senate race. If Mr. Ford were elected, he would be the first black senator elected in the state since reconstruction. During the election, the Republicans ran an ad that has since become known as the “call me Harold” ad. Many blacks strongly felt that the ad was racist, and I join blacks in that conclusion.
The ad was dirty, unfair, and a typical below the belt maneuver designed to make race a central issue in the election. Mr. Corker denied responsibility for the ad, and ultimately called on the Republicans to pull the ad, an action which many thought took Mr. Corker too long to accomplish. Blacks were and continue to be outraged.
Here is why the Corker issue undermines Mr. Jordan - Mr. Jordan campaigned for, contributed to, and appeared in Corker commercials during the campaign for Senate. Mr. Jordan also worked for Mr. Corker. Mr. Jordan admits he supported Corker in the general election. Based upon his history of involvement with the Corker campaign, Mr. Jordan will have to explain why he, as a black, supported a candidate who continues to be associated with the “call me Harold ad.”
Now, in a Democratic primary is there any realistic chance that Mr. Jordan can win this race? He has never adequately explained his actions, and based upon his record he should be seeking the Republican nomination for the state Senate. Mr. Jordan is running in the wrong primary.
Mr. Jordan is well spoken, intelligent, and energetic. He is, however, a Republican in sheep’s clothing. Democrats should not vote for Mr. Jordan to be their party’s nominee. Doing so is a serious mistake because Mr. Jordan will not stand strong for the Democratic ideals held so firmly by those living in District 10.
Finally, some of the operatives in State Sen. Ward Crutchfield’s camp appear to be supporting Mr. Jordan. If this is the case, Democrats must show the courage to move on from Sen. Crutchfield. Although Mr. Crutchfield has taken responsibility for his actions, and has served his community well, Democratic voters must move on, remembering Sen. Crutchfield’s service but also electing someone who has no connections to the Crutchfield legacy. Democrats need new leadership. They need to insure that the future is one the begins with a fresh start, a fresh start demonstrating a new direction for Democrats in this district. A vote for a “Crutchfield” candidate will resurrect the political albatross of the Tennessee Waltz, a criminal investigation resulting in Sen. Crutchfield’s unfortunate, and heart-breaking, resignation.
Dr. Lee Whitaker — there is really nothing bad about Dr. Whitaker except his inexperience.
This man acted as the personal physician for Nelson Mandela during a visit to the United States. Dr. Whitaker is intelligent and well spoken. He does not yet, however, have the knowledge of the issues necessary to be an effective senator for the district. His gifts serve him well, and his concern for voters is genuine. However, Dr. Whitaker needs seasoning. He needs to get to know the community better before he is elected to represent his constituents in any elective office. If elected at this stage of his political career, Dr. Whitaker would be largely ineffective as a state senator.
Dr. Whitaker will serve Democrats well in the future.
Early voting has Democrats outvoting Republicans 4 to one. As of 9/25/2007 only 321 Republicans voted early in Marion and Hamilton County, Tennessee — both make up this Senate District. These early vote totals show that a Republican has no chance of winning this election in November. The dismal turnout for Republicans does not bode well for any Republican. These numbers show a Democrat will win this district. The challenge for Democrats is to elect a candidate who will serve their interests in the long term. That candidate is Andy Berke. This is why I have personally contributed to Mr. Berke’s campaign. Although I do not agree with him on all issues, I strongly believe he will serve the best interests of this Democratic district.
Fundraising is often an indicator of who will win an election and, if fundraising is any indicator, this race will be between Berke and Republican Oscar Brock. Remember, however, in politics anything is possible, but keep in mind the following report from the Chattanoogan.com:
“Chattanooga attorney Andy Berke amassed $275,529 in the first reporting period in his quest to take the state District 10 Senate seat long held by Ward Crutchfield. Attorney Berke listed 509 contributors to his campaign that pits him against three other Democrats in the upcoming primary election. Oscar Brock, son of former U.S. Sen. Bill Brock, has hauled in $93,083 thus far. He is facing four GOP rivals.”
None of the other candidates even come close. Based upon these totals, it appears that Republican Oscar Brock will win his primary. Mr. Brock does not have the experience, or the ability, to cross over to get the Democratic votes to win the general election. However, he will be an opponent bringing to the forefront the differences between the candidates and keeping the election in the public eye. A Berke v. Brock race is in the best interests of the district.
Unfortunately, it appears the rest of the Republicans are off the radar screen.
All politics are local, and this race promises to continue to be one that demonstrates just how important local politics can be.
So, in closing I have one word to say…
Vote.
Stuart F. James
info@freespeechamerica.us
* * *
Former Democratic Chairman Stuart James attempts "Sizing Up the District 10 State Senate Candidates" by endorsing Berke's "organization," his ability to work with the "establishment,” and his far-reaching agenda to take on at the state level, issues presently under federal jurisdiction, such as immigration, minimum wage, and filling the gaps in Medicare.
From Mr. James' lofty perspective, Ken Jordan it seems is neither Democratic enough nor black enough. Mr. James vilifies Ken Jordan as “a Republican in sheep’s clothing,” for having publicly supported his former boss, Mayor Corker. Mr. James then presumes to speak for all of the African-American community by saying, “Blacks are not going to vote for Jordan.” James also criticizes “operatives…in Crutchfield’s camp supporting Jordan.” Mr. James is a former Republican and was accepted into the Democratic Party and I supported Mr. James as a Democratic candidate and chairman.
Like James, I am also a former chairman of the Democratic Party. I am supporting Ken Jordan now because I think he is the best candidate in the Democratic primary. I will continue to try to get good Democratic candidates elected as long as I am able. I think this guilt by association is a phony issue and a smear tactic.
Speaking of smear tactics, the race-baiting by the Republican National Committee, during the Corker campaign, has been publicly denounced by Ken Jordan. Mr. Jordan was deeply offended. For the record, Ken has called for a public apology from the RNC to all the people of Tennessee.
Now here is the incredible irony and unfairness of the James attack over the Corker ad. Currently, white guys in the upper echelons of the Democratic Party are saying the race-baiting by the RNC against a black candidate in the federal Senate race ought to disqualify a black candidate for state Senate.
Huh?
Hang the Republican race-baiting around the neck of a Black Democrat? Ken is BLACK, why would he be less offended by the RNC race-baiting than a bunch of white guys on Lookout and Signal Mountain trying to get another white guy elected?
As for Mr. James' pretension to speak for “Blacks,” James Mapp, former president of the local chapter of the NAACP, in a letter to the Times Free Press, strongly endorsed Ken Jordan for the state Senate. Personally, I trust Mr. Mapp’s authority to speak for African-Americans in Hamilton County more than Mr. James.
From my perspective, Berke’s “organization” largely was purchased. Mr. Berke’s “ability to work with the establishment,” is linked to his fundraising, fundraising that includes donations of thousands of dollars from “Rangers” (raised $1 million or more) in the Republican Party (for George Bush), like Lebovitz from CBL and Associates, fundraisers for George W. Bush. What access have these enormous donations purchased? Will Mr. Berke be working “WITH the establishment,” or FOR the establishment?
With all due respect to Mr. Berke’s ambitious goals to take on the largest federal problems like minimum wage, immigration and Medicare, I think it is naïve. To be sure, he is on the correct side of the issues, but it does not give me confidence that he really understands what job he is trying to get.
And where would the billions of dollars come from? I don’t think his rich Republican donors believe they will have to pay for it. If he spends the taxpayers’ money like his campaign funds, “God Help Us!”
Ken Jordan is a businessman focused on outcomes. His proposals are practical and affordable. His proposals are appropriate for the state level office his is seeking. He has proposed:
· Extending lottery scholarships to adult (non traditional) student;
· Simplifying the state bureaucracy for extending medical coverage to seniors;
· Cutting the state sales taxes on food.
I support Ken Jordan; I join Stuart James in saying, VOTE!
Paul Smith
Former Chairman of the Hamilton County Democratic Party
* * *
I find it very interesting that Stuart James introduces his thesis on why the Democrats should elect a particular candidate, based on having an “organized and efficient campaign”.
Yes, Mr. James, nano-seconds after Mr. Crutchfield announced he would resign his Senate seat you put forth a blitz campaign worthy of admiration. Your candidate came forth within a matter of hours with a hefty six figures sum in donations that would be the envy of any aspiring candidate. Then, you rounded up every elected and appointed Democrat within miles to endorse your choice of candidate.
Yet, where were you and your candidate when in the last legislative session the minimum wage issue was being fought, and Chris Clem voted against it? You were nowhere to be found. Yet, John Wolfe was there.
John Wolfe is a candidate for the people, Mr. James. Yet, you condemn him via guilt by association. I heard John denounce the statement you referenced by the radio co-host, who for the record pays for his own radio time and therefore bears the responsibility for his own thoughts and opinions.
The John Wolfe I know has defended many African-Americans pro bono and many Marion County residents, as well. John Wolfe has attacked the “establishment” that you conveniently defend, and yet you seem to find that terrible.
If you believe that there is not a power structure in Chattanooga government, then you must think the constituency has fallen off the back end of a turnip truck. These are the very people that have kept wages down for decades. If John Wolfe has “assumed facts”, then why have none of the “establishment” sued? What you refer to as “baggage”, we call courage as an advocacy for the people and justice, Mr. James.
John Wolfe has gone to the courts to defend the poor, the indigent, and certainly a fair number of African Americans, who happened to be in financial straits and temporarily incapable of affording quality legal representation. John Wolfe has taken on the police departments in local cities and counties, and John has certainly spent his own time and money putting his life on the line in the pursuit of justice for other people.
John Wolfe has been an advocate for the Democratic Party for years; possibly not your kind of Democrat, Mr. James, but a true Democrat, regardless. And pardon me for saying so, but your candidate, nice as he appears, has definitely not walked-the-talk….not even close to the walking John Wolfe has done.
Thankfully, the Democratic Party is a party that has long allowed dissent and disagreement amongst its supporters. It is unfortunate that your heavy-handed rhetoric attempts to weaken this long-held tradition.
Rebecca O'Neal
Atlanta
* * *
Having read Mr. Stuart James’ “article”, more like a campaign ad, titled “Sizing Up The District 10 State Senate Candidates”, I was appalled to read the “defender of free speech” so utterly disregard the right to exercise it.
John Wolfe has a radio show many of you will be familiar with in which he and his opinion-nemesis Tim Price, argue the opposing views from the Right and from the Left of each issue. In such a forum both views get their opportunity to make their voice heard which defines free speech. Mr. James’ senseless argument that John Wolfe’s mere association with Mr. Price calls into question his Democratic values is the basis for a staunch diatribe of John Wolfe in his recent article here in The Chattanoogan on Sunday.
This is an article designed to campaign for one candidate and trashes any opponent who has a chance against him. Free Speech indeed.
Free speech is not so named because of the price it cost Americans; my father SSGT. Charles D. Stringfield, was killed while fighting in Vietnam for the rights granted U.S. citizens making the price costly indeed. The term free speech refers to one’s freedom to exercise their right to voice their opinion as well as having their opinion voiced. Although John Wolfe and Mr. Price are often heard arguing over every issue they discuss, Mr. James has decided to link John Wolfe with the very views he so ardently opposes. Free Speech indeed.
John Wolfe has defended the citizens of Chattanooga against government corruption not merely for that one person, but for the citizenry of Chattanooga collectively. If the established government gets away with denying one citizen their rights, then the public suffers as a whole. So for speaking up for the citizenry of Chattanooga John Wolfe has now been labeled a conspiracy theorist and deemed ineffective if elected. Free Speech indeed.
The Democratic primary for this State Senate District 10 seat has been a very clean-fought campaign about ideas and issues that affect the constituents of Marion and Hamilton counties until this weekend. A lot has been said lately about the amount of money raised and spent by all candidates in this campaign. The mere facts that Mr. Berke has had many donors send in the maximum legal contribution to his campaign and he has spent roughly a quarter of a million dollars on his campaign has somehow been construed to mean he will win. Not so fast, my friend. This race is about issues faced by the working families of Hamilton and Marion counties like removing the state tax on food, healthcare for all Tennesseeans, education reform, and fighting government corruption. This election is not about who has the most money or where they spend it. Buying TV and radio ads is one thing; buying an article ostensibly designed to inform voters yet erroneously distorting the facts and issues to campaign for one candidate is despicable. Free Speech indeed.
I do, however, agree with Mr. James on one thing;
Vote!
Scott Stringfield
Whitwell, Tn.,
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