Farewell comments from David Hall

Dear Friend of David Hall for Congress,

I wanted to write and tell you that I contacted Congressman Jim Cooper by phone today and congratulated him on his victory. I also urged him to fight the pull of partisanship in DC and to remember the interests of the 75,000-plus voters in the 5th District who had cast a vote against him.

Lastly, I told him that I have always prayed for those in authority over me and that I would continue to do so. It was a very pleasant conversation.

In what is probably going to be my last mass communication with you, I want to encourage you, as a supporter of my campaign, to make this same choice. Though we have disagreed with many of this decisions in the past, and though we worked hard to unseat Mr. Cooper, he is our Congressman, and we still need to pray for him to have wisdom and guidance from God. That's my last request of you, and I am confident you'll do your best to come through . . . you have certainly done so in the past. Thank you again for everything you have done for us.

Sincerely,
David Hall

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Fair Play for Keith Olbermann

It looks like my next to favorite liberal to hate, MSNBC's Keith Olbermann, is getting canned for partisan political activity. He has been suspended without pay. His offense is that he made political contributions to three Democratic candidates — Kentucky senate candidate Jack Conway who lost his election to Rand Paul and two Arizona House members.

His political contribution violated an NBC policy that states:

Anyone working for NBC News who takes part in civic or other outside activities may find that these activities jeopardize his or her standing as an impartial journalist because they may create the appearance of a conflict of interest. Such activities may include participation in or contributions to political campaigns or groups that espouse controversial positions. You should report any such potential conflicts in advance to, and obtain prior approval of, the President of NBC News or his designee.

What a joke! Keith Olberman never had any standing as " an impartial journalist." I have never considered him impartial nor a serious journalist or a news reporter and I doubt anyone else has either. He is a spokesman for the extreme left wing of the Democratic Party. He is an advocate for a particular point of view. He is no more an "impartial journalist" than is Glen Beck or Rush Limbaugh. When one watches Keith Olberman, one knows what one is watching, just as one knows what one is watching when one watches Rachel Maddow, my favorite liberal to hate.

These people are not mainstream. They don't even pretend to be mainstream. They are not deceiving anyone. They don't even pretend to be fair or impartial. Their nightly hours of TV broadcasting are nothing but liberal propaganda and left wing opinion. Why not let them contribute to the causes they believe in? What is the harm?

I am more concerned about the so-called serious journalist of the main stream media (liberal media? lame stream media? drive-by media?) who pretend to be fair and impartial than I am those who openly advocate leftist positions. I think I know the politics of people like Diane Sawyer, Katie Couric and Charlie Gibson. I would like to know who they contribute money to. It is time to let them come out of the closet. It is time to end this silly pretense that journalist are impartial observers. I would like to let everyone show their bias.

To allow Keith Olberman to have several hours a night to attack Republicans and promote Democrats and then fire him because he contributes money to Democrats is the height of hypocrisy. Keith Olberman deserves to keep his job.

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Fair Ground deal delayed thanks to Jim Gotto

The city's plans to take over part of Hickory Hollow Mall have been delayed at least two weeks, thanks to an obscure rule wielded last night by Metro Councilman Jim Gotto.

The Tennessean reports that Gotto used "Rule 12" to stop the council from considering the bill for the first of three required votes. The rule says that on nights with public hearings, other bills cannot be introduced. The first vote will now take place Nov. 16, at the earliest.(link)

Despite Jim Gotto's grueling campaign followed by a tremendous victory in winning the State House District 60 election Tuesday, Jim Gotto was back on the job and in top form last night. The skids have been greased and the deal to sell the fair grounds has been moving ahead at top speed with very little analysis and little community input.

Thanks to Jim Gotto's knowledge of the rules and courage to use them, the deal to sell the fairgrounds has been slowed for at least two weeks. The bill that Gotto prevented from being considered last night was a bill to lease 340,000 square feet of the struggling Hickory Hollow mall. The flea market and other fairgrounds activities would be moved from the fairgrounds site to the leased Hickory Hollow space.

What I want to know, why is this a good deal for the city? The fairgrounds is already paid for and it bring in money. Why lease space? What is the economic impact of the fairgrounds? Who is this being done for? What is the plan for the fairgrounds? Why is this really being done? Who does this benefit? You can not convince me that there is not some backroom deal behind this.

Jim Gotto's skill as a legislator will be missed in the Metro Council but will serve him well in the State Legislature.

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We will sing in the sunshine...

"Former Revenue Commissioner Reagan Farr has been laying the groundwork for a new company involving solar energy that would position him, Gov. Phil Bredesen and the state's top economic development official to profit from an industry they have spent more than two years trying to build up in Tennessee."(link)

This may be perfectly legal but it sure doesn't smell right. The Revenue Commissioner, the Governor, and the head of Economic Development lay the groundwork to make Tennessee hospitable to the solar energy industry, including the training of a workforce for that industry, then they leave office and take advantage of what they created, the contacts they have made and what they have learned. Am I the only one that thinks this is unethical?

Also, they incorporate in Delaware, to avoid Tennessee taxes I assume. I don't blame anyone for legally avoiding taxes whenever they can; however, while in office why did they not work to change Tennessee's corporate tax laws to make Tennessee as attractive as Delaware?

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REPUBLICANS MAKE HISTORY IN TENNESSEE

GOP RUNS THE TABLE IN TN, CAPTURES GOVERNORSHIP & INCREASES MAJORITIES IN BOTH CHAMBERS OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY

NASHVILLE, TN - For the first time in modern history, Tennessee will have a Republican governor and majorities in both state legislative bodies simultaneously. Earlier it was announced that Republican Bill Haslam was elected governor of Tennessee and returns are showing that Republicans have built on their current 19-14 majority in the State Senate and razor-thin 50-48-1 majority in the State House. Returns are still coming in, but as of this release, Republicans have made double-digit gains in the State House.

"For the first time in modern history, Republicans are going to lead at every level of government in this state," said Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Chris Devaney. "This is truly a historic day and Republicans are honored that voters have put their trust in our party to lead Tennessee.

"This was 100 percent a team effort," continued Devaney. "I want to thank our Republican Senators and Congressmen as well as the Republican leadership of the State House and Senate Caucuses. These leaders went above and beyond to help elect our candidates and their hard work was critical in our success this year. I also want to thank the thousands of donors, volunteers, and Party leadership members who gave us their support. Clearly we wouldn't be where we are without the critical resources they provided us over the course of this election cycle.

"Lastly, I want to thank all of the Republican candidates who ran this year. Running for office is an extremely difficult task and regardless of the outcome, each one of these candidates should be commended for their dedication and sacrifice over the last months."

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The Big Win!

The Republican win was big, very big! We took control of the House, gaining at least 60 House seats. We reduced the Democratic margin in the Senate and we won elections across the country down to the state and courthouse level. This Republican win means President Obama will have to moderate and compromise or face gridlock for the next two years.

The state wins will give Republicans the pen when it comes time to redraw district lines. This can shape the election potential for Republicans for at least the next ten years. When it comes to redistricting, I hope we will be as fair as the Democrats have been.

I am almost not "disgruntled" this morning. I am extremely happy that Jim Gotto won his race and flipped House District 60 to the Republican column. Unfortunately David Hall was unable to defeat lap dog Jim Cooper and we failed to prevail in the other State House races and the State Senate race in Davidson County. Democrats, however had to actually fight to retain their seats and spend money and campaign. This kept them from doing mischief in other people's races. Some of the races were respectably close. Unfortunately for now, Davidson County remains a liberal island in a conservative sea but we are making inroads.

The WSJ said the election was "a titanic sweep beating the Republican tidal waves of 1946 and 1994." There is no shortage of analysis of last night's election. This WSJ article is a good one with analysis of exit polling and statements from Party leaders and analysis of individual state races and highlights of the 2010 mid-term election.

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Congratulations Jim Gotto!

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Today is the day: Vote Republican

State House District 60
Jim Gotto
www.jimgotto.com




State House District 51
Charles Williamson
http://charleswilliamson.net

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"Just Get Me To The Polls On Time." Free Rides

Let's get all GOP'ers to the polls tomorrow!

Do you need a ride? Do you have a family member or friend who needs a ride?

Reservations are being taken right now!

Voters Living In Green Hills, Belle Meade and Forest Hills:
Call Peter and Gail Voysey: (615) 665-0244

Voters Living Elsewhere In Davidson County:
Call Diane DiStasio (615) 364-0422

REMEMBER: GOP WIN 2010!

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Vote against the Right to Hunt and Fish Admenment

On November 2, 2010 when we go to the polls to cast our vote for the next governor of Tennessee, U. S Representatives, State Senators and State Representatives, on that same ballot will be the opportunity to vote for an Amendment to the Tennessee Constitution guaranteeing our right to hunt and fish.

What? Yes, friends we are being asked to amend our noble and beautiful State Constitution which outlines the functions and responsibilities of State government and limits the scope of state government with a frivolous amendment to protect our right to hunt and fish.

The proposed amendment would add this language to the Constitution:

The citizens of this state shall have the personal right to hunt and fish, subject to reasonable regulations and restrictions prescribed by law. The recognition of this right does not abrogate any private or public property rights, nor does it limit the state’s power to regulate commercial activity. Traditional manners and means may be used to take non-threatened species.

Did you not know that the right to hunt and fish was was being threatened? Well it is not. However, unlike freedom of worship and the right to a trial by jury and the right to navigate the Mississippi, the right to hunt and fish is not specified. It is not guaranteed.

If that alarms you, neither is the right to operate a motor boat on the lakes of this great State, to drive a car, bird watch, eat fatty high calorie food, or watch football on TV in the State Constitutions. If we guaranteed all of our rights in the State Constitution it would be a very long document.

The argument for passing this amendment goes like this: The animal rights folks (PETA) are well funded and passionate about stopping hunting and fishing. If we stand by and do nothing, some day we may no longer have these rights.

OK, I think we can use the same arguments on any number of things. Some tree-hugging environmentalist, especially canoers and kayakers find motor boats offensive. Noisy motorboats disturb the calm quite enjoyment of nature and the wake of a motorboat can upset a canoe or kayak. If we stand by and do nothing, some day we may no longer have the right to motorboat.

A lot of concerned nutritionist and other food Nazis think the world would be better off if we banned all McDonalds and other fast food. If we stand by and do nothing, some day we may no longer have the right to eat at McDonalds.

Remember a few years ago when a report came out that said that more men commit spouse abuse during football playoffs? I think this was proven to be a phony "fact" but the argument was that all of that testosterone and adrenalin made men more violent. If we don't watch it, the feminazis will ban football. If we stand by and do nothing, some day we may no longer have the right to watch football.

This is nuts! My examples are as valid as the proposed amendment regarding hunting and fishing. This amendment was placed on the ballot by our state legislature, passing the house by a vote of 90-1 and the Senate unanimously. This does not mean the proposed amendment has merit; just that we have a bunch of gutless wimps in the legislature who will pander and give in to any pressure group if there is not an equally powerful pressure group on the other side.

In order for this amendment to pass it must get "yes" votes equal to 50% plus one of the number of votes cast in the election for Governor. So, not voting for this proposed amendment is the same as voting no. Please do not vote for this stupid, frivolous, unnecessary amendment.

Politician pay a lot of lip service to respecting the constitution. Respecting the constitution is not only a matter of not passing laws that conflict with the constitution but it is also not cluttering the constitution with meaningless provisions that more appropriately belong in memorializing resolutions.

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Desperate Mike Turner Resorts to Dirty Campaign Tactics

Nashville, TN (Nov. 1, 2010) --- House Democratic Caucus Chairman, Mike Turner, has resorted to desperate campaign tactics in his bid to hold onto his position. In an eleventh-hour effort to save a campaign that is falling behind in the polls, Turner has released a direct mail piece that calls out opponent Charles Williamson for a decades-old traffic stop.

The incident occurred more than 20 years ago. Williamson was charged with reckless driving, not DUI, in the 1988 incident. The candidate has openly discussed the topic throughout the campaign.

“It was a long time ago, a frankly a different time,” Williamson says. “I had been at a business function and back then, we all though a little differently about those things. Today, we are more aware of the risks involved.”

The effort by Turner comes on the heels of similarly negative mailers sent by the state Republican party, which Chairman Chris Devaney has acknowledged sending without the consent of Williamson or his staff. The mailers highlight several well-publicized news items about Mike Turner’s questionable ethics. Turner has been accused of abuse of power in his positions with the fire department and state house, driving for more than a year on an invalid driver’s license, calling an on-duty fire engine for a ride after a traffic stop, attempting to sell his discounted UT parking pass for a considerable profit and rumors of participation in dog-fighting.

At a recent breakfast event, both Williamson and Turner referred to the mail campaign with Turner denying all accusations. Williamson remained firm in his desire to run a clean campaign despite negative efforts by the state GOP.

“Early on, our campaign made the decision not to raise old embarrassing issues,” Williamson said.

Williamson was light-hearted at the community breakfast which was held at John A’s Restaurant in District 51.

“If you get to this age and you don’t have something in your past,” Williamson said, “you haven’t been living.”

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Bergmann-Cohen race tightens!

Durning this campaign season, I have focused most of my attention and energy and political contributions on our own local Republican candiditates, but I have followed and occationally contributed to other high profile races such as Sharron Angle's race in Nevada where she is challenging Harry Reid and Marco Rubio's race in Florida and a very few others.

One of the races I have been following is the Charlotte Bergmann challenge to Steve Cohen. Memphis Congressman Steve Cohen is by any measure absolutely one of the most liberal members of the U. S. Congress and he is being challenged by a conservative African American female supported by the tea party. I would find it extremely gratifying to see a Black conservative women defeat an extremely liberal white guy. I have had the chance to meet Ms Bergman a couple of times and she is a delightful person. I have followed her race quite closely. I respect her for being willing to take on Cohen but thought she was probably tilting at windmills. I frankly did not thing she had a chance. Her district is overwhelming a liberal district.

Now, however, it looks like that race is tightening if you can believe this report from the Commercial Appeal. She may actually win! I am keeping my fingers crossed. I would be as happy to see Bergmann defeat Cohen as any race outcome in the country.

Commercial Appeal Reveals Race Tightening
Says Charlotte Bergmann Tougher Opponent that Cohen Anticipated

Going into the 2010 election cycle, conventional political wisdom held that U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, the incumbent 9th Congressional District representative from Memphis, would face his toughest test in the Democratic primary before cruising to victory in November.

After all, it was former Memphis mayor Willie Herenton challenging Cohen in the primary, and the general election would likely pit him against a Republican candidate embracing tea-party philosophy in a district where 77 percent of the voters went for President Barack Obama in 2008.

But that general-election opponent, a rare African-American Republican candidate named Charlotte Bergmann, appears to be galvanizing more anti-Cohen support than Herenton could muster (he got just 21 percent of the vote) and is heading a campaign that in many ways is more aggressively taking on Cohen.

For the complete story in the Commercial Appeal click here.

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Jim Cooper is now considered "at risk"

In case you missed it, Democratic Rep. Jim Cooper is now considered "at risk" in the 5th District, according to a report last week by the influential "Cook Political Report," (link)
This race is winnable by David Hall.

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