EndCorporateHandouts.com shines light on corparate welfare

The Beacon Center just launched a new website created for the purpose of educating and informing the people of Tennessee on the use of corporate handouts in our state.

A corporate handout is a financial incentive given to a business often as an inducement to get the business to locate or expand in Tennessee.  It is often called economic development. It may include cash handouts or so much payment for each job created or exemption from certain taxes or agreements to train the workforce or development of the industrial site. It is often a package of incentives. The Beacon Center says it is "simply when the government takes your hard-earned tax dollars and hands that money over to big corporations, normally with little oversight or transparency."  "Tennessee has doled out an astonishing $3 billion in corporate handouts since 2005," says Beacon.

Beacon argues that the practice is unfair to small businesses and other firms who wish to compete in the state of Tennessee. "The purpose of EndCorporateHandouts.com is to shine a bright light on these facts so that this unethical practice can be stopped and prosperity can be attained by all Tennesseans, not just big corporations." says The Beacon Center in announcing the website.

 

The website has a "who got the loot" map. You can hover your mouse over a spot on the map and see which corporation got how much at that location.

 

In the video on the website, Beacon recounts that Hemlock Semiconductor took $95 million dollars from taxpayers and never created a single job and never even opened their doors. While I am totally in philosophical agreement with Beacon and would like to see an end to corporate welfare, I think it is more complex than just stopping the practice.  If Tennessee did not provide incentives then some other state would have Fed Ex and Volkswagen instead of Tennessee. 

 

I feel the same way about Nashville's corporate welfare as I do that of the State.  Nashville has given away millions in tax increment financing schemes and industrial development funding to lure or keep businesses. However, if we did not do some of this, those companies that came to Nashville would be somewhere else. 

 

I do not think cities should incentivize sports franchises to locate in their city either.  Why should poor people who will most likely never go to a foot ball game be taxed to fund a stadium for some rich man's sports team? I would like to let those rich boys who never grew up pay for their own arenas and stadiums.  However, that is the way it is done.  A city not willing to fund or help fund a facility does not get a sports franchise.

While I think corporate welfare is wrong, it is not easy to unilaterally disarm.  If Tennessee did not engage in economic development, Tennessee would be much poorer.  How do you get off the merry-go-round while it is still spinning? I think that is the question that needs to be addressed but I am pleased to see Beacon expose the extend of corporate welfare.

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Mark Winslow resigned in a self-righteous indignant huff

Instead of resigning from the State Executive Committee with a mea culpa and apologizing for his  roll as the Benedict Arnold of the  Tennessee Republican Party,  Mark Winslow resigned in a self-righteous indignant huff, attacking others.  In a resignation letter he wrote, " the TNGOP is really nothing more than a small corrupt group who view our party as their private club and personal piggy bank."

The following was posted to Winslow's Facebook page:

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Mark Winslow resigns his seat on the Republican Party State Executive Committee.

Mark Winslow

I am pleased to see that Mark Winslow has finally done the honorable thing and resigned his seat on the Republican Party State Executive Committee. Working as a paid campaign manager for Democrats while supposed to be serving to help Republican get elected to office was an obvious conflict of interest.


In 2014 Winslow worked for, SmithWaterhouse, a firm that manages political campaigns and lobbies.  As an employee of SmithWatershouse, Winslow managed the campaign of Democrat Mellissa Blackburn who successfully ran  for Davidson County Judge, Division II. Her Republican opponent was Marian Fodyce, a well-qualified candidate.  After Blackburn's victory, Winslow went to work for her.  He continued to serve on the State Republican Party SEC. An honorable person would have either refused to manage the campaign of a Democrat or would have resigned his position with the Party.   




As a member of the State Executive Committee of the Republican Party, he served as a voting member of the Davidson County Republican Party Executive Committee. As such, he had access to Republican polling data and strategy and a vote on how much and when to provide funding to Republican candidates. Winslow voted against providing funding to Blackburn's Republican opponent Marian Fodyce.

In April of 2014, when candidates for office were getting on the ballot, Winslow's candidacy for a seat on the SEC was challenged on the grounds that he was not a bonafide Republican based of his working to elect Blackburn described above.  Unfortunately, Chris Devaney, Chairman of the Party at that time, refused to uphold the challenge. 

For more on Winslow see this post:
Personal attacks, tempers flare at Nashville GOP meeting over Mark Winslow's conflict of interest.

Mark Winslow, member of the Republican Party SEC, is still working for Democrat Judge-elect Melissa Blackburn. 

 Mark Winslow is still working to elect Democrats to public office. 

 Judge Rejects Mark Winslow's Defamation Case Against Rep. Fleischmann and Chip Saltsman

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Beacon Center Urges Caution on Healthcare Task Force Proposal

Press release, NASHVILLE – Today, Speaker Beth Harwell's organized healthcare task force, the "3 Start Healthy Project," ​ released a tentative outline of their ​ plan to expand government healthcare in Tennessee​. While the Beacon Center has committed to working with task force members on exploring market-based, innovative solutions to improve access and quality of care, they remain cautious of the proposed plan.

Beacon Policy Director Lindsay Boyd​,​ who testified against ​Gov. Haslam's ​ Medicaid expansion​ proposal​ ​during the 2015 legisl​ative session reacted by stating, "The Beacon Center has ​serious reservations about the ​ direction​ and shape​ this proposal ​may take . ​Because it is incomplete in regard to the details needed to assess the sustainability, flexibility, and socio-economic impact of such a program, we must withhold judgement ​as we​ continue to​ meet​ and discuss these plans​ ​in greater depth ​ with members of the task force​."​

Boyd went on to note, "The Beacon Center ​remains consistent in our opposition to ​ ​ ​ ​an expansion of Medicaid​​ under the Affordable Care Act, ​ and ​will not support efforts that may jeopardize the state's autonomy, economy, and access to care for those most vulnerable patients already enrolled in the state's already crowded Medicaid program."

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Beth Harwell task force pitches TennCare expansion plan

TennCare would be expanded via a phase-in program that places priority on veterans and people with mental health or substance abuse disorders ...(link)

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Will Pinkston and Jackson Miller square off in forum focused on discipline

by Jason Gonzales, The Tennessean- Will Pinkston and Jackson Miller met in a public forum for the first time since each declared his candidacy for Nashville schools District 7 more than five months ago. ... "Budgets really are a reflection of our values. If we value certain outcomes then we need to put the money behind it to make it happen," Pinkston said. ... Miller, however, has called for increased freedom for principals to do what is right for their schools and communities. ..., he said numerous times the district doesn't need more top-down mandates, but the ability for schools to change the working culture and environment. "Just having money in the budget isn't enough." (link)

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The 2nd Amendment is Homeland Secuity rally July 2.

From Nashville Tea Party:

Join Country Music Super Star Larry Gatlin and WWTN Host Ralph Bristol on Saturday July 2nd to celebrate America and proclaim our right to self-defense. "The 2nd Amendment is Homeland Security" rally will feature great music by Larry Gatlin, Taylor Bennett, Adam Pope, political candidate and organization booths where you can talk to your favorite candidates and groups. Come together with like minded patriots and join us for a great celebration.

Mark your Calendars, Save the Date: Saturday, July 2nd at 10 AM

Location: Charlie Daniels Park, MT Juliet, TN Map Link. 

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Tennessee Legislative ratings from Americans for Prosperity. Who are the "Taxpayer Heroes" and "Taxpayer Zereos"

To see the  the issues that were considered in creating the ranking and how each legislator voted on those issues, see the full report at this link.

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Gov. Haslam Says He's Going To Try To Help Republican Lawmakers Win, Not Trump

By Anna Butrico, Nashville Public Radio - Governor Bill Haslam may not ever endorse Donald Trump. Tennessee’s Republican Governor has been hesitant to give his official support for the GOP nominee. Haslam now says he doesn’t plan to focus on the presidential race. .... “I haven’t been real excited about some of the things he said. I guess that’s the best way to put it." (link)

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Grant Starrett is not going to birng up that stuff about Scott DeJarlais pressuring his misstress and his wife to have abortions.

Grant Starrett Pledges To Not Attack Personal Issues 

Challenges Scott DesJarlais to do the same 

Grant Starrett

Press release, (MURFREESBORO, Tenn.) – Today, Grant Starrett challenged Scott DesJarlais to join him in a pledge to the people of the 4th Congressional District of Tennessee that he will engage in a policy-centered campaign, not a campaign on personal attacks.

In a video posted to his official campaign Facebook account, Starrett stated:

“I've gone out of my way not to talk about Scott DesJarlais' personal life, instead I've highlighted our differences in vision, in policy, and how we'd approach the job of being a Congressman. And what I'm going to tell you today, is that is exactly what I'm going to continue to do. I'm going to talk about just that: our policy differences. I'm not going to attack Scott DesJarlais' personal life.

Now, make no mistake, we will have a vigorous debate over policy. I find Scott DesJarlais' record in Washington unacceptable. I'm going to continue to talk about the fact that Scott DesJarlais has voted for hundreds of millions of dollars in Obama's military cuts, he's voted for hundreds of billions of dollars in Obama's food stamps, and he continuously refuses to define when life begins. I know when Tennesseans know the real DesJarlais record, I will win this election.

And if DesJarlais feels that he has a record he can run on, he's welcome to join me in this battle of ideas, because that's exactly what he called for when he ran for reelection last time. His campaign said that they left 'The negative personal mudslinging to political opponents knowing that voters want to focus on issues, not personal attacks,' and that 'It is just the sort of disgusting gutter politics we'd expected from Nancy Pelosi and her allies in Washington.' That's exactly what Scott DesJarlais has called for.

"Look, ultimately, as Christians, our sins will be held accountable by God. As Americans, our politicians will be held accountable by the people. Let's make this election about how to help Tennessee families, not about how to attack each other's."


In 2014 and 2012 DesJarlais’s campaign decried personal attacks from his political opponents:

"DesJarlais spokesman Robert Jameson called the piece "just the sort of disgusting gutter politics we'd expected from [U.S. House Democratic leader] Nancy Pelosi and her allies in Washington."
http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2014/jul/13/tracy-rakes-up-abortion-scandal-against-desjarlais/252060/

"We have focused on his official work in Washington and Tennessee and left the negative personal mudslinging to political opponents knowing that voters want a focus on issues, not personal attacks," spokesman Robert Jameson told National Journal."
http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2014/09/what-does-it-take-to-get-voted-out-of-congress/455712/

"He's chosen to engage in these same sort of gutter politics that Tennesseans have rejected in the last two elections."
http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2014/jul/13/tracy-rakes-up-abortion-scandal-against-desjarlais/252060/

"Desperate personal attacks do not solve our nation’s problems, yet it appears that there are those who choose to continue to engage in the same gutter politics that were characterized by national media as the nastiest in the nation just two years ago."
http://nooga.com/157766/rep-scott-desjarlais-remains-silent-amid-allegations-he-pressured-mistress-to-have-abortion/

"They have once again resorted to pure character assassination."
http://nooga.com/157766/rep-scott-desjarlais-remains-silent-amid-allegations-he-pressured-mistress-to-have-abortion/

My Comment:  I would like to see Scott Desjarlais defeated.  I think it matters even it you vote pro-life but pressure your pregnant  mistress to get an abortion. If you do, you are not a person of character and I think character matters.  This issue has been used against Scott Desjarlais before however and apparently his constituents do not care; they have elected him and reelected him.  I have heard chatter that the Desjarlais's campaign has sent out a hit piece of Grant Starrett.  I have not seen it and this is not confirmed and I do not know the context but have been told it was a nasty personal attack. If anyone has the piece please shoot a picture of it and mail it to me at Rodwilliams47@yahoo.com.

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Bellevue Republican Breakfast Club meets July 2nd. Guest speaker Nathan Massey.

Nathan Massey

From Betty Hood

Dear BRBC Friends,

Summer is here and July is coming soon.  That brings us to Saturday (July 2nd) when we will meet

for the breakfast club.  Our speaker will be Nathan Massey, our candidate to beat Bo Mitchell for the House seat.  Come and hear Nathan ideas for better serving us.  There will be time for Q & A after he speaks. 

Hope to see you there.
Betty

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First Tuesday, Wednesday July 6th. Special guest Steve Allbrooks and Scottie Nell Hughes.

From Tim Skow

HAPPY JULY 4th !!!!
WHAT A MONTH JULY is going to be in political history !!!

After a slew of candidates, controversies galore and MILLIONS spent... the preliminaries are over. PHASE 2 of electing a new President is at hand.

The Republican Party National Convention starts 2 weeks !

On Wednesday, July 6th ... at the July version of 1ST TUESDAY... you are about to get a personal preview of what is LIKELY take place in Cleveland !

Scottie Nell Hughes

Joining at 1ST TUESDAY: 6-time Convention Delegate, political guru and Congressman Marsha STEVE ALLBROOKS.  Blackburn's right-hand man,
....... AND..... Tea Party News Network Anchor and noted political contributor to FOX News, CNN and more, SCOTTIE NELL HUGHES.

This will be a VERY insightful event. Learn what to expect. Hear what may happen... AND... what to watch out for ! As always, doors at Waller Law [511 Union Street -27th floor] open 11am. Lunch from Copper Kettle Catering is $20 for Members and $25 for Guests begins at 11:30 with program at Noon sharp ! Secure seats for you, friends and those you care to invite at www.1sttuesdaynashville.com

Make plans, pass the word and join us on WEDNESDAY ! Enjoy this day.... and remember why we celebrate July 4th ! Look forward to seeing you on Wednesday... July 6th at 1ST TUESDAY !

Tim Skow,  Host of 1ST TUESDAY

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NOAH to host school board candidate forum tonight.

NOAH is hosting a a candidates forum tonight for District 5 school board candidates and other forums for District 7 and 9 to follow.

NOAH describes itself like this: "A faith led coalition that is multi-racial and interdenominational comprised of congregations, community organizations, and labor unions that work to give voice to traditionally marginalized people. NOAH engages ordinary people in the political and economic decisions affecting their lives, acting as a unified voice for the faith and justice community to act on its values in the public arena."

I would normally not expect candidates who are not in the pocket of unions to not get a fair hearing at a NOAH forum.  NOAH would be predisposed to support the candidates who support unions.  Member organizations of NOAH include the teachers union (MNEA), and SEIU Local 205, as well as several other unions. Organized labor has been a stumbling block to education reform. Having said that however, their is a fissure in the left of center spectrum especially in the Black community when it comes to education. Many African-Americans and white progressives have warmed to the idea of school choice and are sick of bad schools.  There are numerous examples of charter schools producing college-bound graduates instead of prison-bound dropouts. So, while NOAH may be predisposed to support opposition to education reform, the message of rejecting the status quo and striving to have a good school for every child regardless of the zip code may resonate with many of those who attend a NOAH event.

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State Loses Hearing, Shampoo Case Will Move Forward

Press release, NASHVILLE – In a major decision, the Beacon Center's lawsuit against the state of

Tammy Pritchard fights for right to earn
to earn a living washing hair

Tennessee's shampooing law will move forward. Last month, Beacon sued the Board of Cosmetology for its law requiring a license to wash hair. The state tried to get the case dismissed, saying there are "public safety issues" and that "favoring certain groups on economic grounds" is just politics, but the judge disagreed.

In denying the state's request to throw out the suit, Chancellor Carol McCoy stated that she has never heard of any safety issues with shampooing. She went on to note that our client deserves to have her day in court.

Beacon's client Tammy Pritchard was ecstatic. She exclaimed, "Down in my soul, I am so happy. I am truly overwhelmed at this ruling."

Beacon Director of Litigation Braden Boucek added, "I am very pleased with this result, it is a great day for freedom in Tennessee. We are one step closer to restoring the constitutional right to earn a living for Tennesseans like Tammy."

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Antioch neighbors oppose affordable housing development and property rights be damned!

This is what the proposed project would look like.

by Jen Todd, The Tennessean - Antioch residents are growing increasingly concerned about a proposed affordable housing apartment complex on Forest View Drive, citing overcrowded schools, traffic congestion and safety among many potential issues. ..... Councilwoman Karen Johnson has attempted to downsize the development to instead have single-family homes, saying the development would cause a concentration of low-income housing. ... Should they succeed, the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) board would reduce the number of low-income tax credits that could go to Nashville. ... THDA Executive Director Ralph Perrey have said downsizing the project would waste tax credits awarded for the property, causing fewer families access to affordable homes. (link)


My Comment. "I really want more affordable housing in Nashville, but don't put it in my backyard," say many Nashville political leaders.  "Also, we really don't care about property rights, we represent the concerns of our constituents."

"Tax credit" properties are not "projects."  If no one tells you, you would never know the funding to build the units included tax credits. They are not income-based but are priced to be affordable to people who may make a modest income. For more on this story see this link and this.

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Corker: We can protects due process rights and keeps guns out of terrorist hands

By Melanie Hunter, CNSNews.com, June 27, 2016- Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee,  told CNN’s “State of the Union with Jake Tapper” that Congress can still pass a bill that “protects 2nd Amendment rights” and keeps guns out of terrorist hands.

Tapper asked Corker about a gun control bill introduced by Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) last week after four other gun control bills were defeated along party lines. Collins’ bill would ban people on the government’s no fly list from buying guns. The bill fell shy of the 60 votes needed to advance it. Only eight Republicans voted for it, and Corker was not one of them.

Opponents of the bill were reportedly concerned about due process. They objected to the government being able to block the sale of a weapon without first demonstrating probable cause to a judge that the person trying to buy the gun was a terrorist. .... Corker said a gun control bill introduced by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) seems like a better option, because it doesn’t have the same due process concerns that the Collins bill does. (link)

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We cannot, under any circumstances, afford to lose the House.

I doubt I am going to vote for Trump.  The one reason I may, if I do, is that I do not want Hillary picking the next Supreme Court Justice. There are many reasons I could never vote for Hillary. My primary reasons why I probably won't vote for Trump is that he may start a world wide trade war, may actually deport 11 million Mexicans which would  be a humanitarian crisis and could destabilize Mexico, may allow the U.S. to default on our debt which could cause a major world wide depression which in addition to suffering and starvation could destabilize nations and disrupt the balance of power to our disadvantage. The minor reasons I am not likely to vote for Trump is that he is an offensive, crude, bombastic, egomaniac, bully. He still could persuade me to vote for him, but he would have a lot of persuading to do.

Should Hillary be elected she would most likely serve only one term.  If she wins and Republicans can hold the Senate and the House, we can mitigate the damage she can do. Realistically however, if she wins, Democrats probably retake the Senate for at least the first two years.  If we can keep the win below 60 seats however, we can still do a lot to mitigate her mischief and frustrate her policies, if we can hold the House.  We must hold the House!

I am not sure how I am going to vote or if I am going to vote for president. I am responding to this appeals to hold the House however. If you are going to vote for Trump or not, please join me in trying to save the House.

Ted Cruz

To Rod

Today at 2:33 PM

Rod --

It's easy to get distracted by the non-stop coverage of the presidential election, but we must not overlook those up for election to Congress.

We cannot, under any circumstances, afford to lose the House.

If we do, there won't be anything stopping Nancy Pelosi and her liberal allies from trampling all over your constitutional rights.

That's why I'm personally asking you to join me in supporting House Conservatives as they fight for the principles that you and I share.

Pitch in $27 Immediately >>>

Pitch in $75 Immediately >>>

Pitch in $147 Immediately >>>

Pitch in $247 Immediately >>>

The stakes are high: Thursday marks the critical FEC second quarter deadline.

Will you join me in standing to protect our House majority and defeat Obama's liberallegacy?

Rod, because your support is so important at this critical hour, every contribution made before the deadline will be TRIPLE MATCHED.  

We need strong conservatives elected nationwide -- and we can only getthere with help from patriots like you.

For Liberty,

Senator Ted Cruz

P.S. Here's a safe & secure link to donate online right now: https://join.nrcc.org/defeat-liberal-democrats/

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TNGOP Response to "Whole Women's Health" SCOTUS Decision

NASHVILLE, Tenn.-June 27, 2016—In a 5-3 decision, the United States Supreme Court today found

http://www.iwillchooselife.com/

women’s health provisions passed in Texas were unconstitutional. The case was Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt.

Two provisions of the Texas law were challenged: admitting privileges for doctors and surgical standards. Media outlets have reported the decision may have an impact on similar laws here in Tennessee. Reaction from pro-life advocates and conservative voices was swift.

State Senator Becky Duncan Massey (R—Knoxville) remarked, "Women's health should not be a political football. Today's decision undermines several initiatives to ensure women and their safety are prioritized. We will recommit to ensuring Tennessee stays on the path of valuing life, health, and safety."

State Representative Susan Lynn (R—Mt. Juliet) stated, "Today's Supreme Court decision is a disappointing moment for women's health in Tennessee. Once again, the Court has found a way to circumvent the will of the people. I am firmly committed to making sure that life is protected and that women are not put into risky medical situations. That's what we will continue working toward in the General Assembly."

Tennessee Republican Party National Committeewoman Peggy Lambert said, "It is not a mistake that life is the first inalienable right. This dangerous decision puts women at risk and ensures that more innocent lives will be taken. As a Party, we are committed to advancing proposals that value the essential human right to life and fighting back against an industry that values profit over safety."

In response to the decision, the TNGOP launched a pro-life petition to rally Tennesseans around the causes of women’s health and the protection of life. The petition may be found at: www.IwillChooseLife.com

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Rachel Maddow: Orlando attack follows ISIS 'soft target' call

This video is diffidently worth watching. It explains why "lone wolf" terrorist attacks are still "terror attacks."

 Rachel Maddow is one of my least favorite on-air news personalities, or news reporters, or commentators, or whatever the term may be.  She makes me cringe.  Her smug, cutesy, preachy, unfiltered self-righteous  liberalism makes be want to throw things at the TV.  I feel the same way about her as I am sure many liberals must feel about Rush Limbaugh.  She is not boring however and despite my dislike for  her, I still occasionally watch her.  I was surprised recently to see her explain something better than I have  heard it explained by anyone else. I must give her credit.  I guess even a blind pig finds an acorn every once  in  while.

In the past few years there have been several of these "lone wolf" terrorist attacks. Just like in Orlando, the perpetrator claims his allegiance to ISIS or claims he is committing his act in the name of Allah.  Conservatives generally are quick to call these attacks, acts of terrorism; liberals, not so much.  The media is reluctant to initially speculate that these acts are acts of terrorism.  Sometimes the media and government spokesmen will claim the massacre  was "work place violence," or a "hate crime," or the perpetrator was suffering from mental illness. The religious faith of the attacker is not one of the first things they initially consider important.   It is almost as if they are looking for any motivation for the attack other than radical Islam.  When no ties can be found to ISIS or other organized terrorist groups the act is often  not considered to be a terror attack. 

In this report Rachel Maddow explores the way the ISIS terrorist organization encourages attacks on western civilian targets by followers who act independently and are not given specific orders. ISIS gives a general order for their followers in the West to not come to the Middle East to join ISIS on the battlefield but tells them to commit terrorist attacks on the infidels where they are.  ISIS says do not ask permission or coordinate with us; just do it.  They also say hit soft targets; that does more to spread terror than hitting military or hardened targets. ISIS also tells their followers to make it know they are doing it as an act of Jihad and are loyal to ISIS. Maddow does a great job of laying all of this out.

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Stand for Children endores Sigler (34th district). Cox (45th), Lockhart (47th), and Whitson (65th).

From their website - Stand for Children is committed to ensuring that every child in Tennessee has access to, and is prepared for, a college education. This is why we support experienced, dedicated, and focused leaders who are committed to innovation in education and aligned with our vision to make quality public education available to all children. In this year’s upcoming election, stand with these candidates in your district:

Christy Sigler (District 34) – As a lawyer specializing in child welfare, she is committed to fight for high education standards.

Beth Cox (District 45) – With a proven track record of working for students as the Chairman of the Sumner County Board of Education, she is focus on finding and retaining the best teachers for our children.

Will Lockhart (District 47) – As the husband of a kindergarten teacher, he has made high quality public education a top priority and understands the importance of working to close the achievement gap.

Sam Whitson (District 65) – With 5 grandchildren in Tennessee public schools, his focus is on college and career readiness for all students.
How do we know that these candidates will be a stand-out voice for our children?
We endorsed them after reviewing their responses to a candidate survey, conducting phone interviews, and reaching consensus within Stand for Children Tennessee’s Statewide Endorsement Committee.

Help us spread the word that these candidates speak for us on education and stand with us to ensure that every child receives the education they deserve.  Stay tuned for more information about the 2016 election!

# 

My Comment: In district 34,  Sigler is one of four Republicans seeking the seat being vacated by Rep. Rick Womack. In district 45, Cox is challenging Rep. Courtney Rogers.  Rogers won election to the House in 2012 challenging incumbent Representative Debra Maggart in a race that painted the reasonable mainstream conservative Maggart as a liberal and ally of President Obama.  In district 65, Lockhart is one of two Republicans challenging Rep. Judd Matheny. Matheny has been a controversial figure in the State legislature associated with the most nutty elements of the tea party movement. He was the sponsor of the bill to ban Sharia law, that before being watered down to being meaningless, was so broadly written that it would have criminalized the most benign of Muslim religious practices. His once mistook a mop sink in the Capital as the installation of a Muslim foot bath fountain and sounded an alarm (link). In 2012, he mounted an unsuccessful effort to unseat Beth Harwell as speaker.

Stand for Children's mission "is to ensure that all children, regardless of their background, graduate from high school prepared for, and with access to, a college education."  They advocate for greater school funding, are sometimes critical of teachers unions, and  generally view charter schools favorably. 

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