Sen. Henry, Rep. Gotto and Rep. West (retired) endorse Josh Stites in District 13

Josh Stites

NASHVILLE – State Senator Doug Henry, State Representative Jim Gotto and State Rep. Ben West (retired) have formally announced their support for Metro Council Candidate Josh Stites in his race for the 13th District Council seat. Stites is in a runoff election to be held on September 15th.

"I am grateful for the support of Sen. Henry, Rep. Gotto and Rep. West,” Stites said. “These men have worked for more than 70 years collectively to improve the city of Nashville and the State of Tennessee. I am honored by their faith in my ability and my goals for our city.”

Senator Doug Henry

“Josh Stites is an intelligent, honest and hardworking young man,” said Sen. Henry. “He has impressed me with his ability to work with folks from all political parties and philosophies. He will rise above politics to get things done for Nashville. I am honored to offer my endorsement of his candidacy. His ability to gain support from people on both sides of the aisle proves his value to Nashville on this council.”

Ben West

"Josh is the kind of person who runs for the Council not for political reasons but for the opportunity to serve his community,” said Rep. West. “I am impressed at his knowledge of government finances and I know from my 30 years of public service that his experience will be called upon often over the next four years. He will be a trusted voice in Metro's financial matters. Josh is one of the hardest working people I know and this district will be well-served by his energy and enthusiasm. I'm excited to endorse someone who I truly believe is the future of Nashville's leadership."

Rep. Jim Gotto

"Josh has the education, experience, and character to lead Metro through the difficult financial years ahead,” said Rep. Gotto. “He is a natural leader and a hard worker who will champion the needs of the 13th district on the Council."


Early voting begins in five runoff elections across Davidson County starting August 26th running through September 10th. Election Day is September 15th.

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Corker's CAP Act Gains Momentum, Cooper supports CAP.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) today announced additional bipartisan, bicameral support for their bill to put an across-the-board, binding cap on all federal spending. U.S. Senators Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) have added their names to the CAP Act, and U.S. Representatives Jimmy Duncan (R-Tenn.) and Jim Cooper (D-Tenn.) will be leading the effort in the House to build bipartisan support for the bill.

The CAP Act, S. 245, would, for the first time, set an across-the-board, binding cap on all federal spending. The fiscal straitjacket created by the CAP Act would result in $7.6 trillion less spending over a 10-year period and fundamentally change the way Washington does business.

“I’m delighted our CAP Act to put a fiscal straitjacket on Congress now has the support of Joe Lieberman and Ron Johnson as well as Jim Cooper and Jimmy Duncan in the House,” said Corker. “This growing bipartisan, bicameral support signals momentum and a genuine desire to move the conversation on spending where it must go: from billions to trillions and to enact the kind of dramatic cuts that will be necessary to put our country on a path to fiscal solvency.” 

“This is a good place to start the discussion,” said McCaskill. “We need to look at long-term comprehensive restraints on spending to address our debt and deficits. I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure that as we address these issues, we work to strengthen, not cut, Medicare and Social Security for current beneficiaries and ensure these programs are around for our grandchildren.”

“We are currently debating spending cuts to the federal budget of a few billion dollars, when our debt and deficits are measured in the trillions,” said Johnson. “Unless we get serious about our fiscal crisis, we will pass a crushing burden of debt on to our children and grandchildren. We are committing intergenerational theft. It is wrong, it is immoral, and it must stop. Economic growth is a critical component to solving this problem. Until we have a credible plan for spending restraint, consumers and businesses will not have the renewed confidence they need to spur investment and job creation. Senator Corker’s CAP Act is the first step in establishing that credible spending plan. It will provide the hard spending cap needed to enforce fiscal discipline and restrain the growth in government. I am happy to cosponsor this important piece of legislation.”

“We can no longer wait to take serious action to reduce the debt and this legislation provides a mechanism for fiscal responsibility,” said Lieberman. “Unless we swallow some deficit reduction medicine our nation’s economy is going to return to the Intensive Care Unit.”

Specifically, the CAP Act would: 

• Put in place a 10-year glide path to cap all spending – discretionary and mandatory – to a declining percentage of the country’s gross domestic product, eventually bringing spending down from the current level, 24.7 percent of GDP, to the 40-year historical level of 20.6 percent, and   

• If Congress fails to meet the annual cap, require the Office of Management and Budget to make evenly distributed, simultaneous cuts throughout the federal budget to bring spending down to the pre-determined level. Only a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress could override the binding cap, and 

• For the first time, eliminate the deceptive “off-budget” distinction for Social Security – providing a complete and accurate assessment of all federal spending.

The growing list of Senate sponsors of the CAP Act includes Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.), Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.). 

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Amend the Metro Charter to Protect Private Property Rights

by Jim Gotto

One of the unique characteristics of the United States that has set it apart from other countries is the right of individual citizens to own property. Generally referred to as property rights, this freedom that we have has been a significant contributor to successful entrepreneurship and the resulting strong private economy that exists in the United States. We enjoy the highest standard of living in the world, due in no small part to property rights.

One of the enemies to individual property rights is the abuse of eminent domain by the government or its agents. The use of eminent domain should be limited to only those projects that are absolutely necessary for government to fulfill its purposes. The purposes of government have and continue to be a much debated subject. I do not wish to engage in that discussion at this time but I am of the opinion that the delegation of eminent domain decisions to a bureaucratic agency is outside what can reasonably be considered under the umbrella of the purposes of government.

In the past, The Mayor and Metro Council have done just that by legislating redevelopment districts and in that legislation delegated the authority to obtain a private citizens property through condemnation. The agency that has been the beneficiary of this power is the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency (MDHA). The only restraint placed on MDHA is to determine if the property is “blighted”.

Consider the recent case of Joy Ford. Ms Ford owns a business that is within the footprint of the Gulch Redevelopment District. MDHA through a subjective decision making process declared her property blighted and undertook proceedings to obtain it through eminent domain against Ms Ford’s wishes. The purpose of this property seizure was to pass it on to Lionstone Group, a private developer.

It was only after public pressure was exerted as a result of the involvement of some Metro Council members and the press that MDHA relented and Ms Ford prevailed. However, there was nothing that the Council could do in a timely manner to stop the proceedings because MDHA had been previously granted eminent domain authority through the legislation that established the Gulch Redevelopment District. Had MDHA continued, the final decision would have been up to the courts and I do not believe that eminent domain cases devoid of elected officials’ control on a case by case basis should be settled in this manner.

The only effective way to insure that elected officials in Davidson County retain the absolute authority to make eminent domain decisions is to amend the Metro Charter. An easier course would be to pass legislation to this end. However, any new law could be nullified by future legislation. Amending the Charter to specify that all eminent decisions must come to the Council for a vote on a case by case basis is the only way to preserve the Metro Council’s authority to oversee and protect the property rights of the citizens of Davidson County.

Jim Gotto is a Metro Councilman representing Council District 12. The proposed charter amendment, sponsored by Jim Gotto, to require that all eminent domain decisions must come to the Metro Council for a vote on a case by case basis will be on the November ballot. Gotto is a candidate seeking the District 60 House seat.

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Jim Gotto responds to Ben West's endorsement of Coleman

"I am surprised that Ben West whose voting record is conservative, who voted against a state income tax, and has always voted to defend Second Amendment rights would be supporting a candidate who in the Metro Council supported one of the biggest tax increase in history," said Jim Gotto. "He also, along with Megan Barry and Frank Harrison, voted against renewal of the 287g program which allows the Sheriff to report to Immigration Services those people who have been arrested who are illegal immigrants. It seems inconsistent that Ben West, with his conservative voting record would be supporting my opponent, when my values are so much closer to those of Ben West."

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Rep. Ben West, Jr. endorses Sam Cole­man for state House

(Nashville) — State Representative Ben West, Jr. (D-Hermitage), who is retiring after serving the 60th House district for 26 years, endorsed Metro Councilman Sam Coleman Thursday as his replacement in the upcoming November election.

West was joined in the endorsement by Coleman’s four former opponents from the August Democratic Primary: Larry Crim, Tommy Bradley, Charles Hager and Chris Tobe.

“I am casting my total support behind Sam, because he understands the needs of Hermitage, Donelson and Antioch,” West said. “I plan to work tirelessly to ensure that his transition into the state house is a smooth one. I know that he will continue to serve the district in a fine manner.”

Republicans had been hopeful that the retiring West would endorse the Republican candidate Jim Gotto, or at least not endorse anyone. Ben West is a conservative Democrat and votes with Republicans more than Democrats. He is a fiscal and social conservative and is a strong advocate for the 2nd Amendment. In the last year he has been present at tea party events and at various Republican events. He and his wife Phyllis were enthusiastic supporters of Cece Heil in her quest to win the Republican nomination for the 5th Congressional District. They serving as sponsors of a fund-raising event for Cece and they worked the polls for her.

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Ben West explains support for Cece Heil

Ben West at Hermitage event
State Rep. Ben West Jr., who has represented the Hermitage area for the past 26 years as a Democrat has been seen at a lot of Republican functions recently enthusiastically supporting Republican Cece Heil for Congress. Ben's wife Phyllis wears a Cece for Congress t-shirt at the events and is an enthusiastic supporter of Cece.


Phyllis speaks for Cece at Hermitage event



The Wests were at the Hermitage Egg and Bacon summit earlier this month for a debate between Cece Heil and Jeff Hartline. Ben spoke and was warmly received at the Republican gathering. Both Ben and Phyllis spoke endorsing Cece. After the meeting, I spoke to Ben and told him it was good to see him and he made a point of telling me, "Now, I'm still a Democrat."

I also saw Ben and Phyllis at the Apollo School debate where I again spoke to Ben and told him he ought to just go ahead and switch parties and declare himself a Republican.

Ben West is the last of a dying breed of conservative Democrats. Ben has always been fiscally responsible and conservative on social issues and has been an outspoken supporter of Second Amendment rights. I suspect that like a lot of conservative Democrats, he votes for Republicans at the national level but supports Democrats locally. The party lines have been quite blurred in Nashville. I am sure that many people who think of themselves as Republican always supported Ben West.

Ben is greatly admired and respected. Now that he is not running for reelection, I wish he would come out and also support Jim Gotto who is running as Republican for the seat West now occupies. When a conservative votes for a Democrat that advances the liberal agenda even if the individual they vote for is a conservative Democrat. In redistricting and in committee assignments in the legislature and various other ways, a conservative Democrat is still part of the liberal machine and is advancing the cause of liberalism.

I wish Ben would say, "I did not leave the Democrat Party, it left me and I can no longer be a Democrat." If he can't take that next step, he is nevertheless helping the Republican cause. A lot of Democrats will vote in the Republican primary thanks to the leadership of Ben and Phyllis West.

Below is Ben West's press release explaining his sponsorship of an event for Cece Heil.

BEN WEST JR.RESPONSE TO MEDIA
REGARDING HIS SUPPORT FOR CECE HEIL FOR CONGRESS

“Phyllis and I are proud to be co-hosts of the Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social at the Historic Buchanan Log House in Donelson on Sunday, July 25, 2010, 2-6 PM in honor of our friend CeCe Heil, who is running in the Primary for 5th District Congressional Seat.

We are of the opinion that this country has been heading in the wrong direction; and that our voices have not been heard by our current representation regarding Congressional legislation. After looking at all the candidates in this race, it became abundantly clear t6hat CeCe has the leadership skills and the moral character needed today to be a leader in this country. She is a strong Constitution Conservative and successful business owner, a devoted wife and mother, and Christian. She believes in smaller government and lower taxes to boost this failing economy, so more people can be put on the payroll, rather than on unemployment rolls. She is opposed to ObamaCare and Government take over of Private industry; and so are we.

CeCe’s most important attribute is that she wants input from her constituents. She believes firmly in the concept of “WE THE PEOPLE” running this country. Most importantly, we believe she has the ability to debate the issues with knowledge and intelligence, bring respect back to DC and garner the support to beat the incumbent.

We would like for as many people as possible in the Davidson, Wilson and Cheatham Counties to come out, enjoy the fellowship and have the opportunity to meet CeCe and speak with her face to face.” – Ben West, Jr.

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DEMOCRATS SOLIDIFY SUPPORT OF OBAMACARE, DERAIL HEALTH CARE FREEDOM ACT

NASHVILLE, TN, 6/10/2010, Tennessee Republican Party- Late last night, Democrats successfully killed legislation to protect Tennesseans from Obamacare. The Tennessee Health Freedom Act made it to conference, but during the final vote on the conference report, 39 Democrats voted no and kept the bill from reaching the 50 ayes needed to pass.

"Obviously the majority of Democrats in the State House support Obamacare for Tennesseans," said Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Chris Devaney. "These Democrats seem to believe that a trillion-dollar government-run disaster that damages our economy, harms small businesses, raises taxes, and slashes seniors' Medicare benefits is good policy for our state. They couldn't be more wrong. Democrats have chosen to blatantly disregard Tennesseans' concerns about government-run health care and proved once again how out-of-touch they have become with voters in this state."

Last night's vote took place on a conference report which was the result of merging HB 2622 and SB 2560, both of which were passed earlier in the week by the State House and State Senate. The conference report can be found here.

Democrats voting against the conference report are as follows:
Rep. Armstrong, Rep. Borchert, Rep. Brown, Rep. Camper, Rep. T. Cobb, Rep. Cooper, Rep. Curtiss, Rep. J. DeBerry, Rep. L. DeBerry, Rep. Favors, Rep. Ferguson, Rep. Fincher, Rep. Fitzhugh, Rep. Fraley, Rep. Gilmore, Rep. Hackworth, Rep. Hardaway, Rep. S. Jones, Rep. U. Jones, Rep. Kernell, Rep. Litz, Rep. Maddox, Rep. Moore, Rep. Naifeh, Rep. Odom, Rep. Pitts, Rep. Pruitt, Rep. Richardson, Rep. Shaw, Rep. Shepard, Rep. Sontany, Rep. Stewart, Rep. Tidwell, Rep. Tindell, Rep. Towns, Rep. J. Turner, Rep. M. Turner, Rep. West, Rep. Winningham.

Commentary

The Tennessee Health Freedom Act failed by only six votes. Three of the Democrats who voted against the bill could be replaced by Republicans this November.

Representative Sherri Jones is being challenged by Duane Dominy for State House seat 59. Duane is currently a Metro Councilman representing Council District 28.

Representative Gary Odom is being challenged by Tim Lee for State House seat 55. Gary Odom is a long-time House Democratic leader who engineered the backroom deal that made Republican turn-coat Kent Williams Speaker of the House. A defeat for Gary Odom would be a real cause for celebration.

Representative Mike Turner is being challenged by Bison Rancher and small businessman Charles Williamson for State House seat 51. You may know Mike Turner for having said that he believes those who oppose Obama's policies must be racist.

Representative Ben West is retiring and not seeking reelection. Rep. West's vote against the Tennessee Health Freedom Act is disappointing. West is a respected legislator and generally perceived as the last of the dying breed of conservative Democrats. Whoever wins the Democratic nomination to replace West will be to the left of West in this conservative-leaning district. The Republican nominee for House seat 60 will be Jim Gotto who is currently a metro councilman representing Council District 12. Many believe Jim Gotto is favored to win this seat, however the Democratic machine is expected to pour everything they have into this race to keep this seat in Democratic hands.

We have a unique opportunity to change the make up of the House this year. Elections do matter. Remember this vote on The Tennessee Health Freedom Act this November when it come time for you to cast your vote. If you want to help these good Republican candidates get elected, go to their web site and contribute and sign up to volunteer in their campaign.

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GOP slates top guns for Jim Gotto fundraiser

By Nate Rau • THE TENNESSEAN • April 10, 2010

Jim Gotto's bid to make the jump from Nashville city council to the state will get critical fundraising help next week from GOP heavy hitters.

U.S. Sen. Bob Corker will attend an April 16 fundraiser hosted by House GOP leaders Rep. Jason Mumpower and Rep. Glen Casada at the state fairgrounds. (read more)

Comment: This is great coverage for Jim Gotto and his upcoming fund raiser. In this article Chip Foster, Tennessee Democratic Party Chairman, says picking up that seat is "wishful thinking" by the Republicans. I don't think so. Ben West, who held that seat for twenty years, was a conservative Democrat. He was a fiscal conservative and a strong advocate of second amendment rights. Conservative Democrats know they are no longer welcome in the Democratic Party and are turning Republican. Jim Gotto has been a popular councilman and is an attractive candidate and has picked up some good endorsements. I think Jim can win this seat. We need to get behind him and win it! For more information on the Gotto campaign or the fund raiser this Friday night visit Jim's official website.

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Jim Gotto Fund Raiser

Republican House Leader Jason Mumpower
and
Republican Caucus Chairman Glen Casada
And
Special Honored Guest
Senator Bob Corker

Invite you to join them for the campaign kick off event for
Jim Gotto Republican candidate for TN State House - 60^th District

April 16th 2010 5:30-6:30 preceding the DCRP Reagan Day Dinner

Tennessee State Fairgrounds at the Garden Cafe
$100.00 per person

Honored Co-Hosts for this Event
Representative Beth Harwell and Representative Pat Marsh
Republican State Party Chairman Chris Devaney
Metro Council Members
Duane Dominy Robert Duvall Carl Burch Phil Claiborne
Karen Bennett Eric Crafton Jim Hodge
Along with
Tootie Haskins Monty Lankford Joe Meeks

RSVP to Mary Ann 615-578-9537 or maryannparks@comcast.net
Paid for by Friends of Jim Gotto, Al Bodie Treasurer

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Ben West Resigns; Jim Gotto Could Take District 60!

Jim Gotto

State Rep. Ben West Jr., D-Hermitage, announced today that he will retire in November and will not seek reelection. Representative West, the son of former Nashville Mayor Ben West, served in the state legislature for 26 years. Representative West is 68 years old and last year suffered a heart attack.

Two Democrats have picked up qualifying petitions to run for that seat and Metro Councilman Jim Gotto has announced his intention to run as a Republican.

Not running against an historic family name nor an incumbent and in today’s much more Republican-friendly climate, Jim has a good chance of taking this seat. Jim Gotto’s Metro Council District lies within House District 60. According to political pundit Bill Hobbs who crunched the numbers, Obama carried the district last time, but only by a slim 52-48 margin.

It is worth noting also, that Ben West was a fairly conservative Democrat having opposed the state income tax and supported second amendment rights. Neither of the Democrats running for the seat has any more name recognition than Gotto. They probably have less. Tommy Bradley is a former Metro Councilman who resigned his council position to take a position as Chief Administrative Officer for the Office of the Criminal Court Clerk. The other announced candidate is Larry Crim, a real estate developer. The filing deadline for the race is not until April 1 however, so other candidates could emerge.

This seat is winnable! Jim Gotto is an attractive candidate. He is smart, principled and has a reputation as a hard working councilman. We Republicans need to help Jim Gotto all we can. It would be a real upset if a Republican won this seat which has been held by a Democrat for the last 26 years. It could happen!

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“Eggs & Bacon Summit”

RISE & SHINE TO MEET FELLOW GOP CONSERVATIVES
FROM THE DONELSON & HERMITAGE AREAS AT THE

“Eggs & Bacon Summit”

(Dutch treat)

A meeting to strategize, organize & unify

Sponsored by the Davidson County Republican Party

Saturday, January 23rd, 8:30 a.m.

Shoney’s Restaurant, 546 Donelson Pike (Airport Exit)

Guest Speaker:

Metro Councilman Jim Gotto

Special guest: Councilman Eric Crafton,
Former Councilman: Rod Williams and
Area Precinct Coordinator: Karen Boswell

Please join us! Help us make a difference.

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