Tonight is the Davidson County Republican Party Reagan Day Dinner, and I will not be attending.

by Rod Williams, Jan. 25, 2024- Tonight is the annual Davidson County Republican Party Reagan Day Dinner.  I say "annual," but some years the party does not have the dinner, just like some years the party skips the "annual" Davidson County Republican Party Summer Picnic. Nashville is a Democrat town and Republicans hold no seats in County government. In the non-partisan elections such for mayor and Metro Council, the party attempts to help elect conservatives but with very little success. Also at the state level, we are overwhelmingly represented by Democrats. Only in the U. S. House of Representatives is Nashville represented by Republicans, except of course those seats which represent the whole state such as senator and governor. With the party being the perpetual party losing elections, it is hard to keep party members energized. Between election seasons, sometimes party participation shrinks to the point that a dinner or picnic would have a hard time finding attendees. 

I have been active in the local party for some years. I guess I got active about 2010 or so.  While I did not hold an office in the local party, I served on committees and did lots of volunteer work. For a couple years I was responsible for planting and coordination of local Republican breakfast groups. At one time there were as many at twelve or more groups meeting each month.  One year, maybe about 2012 or so, I was given the award by the local party for the most valuable party volunteer or some such designation. I don't actually remember the name of the award, but I was recognized at the annual picnic and presented with an autographed copy of Govenor Windfield Dunn's From a Standing Start. 

In addition to the volunteer work I did for the party, I always attended the party conventions. I also was a financial supporter and for a few years I was a member of the "Chairman's Circle," which was for those who contributed at least a thousand dollars to the local party. By anyone's standards I have been an active party member.

Anyway, tonight is the Reagan Day Dinner, and I will not be attending. I thought about it.  I assumed I was going to go, but as the event grew closer, I just did not have the desire to attend.  The truth is I feel estranged from the Republican Party. I am not speaking of the local party in particular, but I feel estranged from Republicans in general. The Republican Party is now the party of Trump. I don't want to attend an event where people are going to cheer the mention of Trump's name.  

Being part of a party, your candidate does not always win.  When my candidate did not win, I have always been willing to unite behind the Party's nominee and put aside the sting of defeat. I would stand and cheer for the eventual nominee and work the phone banks and give money despite the candidate selected by the Party not being my first choice. I can't do that with Trump. Trump is not a normal Republican.  Being in a room full of Trump Republicans I feel about as comfortable as a whore in church. I feel like I wondered into a meeting of a religious cult. I think Trump is a threat to democracy. While I like some of his policies, I think he is reckless, uninformed, delusional, and has authoritarian tendencies. I also think he is a habitual liar, a bully, and an all-around jerk.  

This process of breaking with the Party is not easy. Being a Republican has been part of my identity. Being an active Republican has been my social life also.  I feel much like I assume one feels when they are estranged from their family, or a marriage is falling apart. My tribe has moved off and left me.

This break has been building for quite a while. This past year while doing my end-of-year giving, I did not give to several Republican organization to which I normally give and two "conservative" organizations that have gone Trumpinista. I skipped this year's State Republican Party's Statesmen's Dinner. I have in the past always attended.  This purposefully skipping of the Reagan Day Dinner tonight is another step in my recognition that I am no longer at home in the contemporary Republican Party.  

I want to make it clear, that I am not angry at any local Republican.  I like Party Chairman Lonnie Spivak and think he is doing a good job as chairman. He is a good person. No one has made me feel unwelcome.  It is just that I no longer feel a connection with Trump cultist and that is how I see the Party. Now, it seems, being a Republican means nothing more than being an unthinking Donald Trump loyalist. Given the way I feel, I think it best if I step away. I am not ceasing to be a Republican but am suspending my financial and moral support of and active participation in the Party. I am hopeful that over time, the Republican Party will lose its appetite for demagogues and return to normalcy where thinking and sane people can feel comfortable. 

 I don't fault anyone else for not coming to the same conclusion as me. In fact, I am not so sure I shouldn't have just sucked it up and gone ahead and went to the Reagan Day Dinner.  There is an argument to be made for staying engaged and attempting to pull the Party toward sanity again. Also, I want to state that the Davidson County Republican Party is not an example of a really nutty local Party. There are much worst county parties.  Unlike the Wilson County Party, we have not changed the "Reagan Day Dinner" to the "Trump Day Dinner," and we have not had nut-job Congressman Marjorie Taylor Green as a keynote speaker. Still, I know that tonight's keynote speaker, Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs who campaigned in Iowa for Trump, will say a lot of laudatory things about Trump and the room will stand and applaud. I can't do that.

As part of my recognition that I am no longer comfortable supporting the Republican Party or a lot of what are consider conservative organizations these days, I am going to be more judicious about which events I promote.  I have used this blog to inform readers about opportunities for political engagement. I have always had a disclaimer stating that simply posting an announcement did not constitute an endorsement of an event or a speaker, but I no longer want to even help make people aware of organizations that promote Trumpism and the more fringe elements that have obtained mainstream conservative status in the age of Trump. There is really a dark element that is part of the right-of-center spectrum, and I don't want to associate with it or promote it. 

I am not ready to make a complete break.  I still consider myself a Republican, just not part of the Trump cult. I am not going to be attending events that make me uncomfortable. I am not going to promote events that spread conspiracy theories and promote an authoritarian position.  I am not going to give money to organizations that promote election denialism and oppose the peaceful transfer of power or oppose civil discourse, or democracy. I am not going to help elect people who would subvert our democracy. I am not going to give money to organizations that do not align with my values.

I will continue to attend events that provide value and do not make me uncomfortable. I am not totally dropping out; I am just freeing myself of a self-imposed sense of obligation to support things that no longer align with my values.  I hope to be around long enough to see the Republican Party again be the party of Reagan where a normal Republican can be comfortable again. 

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Did you miss DCRP Chair Lonnie Spivak on "The Tennessee Star Report" yesterday? You can still catch it here.

To jump right into the portion of the show with Lonnie Spivak, go to timestamp 28:00. The segment with Lonnie ends at timestamp 52:00.

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Davidson County Republican Party post-election statement

 

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The DCRP Summer Picnic is today!

 

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Nashville GOP counters with $10K toward school board candidates

By Vivian Jonesm, Main Street Nashville, Aug 1, 2022 - Davidson County’s first-ever partisan school board races have become even more heated with an infusion of $10,000 in spending from the Davidson County Republican Party. .. two Republicans running for school board: Kelli Phillips, ... in District 4, and Todd Pembroke, running in District 2.... Brian Horowitz, who is running for general sessions judge, (link)

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Report from the Davidson County Republican Party Convention.

Davidson County Republican Party Executive Committee, left to right: Tim Herndon, Assistant Treasurer; 1st Vice-Chair Jim Garrett; 2nd Vice-Chair Chase Montgomery; Chairwomen Mellisa Smithson;  Erin Rogus, Communications Secretary; John Shorter, Treasurer; and Mark Woodward, Recording Secretary.

by Rod Williams - Over 100 Nashville Republicans came together to elect the next Davidson County county leadership team yesterday, Saturday Feb. 9th.  They are pictured above.  To all of those elected, "Congratulations," and thank you for your willingness to serve.

The event was held at 1230 West Trinity Lane, a spacious meeting venue which was previously a church. Attendees had to preregister and the party reviewed the application to ensure they were really Republicans.  When attendees arrived they had to show their identification and then were issue credentials.  Doors opened at 9:30 and the meeting started at 10:30.  I arrived about 9:50 and check-in was quick and easy so I had time to enjoy coffee and donuts and socialize.

The meeting featured several speeches including comments from the head of the Election Commission who explained the structure of the Commission and who made a plea for Republicans to work as poll workers.  We heard a passionate speech from Councilman Steve Glover urging Republicans to run for council and urging Republicans to support and help elect Republicans seeking those seats. Melissa Smithson spoke about the activities and successes of the Party in the last two years. Unfortunately I had to leave early shortly after the voting for Chair ended.  I had a sitter for my wife Louella, who is an invalid, and I had not anticipated the meeting would last as long as it did and my sitter could not work past 12:30.  I did not miss much however, but would have enjoyed some additional socializing after the meeting.

I had anticipated that yesterday was the caucus and next weekend was the convention.  That is the way it has worked in the past and I was unaware of  changes that had been made that now made the convention a one-shot deal.  The caucus is done away with. I approve of the changes. 

Under the old system, the county was divided into 35 separate groups corresponding to Council Districts. Each group was allotted a certain number of delegates based on a formula that gave more seats to those districts which voted more Republican.  The problem with this is that in some districts people who wanted to participate in the convention were not permitted to.  If a district was assigned ten seats and twelve people showed up to participate from that district, two could not. They could be alternates but could not vote at the convention.  More often than too many people attending for the number of allotted seats, some districts did not have enough people attend to fill the number of seats the district was allotted. Another problem with the old system is that many people cannot give two Saturdays in a row to the Party.  That was difficult for me due to my situations getting a caregiver for Louella.  This new system is much better and simpler. If so many people wanted to participate that it was unmanageable, then the district caucus system would make sense, but that has ever been a problem. 

While Davidson County is predominantly Democratic, it is not a lost cause. We do have a Republican State senator and several representative districts in Nashville are competitive. It is important to hold the elective seats we have and to compete for those that are winnable.  The Party also works on issues, such as saving the Fairground, opposing the Police Community Oversight Board, and opposing the transit referendum.  The party also provides lots of workers for phone banks in national and state elections and helps Republicans running in other counties. And, the party works to identify and help Republicans seeking election to the non-partisan Metro Council.  I wish the Party would find serious qualified candidates to run for some of he various court house offices and judgeships.  Unfortunately, in Davidson County, the Democratic primary determines the outcome of the election  of all courthouse offices and judicial seats.  I don't know what it would take to change that and maybe it can't be changed anytime soon.  Republicans are the minority in Nashville but we still need a strong party and need to keep fighting. To those willing to lead the Davidson County Republican Party, "Thank you."

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DCRP Reagan Day Dinner: Thursday, April 26th

Rand Paul

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!

The Davidson County Republican Party’s Annual Reagan Day Dinner is set for Thursday, April 26th at the Nashville City Club, 201 4th Avenue North.

Senator Rand Paul will be this year’s honored speaker.

To order tickets, follow this link. 

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A DCRP Communication: Call to Action! Stop Immigration Bill from passing in Metro Council!

GOP Nashville, P.O. Box 158419, Nashville, TN 37215

Contact your Council Member

or 

email 

councilmembers@nashville.gov

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Melissa Simthson is the new Chair of the Davidson County Republican Party

Melissa Smithson

Melissa Smithson became Chairman of the Davidson County Republican Party after the State Party ruled that newly elected Chairman Tres Wittum was not eligible to serve.  

Wittum was elected as Chairman at the February 18th Convention in a contentious election. To serve as a an officer of a county party one of the requirements is that one must have voted in the last three Republican Primaries in the county in which he is eligible to vote. Wittum said he did vote in the primaries and that he voted absentee but there was no record of his voting.   Wittum's eligibility was challenged from the floor of the convention. The rules committee, in what to me appeared to be a strange ruling, ruled that Wittum's  candidacy would be permitted but he did not meet the qualifications. He went on to be elected in a hotly contested election that went several ballots. At the time, several delegates to the convention said they would take their challenge of Wittum to the State Party. (For more on that convention, follow this link.)

At the February convention, Melissa Smithson was elected Vice-Chair. When the State Executive Committee met in April, they ruled that Wittum was not eligible to serve and Smithson became Chairman.

Below is a statement from Melissa Smithson that she posted to Facebook.

Many of you know over the last few years of my involvement in our local and national politics. I never thought I would get involved, but the threat of the Fairgrounds being demolished a few years back got me active. It was a bi-partisan effort in getting a referendum on the books to have the people vote to keep the Fairgrounds - which we did in huge numbers thanks to everyone! The war is not over with it, but we won this battle! More news coming soon on that...

After working on several campaigns over the last 4 years, including the Trump campaign as co-chairman of our County, and being involved with our Davidson County Republican Party and serving on the board, I was honored on Thursday night to be elected as Chairman. As you know, I love this city we live in and want our city the be the best in the Nation but hold on to our true characteristics and values that we cherish as life-long Nashvillians. I will work hard to rebrand and reestablish the Party in Nashville, working with conservative businesses and having meetups and events to register voters and gain membership. We will look for great candidates to support to fill upcoming vacancies within our local government to serve and make sure conservative and Nashville values stay intact.

We have a new focus, a new board, a new energy. We are in a new era of politics not ever seen by this Country. My leadership will be of a servant's heart - being respectful, kind, open-minded - but standing firm on our beliefs and values of the Party and our beloved Nashville way.

I extend my congratulations to Melissa Smithson, appreciate her willingness to serve. and wish her all the best. 

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Fresh Faces Emerge as County Republicans Elect New Leaders for 2018

New Chairman Tres Wittum elected with Young Republicans Participating at Historic Levels

Press release, Nashville – This Saturday at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel, the Davidson County Republican Party held its biennial county convention and caucus to elect a County Chairman and Executive Board. 

Over 200 local Republicans attended to participate in the election of the seven-member board, who will serve through the 2018 election cycle. Outgoing Chairman Bob Ries selected local Republican activist Mark Rogers to Chair the convention, assisted by A.E. Graham who served as Parliamentarian for the proceedings. 

In the first and longest election of the day, Tres Wittum was elected Chairman after a runoff election. Mr. Wittum is an analyst with the Finance, Ways and Means Committee of the Tennessee State Senate, and served as President of the Tennessee College Republicans from 2009-2011. 

"I'm honored to have the confidence of my friends and colleagues, and I am absolutely thrilled with the team they have put together. Nashville is a growing and diverse city, and our board reflects that. We are strongly positioned to spread the conservative message of limited government and personal freedom as we grow the party in 2018 and beyond."

Mr. Wittum will be taking the helm along with Melissa Smithson, who was elected to 1st Vice-Chairman. Ms. Smithson has been a fixture in local Republican politics, most recently as a candidate for Council District 28. Prior to that, she was a strong voice in the effort to save the State Fairgrounds and defeat the AMP proposal.

Heather Sczepczenski, currently on staff with State Treasurer David Lillard, was elected to 2nd Vice Chairman. Ms. Sczepczenski formerly served as Chairman of the Davidson County Young Republicans.

Others elected to the executive board include:

Communications Secretary: Erin Rogus (policy assistant to Senator Bill Frist)

Treasurer: Nashville City Councilman Steve Glover

Assistant Treasurer: Aaron Snodderly (former staffer for Ted Cruz for President, and past Chairman of the Tennessee Young Republicans)

Recording Secretary: Evann Freeman (field representative for Senator Lamar Alexander)

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The Davidson County Republican Party caucuses and convention goat rodeo

I don't guess I had ever heard the term "goat rodeo" before, but today at the Davidson County Republican Party caucuses and convention, while a lengthy floor debate was going on with lots of points of order being made, someone said to me, "This is a real 'goat rodeo."' "Goat rodeo" is a term meaning a chaotic, unmanageable situation. That about describes the DCRP convention today.

The caucuses and convention took place today at the Maxwell House Hotel.  In previous years the Party would have the caucuses on one Saturday and then the next Saturday, have the convention. This year, they had both on the same day. That, I think, was an improvement. Not many people want to give up two Saturdays in a row for the Party.

The caucuses are actually 35 separate meeting, one for each council district.  At the district caucus meetings any bonafied Republican may attend and elect delegates to the convention. There is almost always more slots available than people attending so almost always anyone who attends can be elected as a delegate.  I live n District 17 and we were authorized six delegates and there were only two people from District 17 who attended the caucus. All totaled there was only about 200 people who attended.

The caucuses convened at 9AM this morning and that went relatively smoothy. I assume most attendees had preregistered, so there were no long lines to check credentials.  The caucus meetings were over by about 10AM.  The convention did not convene until 12:30PM however so we had to kill two and half hours.  I went off my diet for the big breakfast buffet and had a most enjoyable breakfast with three other people who were attending. We had meaningful discussions of weighty political issues.

When the convention convened, that is when the goat rodeo started. First of all, outgoing Chair Bob Ries made a speech, which I thought was alright but he took some people by surprise as that was not listed on the agenda.  He laid out a list of proposed reforms for the Party and expressed his frustration with his tenure as chairman.

The next order of business was the calling of the roll to determine that a quorum existed to conduct business.  Thirty percent of the districts have to be present to have a quorum.  Always in the past, it was "districts" that had to be represented, but outgoing Chairman Bob Ries said it had to be precincts.  He quoted from the state party bylaws and insisted that we had to call the roll of precincts.  That would have taken a while and would have been chaotic. While there are 35 districts there is something like 168 or so precincts. I know in which district I live and where I vote, but not the precinct number.  I am sure most people who attended have their voter id card with them, but calling the roll of precincts would have taken time. After some back and forth, Bob Ries relented and districts rolls were called instead of precincts. I could not hear the discussion of those without a microphone so I don't know what facts were presented to resolve this issue but it was resolved and we moved on. I think calling the roll of precincts would have been fine, but one would think everyone would be on the same page, and this would not be a last minute surprise.

After the roll call, the next item was to elect a county Party chair. There were three candidates whose names were placed in nomination: Jim Garrett, Connie Hunter and Tres Wittum. There were short nominating and campaign speeches by the three candidates and then the real chaos started.

There was a floor challenge to the candidacy of Tres Wittum.  However, there was parliamentary maneuvering first as to how to make the challenge. Then, there was debate about how to deal with the challenge once the proper language was used to make the challenge.  The credentials committee met outside the big room, in the hall, to deliberate. It took a while.  The rules committee came back with a three-to-two vote for a ruling that said, his candidacy would be permitted but he did not meet the qualifications.  WHAT?  A lot of discussion ensued with points of order and raised voices.

There were conflicting information about why the committee ruled in this fashion and I am not convinced the committee ruled the right way.  There was a motion made to stay the election until a determination by the State Party could be made that the committee had made a proper ruling.  That motion was ruled out of order because, as it was explained, the State Party will rule the County Party acted improperly, if  the county did act improperly, but only on an appeal, after the fact.  The State Party will not rule prior to the County Party's action. Other motions and discussion occurred then the actions of the credentials committee was determined to be final and not subject to acceptance or rejection by the convention.

After that was settled then came the election of chairman. Jim Garrett got the most votes followed by Tres Wittum, but neither got a majority, so there had to be a run off election between these two candidates. While they were still counting ballots for the run off contest, I had to leave.  My wife is an invalid and I can not go anywhere without a sitter for her.  I had arranged through an agency to have a sitter until 2:30PM. I thought that would be plenty sufficient. It wasn't.  I still do not know who was elected to leadership positions in the Party. I will update when that information is known.

The Davidson County Republican Party does not run like a "fine-tuned machine."

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Candidates for Davidson County GOP positions.

On Saturday February 18th Davidson County Republicans will hold their caucuses and convention.  I have received very little information about it an nothing official from the Party.  Here are the candidates that I know of that are seeking leadership position. 

Chairman
James B. Garrett
Connie Hunter
Tres Wittum
(Lonnie Spivak had floated his name but has reportedly decided against it.)

The 2 Vice Chairman Positions
Charles (Chase) Montgomery
Melissa Smithson


Check back an update for more information on these candidates and others who may become known.  I will provide it as it becomes available. However, with the convention this Saturday, much may not become available. If a candidate will send me their announcement I will post it.  If they want to post an essay to convince readers of this blog that they deserve your vote to lead the Party, this space is available.

Tres Wittum unsuccessfully  ran for Chairman at the Convention two years ago.  He works for
for the Chairman of the TN Senate Finance Committee.

Connie Hunter is very active in local Republican politics and has served in leadership positions.  Melissa Smithson is also active in local Republican Party politics and unsuccessfully ran for council last council elections.

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(update) The Davidson County Republican Party Caucuses and Convention is this Saturday, Feb. 18!

In the past the County caucuses have occurred on one day and a week later has been the County Party convention.  This year, in what I think is a wise move, the caucuses and convention will be on the same day.

The caucuses are thirty-five separate meetings at which Republicans gather in groups that correspond to the Metro Council District in which they reside. At these caucus meetings, those in attendance choose delegates to represent them at the Davidson County Republican convention.  At the convention delegates elect a Party chairman and other member of the Executive Committee. These officers serve for the next two years.

The number of delegates varies from caucus to caucus.  The districts which had a higher number of Republicans voting in the last election have more delegates than do those districts which had fewer Republicans casting votes. In reality almost everyone one who attends a caucus meeting gets to serve as a delegate.  Only in those districts in which more people show up than there are allocated delegate slots is there a contested election.

Only bonafied Republicans may take part in the caucus and convention or serve as officers. To see what that means and to see the requirements to hold an office in the Party, see the bylaws at this link.

The publicity for this caucus and convention has been scant.  I am an active Republican and have not received any official notice of the meeting and the party's website does not even announce it. There is supposed to be on-line pre-registration but I do not have a link to that website. I will update this post if more information become available.

Davidson County Republicans can Pre-Register for Saturday's Caucuses by sending an email to Mark Rogers at:  augustusreagan@yahoo.com
The email should include the following information as it appears on the individual's
Voter Registration Card:

Name
Address
Metro Council District
and include their Telephone Number

DCRP CAUCUSES & CONVENTION-2017

This Saturday--February 18, 2017

Millenium Maxwell House Hotel

8 a.m. Registration (Unless You Pre-Register)

9 a.m. Start Of District Caucuses Session

Lunch On Your Own

12:30 P.M. Convention-2017

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Davildson County GOP Grand Opening of Party Headquarters

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Davidson County GOP Carnival Party, May 22nd

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Trump win Davidson County GOP straw poll

What!! I was unable to attend the Davidson County Republican Party picnic this years. I was told who won the straw poll for mayor (David Fox) and vice Mayor (Tim Garrett) and who received the Winfield Dunn Statesman of the year award (Tony Roberts), but no one told me the outcome of the Presidential preference poll and I just now learned of the outcome.

I am shocked. I thought Rand Paul would do well because his supporters are so dogmatic they go to events with straw polls just to influence the outcome.  I would not be surprised if he would have won.  I also thought Jeb Bush or Chris Christie would do well because there is a strong establishment moderate faction in the Davidson County Party. Also, Jeb Bush was the speaker at this years TN GOP Statesman's Dinner. I also thought Ted Cruz might do well, or maybe Marco Rubio because they are popular among the tea party segment.  I would not have been surprised if Cruz would have won. But, Donald Trump? I did not see that coming!  I think he is a joke! He is a carnival barker! I guess I do not have my finger on the pulse of the Davidson County Republican Party.

To read about it, follow this link.

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After the Davidson County GOP "picnic," you may want to go on down to the Williamson County Green's Grocery event.

I just learned last night that the picnic will not going to be serving Whit's Barbeque with all of the side items as in years past.  There will be watermelon and ice cream, so don't go hungry. I know this is late notice, since the picnic starts soon, but I thought I would try to post this so if you do read it, you will not get there and be disappointed.

I don't know what obstacles the committee that planned the picnic ran into or what their reasoning was in having a picnic without food. I am hesitant to criticize. I have served on committee's where one planned events and after doing the best you can do, it is disheartening to be criticized. But, it the picnic was not going to have food, maybe they should have invited and arranged for food trucks to be available, or if that was not possible, maybe they should have called it a "watermelon and ice cream social;" not a picnic.

I had planned to attend but my personal situation of caring for my sick wife will prohibit me from going. I do not have a weekend care giver and I was going to take her, but she had a bad night last night and it is a lot of work to get her ready and take her someplace especially if she is in a cranky mood and she did not sleep much last night, so I know she would not be in the best of mood.  I would have been disappointed if I would have made the effort to go and then got there to discover the picnic did not have food. I sort of expect food at a picnic.

If you go and are hungry and also would like more Republican camaraderie, there is a Republican gathering in  neighboring county Williamson County. You can show up at the Davidson County "picnic," visit a while, have a piece of watermelon, vote in the straw poll then head to Leiper's Fork. Here is the announcement:

Local, state, and Congressional politicians will speak Sunday, July 12, at a Williamson County Republican Party meeting.

U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, State Sen. Jack Johnson, and State Reps. Glen Casada, Jeremy Durham and Charles Sargent will speak at 4 p.m. at Green's Grocery in Leiper's Fork. The event will be held for community Republicans and those interested in joining the party.

The Austin Brothers Band, featuring Johnson, will perform for the crowd after the meeting. Ribs, chicken-on-a-stick and burgers will be available for purchase from the grill. Family-friendly games and activities also will available in the backyard.

"Sunday's event is an opportunity to get our Republican family together for a casual evening, and we welcome individuals and families throughout the county to join us, even if you aren't typically politically involved in the community," WCRP Chairman Julie Taleghani said.

Green's Grocery is a restored store located at 4345 Old Hillsboro Road.

That sounds like a lot of fun! Jack Johnson is not only a great state Senator but a great county music performer. If you like music like that of Ray Price or Merle Haggard, you will love his band. I know this is a Williamson County event, but if I was going to be out, I would be tempted to crash the party.

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Davidson County Republican Party Straw Poll 2015

Below is the straw poll that will be available at the Davidson County Republican Party Picnic.

Davidson County Republican Party Straw Poll 2015

 

1) Please rank your top 3 preferences for Mayor using a 1 for your top choice, 2 for second and 3 for third.
____  Megan Barry                                         Charles Robert Bone ____
__1_  David Fox                                               Bill Freeman ____
____  Howard Gentry                                       Jeremy Kane __3__
__2_ Linda Eskind Rebrovick

2) On a scale of 1- 6, with 6 being most important, rank these issues facing Nashville. ____ Managing Nashville’s growth                Improving public education ____
____ Reducing Income  inequality                 Crime ____
____ Traffic                                                    Affordable  Housing ____

3) Whom do you plan to vote for in the race for Vice Mayor?
___ David Briley                                           Tim Garrett __X__

4) Do you support the initiative to reduce the size of the Metro Council and increase the limit on terms for the Council to three? ___x_ Yes                      No ____

5) At this moment, who are your top two choices for the Republican nomination for President? Mark your first option with a ‘1’ and second with a ‘2.’
____ Jeb Bush                                                   Ben Carson ____
____ Chris Christie                                           Ted Cruz ____
____ Lindsey Graham                                      Carly Fiorina ____
____ Mike Hukabee                                         Rand Paul ____
____Rick Perry                                                 Marco Rubio __2__
____ Rick Santorum                                         Donald Trump ____
__3_ Scott Walker
__1__Other _Bobby Jindal___________________

My Comment:

Straw polls can be important. The press usually thinks this straw polls is newsworthy and it can give a candidate momentum. Some people who do not attend the picnic may reason, "if that is the way the active Republican are voting, that is the way I will vote." Or, of course people could reason that if that is the way the activist Republicans are voting, I will vote the other way. The text in red above are my recommendations.

Regarding the race for mayor, I think David Fox is the only candidate who is a fiscal conservative in the race and the only candidate who shares my economic values and my believe in the proper role of government. He is the only candidate who has said he would not use eminent domain for redevelopment.   I really don't care about a second and third pick, but just so second or third is not Megan Barry or Bill Freeman, I am voting for a second and third.

Regarding question number 2, some of my priority issues are not on that list. The list should include "efficiency in government and avoiding government waste," "avoid violating peoples rights by avoiding engaging in price controls, price fixing, and eminent domain for development;" or, more succinctly phrased, "economic freedom." How about, "avoiding a tax increase and protecting Metro's bond rating?" Since those are not on the list, then improving schools would be my first choice and I really don't care about the rankings of the other issue.

On question # 3 I am voting for the amendment to reduce the number of Council members and increase terms.  We have the third largest Council of any city in the nation. We can get by with fewer council members. The proposal on the ballot would reduce the council from 35 districts to 27 districts and do away with the at-large position.  Term limits means there is a big turn over every eight years and most of the knowledge and experience of members of the legislative body are lost. This creates a more powerful mayor and a powerful permanent bureaucracy. Both a large council and term limits make for a weak council and a strong mayor. In Nashville, the legislative branch is not a co-equal branch of government.  This will not fix everything but will restore some balance.

In the vice mayor's race, I am voting for Tim Garrett. Both candidates  have experience and are likable and both are Democrats. However, Tim Garrett is an old school conservative Democrat and David Briley is a progressive.  The primary job of the vice mayor is to conduct the council meetings and make committee assignments. There is a fine line between conducting efficient meetings and stifling debate. I think Tim Garrett will find that fine line. In regards to committee assignments, I think Tim Garrett will be thoughtful and fair.  I served in the Metro Council with Tim for about ten years; he is good person and will make a great vice mayor.

Why is Bobby Jindal left off the list of candidates for President? He is a viable candidate.  What was the logic in not having his name on this list? I am writing him in and he is my first choice at this time but I do not yet feel passionate about any of the candidates except there are some who I definitely do not want to be the nominee.

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Republican Party Picnic this Saturday!

The Davidson County Republican Party will hold its annual picnic this Sunday, July 12th, from 2:00 pm until 4:00 at the band shell picnic shelter at the rear of the park (not the band shell) in Centennial Park.  The picnic will include a straw poll, the presentation of the Winfield Dunn Leadership Award and comments from each of the Mayoral candidates. 

Davidson County Republican Party Chair Bob Reis noted "In 2007 it was the Republican vote that determined the outcome of the Mayor's race and that will be true again in 2015.  The candidate who makes the best case for her or his positions on issues like managing Nashville's growth, developing a sensible and affordable transit policy and restoring fiscal discipline to the city's budget and debt will have a major advantage in making the runoff and winning in September.   

Cost for the picnic is $10 per person or $20 for families.  

Tickets are available at the door.  

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Nashville GOP 2015 Caucus & Convention

A message from the Chairman:

To Everyone:

I needed to send out a message to clarify dates, times, & place for the election of the Davidson County Republican Party Officers. Yes, it's that time again, when we as Republicans have the opportunity to elect our Board Members and Leadership. There seems to be some misinformation as to dates, time, and place, so I hope this will act as an unofficial notification until the official notice is posted.

The Caucus will be held as follows:

March 14, 2015 Caucus -Ed Jones Auditorium - Ellington Agricultural Center 8AM to 12 PM (Watch the notification for cut-off time to register) (You must become a delegate to vote at the following Saturday's Convention, so the Caucus is important for that status)

March 21, 2015 Convention - (You must be a delegate to vote at the Convention) Ed Jones Auditorium - Ellington Agricultural Center 8AM to 12 PM

Note: Anyone seeking to run for a County Party office, please contact Ed Smith (krisland1@comcast.net) via email for the Contest & Credentials Committee to get a jump on qualifying you as a candidate. Last but not least, I have enjoyed the past two years as your Chairman and will be running for re-election as the Party Chairman at the Convention.

Best wishes to all,
Robert Duvall
Chairman

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