Senator Douglas Henry, RIP

Senator Douglas Henry may have been the last of the good Democrats.  He had a profound love for this country and state, he revered the constitution, he was pro-life, and fiscally responsible. Senator Henry was a true southern gentlemen, always civil and polite and responsive.

I did not know Senator Henry well, but interacted with him from time to time and was at many of the same functions with him over the years. I respected, admired and liked Senator Henry.  He will be missed. Below are news stories and tributes.

4 WSMV: Lawmakers release statements on passing of former Tennessee senator.

Right to Life Mourns Passing of Senator Douglas Henry

After the 1973 Roe v Wade decision struck down abortion laws across the nation, Tennessee's first pro-life protections were sponsored by Senator Douglas Henry, a conservative Nashville Democrat. Just weeks after the decision, Henry led legislative efforts to ensure that abortion would be regulated as strongly as possible under the court's wrong ruling.

"Because of the Supreme Court's decision which in my opinion is horrendous, until a national amendment can be achieved, we must put a law on the books of our state," state Senator Curtis Person declared on May 2, 1973. "The bill I voted for, today, in my opinion and as explained by the Sponsor, Senator Douglas Henry, is the most stringent law to control abortions we can pass under the Supreme Court ruling." 

Henry's bill, Tennessee's first post-Roe abortion law, established conscience rights for healthcare providers, reporting requirements for abortionists, hospitalization for later abortions, and criminal penalties for abortion providers found guilty of violating the laws. The early pro-life bill also criminalized coerced abortion and stipulated that only licensed physicians could perform abortions.  

"In the weeks and months following the Roe decision, it was not clear what limits, if any, the Supreme Court would allow states to place on the newly claimed fundamental right to abortion," said Brian Harris, president of Tennessee Right to Life.  "Senator Henry understood that without any abortion regulations at all, the lives of women, girls and unborn children would remain at grave risk and Senator Henry took the lead in guiding a nascent pro-life movement that would benefit from his leadership for the next forty years."  

In 1980, Tennessee became the 16th state to approve language calling for a constitutional convention to draft a Human Life Amendment, a resolution sponsored by Senator Henry. Throughout the years, Senator Henry also sponsored pro-life bills to require parental notification and consent, to limit tax-payer funding of abortions, and to place Amendment 1 (SJR 127) on the ballot for a public vote.  In 2014, Senator Henry served as an honorary co-chair for the Yes on 1 campaign.

"Today pro-life Tennesseans are filled with respect and gratitude for a public servant who devoted his public life to defending the right to life of every Tennessean," said Harris.  "Senator Henry was a pioneer in the struggle to restore protections for human life and we will do our utmost to carry on his work and legacy." 

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Douglas Henry, longest-serving member of Tennessee legislature, dies at 90

The Tennessean - Douglas Selph Henry Jr., a giant of the Tennessee legislature for six decades and a force in Nashville politics who was regarded as the epitome of a Southern statesman and gentleman, died late Sunday. He was 90.  ....

Gov. Bill Haslam Statement on Passing of Douglas Henry:
One of the most fun calls I have been able to make as governor was a call in 2015 to Sen. Henry when we knew we would be able to put funding for the new state museum in the budget. Sen. Henry was a tireless champion of the museum, its mission and the importance of preserving Tennessee history for future generations. His dedication to the museum may only be surpassed by his commitment to the state’s financial strength. I was fortunate to be able to visit with Sen. Henry Friday, and I can attest that the state’s finances were still top of mind to him. He served the state for nearly 50 years, and it is not an exaggeration to say that he is one of the primary reasons the state is on such solid financial footing today. He was a powerhouse intellect, courteous, kind, genuine and a statesman, and I will miss knowing that his wisdom and perspective are only a phone call away.

Former State Sen. Douglas Henry, A Giant In Tennessee Politics, Dies At 90

By J.R. Lind, Green Hills Patch - Former State Sen. Douglas Henry, who in 44 years in the legislature left his imprint on everything from the state's finances to conservation to history to its social programs, died late Sunday surrounded by his family. He was 90 years old.Born into one of Nashville's most prominent and wealthy families — his grandfather was among the founders of National Life and Accident Insurance Company and his father was himself a state senator — Henry saw public service as his life's work. Henry was a conservative Democrat — one of the last of that species when he retired from the Senate in 2014.......

Alexander Statement on the Passing of Douglas Henry:

U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement on the passing of Douglas Henry, the longest-serving member of the Tennessee legislature:
“There was no one in the Tennessee General Assembly who demonstrated integrity, courtesy and financial stability more than Douglas Henry. To him, party politics were of no importance. The citizens he served were what mattered. His example will be important for years to come.” 

Bob Corker Statement on the Passing of Douglas Henry:
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement on the passing of Doug Henry, the longest-serving member of the Tennessee legislature. Henry retired in 2014.
“I first had the opportunity to work with Doug Henry in the mid-1990s during my time as commissioner of finance, and I last spoke with him on Friday to tell him how much I thought of him,” said Corker. “He was a true gentleman and a true Tennessee statesman. No one focused more over a longer period on the fiscal issues facing our state than Senator Henry, and with a steady hand and wise guidance, he set a tremendous example of bipartisanship and integrity in public service. I will truly miss Doug’s friendship and will keep the entire Henry family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
As commissioner of finance in the mid-1990s, Corker worked closely with Henry in his role as chairman of the powerful Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee to address challenging budgetary issues.

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Gov. Winfield Dunn and Sen. Douglas Henry Team to Turnout Vote for David Fox

Gov. Winfield Dunn

Nashville, Tenn. – David Fox announced today that two of Nashville’s most beloved statesmen, former Gov. Winfield Dunn (R) and Sen. Douglas Henry (D), are on the phones reminding Nashville voters to vote for David Fox as Nashville's next Mayor.

“I could not be more pleased and thankful to have such an outstanding and bipartisan pair of Nashville leaders as Gov. Dunn and Sen. Henry helping us get out the vote. They are two of Tennessee’s finest, and I am honored to have their support.” Fox said.

“And the work they are doing is very important,” Fox said. “Our internal polls show that this race is currently a dead heat among those voters who are definitely going to vote and have already decided who to vote for.”

“But now the push is on for those who are still undecided or need a reminder to go to the polls. So I am deeply grateful to Gov. Dunn, Sen. Henry, and our thousands of supporters and volunteers in every neighborhood across the county, who are reminding their friends, families, co-workers and neighbors to vote for David Fox.”

Early voting in the mayor’s race continues through this Saturday, September 5. Election day in the mayoral run-off is Thursday, September 10.

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Senator Douglas Henry endorses David Fox for Mayor.

Senator Douglas Henry

Former State Senator Douglas Henry, a conservative Nashville Democrat who served six decades in the legislature before retiring this year, on Wednesday announced his endorsement of David Fox for mayor.

"I have watched this race closely, and I am convinced that David Fox will be a great mayor for Nashville," Henry said. "David Fox has both the business and government experience we need to move this city forward in a responsible way. I am proud to endorse him, and encourage all my friends and neighbors to support him."

"Senator Henry a true statesman and gentleman of the highest order, and I am honored to have his support," said Fox.

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Senator Douglas Henry to serve as Honorary Campaign Chair of YES on 1

Press Release, Nashville---The Yes on 1 campaign announced today that state Senator Douglas Henry has joined the effort to win public approval of Amendment 1 and will serve as an Honorary Chairman for the campaign.  He joins other announced chairmen including Stevie and Darrell Waltrip, Memphian Charlotte Bergmann, Dr. Ming Wang, and Dr. Carol Swain.

Senator Douglas Henry

"We are deeply grateful to Senator Henry for his record of service to the people of Tennessee and for his willingness to advocate passage of Amendment 1," said Lorene Steffes, spokeswoman for Yes on 1.  "His support underscores the importance of voting Yes on 1 so that the voice and views of the people may again be heard on the matter of abortion in our state," Steffes said.

Henry, a longtime Nashville Democrat, underscored his support for public passage of the amendment on grounds that the 2000 ruling by the Tennessee Supreme Court wrongly interpreted abortion as a fundamental right and, as a result, limits the ability of Tennesseans and their elected representatives to decide public policy on the important matter of abortion.

"I find myself in strong agreement with former Chief Justice William Barker who eloquently stated that the effect of the Court's holding was to remove from the people all power, except by constitutional amendment, to enact reasonable regulations of abortion," Henry said.  "I've consistently advocated a public vote to address the results of the 2000 ruling and I very much look forward to fulfilling my duty in order that this matter might be remedied."

Barker wrote in his dissent that the "Court had converted itself into a roving constitutional convention, which sees itself free to strike down the duly-enacted laws of the legislature for no other reason than it feels they are burdensome and unwise."  Henry co-sponsored the Senate resolution which placed Amendment 1 on the ballot for a public vote in November.

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Sen Henry will not seek reelection. Yarbro and Hollerman likely candidates for seat

In case you missed it:

State Sen. Doug Henry announces he won't seek re-election

www.tennessean.com

State Sen. Douglas Henry, a giant of the state legislature whose tenure goes back s 


Sen. Douglas Henry confirms he will not seek reelection

By Steven Hale, City Paper,Wednesday, May 8, 2013- After first being elected to the state House of Representatives in 1955, Henry has been a fixture in the Senate since 1971. He survived a 2010 primary challenge from Nashville attorney Jeff Yarbro by just 17 votes. Since then, redistricting has reshaped District 21, but it remains a Democratic stronghold.

Yarbro is expected to make another run at the seat, and Metro Councilman Jason Holleman is widely assumed...(link)

My Comment: This represents the passing of an era.  Senator Henry may be the last of the reasonable, responsible, genteel, Southern, fiscally and socially conservative Democrats.  I have always had the utmost respect for Senator Henry.  He is a statesman and I honor him for his service to our State.

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Update: Prayers for Senator Henry

Veteran state Senator. Douglas Henry has been taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for tests. The 85-year-old Nashville Democrat began to experience high blood pressure and felt dizzy in a caucus meeting after the Senate floor session ended Tuesday. Senator Henry is probably my favorite Democrat politician. Everyone likes Senator Henry. He is a kind, gentlemanly person, fiscally conservative, rational, knowledgeable and loves this State. I salute him for his many years of public service and wish him well. 


Senator Henry was released and back at work the next day.

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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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Another repoft from the candidates forum

Here is Mike Morrow's report on the candidates forum published in the Nashville Political Buzz Examiner.
Henry delivers a question to love

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Cooper a no-show at candidates forum,

Henry looked frail. Jones and Dominy go at it.

Jim Cooper was a no-show at tonight scheduled candidates forum sponsored by the Haywood Lane Neighborhood Association. The program consisted of three forum segments: one for U. S. House District 5 candidates, incumbent Democrat Jim Cooper and challenger Republican David Hall; one for State Senate District 21 candidates, incumbent Democrat Senator Doug Henry and challenger Republican Steve Dickerson; and State House District 59 candidates, incumbent Democrat Representative Sherry Jones and Republican challenger Councilman Duane Dominy.

Cooper was listed in the announcements as a participant in the forum. The moderator, Councilman Charlie Tygard, said Coooper was absent because he was attending a function raising money for Metro Greenways. The function was a pricey $150 per attendee event called Dinner on the Bridge. The moderator said Cooper had sent word that he may arrive late. He never made it. It is unclear if Cooper had a previous engagement or a preferred engagement. Cooper was listed in the advertisements for Dinner on the Bridge as the Honorary Chairman. It is a shame Cooper could not make this event. I would really like to see Cooper and Hall in a one-on-one debate. There are vast differences between these two candidates.

David Hall was well received and delivered a message of smaller government, less taxation and less regulation. He said Obamacare was a mistake he thinks the bailouts have been counter productive. Hall answered the question submitted by the public with calm, confidence and directness. I think that if Cooper and Hall ever did debate that Hall would come out the winner.

Cooper's failure to be at a forum where he would have to have his record examined and answer questions should surprise no one. All summer, when the public was urging Cooper to have town hall meetings and face the voters he hid out. I will give Cooper the benefit of the doubt however and assume his failure to show was simply a scheduling conflict. If so, between now and the election there is still time to engage in a public forum or debate. I urge Hall and Cooper to schedule a debate so the public can compare the two candidates and make an informed decision about this important upcoming election.

Steve Dickerson and Senator Henry had very few differences and they were gentlemanly and polite toward each other. Senator Henry looked weak and feeble and occasionally confused. He had trouble getting out of his chair and the design of the forum required the candidates to get up and down several times as they rotated their turns at the podium.

The closest thing to a real debate in the evening was between Sherry Jones and Duane Dominy. It was obvious they do not like each other and have very different policy positions. In a longer and different format they could present a real lively debate.

One point of contention in their portion of the forum was over the use of the legislators per diem. Jones only lives 10 miles from the State Capitol yet is one of the legislators who has taken the most in per Diem.
She defended receiving the amount of money she has received. Dominy said if elected he would not take it and he would propose reform of the expense reimbursement so that legislators living within 30 miles of the capitol only get mileage and meals, not the funding for lodging; those living within 100 get a higher level of per diem; and those beyond 100 miles get an even greater level of per diem.

Dominy and Jones also disagreed about an issue that should simply be a matter of fact and not a matter of opinion. Jones said most of the funding for Metro schools comes from the State. Dominy said the Federal government pays approximately 10%, the State about 30%, and Metro about 60%. Both candidates were adamant they were correct and seemed exasperated with the other over this issue. I am almost certain that Dominy is closer to correct on this point but I could be wrong. I will attempt to fact-check this issues update this post when time permits. I also recorded the event and may update with more quotes and details. Check back.

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Beth Harwell is only "supporting" Senator Henry; not "endorsing" Senator Henry.

“I’m supporting Sen. Henry,” Beth Harwell said in an interview last week. “He’s excellent to work with, he’s a fiscal conservative and we have a personal friendship.”

I was disappointed when I heard that. I like Senator Henry myself. I have nothing bad to say about him. I wish he had switched parties and ran as a Republican. He probably votes more often with Republicans than Democrats anyway. He is moderately conservative and is a likable guy. However, even a conservative Democrat is still part of the liberal machine. The election of a conservative Democrat tilts the balance of power to the liberal party which is the Democrat Party. The election of even a conservative Democrat insures the election of a Democratic leadership and advances the legislative agenda of the Democrat Party. More Democratic committee chairmen means legislation sponsored by Democrats is more likely to get out of committee. If Democrats control the State Senate then they get a majority on every county election commission across the state. Putting the state in the hands of Democrats also helps set the stage for Democratic victory in national elections helps elect more Democrats by putting redistricting in the hands of the Democrat Party.

I often hear people say they vote for the person not the Party, but voting for a conservative Democrat advances a liberal agenda, just as voting for a liberal Republican advances the conservative agenda.

In the 21st District we have an excellent candidate in the person of Steve Dickerson. He is smart and accomplished and will make a great Senator. It is very disheartening to those of us who work to advance the Party to see elected Republicans fail to support our candidates. It has to be disheartening to the candidates who sacrifice to carry the Republican banner in a Democrat strong hold to see other Republicans endorse their opponent.

Today, Representative Harwell told the Tennessean,“I want to clarify a comment recently reported in an article in The Tennessean. While I expressed admiration for Senator Henry and our wonderful working relationship, my statement was not an endorsement.”

OK. I feel much better. It sure sounded like an endorsement and I am not really sure what the difference is between "supporting" and "endorsing." If Beth cannot endorse the Republican she should say nothing.

I admire and respect and like Senator Henry, however I want to advance the Republican agenda. I live in the 21st Distinct. I will be supporting Steve Dickerson. I will be working for his election, contributing to his campaign and voting for him. Beth, how about saying the same thing? How about endorsing Steve Dickerson?

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Audit finds uncounted voting machne! Herny's lead reduced.

Senator Doug Henry's lead over challenger Jeff Yarbro just shrank from 13 votes to 11 votes after an Election Commission audit turned up a previously uncounted voting machine. What? How do you miss counting the votes off of an election machine?

This should be totally unacceptable. This does not inspire confidence in the electoral process. The Election Commission, and maybe the Metro Council, should have formal hearing and devise systems of checking and double checking to ensure that this cannot happen. How many total votes were cast on this machine? How did this happen? This only came to light because of the closeness of this particular race. How many other voting machines did the election commission fail to count? Maybe it is time for new leadership at the election commission. Every vote should be counted!

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Update: Henry Appears to win over Yarbro

This just in from The Tennessean: Link

I’m conflicted over this. I can’t help but be glad that Senator’s Henry’s supporters stuck with him and nominated him one more time. I am glad to see Yarbro, the “progressive” candidate, be defeated.

I like Senator Henry. He is a pragmatic moderate, if not a conservative legislator. He stays in touch with his constituents. He is approachable and he is an honorable man. He has a wealth of knowledge and there is no doubt he loves his community and this State. He is likable. Everyone likes Senator Henry.

So, while on the one hand, I wanted Senator Henry to prevail over Yarbro, another part of me wanted Yarbro to win because, I want a Republican victory in November and I think if Senator Henry would have lost, Republicans would have had a better chance at taking the 21st Senate seat against Yarbro than against Henry. I know I could generate a lot more passion for defeating Yarbro than I will be able to generate for defeating Henry. If Yarbro would have won, there would have been a much greater ideological contrast between the Republican and the Democratic candidate than there will be between Henry and our Republican candidate.

I have voted for Senator Henry often in the past. Despite have a fondness for Senator Henry, I will be voting for our Republican candidate. Even a good Democrat is part of the machinery that supports the national party and the Democrat agenda. Also, we have an excellent Republican candidate in Steve Dickerson. Dr. Dickerson is smart, articulate, has strong core conservative values and is a pragmatic problem-solving kind of guy. Being a Doctor, he will bring knowledge to the Senate that is lacking as the state must deal with changes in health care delivery and possibly the implementation of Obamacare.

Senator Henry has been in the State Legislature since 1954. That is a long time. He is 84 years old. His time is past. I wish Senator Henry would have retired with dignity and not ran this year. I hate to see him be defeated but he should have known when it was time to leave the stage.

I missed his appearance on Channel 5, but several people told me about it and said he looked pitiful. I understand that he had various notes spread before him and when asked a question he fumbled for the right note. Also his cell phone went off twice during the interview. He did not perform well. Many people, even those who like Senator Henry may conclude that it is time for a change. Still, I wish we were running against Yarbro instead of Henry.

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Election results and reflections

If one logs on to the website of the Tennessee Department of Elections, one gets this message:

Due to the unprecedented volume of traffic on our web site, our servers have crashed," said Blake Fontenay, spokesman for the Division of Elections. "As a result, we will not be able to continue to offer updates on election results throughout the evening. This service was something new that we tried this year - and we apologize for the inconvenience. When we receive the final results, we will post them online in a PDF format, as we have in years past.

I had hoped to post some results and comment but those exact numbers are not available.

Senator Henry only won by two votes! Henry has been kept in office for years by the votes of Republicans. This year many people who would have voted for Henry voted in the Republican primary. We can expect this election outcome to be contested. We can certainly expect a recount and maybe a challenge.

If you are familiar with the case of Rosalind Kurita, you will recall that she was a Democrat state senator who outpolled her opponent by just 19 votes to rewin her party's nomination. However, her opponent alleged that Republicans voted in the Democrat party primary and the party took her nomination away from her and awarded it to her opponent. Although many traditional Henry supported voted in the Republican primary this year, I don't think you would have to look too hard to find three Republicans who voted for Henry. Henry, however, has not angered the Democrat establishment the way Kurita had done, so I don't know if that tactic would work. Nevertheless we can expect a drawn out process and I predict both sides will charge voter irregularities. If Henry ends up losing the nomination in a legal battle, I suspect Henry Democrats will come over and support the Republican candidate Steve Dickerson in droves.

Eric Crafton loses to David Smith in the Juvenile Court Clerk's race. I was very disappointing by this outcome. I worked the polls for Eric and the phone banks and was invested in this campaign. I have come to know Eric. He is a good person and was by far the more qualified candidate. He has a real heart for children and would have made a great administrator of this office.

I think the outcome was something like 55% for David Smith and 45% for Eric. I knew it would be an up hill battle to take this seat I but was hopeful. I thought that since this there was so much more interest in the Republican primary than the Democrat primary that Republican would outvote Democrats, which they did. I thought this would benefit Eric. If Eric would have won, it would have been the first time in the history Davidson County a Republican won one of the Courthouse seats. In addition to knowing Eric was the best qualified person for the job, I wanted Republicans to crack that Democrat monopoly on Davidson County. Another reason I wanted Eric to win, is because I did not want to see David Smith win. I don't know David, but he is the son of Mack Smith. For any who are old enough or who have been here long enough to remember the era of Bill Boner and Fate Thomas, you may recall the name Mack Smith. I suspect the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Anyway, Eric lost. Apparently many who voted Republican in the primary did not vote in the General Election. Also, I suspect that Eric's involvement in the English first bill, while helping him with some voters hurt him with others and may have had a net negative impact on his candidacy for this office. I still think Eric may have a future for higher office and wish him well.

Republicans did not break that Democrat courthouse strangle hold on Davidson County this year, but this is the first time we have even had a Republican primary in, something like, 38 years. We should not give up. Even if Republicans don't win, we are forcing Democrats to spend money and effort to hold on to their seats. That is money and effort that is not being used to defeat Republicans somewhere else. Also, it may take a while to get people accustomed to having contested elections.

Looking forward to November, we have a good chance to take some State House seats. Jim Gotto's chances of taking Ben West old seat looks very good. We also have good candidates in Charles Williamson, Tim Lee, and Duane Dominy who are each challenging sitting Democrats.

On a more personal note, I had a blast tonight. My lovely wife Louella and I started the evening off at the Union Station Hotel where Steve Gill broadcast election returns and analysis live. I also spend time in the Republican Party war room networking and chatting with fellow Republicans and watching the returns come in. I then went to the Haslam Party at the Hilton Hotel. I met and chatted with a lot of people and enjoyed the exuberance of the Haslam victory. After that started winding down, Louella and I and another couple went around the block to Lower Broad where we drank and danced and talked for a couple more hours. I do not claim to be a great writer, however if this post seems a little less polished than usual it may be due to the late hour, being tired and too many adult beverages.

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Haslam-Henry

Driving through Oak Hill, Green Hills, and Belle Meade I am astounded to see all of the yards with both a Haslam and a Henry yard sign. You would think they were running as a team.

Bill Haslam is the mayor of Knoxville and a candidate for the Republican nomination for Governor. Senator Henry is the incumbent Democrat Senator representing the 21st Senatorial district who is facing a primary challenge from Jeff Yarbro.

On August 5th, one cannot vote for both Bill Haslam and Senator Henry. You only get to vote in one primary. Assuming that Haslam wins the Republican nomination for Governor and assume Henry wins the Democrat nomination for Senate, then in November you may vote for both. However, in August you cannot vote in both primaries. You must choose to vote in either in the Republican or the Democrat primary.

I hope all those folks with Haslam signs in their yard will vote in the Republican primary. If you vote in the Republican primary then you will have a choice of who you would like to have as the Republican nominee to run against the Democrat nominee for the 21st Senate seat.

There are two fine candidates running for the Republican nomination for the 21st Senatorial seat. They are Steve Dickerson and James Chesser. Please get to know these candidates and make an informed decision.

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Labor backs Yarbro

Jeff Yarbro, the "progressive" Democrat challenger to Senator Doug Henry in the 21st Senatorial District Democrat primary picked up the endorsement of the AFL-CIO and the Nashville Building and Construction Trades Council.

In my view Senator Henry could be in real trouble. Yarbro is matching Henry in fund raising and is running a good campaign. Yarbro is young, energetic, and personable. This year all of the energy in the primary is on the Republican side where three Republican candidates for Governor are conducting spirited campaigns. I suspect that many voters who do not have strong party loyalty may choose to vote in the Republican primary this year. Much of Henry's support has come from Republicans and from conservative Democrats. These people will be voting in the Republican primary and will not be able to cast a vote for Henry. This makes the primary election favor Yarbro.

Henry would be tough to beat. I will support the Republican nominee but I like Henry and would not take any pleasure in voting against him. If Yarbro is the Democrat nominee Republican will be motivated to fight to take this seat. If Yarbro is he nominee, that could make this seat winnable by a Republican. Either of our fine Republican candidates for the Republican nomination would present a sharp contrast to the liberalism of Jeff Yarbro.

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Steve Dickerson leads James Chesser in the fund raising battle, but not by much.

Democrat spending dwarfs Republican spending.

According to disclosures filed June 12th with the Registry of Election Finance, in the Republican race for the Senate District 21 nomination, Steve Dickerson leads James Chesser in the fund raising battle, but not by much.

Dickerson reports raising $39,560.85 this quarter compared to only $5,537.00 by Chesser. However Chesser started the quarter with a $32,100.11 balance and Dickerson started from zero.

Dickerson has an ending balance of $23,062.83 and Chesser has an ending balance of $ $18,308.67.

Unfortunately Democrat funding dwarfs republican efforts. The Democrat candidates end the quarter with about ten times the amount of money raised and spend as the Republican candidates.

On the Democrat side, incumbent Doug Henry raised $26,449.00 this quarter but started the quarter with a balance on hand of $309,287.25 and ends the quarter with $196,473.12 in the bank.

Henry's challenger, progressive Democrat Jeff Yarbro, raised $46,301.00 this quarter and started the quarter with $186,352.58 and has an ending balance of $190,552.85.

Our rich Republican friends in Belle Meade need to open there wallets and support Republican candidates. Republican could take this seat but not without spending some money.

This is not based on any scientific sampling, but my suspicion is that Republican contributors are holding back until after the primary. Many Republicans, including myself, respect and like Senator Henry. I have voted for him. I suspect many Republicans think that Henry would be difficult to beat if he survives the primary and Republicans will be hesitant to fund a major challenge to Henry. On the other hand, if Yarbro beats Henry in the primary, Republicans will open their wallet to defeat the much more liberal Yarbro. I think that with adequate funding this seat is winnable especially if Yarbro is the Democrat nominee.

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Sen. Henry needs to avoid getting Kurita-ed

By A.C. Kleinheider, The City Paper, Sunday, October 11, 2009


[Excerpt] The Democratic primary electorate has changed since Henry was first elected. Not only have old Yellow Dog Dems died off leaving young progressives in their place, some Democrats who might have voted for him in past elections may not be there for him in 2009. Not because they don't want him as their senator but because they are no longer Democrats. If a "Democrat" votes for John McCain, Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander long enough, they cease thinking of themselves as a Democrats — and they stop voting in primaries. (link)

Comment:

Dear Senator Henry,

You are one of my favorite Democrats and I have voted for you time and time again. This year however, if you have a liberal challenger in the Democratic primary, I may not be able to help you. I keep hearing rumors that this year the Republican Party may actually have a primary. If they do, I will be voting in the Republican primary. Since we do not have party registration in Tennessee, I often vote in the Democratic primary as do many Republicans. Since we have forever been a one-party town, if one wants to vote for Sheriff or Juvenile Court Clerk or County Court Clerk, they vote in the Democratic primary, because in essence that is the election. That is changing. The Republican Party is starting to emerge at the local level, so you may no longer be able to count on your Republican friends to keep getting you elected.

Many young progressives find you an embarrassment. I remember a few years ago, when the State Senate was debating a bill to make spousal rape a crime, you said something to the effect, "I thought rape was when an unscrupulous man took advantage of a virtuous women." That may not be exactly what was said, but it was something like that. When I type it, it doesn't have the same impact as when hearing you say it in your patrician southern draw. You took some heat for that; I found it charming.



I know some will say you are out of touch. They will say you are as old as dirt. They will say you are a throwback to the "old south." They will say you are a dinosaur or an old fossil. I don't care. I like you. I like your respect for tradition, your fiscal conservatism and your integrity and your courtly manner. I even like your rumbled seersucker white suits. You are still sharp as a tack. You know state government inside and out and I would like to see you elected one more time.



I know at your age, it will be hard to abandon the Democratic Party and become a Republican, but Senator Henry, you are ideologically more Republican than Democrat. You would not be leaving the Party; the Party left you a long time ago. If you will switch parties, I will campaign within the party to help you gain party support. I know you have never had to raise much money to get elected. If you switch parties I will donate $100 to your campaign and put a "Reelect Henry" yard sign in my yard. I might even take a day off from work and work the polls for you.



Senator Henry, there are many people like me who really like you and want to continue to support you. Come on over. Change labels. I think you will be welcome.



Sincerely,


Rod Williams

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