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Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Tre Hargett, Guest Speaker at Bellevue Breakfast Club
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Weiner Limerick
There once was a pervert named Weiner
Who had a perverted demeanor
Forced from the Hill
For acting like Bill
Now Congress is one
weiner leaner
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Sunday, June 26, 2011
Endorsements for Metro Council
Below are my endorsements of candidates in the upcoming Metro council elections. I personally know several of the candidates who I am endorsing. Others, I have heard speak at public meetings or have observed on TV. I have studied the voting records of the incumbents. For those with no record and who I do not know, I have taken the recommendation of other people whose opinions I value. I have not made an endorsement in every race. In some of the races, I simply do not know any of the candidates and in other races it appears that no contender has anything to recommend him over his opponent. This list is subject to change and new endorsements may be added. In a separate post, I will giving my endorsements for the Council-at-large race.
Feedback is welcome. If you disagree with any of my endorsements or have your own recommendations, I welcome hearing from you.
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| Charles Hoosoer |
District 1, Charles Hoosoer On his website he states he for keeping taxes low and saving the fairgrounds. He has the endorsement of the Davidson County Republican Party (DCRP) For more information see Charles (Chuck) Hoosier For District 1 Council.
District 2, no recommendation
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| Walter Hunt |
District 3, Walter Hunt. Walter Hunt is an incumbent and has no opposition. I have known Walter for a long time. He is generally a nice guy. One thing that recommends Councilman Hunt is that he supported the effort by Councilman Gotto to curtail eminent domain abuse.
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| Dave Patterson |
District 4, Dave Patterson, 40, is and Army Veteran and still serves in the Army Reserves. He is the area manager for a building maintenance and janitorial business that specializes in "green" cleaning practices. He and his wife are competitive runners and active at Our Savior Lutheran Church. I know David. He is a solid, common-sense conservative. He has a vision for the city. He says he will focus on creating an environment to spur job creation, improving schools through more choices for families, expand transportation options and improve traffic flow. He is one of six candidates running in this open seat.
District 5, no recommendation
District 6, no recommendation
District 7, no recommendation
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| Karen Bennett |
District 8, Karen Bennett. Karen Bennett is one of the "good dozen" council members who voted to curtail eminent domain abuse. She voted against the bill that would have extended special protections to homosexual and transgendered people. Karen is a member of the State Executive Committee of the Tennessee Republican Party. For more information see Elect Karen Bennett.
District 9, no recommendation.
District 10, no recommendation
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| William Guthoerl |
District 11, William Guthoerl. He is a former police officer. He favors preservation of the fair grounds. On eminent domain he says, “Resolution RS2008-431 was a proposal to amend the Metro Charter and limit the power of eminent domain utilized by Metro Government. My opponent voted against this measure, leaving your property open to the vulnerability of the use of eminent domain." For more information go to William Guthoerl for Metro Council
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| Steve Glover |
District 12, Steve Glover. I have met Steve and heard him speak. He is a conservative and well qualified to serve on the Metro Council. He is a former member of the Metro School Board where he served as Chair of Budget and Finance, overseeing a budget in excess of $633 million. he is also chair of the McGavock parent cluster for Hermitage, Donelson and Old Hickory. He is running unopposed. For more information see Steve Glover for Metro Council.
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| Josh Stites |
District 13, Josh Stites. He has an MBA in finance and serves as assistant to the Treasurer of the State of Tennessee. His knowledge, skill and experience would be an asset to the Council. His platform is: Responsible Growth and Development, Fiscal Strength, No new taxes, Maintain balanced budgets, Community Strength, Well-equipped Police and Fire Departments. and Improved Infrastructure.
For more info see JoshStites.com.
District 14, no endorsement at this time.
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| Phil Claiborne |
District 15, Phil Claiborne. Councilman Phil Claiborne has an outstanding record of achievements for his district and an impressive list of civic involvements. He was an outspoken critic of the pro-gay ordinance recently passed by the Metro Council arguing owners with religious convictions must "abandon their core beliefs" to do business with Metro if it passed. He is running unopposed. For more information see www.metro15.com
District 16, No recommendation at this time. This is tough one. I do not personally know much about either candidate but have met incumbent Anna Page. This is the district I used to represent when I served in the Council in the 80's so I have a special interest in this district. I encourage voters to get to know both candidates and make an informed decision. While Anna Page voted against the effort to curtail eminent domain abuse and while she has not distinguished herself as a leader in the council, she is responsive to her district and very involved in the community.
Her opponent, Tony Tenpenny, has been endorsed by the Davidson County Republican Party but I am concerned about his lengthy arrest record. The last arrest however was in 2002 and he very well may have cleaned up his act and be on the straight and narrow. I am not making an endorsement at this time. I cannot find a website on Mr. Tenpenny and have never met him and do not know his qualification.
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| Sandra Moore |
District 17, Sandra Moore. I am not endorsing incumbent Sandra Moore because I agree with her politics but I would rather anyone get elected other than Jerry Graves. Jerry Graves was the person who defeated me by running a very dirty campaign of lies and a last minute smear campaign. Also Jerry Graves is just not that bright and is not qualified to serve. Sometimes you have to choose the least bad candidate. With four people in the race, I would not want to split the vote too many ways and allow Jerry Graves to get elected so I am supporting incumbent Sandra Moore.
District 18, no recommendation
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| Bob Ries |
District 20, no recommendation
District 21, no recommendation
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| Sherri Weiner |
District 22, Sheri Weiner. Sheri Weiner has a long list of civic involvements and recognitions including 2007 Bellevue Citizen of the Year; Past President, Bellevue Chamber; President, Bellevue Exchange Club; President, Pine Forest Homeowners; Chair, Bellevue Picnic; Chair, Bellevue Clean Up Days; and Chair, Bellevue Weather Radio Distribution to Seniors. She has the support of Councilman Eric Crafton who is vacating that seat due to term limits and at-large Councilman Charlie Tygard and the endorsement of the DCRP.
For more information see Sherri Weiner for Metro Council.
District 23, Emily Evans. Emily is running unopposed. Evans, with a background in finance has distinguished herself as the "go to" financial expert in the council. She is respected and listened to. She provides thoughtful opinions on Nashville's issues. Instead of running for district Council member, I wish she was running for Mayor. She would make a great Mayor. She has opposed Mayor Dean on the Convention Center and the fairgrounds redevelopment plan and generally votes conservative. To read more about Emily Evans go to Metro Council District 23.
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| Jason Holleman |
District 24, Jason Holleman. Jason Holleman has apparently really annoyed the mayor and it looks like he may be at the top of the list of those being targeted for defeat. He opposed the new convention center and supported preservation of the Tennessee State Fairgrounds. He also was a supporter of Councilmen Michael Craddock's short-lived mayoral campaign. You can read more about the vendetta of the mayor to defeat Jason Holleman in this Nashville Sean article.
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| James Kaminski |
District 25, James Michael Kaminski. James say, "a lot more work needs to be done to address the shortage of sidewalks, the poor planning of existing sidewalks, and the inconsistent bike lanes that plague our area. Upon his election, James will dedicate himself to giving the residents of District 25 the pedestrian-friendly environment that they deserve." I also know Jason is a good conservative who has worked in the Republican Party but if I knew nothing else about him other than he was going to support a "pedestrian-friendly environment" I would be for him. I am glad to see someone else recognized that we build sidewalks stupidly. We need to make Nashville safe for pedestrians and do more to make Nashville a walkable city.
For more information visit James Kaminski for Council.
District 26. No recommendations at this time.
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| Davette Blalock |
District 27. Davette Blalock. Davette is owner of Blalock Services which provides insurance, real estate, and financial planning services. She has received the endorsement of the DCRP and promises good government. For more information visit Davette Blalock for Metro Council District 27.
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| Duane Dominy |
District 28. Duane Dominy. Duane Dominy is one of my favorite Council members. He ran for the State Legislature last August as a Republican against Sherry Jones. He is a solid conservative. He has probably done more to save the fairgrounds than any other council member. He was one of the "good dozen" who voted to stop the abuse of eminent domain.
Distirct 29, No endorsement at this time. I am torn on this one. I personally know Karen Johnson and consider her my friend. She is a former school board member and she is smart and cares about her community. However, Karen is a Democrat and this spring while I was attending a tea party rally advocating teacher tenure reform, Karen Johnson was rallying with the unionist opposing education reform. Still, I like Karen Johnson. She is not such a dogmatic liberal that one cannot reason with her.
I have heard her opponent Isaac Okoreeh Baah speak and am impressed. He is an African immigrant. He is a Republican and has received the endorsement of the DCRP. He is an engineer and has thirty one years of Building Codes, Zoning and facilities construction experience. That background would be valuable for someone serving in the Metro Council. In the end, ideology will probably win out over my personal friendship with Karen, but I am not prepared to make an endorsement in this race at this time.
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| Jim Hodge |
District 30, Jim Hodge. Jim has been endorsed by State Senator Doug Henry as well as present and past council members Karen Bennett, Phil Claiborne, Eric Crafton, Duane Dominy, Buck Dozier, Robert Duvall, Randy Foster, Jim Forkum, Tim Garrett, Jim Gotto, Michael Kerstetter, J. B. Loring, Rip Ryman, Carter Todd, Parker Toler and Charlie Tygard. He was an outspoken critic of the bill that would have extended special protections to gays and transgendered people.
District 31, and 32 no endorsement.
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| Robert Duvall |
District 33 Robert Duvall. Robert is another one of my very favorite council members. He is a principled, common-sense, hard-working, smart conservative who is not hesitant to identify himself as a Republican. He has done a lot to help build the Republican Party in Davidson County. He cares about his community, Nashville and our country. He supports limited government, private property rights and low taxes. In his district he revitalized and made financially solvent five neighborhood organization. He is a caring, kind individual. He is a fighter. He has been a strong advocate of saving the fair grounds. Because of his leadership and willingness to stand up to the administration, he is being targeted for defeat. We must reelect Robert Duvall. Please, contribute, volunteer and help reelect Robert.
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| Carter Todd |
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| Tonya Jones |
District 35 Tonya Jones. Tonya Jones a former Metro Planning commissioner and an unabashed conservative, is running against incumbent Bo Mitchell, an outspoken Democrat and one of the most liberal members of the Council. Former district councilman Charlie Tygard and the DCRP are supporting Jones; every liberal and labor union in town are supporting Mitchell. For more info visit Tonya's facebook page at Tonya Jones For Metro Council District 35.
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Friday, June 24, 2011
Meet Sheri Weiner, Candidate, Metro Counil District 22
Join us for a meet & greet
Monday, June 27
6:30 p.m.
Dixon Center
Nashville, TN 37221
Candidate, Metro Council District 22
Sheri Weiner
EXPERIENCED - INVOLVED - DEDICATED
Sheri Weiner will make a great council member. She has a long list of civic involvements and recognitions including 2007 Bellevue Citizen of the Year; Past President, Bellevue Chamber; President, Bellevue Exchange Club; President, Pine Forest Homeowners; Chair, Bellevue Picnic; Chair, Bellevue Clean Up Days; and Chair, Bellevue Weather Radio Distribution to Seniors. She has the support of Councilman Eric Crafton who is vacating that seat due to term limits and at-large Councilman Charlie Tygard and the endorsement of the DCRP.
For more information see Sherri Weiner for Metro Council.
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Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Michele Bachmann and Conservative Hypocrites taking Government Handouts.
Last night liberal broadcaster Lawrence O'Donnell took Michele Bachmann to task accusing her of hypocrisy for preaching a message of anti-socialism and free markets yet at the same time accepting a quarter-million dollar agriculture subsidy for her family farm. Is that criticism justified? Does it make her a hypocrite? I don't know but I am bothered by it.
I like Michelle Backmann but think her anti-government, pro free-market message would ring more true if she were not taking a government hand-out. Our own Rep. Stephen Fincher, a tea party favorite, from 1995 to 2009 received over $3.3 million in farm subsidies. How devoted is he to curtailing the reach of government? Would he support policies that would end that subsidy?
If one accepts a government hand-out does that mean you give up your right to criticize the government and have an opinion on economic policy? A relative of mine criticized me for my opposition to Obamacare pointing out that I had good insurance through the Metro government due to my former service in the Metro Council, as if that made me a hypocrite for opposing Obamacare. If one used government subsidized student loans to go to college, or takes the home interest deduction on their income tax, or draws a social security check, does that mean they give up the right to express an opinion on government fiscal and economic policy? I don't think so.
The danger in an expansive government is that when people do get on the dole, they are less likely to criticize the welfare state of which they are now a part and once they start receiving benefits they fear losing them. The welfare state can turn almost everyone into an advocate for a larger and larger public sector.
We all have to work in the environment that exist. If one is entitled to a handout, they should not be criticized for taking it. A person who qualifies for food stamps is doing nothing immoral by getting food stamps. It is the system that makes food stamps available to so many people that is at fought, not the individuals legitimately qualifying for the assistance. It is the policy that makes $3.3 million available to Stephen Fincher that is at fought, not Stephen Fincher accepting the subsidy.
Nevertheless, I think people who have benefited to the extend of Bachmann and Ficher need to explain themselves. They need to reassure us who believe in less government that despite personally benefiting from agriculture subsidies that they are committed to reform that would vote to end those subsidies.
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Ken Jakes wins Firefighters endorsement
The Nashville firefighters union, IAFF Local 140, has released their list of endorsements for the upcoming Council election and they have endorsed Ken Jakes. While many firemen are conservative, the Union usually tends to favor candidates who would be inclined to support higher taxes. Except for Ken Jakes and a couple other incumbents who may be considered conservative, most on the list are the more liberal candidates. For weeks now, at-large candidate Ken Jakes has been visiting fire halls meeting with firemen. He told me he had visited every fire hall in the county and listened to the concerns of the firemen and asked for their support. It appears to have paid off. This should be a big boost for Jakes. The firefighters are one of the most dependable voting blocks in the city. Firemen and their families vote.
Congratulation Ken Jakes!
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I am Supporting Robert Duvall
Friends and Supporters
of
Councilman Robert Duvall
(District 33)
Invite you to an evening at
The Standard Restaurant
167 Rosa L. Parks Boulevard
(formerly 8th Avenue, North)
Nashville, TN 37203
Thursday, June 23, 2011
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
(Suggested Minimum Donation, $100)
Hosts and Supporters of Councilman Duvall
Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey
Senator Jack Johnson
Senator Douglas Henry
Representative Jim Gotto
Representative Ben West, Jr. (retired)
Council Lady Karen Bennett
Councilman Michael Craddock
Councilman Eric Crafton
Councilman Duane Dominy
Mark Winslow
Tootie Haskins
Kathleen Starnes
Al Bodie
Anthony Roberts
Daniel Davis
Pat Carl
Shiri Anderson
Charles Williamson
Sharon Ford
Chuck Grimes
Neil & Sandra Chaffin
Ken Jakes
Bob Pope
George Gruhn
Don Spangler
Rod Williams
Frank & Scarlett Cappas
Lt. Col. Bob Garrison (retired)
Charvis Rand
Denise Andrews
I wholehearted endorse Robert Duvall's reelection. He is a principled, common-sense, hard-working, smart conservative who is not hesitant to identify himself as a Republican. He has done a lot to help build the Republican Party in Davidson County. He cares about his community, Nashville and his country. He supports limited government, private property rights and low taxes. And, he is a caring, kind individual. He is a fighter. Because of his leadership and willingness to stand up to the administration, he is being targeted for defeat. We must reelect Robert Duvall. Please attend, contribute, volunteer and help spread the word. Rod
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Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Green HIlls Breakfast Summit- Redistricting Saturday with John L. Ryder
DCRP-Davidson County Republican Party Announces
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Swett's-Green Hills-2209 Abbott Martin Rd.
Breakfast begins @ 8:15 ($8.75 cash, no credit cards)
Meeting begins at 9:00.. sharp
REDISTRICTING SATURDAY
SPECIAL GUEST:
JOHN L. RYDER
REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEEMAN FOR TENNESSEE
REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEEMAN FOR TENNESSEE
CHAIRMAN, RNC REDISTRICTING COMMITTEE
<>
---PLUS---
ERIC CRAFTON, CANDIDATE FOR METRO COUNCIL AT-LARGE
JAMES KAMINSKI, CANDIDATE FOR METRO COUNCIL DIST. 25
Event Chairman - Peter and Gail Voysey
DCRP Chair - Kathleen Starnes
DCRP Summit Consultant - Rod Williams
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Monday, June 20, 2011
Criteria for choosing a Metro Councilman
On August the fourth we will go to the polls to elect 35 district councilmember and five at large councilmembers. Many people, especially public sector union members, will simply vote for the person recommended by their union bosses. Others will vote for a person whose name they recognize, perhaps based on who had the most yard signs. This is a shame. Metro council is the government that is closest to the people. You can't pick up the phone and call your congressman, but you can your Metro Councilmember. Your quality of life may be more affected by who serves in the Metro Council than who serves in Washington. It is important that we elect good people to serve in the Council. People should not take their vote lightly for these important offices.
While I do not expect to find someone I agree with a hundred percent of the time on every issue, I do want to vote for someone who reflects my values and someone who is qualified to serve. Below are the qualities and policy position I am looking for in a council member.
Integrity, honesty and good moral character. A strong moral character is very important. I want someone who will not be swayed by flattery or other inducements to influence his or her decisions. I want a person of conviction and integrity. I want a person who I could trust with my wife, my daughter or my credit card. If a candidate is willing to engage in a smear campaign of lies against his opponent in order to win the seat, he does not deserve it.
Intelligence, education and wisdom. While one does not have to be a lawyer, engineer or accountant to effectively serve in the Metro Council, one should know how to talk intelligently to lawyers, engineers and accountants and know the questions to ask them. A college education, while not a necessity, is desirable for a councilman. I want to know that the person who is going to represent me is smart. If someone is not smart enough to understand the issues, I don’t think they can be wise enough to make the right decisions.
Community involvement and leadership. I want someone who has exhibited concern for his community and has shown leadership capability prior to announcing his candidacy for the Metro Council. Having chaired a neighborhood organization, a PTA, a civic organization or having served as a member of a church deacon board is good training for a Metro councilman.
A desire to serve people. While the primary job of the councilmember is to vote on local legislative matters, much of a councilman’s time is spend helping people deal with the local government bureaucracy and making sure complaints get addressed. If someone is not going to be concerned when a constituent complains about stray dogs, down stop signs and pot holes, they will not make a good councilmember.
A vocal and visible crusader. I want someone who will seek out wrongs to address, waste to expose, and who will ask the hard questions and not be afraid to criticize a department head or embarrass the mayor. Too many elected councilmembers quietly do their job and go alone to get alone and don’t rock the boat. They never speak out on an issue or take the lead. There is no shortage of issues that need addressed and waste, arrogance, and corruption that needs exposed.
Success and achievement and a good work history. The candidate for council should have a good work history and a record of accomplishments. View the candidate as an applicant for the job.
Flexible schedule. The council is a part-time job but can be very demanding. There are luncheons to attend and phone calls that can only be made during business hours. There are committee meetings that start at 4 pm in the afternoon, council meetings that go until 11:30 at night and weekend events a councilmember should attend. A good councilmember needs an understanding and supportive boss or needs to work for himself.
Conservative values. I want a councilman who tends to favor fewer taxes rather than more taxes, who expects government to operate efficiently, who is cautious by nature when entrusted with spending other people’s money and does not want to use the power of government for social engineering.
Civil Libertarian values. I want someone who respects private property rights, believes government should not have the right to demand to see my papers or search my home without probable cause and who believes the First Amendment applies to everyone.
A love of Nashville and a vision for the city. I want someone who wants Nashville to be a great city. I want someone who loves Nashville, not just Madison or Antioch or Woodbine or Bellevue. I want a council member who, when he travels to other cities, feels compelled to tell people what a great hometown he comes from. I want someone who is not embarrassed by the moniker “music city.” I want someone who expects Nashville to become an even better place to live. I want someone who is passionate about Nashville.
Save the Fairgrounds. The candidate I support needs to support preserving the Fairgrounds.
Convention Center.
Support Private property Rights. Nashville has a history of either attempting to take people’s property for the private use of other interest or of actually taking property such property for the private use of others. I will only support a candidate who supports private property rights. Only the Metro Council should have the right to exercise eminent domain.
Legalize economy limousine Service/Oppose price fixing. Recently, the city passed a minimum price for limousine service. This does nothing to protect the consumer and only protects the high-end limo owners. Unfortunately, not a single member of the Metro Council voted against this price-fixing bill. I want to vote for someone who is opposed to price fixing.
Opposition to increasing the cable tax. The city is contemplating increasing a cable tax so we can watch the Metro Council and The Bat Poet in high definition. This is a luxury we do not need.
Someone to question why we build sidewalks stupidly. I support expansion of sidewalks. I want a walkable city. However, we have wasted massive amounts of money building sidewalks to nowhere and replacing perfectly serviceable sidewalks instead of adding new sidewalks. I want someone to investigate and expose the waste in our sidewalk program.
Insure that Metro ordinances are not ignored when they become law. The Metro Council may pass an ordinance and it get signed by the Mayor and then conveniently left out of the Metro Code and be ignored for the next twenty years. This happened to a bill I sponsored some twenty years ago. How many other times has this happened? Procedures need to be put in place to insure this does not happen.
A Republican. The council is a non-partisan race and most issues to not break along party lines, but I would prefer to have Republicans in the Council rather than Democrats. The council is a good training ground and stepping stone for higher office. It is the farm team. Having Republicans in the Council will give us qualified Republicans candidates to compete with Democrats for Courthouse “clerk” offices, for judgeships, for State House and Senate seats and for the US Congressional seat. We need to build our farm team.
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Fundraiser for Councilwoman Karen Bennett
You are cordially invited to a reception honoring
Councilwoman Karen Bennett
Candidate for re-election, District 8
Thursday, June 23rd
5 to 7 p.m.
Historic Amqui Station
301B Madison Street
Madison, Tennessee 37115
Suggested donation -- $50 per couple
Business Casual
Make checks payable to:
"Friends of Karen Bennett"
106 Alhambra Circle
Nashville, Tennessee 37207
I am already committed to the fundraiser for Councilman Robert Duvall which is the same night; I will, however, be sending my donation. Karen is one of the good council members and is not embarrassed or afraid to be identified as a Republican. We need to reelect Karen Bennett.
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Pedophiles Weep as Supreme Court Backs Congressional Cutoff of ACORN Funding
The U.S. Supreme Court has denied a petition for review from ACORN, ruling in effect that Congress was absolutely entitled to cut off federal taxpayer funding of ACORN, the depraved radicals who used to employ President Obama, according to reports.Read more
Wonderful! We win one.
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Sunday, June 19, 2011
Be Fair in Redrawing the District Lines.
A committee of Tennessee Republican lawmakers met last week to begin the process of redrawing the state’s political districts. This will be the first time since reconstruction that Republicans have got to be the ones to redraw the lines. In the past, Democrats used redistricting as a chance to throw two incumbent Republicans into the same district and create new districts that favored Democrats. I hope the Republicans are fair in redrawing the lines- as fair as the Democrats have been.
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