Reveille
August
2002
|
Reveille August 2002 |
|
Published by
International Press Service Bloody attacks take a toll GOP staggers in negative campaign Two candidates
running against sitting governor, The Republican Party’s worst nightmare is bitter infighting among candidates and loss of seats for governors, representatives and senators. And Tennessee is one of the battlegrounds. Two representatives—Van Hilleary and Ed Bryant—abandoned their congressional seats to run for the open governorship and the seat vacated by Fred Thompson. Instead of running on issues, both candidates are busier attacking the governor who is a member of their own Republican Party. Both are opposed by formidable contestants: Jim Henry, former legislator and successful business, for governor and Lamar Alexander, who was governor and a presidential cabinet officer, for senate. They were considered more electable than candidates rooted in the extreme right conservative-religious regions. Observers say support of the far right has advantages in a primary but can’t carry a general election. The dirty word “income tax” has been the dominant theme with candidates trying to stake claims to being the most opposed. Rep. Hilleary has gone so far as to say he will repeal an income tax legislation in a series of negative campaign tactics. A fifth grade civics student would tell him courts repeal a law. A governor can only veto and a majority of one overrides that veto. GOP campaign tactics have gotten so bloody a united party for November seems difficult. In some cases, career Republican workers aren’t even speaking to each other. Democrats will reap the benefit from the divisions unless moderate candidates appealing to all sides can be chosen. In all likelihood, former Nashville mayor Phil Bredesen will be the Democrat nominee and Bob Clement will represent the Democrats against the winner of the GOP senatorial primary. Some from GOP A lot of prominent Republicans statewide are hedging their bets. They are making sizeable contributions to Democrat Phil Bredesen. Consensus is that Rep. Van Hilleary has only the hardcore extreme right of the Republican Party backing him and he will never attract the moderate and crossover voters. Most see a Bredesen-Hilleary contest as an easy win for the Democratic Party. Veterans for Good
Government’s By any measure the most important political contest this year in Tennessee is the one for the governorship. With the state in financial crisis and the legislative-executive branches in deadlock, it will take a Solomon to mediate, cajole and lead. Phil Bredesen has the lead by far in the Democratic Party. His business experience and background as mayor of Nashville earn him that nomination. Van Hilleary has served in congress, but has no statewide experience and no business background. He has alienated legislators on both sides of the aisle who would never work with him. Jim Henry is by far the best bet for Republicans with his 12 years in the legislature and business expertise. His maturity would serve well. Lamar Alexander has the talent and experience to fill Fred Thompson’s shoes. Ed Bryant in his campaign has proved he couldn’t handle the job as a Republican. Bob Clement as the Democrat nominee will make it a close race. Zach Wamp has no real competition for congress. He has said he would serve two more terms if elected.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
John Cupp has done an admirable job as sheriff and should remain in
office. Being the top law
enforcement officer ensures enemies and criticism, especially if you
don’t follow the “good ole boy” syndrome.
Carl Levi clearly has the experience and background to
handle the trustee job.
The same is true for Paula Thompson as
circuit court clerk.
After shutting down the state once more, avoiding their
fiscal responsibility and draining the reserves, legislators came home
patting themselves on the back. None
really deserve reelection, but you have to have somebody.
John Lively would be a welcome relief to replace Chris Clem.
Curtis Adams’ work on the County Commission should
continue.
Veterans endorse Jim
Henry Veterans for Good Government endorsed Jim Henry as GOP candidate for governor not just because of his courageous war record as a navy man on river patrol in Vietnam. It was not just because of his lifetime record of public service from mayor to state legislator to minority leader during a prosperous period in the state’s history. It was not just because he took a small company to place disabled children and built it into a two-state industry with nearly 700 employees. He is supported because all these traits are needed at a crucial time in Nashville where gridlock has held Tennessee on the brink of bankruptcy for two years. Legislators have failed to agree on anything progressive and patched the economy together with chewing gum and coat hangers. Everything has been raided and only the skills of a governor such as Jim Henry can remedy it. His opponents have denied there is even a money problem in the state, saying it’s a “myth,” in effect accusing legislators of lying. Then they promise the pie in the sky—more money for schools and teachers, more money for everything. The plan is to do this by trimming TennCare and taking “unnecessary” human beings off the books. Jim Henry came along with an honest, no nonsense campaign. All he promises is a partnership with the people where the public is involved, where they know what the problems are and can decided on the solutions they want. A modest, unassuming man, he inspires confidence and brings a breath of fresh air to the putrid rhetoric of politics. While other candidates skirt issues, Jim Henry meets them head on and gives straight answers to questions. His command of facts and understanding of complex issues impresses the most skeptical critic. When someone meets him, they join his team. Problem is he didn’t start campaigning three years ago, amassing a war chest and doing favors for people to have them obligated for support. Jim Henry brings to the table his honesty, experience and the ability to make Tennesseans proud of their state again. He is the only Republican candidate to bring the state back into a secure future. Pete Chaney, Exec. Dir. Vets View . . . Pete Chaney The lot is vacant now at Georgia Avenue and E. Fourth Street. The Medal of Honor Museum which graced that site for years is no longer there. Widening of the intersection had been postponed for some six years to give museum officials an opportunity to relocate. The two story former facility of the employment commission was “rented” to the museum for a token $200 a year, which was seldom paid. Under the guidance of Leo Smith, the empty building was transformed into an inspiring walk through military history. Always Leo dreamed of a better place. That opportunity came six years ago when the city donated the St. Elmo School and put $150,000 into renovations. Leo drew a state of the art program. He died. Egos clashed in museum leadership and museum directors ultimately deeded the property back to the city. Property was offered at the VAAP plant, but necessary funds weren’t in sight. As a last resort, the museum was given a location on Riverfront Parkway. But now the board figures they need $125,000 just for renovations, the same kind the city did once before. When Leo, aided by Louie Gant and others, walked into the Georgia Avenue site they didn’t have any money. But they had spirit. They created it with their bare hands and volunteers. The museum needs another Leo Smith to lead it. Then funds and participation would follow. Post Script There is a lady in Cleveland who credits Dr. DON MACKLER with saving her life. She was on life support and says other doctors were ready to pull the plug, but Don wouldn’t hear of it. She recovered and is around to sing his praises. ******** A lot of people wonder how the restaurant locating at the old Sand Bar site on Riverside Drive ever got a building permit. A business must have adequate parking, enough spaces to accommodate its customers. All this location has is a few in front and the parking lot which is supposed to be intended for Riverpark users, not a private enterprise. ******** When the Tennessee legislature was in session, freshman representative CHRIS CLEM couldn’t even get a co-sponsor for a memorial resolution he wanted to offer. But you have to give him an A for self confidence. Running for reelection, he dismisses JOHN LIVELY as token opposition to his bid for a second term. No one is better known and admired in Hamilton County than John. ******** Supporters of the city’s bid to take over water rights from the Tennessee American Water Company took a lot of heat from the opposition. The union members particularly were against the acquisition and angry with Mayor JON KINSEY and the team behind him. Now they are wishing the city had been victorious. They feel the company, now owned by a German consortium, betrayed them. ******** A talented photographer, WESLEY SHULTZ has common sense as well. He took criticism from his parents when he wanted long hair like the Beatles. “Long hair won’t cause cancer,” he told them. “Your smoking does.” Readers for this issue of Reveille: Reveille is being sent out to readers of varied interests and especially political views. If you are receiving Reveille and do not wish it, let us know and your e-mail address will be removed. If you know of someone who might like to receive it, send us the address and that will be added. Reveille welcomes contributions of news items, opinions, pictures. Whether they agree or conflict with our comments, they will be considered for publication based on content. Any submission must be signed. The name will be withheld if the writer requests it. Currently we are following a monthly schedule, with plans for more frequent publication. A hard copy is also printed and distributed on a limited basis due to costs. The e-mail edition includes more information along with color pictures which are not possible with the hard copy. |
