Kelsey Skips Joint Appearance With Opponent For Birthday Party

From the Commercial Appeal:

The Memphis Area Women’s Council and others are hosting a conversation with the candidates session on Saturday from 5 to 6 p.m.

Democrat Adrienne Pakis-Gillon, who is running for the State Senate District 31 seat formerly held by Paul Stanley, will be there to answer questions, but not her Republican opposition.

“We invited Brian Kelsey but through his campaign manager he said he has a family obligation with his nephew’s birthday party in Cordova. We asked if he wanted to send a stand-in or a surrogate but he has not responded,” said Deborah M. Clubb, the council’s executive director.

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NFIB Endorses In Race To Replace Kelsey

The Memphis Daily News:

The National Federation of Independent Business, a small business advocacy organization, is endorsing Memphis businessman Mark White in the special election for House District 83.

White, who recently sold the Grand Events & Party Rentals business he founded, is running for the House seat vacated by Memphis attorney Brian Kelsey, who in turn is running for the state Senate seat vacated a few months ago by Germantown investment banker Paul Stanley.

The primary for House Dist. 83, which includes parts of East Memphis and Germantown, will be held Dec. 1, with the general election to follow on Jan. 12.

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Queer To The Right, Prude To The Left

Thomas F. O’Connell pens a very personal tract about his reaction to a push to ban gay couples from adopting which would have prevented any unmarried couple from adopting:

Nashville is my hometown, and Tennessee is my home state. As a man who has only so much as kissed one woman in his entire life, who has been with her for 10 years, and who expects to be with her for the rest of his life, I challenge anyone who questions my moral values or my choices to actually live according to them. The only thing wrong with them to practitioners of various organized religions is that I belong to no organized religions. Other than that, though, my personal life is about as conservative as it gets in contemporary America.

So imagine my surprise when a great moralizer appeared from the western part of Tennessee to assert that I should be considered unqualified for adoption. Exacerbating the offense of a previous incarnation of a bill targeting same-sex couples, state senator Paul Stanley (R-Germantown, Tenn.), in our most recent legislative session, perhaps seeking to blunt criticisms that he was merely anti-gay embarrassingly included unmarried couples in his list of people unqualified to adopt on moral grounds. More embarrassingly still, he specifically mentioned unmarried “sexually cohabiting” couples in his bill. I suppose this means that there would have been a state test of some variety to determine what constitutes sexual cohabitation.

I highly encourage you to click through and read the whole thing.

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The Salvation Army Will Come And Pick It Up For You

Sen. Paul Stanley’s office furniture is in limbo:

But if Stanley takes the furniture home or sells it and keeps the money, Rawlins said, he could run afoul of laws prohibiting personal use of campaign funds.

“The statute doesn’t really address (the specific situation),” Rawlins said. “But you can’t buy things and convert them to personal use.”

Rawlins said the furniture could be sold at fair market value, with the proceeds going into the campaign fund and then used for permitted expenditures if the account is later closed.

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Sen. Stanley Billed The State For Trips And Per Diems Leading Up To Resignation

Once again, Mr. Tom Humphrey reporting:

Stanley was one of nine legislators attending the ALEC conference in Atlanta. His bill to the state was typical — $684 for per diem, $961 for hotel and $415 for transportation.

His experience there, however, apparently was not typical. The Nashville Post, quoting sources, has reported that Stanley “ordered three to five $150 bottles of wine and became intoxicated” at a dinner sponsored by lobbyists during the ALEC gathering.

After being told he should pay the tab himself, rather than leaving it for lobbyists, the Post said Stanley became belligerent and was asked to leave the restaurant following a “heated argument” with Rep. Charles Sargent, R-Franklin.

Sargent, asked about the report Monday, said it was accurate.

“That happened,” he said. “But it’s over and I consider it a dead issue.”

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Another Conservative Firebrand State Rep. Looks To Get Upped

Brian Kelsey, Susan Lynn and Stacey Campfield now have a little company as their group of conservative state representatives looking to become state senators has just grown by one.

According to the Associated Press, Sen. Dewayne Bunch, the Nashville roommate of former Sen. Paul Stanley, will not seek reelection to the state Senate. Bunch reportedly met today with the state house members representing his senate district to inform them of his decision not to run.

One of them, Rep. Mike Bell has decided to he would like the job. From a press release:

State Rep. Mike Bell (R-Riceville) announced today that he will be a candidate for the State Senate. He will be seeking to represent District 9 in the Tennessee State Senate which is made up of Bradley, McMinn, Meigs and Polk Counties.

“Three years ago, the people of McMinn and Monroe County elected me and gave me the privilege of serving them in the State House of Representatives,” said Rep. Bell. “Now I am asking the people of Bradley, McMinn, Meigs and Polk Counties to give me the opportunity to represent them in the State Senate.”

Bell currently lives on a farm in Southern McMinn County with his wife and 5 children:

Michaela (11), Rachael (15), Zack (17), Laura (20), and Nathan (22). Nathan, who is in the United States Marine Corps, is currently stationed at Camp LeJuene in North Carolina.

A small business man, farmer and volunteer firefighter, Bell was elected to the Tennessee State House of Representatives in 2006. In his first term, his peers elected him to be Freshman Leader and Assistant Floor Leader of the Republican Caucus. Bell is currently the Republican Caucus Secretary.

While in the House of Representatives, Bell has served on the Agriculture Committee, Children and Family Committee, Conservation and Environment Committee, Consumer and Employee Affairs Committee, and Government Operations Committee.

Bell is the current chairman of the House Family Justice Subcommittee of the Children and Family Committee.

I am looking forward to seeing the faces and hearing the voices of this district. I want to continue the tradition of having a principled, conservative voice in the state Senate.”

SEE ALSO: Tom Humphrey

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2009 St. Crispin’s Day: The Awards

Remarks by Ken Whitehouse as prepared for delivery last night at Flyte. A taste:

We present former state senator and noted ladies man Paul Stanley the “Shroud of Tunica.” The former state senator will find that this garment matches what he wore on his shirtsleeve and will dissuade him from playing his cards close to the zipper, I mean vest, and busting on 21 again.

SEE ALSO: Bruce Barry

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A Sternly Worded Letter

Ronnie Steine is very angry about Metro Parks cost overruns:

A sternly worded letter, Councilman Ronnie Steine said he wants answers to why the department is facing $1 million in overruns over the past year. Steine called for Parks Director Roy Wilson to appear before the council’s Budget and Finance Committee at its next meeting, Nov. 16. He also asked for the Parks Board Chairman Stanley Fossick and Metro Finance Director Rich Riebeling to appear.

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What Did Pat Marsh Mean By The Term ‘Gun Flasher’?

Mark Brown thinks we might want to ask Paul Stanley.

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Sextortion

Paul Stanley makes a Talking Points Memo photofeature.

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Anybody But Kelsey Fundraiser

From the Memphis Daily News:

Community activist Adrienne Pakis-Gillon will be the subject of a Cordova meet-and-greet fundraiser today from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Fox Ridge Pizza, 1769 N. Germantown Parkway.

A Democrat, Pakis-Gillon will face state Rep. Brian Kelsey, R-Germantown, in the December general election bid to decide who will finish out the term of Paul Stanley, the Republican state senator for District 31 who resigned in August. The winner will serve through 2010.

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Sen. Jack Johnson The New Big Cheese On Commerce

He replaces Paul Stanley:

(NASHVILLE, TN), September 17, 2009 – State Senator Jack Johnson (R-Franklin) has been appointed Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Labor and Agriculture Committee. The announcement was made by Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey during a speech to the Tennessee Associated Builders and Contractors in Nashville today.

The Commerce Committee has jurisdiction over legislation concerning banking and lending institutions; communications; regulation and licensing of occupations; protections of trade and commerce; corporations; labor and industrial relations; consumer affairs and consumer protection; and unemployment compensation. Due to the scope of legislation considered there, it is considered one of the most powerful committees in the General Assembly.

“I am very honored to have been selected as Chairman of the Senate Commerce committee,” said Senator Johnson. “It is important that Tennessee has a pro-business climate that is attractive for bringing new jobs to the state. I look forward to the challenges we face in a very competitive environment.”

Senator Johnson was previously Chairman of the Government Operations Committee in the State Senate.

SEE ALSO: Andy Sher

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Fingers Crossed

Steve Ross is hopeful a Democrat can take down Rep. Brian Kelsey in the special election to replace Sen. Paul Stanley:

Now that the withdrawal deadline has passed, the race is on. Both parties have cleared the decks for their preferred nominees. On the Democratic side is Adrienne Pakis-Gillon. The Republicans have rallied around current HD-83 Rep. Brian Kelsey.

Pakis-Gillon has some impressive Democratic bona fides, and widespread support from Democrats in Shelby County. However, name recognition will be a bit of an issue for the first time candidate. The hill is steep, but it’s possible that in a special election, she could win this thing.

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Just To Be Sure: Kelsey’s Lone GOP Opponent Drops Out

Brian Kelsey, seeking the state senate seat of the disgraced Paul Stanley, could now resign tomorrow with no fear, allowing a special election for his house seat:

Today, the Tennessee Republican Party received a statement from James Harrell of Cordova, Tennessee, regarding his intention not to seek election in State Senate District 31.

“In business and in life, I have always been driven by the big picture.” Mr. Harrell said. “While I was prepared to run and win the State Senate race, there are causes greater than oneself, and it is not my intention to jeopardize the gains our Party has made by stringing out a State House special election.

“For these reasons, I have decided not to seek election in the State Senate, but look forward to working with our next State Senator, Brian Kelsey, and the Republican Party in advancing the principles we hold dear.” said Mr. Harrell.

Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Chris Devaney was pleased by the decision. “Jim Harrell has a sincere desire to improve his community, state, and nation. He is someone who is a strong defender of our sovereign Constitution. He understands the principles of our Party and the importance for the future. Jim’s decision was the right one.”

Shelby County Republican Party Chairman Lang Wiseman echoed Devaney’s comments. “Mr. Harrell is obviously a principled man who understands the larger picture, and who is willing to demonstrate by his actions a willingness to put the people’s interest ahead of his own.

“His withdrawal allows Brian Kelsey to vacate his House seat even sooner than originally planned, thereby ensuring that the District will be well-represented in the coming legislative session without risking the vital, yet slim Republican majority in the House.” said Wiseman. “Mr. Harrell is to be applauded, and I look forward to his contribution as an integral part of our Party as we move ahead.”

UPDATE: Presser from Kelsey:

State Representative Brian Kelsey (R-Germantown) today praised Jim Harrell of Cordova for withdrawing from the Republican Primary for state Senate in District 31.

“Many of us have made sacrifices to keep this seat Republican, and I’m glad Jim Harrell put the interests of the Republican party above his own,” said Kelsey. “I thank and commend Mr. Harrell for his efforts in keeping this seat in Republican hands.”

“I look forward to running as the Republican nominee and continuing to take on the politicians to keep us safe in our homes, safe from government-run health care, and safe from wasteful government spending,” Kelsey said.

The general election for District 31 will be held Dec. 1. District 31 includes parts of Germantown, Bartlett, Cordova, East Memphis and Hickory Hill.

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Family Values Lawmaker Admits To Sex With Lobbyists

And it’s not in Tennessee.

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Calculated Risk: Kelsey To Resign House Seat After Senate Primary

Kelsey’s resignation after the primary and before the general election will trigger a special election for the seat avoiding a Democratic Shelby County Commission from installing a Democratic representative.

Kelsey has only one opponent, James Harrell, in the Oct. 15 GOP primary. David Pickler and state Rep. Steve McManus initially showed interest in the race but demurred. Two Democrats, Adrienne Pakis-Gillon and Bobby Baker, have also announced for the 31st state senate seat vacated by the resignation of Paul Stanley. More from a press release:

Germantown, TN - State Representative Brian Kelsey (R-Germantown) today announced that, if he is chosen the Republican nominee for the state Senate, he will resign his state House seat prior to Nov 2 to ensure that the voters of House District 83 are allowed to choose their next state Representative.

Rep. Kelsey is currently a candidate in the state Senate special election to fill the vacant seat in District 31. The primary election is set for Oct. 15, 2009, and the general election will be held Dec. 1.

“I want the people to choose their next representative, not the politicians,” said Rep. Kelsey. “I have a record of taking on politicians to protect people’s rights, and the right to vote is sacred in a democracy.”

By resigning his House seat prior to Nov. 2, Rep. Kelsey will guarantee that a special election takes place to fill the seat. If Rep. Kelsey were to resign his seat after Nov. 2, the county commission would pick his successor.

Kelsey for Senate Campaign Manager Jeremy Durham explained the necessity for a special election: “It should come as no surprise to anyone who knows him that Brian Kelsey would put his personal interests aside to help ensure the people of his district will be represented by someone who shares their values. Unfortunately, the Democrats on the county commission have proven that they cannot be trusted to follow the wishes of voters but have instead engaged in partisan politics,” said Durham.

In January 2009, the Democratic-controlled Shelby County Commission appointed Democrat Matt Kuhn to fill a heavily-Republican seat after Republican David Lillard resigned his commission seat to become state Treasurer. Under Republican control of the county commission in prior years, the commission had followed a long-standing tradition of appointing Republicans to Republican districts and Democrats to Democratic districts. House District 83 is among the top five most Republican districts of the 99 in Tennessee.

“I have been and remain convinced that allowing the people of Memphis and Germantown to vote for their state representative will help keep people safer in their homes, have access to better healthcare, and have more security in their jobs,” said Rep. Kelsey.

Kelsey’s resignation also ensures that Republicans will remain in control of the Tennessee House of Representatives.

Durham continued, “No one has worked harder for a Republican majority in the state House than Brian Kelsey. He was the Candidate Recruitment Chairman last year, he drove to ten different counties across the state to campaign for Republican candidates, and his political action committee contributed over $30,000 in swing races all across Tennessee.”

Rep. Kelsey serves as a non-voting member on the board of Red State PAC, a political action committee dedicated to electing Republicans to the state legislature. Rep. Kelsey also served as Candidate Recruitment Chairman for the House Republicans during the 2008 election cycle when five new Republicans were elected in seats that were previously-held by Democrats. The election proved the first time known that Republicans were elected to a majority of seats in the Tennessee House since 1869.

Article II, Section 15 of the Tennessee constitution requires a special election to be held to fill the vacancy of a legislative seat if twelve months or more remain in the unexpired term of office. It allows the county commission to fill the vacancy if the vacancy occurs with less than twelve months remaining in the original term. The next general election for Tennessee House districts is set for November 2, 2010.

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Water From A Stone: Court Seeks Fees From Stanley

From the AP:

A bankruptcy court petition is attempting to recover millions of dollars in fees from ex-employees of a financier accused of investment fraud.

Former state Sen. Paul Stanley, who resigned from the legislature last month amid an unrelated sex scandal, is among six people from the Memphis office of Stanford Financial Group named in a court-appointed receiver’s petition.

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If Anything Happened While He Was There, He Was Sleeping

Sen. Dewayne Bunch on the now famous activities of his roommate, Sen. Paul Stanley:

“I was oblivious to what was going on with my own roommate,” Bunch said in an interview. “I’ve never seen any photographs… I never saw a female in our apartment except my wife, his wife and his daughter.”

Bunch, R-Cleveland, said Stanley “made a tragic mistake in judgment that I do not defend, if it’s as bad as they say it is… I think it must have been a very short-term relationship.”

Bunch and Stanley typically shared the apartment in Nashville’s Metro Center area from Monday to Thursday during the legislative session, but also kept somewhat different schedules - in part because Bunch was accustomed to living in the Eastern Time zone and prone to going to sleep earlier, then awakening earlier, than Stanley.

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