Fool Me Once, Shame On Me…
Posted on March 16, 2009 at 5:24 pmIlissa Gold is not at all enthused by the prospect of a Mike McWherter gubernatorial candidacy:
I know I can’t be the only Democrat who was more than a little peeved that he waited for so long in 2008 to announce that he would not be running for Senate. It was a costly tease–by that point Bob Tuke had said he wouldn’t challenge McWherter in the primary, but the announcement forced Tuke to rush back in and build up an operation with very little time. I still don’t think Tuke would have necessarily beaten Lamar! even if given a better opportunity, but there’s no doubt that McWherter’s delay hurt his chances.
So what’s he going to do now? Is he actually going to run, or is he going to “wait and see” again?
I have no patience for this level of indecisiveness. I may sound cliche or like a broken record by now, but time is a luxury we do not have in the 2010 cycle. Berke, McMillan, and Ward Cammack may not be household names at this point, but at least they’re out there doing something!
In light of recent history, as of now I don’t consider Mike McWherter a real candidate for Governor; I think that the “insiders” quoted in the article are at best merely speculating. If he is a real candidate, let’s see some papers and some fundraising first.
A Berkean Dilemma
Posted on January 14, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Vibinc surveys the political landscape with an eye towards state Senator Andy Berke’s next move:
If any of these big name people (Davis or Ford) jump in, Berke probably doesn’t have a chance. If they don’t, it’s 50-50 at best. Berke doesn’t really have anything to lose, but money, should unknowns dominate the field. Berke isn’t up for re-election in his State Senate seat until 2012.
On the flip side, if Davis gets in the Governor’s race, it may behoove Berke to go for the TN-03 seat. As much as I dislike Davis, he could be a powerful ally in the rural areas of TN-03 that shares a border with the 4th. By thinning the field, Burke could have a campaign partner for the general, and one that has the look and feel of a good old country boy. I’m not sure about Davis’ popularity in the 3rd, but he keeps winning the 4th, which is decidedly more rural.
Doing this could also set Berke up for higher office in the future. If Davis or another Democrat is successful in his bid for Governor, Burke could have a long term and powerful ally. 2012 could pit him against Corker for Senate, 2014 against an open seat left by Alexander, or Governor (should a Democrat lose in 2010) or Governor in 2018 (should a Democrat win in 2010 and 14). The opportunities are endless.
Andy Berke’s Toolbox
Posted on January 11, 2009 at 8:18 pmThe state Senator from Hamilton County (and prospective candidate for Governor) reflects on the change in the balance of power at Legislative Plaza:
Since the election, Republicans have rightly been crowing about the opportunities they now have at hand. Many of the issues they cite, however, seem far from the challenges that my constituents face.
As we face the new year, every Tennessean I know is going to bed tonight, and every night, deeply worried over the basics: their jobs, their children’s education, and their safety in cities and communities where basic human want is rising precipitously.
If there is one fundamental, philosophical divide between Democrats and Republicans in our Legislature, it is over state government’s role in addressing these concerns. If you’re struggling in this economy, Republicans believe you’re on your own.
Democrats view things differently. Democrats believe we should use the tools of government to provide a platform of equal opportunity for all. While each individual’s success ultimately is his or her own responsibility, Democrats believe each individual’s likelihood of success will grow if we come together to provide good schools, safe neighborhoods, sound infrastructure and a clean environment.
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Senator Andy Berke Confirms Gubernatorial Exploration
Posted on January 5, 2009 at 10:29 amSean Braisted with the breaker:
Just got off the phone with Sen. Berke, and he is exploring the possibility of running for Governor, and going through the logistics to see if a run is feasible. If he does decide to jump in, he thinks his State Senate district, which compromises Urban, Suburban, and Rural areas, will have helped prepare him to craft a message that appeals to all segments of the State of Tennessee. His candidacy would certainly boost the morale of a lot of youngish Democrats that I know who were not excited about the current prospects on the table.
UPDATE: Berke emails supporters announcing his gubernatorial explorations.
SEE ALSO:
Berke refuses to confirm exploration to mainstream media.
Aunt B. admires the message.
State Democrats To Get Up In McCain’s Grill Over Knoxville Visit
Posted on April 18, 2008 at 1:39 pmVia Press Release:
Democratic Party Chairman Gray Sasser, Senators Andy Berke (D-Chattanooga) and Reginald Tate (D-Memphis), and Representative Joe Armstrong (D-Knoxville) will address Tennessee media via conference call on Monday, April 21, regarding Sen. John McCain’s upcoming presidential campaign visit to Knoxville. Democrats will attend the call with brief remarks and answer questions for any available media representatives.
Sen. McCain’s self-described “Forgotten Parts of America” tour was reported in USA Today as intending to reach out “to African Americans, displaced factory workers, and people living in poverty.” McCain will appear in Knoxville on Tuesday, April 22.
UPDATE: KAG reports that McCain will not be in Knoxville next week or anytime in the near future.
Post Politics: 11 April 2008 - Afternoon Edition
Posted on April 11, 2008 at 3:09 pmThe Knoxville News-Sentinel reports this morning that former U.S. Representative and mayoral candidate Bob Clement will join up with Knoxville real estate heavyweight Coldwell Banker Commercial Wallace & Wallace. Clement will remain based in Nashville and will not be working in real estate full-time. Clement in January launched Clement & Associates, a lobbying and public affairs group, with offices in Knoxville, Nashville and Washington and joined up with the GOP-heavy Washington lobby shop, The Livingston Group, shortly thereafter.Bill Clinton decides to remind everyone about his wife’s various gaffes on the campaign trail in the hopes of promoting a narrative pitting Hillary against a hostile media.
The Tennessee Holocaust Commission, Sen. Andy Berke (D-Chattanooga) and Rep. Mark Maddox (D-Dresden) will host the Days of Remembrance Ceremony on April 14 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the Old Supreme Court Chamber.
Don Williams breaks down the Presidential race using America’s National Pastime.
U.S. Senate Democratic candidate Bob Tuke accuses Sen. Lamar Alexander for being in bed with the Oil Lobby while talking up energy independence and the environment.
Blake Fontenay gets confused as to which Columbia is being referred to in a Marsha Blackburn press release.
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Post Politics: 11 April 2008
Posted on at 3:03 pmIn somewhat of a surprise, State Rep. Joe Towns was certified yesterday by the Shelby County Election Commission as a candidate in the 9th District Congressional Primary. Towns name had been left off the initial list of candidates after questions arose over the validity of his qualifying signatures. Those questions were resolved and Towns will join Rep,. Steve Cohen, Nikki Tinker and two others on the Democratic primary ballot. Ford family scion, Jake Ford, is running as an independent. No Republican candidate qualified.
Sen. Andy Berke warns that the border battle between Georgia and Tennessee over water rights is anything but over.
A new study contends that 13 Tennesseans died every day in 2006 due to lack of health insurance.
The Tennessee Republican Party celebrates today, Tennessee Tax Freedom Day.
Congressman Bart Gordon argues that the financial burden for reconstruction in Iraq should fall on Iraqis, not U.S. taxpayers.
Brentwood mourns City Commissioner’s sudden death.
A Hillary Clinton delegate joins the race to succeed the retiring State Rep. Phillip Pinion.
Some members of our armed forces abroad will be issued handheld lie detectors for use in the field in the War on Terror.
Tickets go on sale this morning for the appearance of Comedy Central’s Jon Stewart at the Ryman on May 9.
State Sen. Steve Roller, appointed in January to the seat left vacant by the retiring Jerry Cooper, has announced intention to run for re-election, according to a Senate Democratic Caucus press release.
Former Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee discusses his plans for the future and blames evangelical leaders’ reticence to support his campaign early for his coming up short in the race for the Republican nomination.
The Donkey’s Mouth discusses the influence of neoconservatism on the political ideology of John McCain.
Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey likes his judges like he likes his Democrats.
Andy Sher reports that the state Senate voted 29-0 Thursday for legislation that would overhaul the fee structure charged by Tennessee’s 95 county clerks.
The federal deficit is at an all-time high.
East Tennessee Congressman Jimmy Duncan, one of only six GOP members of Congress to oppose the Iraq War’s initial authorization, has not heard anything recently from Gen. David Petraeus that would cause him to change his antiwar stance.
The Associated Press is in search of the perfect modern journalist.
Sen. Lamar Alexander makes the case that Davidson County is in dire need of an immigration judge due to the success of the 287(g) program.
Joe Powell gets deep into the proposed AT&T compromise cable bill and discusses some of the devilish details.
DUI suspects in Tennessee could soon see police given the power to administratively revoke their license at the scene of their alleged crime.
Rex Hammock on the political news value of Twitter.
The Tennessee Attorney General files action against a Kingsport dog breed breeder.
This Is Huge: State workers update Wikipedia while on the taxpayers clock.
A blogger defends jealousy as a motivator in the quest for social justice.
Rep. Steve Cohen praises the Memphis Tigers from the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Tennessee Republican Party Communications Director Bill Hobbs is still railing against Department of Finance and Adminstration public information officer Lola Potter over her refusal to give him access to information on his terms.
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