Van Hilleary Represents Ramsey At Cumberland County Lincoln Day Dinner
Posted on April 29, 2009 at 9:30 amFrom the Crossville Chronicle:
Three of the four candidates for governor were in attendance and gave their respective stump speeches. Congressman Zach Wamp of Chattanooga, Attorney General Bill Gibbons of Memphis and Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam all agreed that experience in balancing budgets, job creation and K-12 education are the major issues facing Tennessee. Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey of Blountville was unable to attend and was represented by former Congressman Hilleary.
Nashville Is The Nation’s Ninth Most Dangerous City
Posted on April 26, 2009 at 6:22 pmMemphis is number two a distinction some folks think might hurt a certain gubernatorial candidate.
The Gubernatorial Battleground
Posted on April 13, 2009 at 8:00 amWe’re right in the middle of it:
“The growth of our party in the last 20 years has very much been in this collar around Nashville,” said Rep. Wamp, a declared candidate, of the socalled “collar counties” around the state capital. “Without a candidate in the Republican Party at this point from (Middle Tennessee), it’s a real battleground.” East Tennessee counties remain Republicans’ main base with Chattanooga, Knoxville and Tri-cities media markets reaching some 49 percent of the GOP primary vote in Republicans’ 2006 U.S. Senate primary, according to election returns.
Lt. Gov. Ramsey, R-Blountville, the state Senate speaker who is testing the waters for a bid, said conventional wisdom holds that he, the congressman and Mr. Haslam would split East Tennessee since each has power bases there.
The declared candidate from West Tennessee, District Attorney Gibbons, likely will take the Shelby County area, he said.
“So the two most important areas in this gubernatorial race in my opinion are the collar counties around Nashville… and rural West Tennessee including Jackson,” Lt. Gov. Ramsey said.
The Middle Tennessee collar counties include Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, Sumner, Robertson and Cheatham. Once largely rural, they have exploded in growth in recent years. And many of their new voters are Republican. “All of us understand that Middle Tennessee is going to be a major battleground on the Republican side,” said District Attorney Gibbons. “At this point there’s no candidate from Middle Tennessee. My guess is there won’t be.” Mayor Haslam, also a declared candidate, said he intends to compete in all areas of the state but noted, “Middle Tennessee is an essential part of that.”
(FT: Woods)
Gibbons Plays Up Alexander Connect With Nashville Conservative
Posted on April 4, 2009 at 8:19 pmTruman Bean reports from a meeting with gubernatorial candidate Bill Gibbons and a few of Nashville’s conservative bloggers. The Shelby County DA served as a special assistant to Alexander during his tenure as governor:
The constant theme and comparison that seemed to run throughout his intro and later interaction with the questioners, was highlighting the similarities and politically common roots of his friend, Senator Alexander. At first glance, It seems like a careful and well thought theme in which will surely be played well and often over the next year.
UPDATE: Matthew Hurtt was also pleased with the presentation
Gubernatorial Candidate Bill Gibbons On WATE
Posted on April 2, 2009 at 5:51 pmVia Wintermute:
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The Gibbons Factor
Posted on March 9, 2009 at 2:59 pmSpace and format precluded me from discussing one important dimension of 2010’s GOP gubernatorial primary in the piece in the paper this morning: The Bill Gibbons factor.
While Rep. Wamp, Mayor Haslam, and Lt. Gov. Ramsey are known quantities, Shelby County District Attorney Gibbons is not a household name outside of Big Shelby.
But he may not need to be.
The very fact that Gibbons is the only candidate who hails from West of the Cumberland plateau provides him a path to victory. While Ramsey, Haslam and Wamp may have to battle over money and support in East Tennessee, essentially playing defense, Gibbons can afford to play a bit of offense, assuming his geographic base stays solid, in the battleground of Middle Tennessee.
It is important to remember that 15 percent of the vote in the 2006 Republican Primary came from Shelby and surrounding counties. Democrats may do well in West Tennessee and the rising stars of the new Tennessee Repubiklican Party may seem to come from East and Middle Tennessee, the Western Republican exists and he votes. And Gibbons, the man who regularly nabs upwards of 60 percent of the general electorate in Democratic Shelby County, gets much love from those Republicans.
So while you may not hear as much about him as the other candidates, it could be a mistake to count him out.
Ramsey Explains Why He Announced For Governor Over The Weekend
Posted on March 2, 2009 at 2:35 pmHank Hayes reports on the Lt. Governor’s effort to stop the Haslam momentum and the aggravation it caused Rep. Wamp:
Ramsey said he will announce on Wednesday that he is forming a campaign exploratory committee with the intention of running for governor and succeeding Democrat Gov. Phil Bredesen, who under Tennessee’s Constitution cannot run for a third term in office.
Besides Haslam and Ramsey, others seeking the GOP nomination include U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp of Chattanooga and Shelby County District Attorney General Bill Gibbons.
But Ramsey said he clearly sees Haslam as his number one competitor.
“I wanted to wait (to announce) until after I got out of (legislative) session,” Ramsey said. “People were telling me I was losing five to 10 people a day with Haslam out there beating the bushes. I don’t think Zach is catching on. I don’t think Bill Gibbons is catching on, but Haslam is working harder plus he has the money…I just couldn’t wait any longer.”
…”I’m sure Bill Gibbons loved it because there are three (candidates) from East Tennessee and one from west,” Ramsey said. “Zach was halfway aggravated. He said ‘I can’t believe you’re doing this.’ It almost aggravated me. I said ‘Let me make sure I understand this Zach, I’ve been toiling in the state legislature for 17 years and took us three seats down to five seats up (Republicans went from the minority to the majority party in the state Senate)…and you’re going to be upset?’ “
Taking Advantage Of The Three Way Eastern Split
Posted on at 12:07 pmNathan Moore argues that the unknown candidate in the GOP Gubernatorial primary may benefit from his geography.
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Geography Is Destiny
Posted on January 6, 2009 at 9:41 amTom Humphrey examines how the grand divisions of Tennessee might play a role in the GOP primary for Governor:
In a competitive primary this year, it would seem a credible candidate will need at least $3 million, and that could mean an advantage for the person best able to self-finance. That has often been true for candidates besides Corker, including Frist and sitting (and term-limited) Gov. Phil Bredesen.
On the other hand, geography could play a bigger role in the 2010 campaign. If Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey enters the race later - as many expect - the Republican primary would have three East Tennesseans to split the regional vote.
That, in theory, could help Gibbons of West Tennessee or U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn of Middle Tennessee, should she decide to join the fray. Blackburn’s district stretches into the Memphis suburbs.
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No Turning Back: Wamp Wants A Piece Of Haslam
Posted on January 5, 2009 at 10:46 amThe Chattanooga Congressman confirms that he will take on the East Tennessee moderate political establishment and run for Governor. The email sent to supporters below:
One of the highest honors of my life has been to serve the very best people in the world—the citizens of Tennessee’s Third District– in Congress for the last 14 years. I am grateful and humbled that you have again elected me to serve in Congress, and I will be sworn in tomorrow to serve you in the 111th Congress. I will continue to make my service to you my highest priority. Our country faces difficult challenges in the days ahead, and I will do my best to bring reasoned, conservative solutions to the problems we face.
However, I believe the time is at hand for me to expand my service to help even more people in our great state by pursuing the office of Governor. While so much is good in Tennessee, I know in my heart we can continue to do better. From education, economic development, infrastructure and transportation to safer cities and healthier children, I will lead our state with vision, planning and implementation while setting goals and achieving results for a better Tennessee.
In the next few days, I will travel the Third District to thank and hear from the people who have been so good to Kim, Weston, Coty and me over the years. I will also file the paperwork necessary to begin raising money as a candidate for Governor of the great State of Tennessee.
Bolstered by a strong record of public service, a strong faith in God and the support of thousands of people like you who have stood with us through the years, I begin this extraordinary journey with a servant’s heart and a commitment to the common sense values that makes Tennessee the state we all love. Please pray for us and spread the good word.
Thank you so much.
Zach
The Cavalcade Begins: Gibbons A Definite Yes On Governor
Posted on January 4, 2009 at 6:51 pmNow that Bill Frist is out we can expect the field for the 2010 Governor’s race to become officially congealed in short order. Shelby County District Attorney Bill Gibbons is the first to issue his expected official announcement.
“I am a candidate for governor and will seek the Republican nomination in the August 2010 primary.
“As governor, I will place priority on two issues – crime and schools – that pose big challenges to our state and that we must address if we are to achieve a better future for Tennessee.
“Through safer communities and better schools, Tennessee will be positioned as a state where people want to live, raise their families, work and retire. And we will be a state where existing businesses want to remain and expand and new businesses want to locate.
“The very first sentence of the very first section of our state constitution notes that state government exists to provide for the peace and safety of the people. As our next governor, I will take the leading in making changes to fix Tennessee’s criminal justice system because I believe we must not surrender a single street, neighborhood or community to crime.
“Tennessee has the second highest violent crime rate in the nation, and it is a statewide problem. Over the past ten years, we have not shared in the national downward trend in violent crime. Law enforcement throughout Tennessee is doing a good job with the tools we have, but Tennessee’s criminal justice system has deep flaws. As district attorney in our state’s largest jurisdiction, I see those flaws up close, every day. We must change the system.
“We must do a better job of holding serious offenders accountable by keeping them off our streets and in prison where they belong. At the same time we must address the underlying problem of drug addiction that drives so much of our crime. We must address behavior among juveniles such as truancy that too often results in even more serious consequences. And we must make sure that our state law enforcement agencies, such as the Highway Patrol, develop and maintain a level of professionalism their employees and the citizens of Tennessee deserve.
“The other major challenge facing our next governor is our schools. In 2010, we will move to more rigorous standardized testing of our public school students. It will be a wake-up call for our state. We must make sure our young people have the skills and values necessary to compete in a global economy. We cannot simply pour more money into doing the same thing and expect significantly different results.
“My wife Julia and I are products of public schools, as are our two children. I was blessed to go to an excellent public high school in my hometown of Memphis, and my children were fortunate to go to exceptional public schools from kindergarten through high school. But I know many of our public schools today simply aren’t where they need to be in preparing our children for the future. As our next governor, I will change the status quo in our public schools and encourage innovation, instill high expectations of students, and demand and reward excellence in teaching.
“By making real progress on crime and public schools, Tennessee will be better positioned for the economic growth and employment opportunities so critical to the vibrancy of our communities. My administration will be focused on attracting high-quality jobs in every county, and our success in doing so relies very much on safety and better schools.
“I’ve spent my professional and personal life preparing to tackle these challenges, and I’m ready to do the job. I intend to make my campaign a conversation with Tennesseans about the real issues we’re facing today. I will be specific – about the direction I think we need to take, and the changes we will make – to ensure we do have safer communities, better schools, and more and better jobs. I’m looking forward to having this conversation all across our state.
“That process begins today as I enter the race and form a campaign committee. Germantown CPA Bill Watkins, who has served as chairman of the Shelby County Republican Party, as a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, and as treasurer of dozens of campaigns for Republican candidates, has agreed to serve as treasurer of my campaign.”
SEE ALSO:
Memphis Flyer
MediaVerse
It’s Official: Frist Will Not Run For Governor of Tennessee In 2010
Posted on at 5:27 pmKen Whitehouse reports. The full statement:
“For 12 years, I had the tremendous honor of representing the interests of more than six million Tennesseans in the U.S. Senate. I pledged in 1994 to serve two terms and then, consistent with being a ‘citizen legislator,’ return to my childhood home in Nashville. After honoring my word, my wife Karyn and I, along with our three boys, returned to private life as active members of Tennessee’s civic and business communities.
“After significant reflection and conversations with loved ones, I have decided to remain a private citizen for the foreseeable future. I will, however, continue serving the people of Tennessee.
“My long-standing efforts both as a doctor and policymaker to improve access to quality, affordable health care throughout our state will carry on. I will also launch a statewide, nonpartisan, grassroots education initiative to improve K-12 education in Tennessee late this month.
“I will never enjoy a privilege greater than serving the people of Tennessee. I know the citizens of our great state will identify a tremendous leader to serve as our next governor, and I stand ready to assist in any way that benefits Tennessee.”
PREVIOUSLY: ‘Nooga website reports Frist will not run.
SEE ALSO:
Freddie O’Connell
Jackson Sun
Colby Sledge
Erik Schelzig
Terry Frank
Ilissa Gold
Brian Hornback
Media Lizzy
‘Nooga Website Says Frist Not Running For Governor
Posted on January 3, 2009 at 2:34 pmI got some plans to go away after. So for me, it’s worth the stretch. But, Elaine takes good care of you. You got plenty put away. T-bonds; real estate. If I were you, I’d be smart and cut loose of this.
~ Neil McCauley in Heat (1995)
Chattanoogan.com reports that according to “high Republican sources” Bill Frist will not run for Governor in 2010.
This follows a blog post by Jeff Woods earlier in the week which revealed Frist’s lack of a “fire in the belly” for statewide politics and gave voice to a growing feeling among the political intelligentsia in the state that Frist would ultimately demur from a race that is his to win.
Given the source, Post Politics is not prepared to assert with certainty that a decision has been made but the report is certainly not inconsistent with the way things seem to be heading.
If the call has been made, Senator Frist has made a wise decision. With the economy in despair and the state budget suffering from a lack of revenue in a political climate where any kind of comprehensive tax reform is political suicide, the next Governor will have his hands full.
Let’s be frank, one of the chief reasons (and possibly the only reason) Bill Frist would want to make a run for Governor would be to set himself up for a run for President.
While the official reason Frist left the Senate in 2006 was that he was fulfilling a commitment to self-imposed term limits, most political observers understand that he left the Senate because he was going to mount a Presidential campaign.
Visits to Iowa and New Hampshire were made and an apparatus was constructed. Ultimately, Frist failed to pull the trigger on the campaign and was prudent to do so. George W. Bush was clearly on the downslope of popularity and it was painfully obvious that a Republican would have an uphill climb capturing the Presidency in 2008 — especially a Republican so tied to the Bush Administration’s agenda.
Instead of running on the inertia of ambition and running a failed campaign possibly ruining his chances at the presidency forever, Frist decided to put off the Presidency and the take time to get clean of the Bush stink and preserve his viability for the future. It was a smart decision and one few ambitious pols would have made.
If Frist has decided to eschew the Gubernatorial race in 2010, he has made a similarly astute decision. While coming back home and getting elected Governor would be superficially good image-wise there are other variables that need be considered.
One is the timing. It’s off.
A 2012 presidential race is out. To make that run, Frist would essentially have to step off the inaugural platform at Legislative Plaza in 2011 and start running for President. Not only would it look bad, he would have no record off accomplishment in the state to run on. Just a title. His true resume would still be heavily Washington and heavily Bush-related.
Now, it is possible that Barack Obama could be a disastrous President and leave an opening for a Republican in 2012. Possible, but unlikely. But even if a Republican was going to have a chance, a candidate who could be reasonably seen as a restorer of the Bush legacy would not be the way for the GOP to go.
So, if Frist were to win the 2010 governor’s race, he would be looking at at least a term and some change before the 2016 race to succeed Obama starting getting dialed up. This, once again, brings us back to the state of the State and how feasible it will be for a Republican Governor to come out of a first term in 2014 smelling like a rose.
We have a poor economy that is not looking to recover anytime soon and a state budget with a revenue problem. Drastic spending cuts will hurt and tax increases will meet with blank stares in the new Republican General Assembly.
Now, if I were Frist I would look at this landscape and let the field of Haslam, Wamp and Gibbons fight it out for whomever the Democrats nominate to take the fall.
To follow the relative successful reign of Phil Bredesen with the economy in the shape that it is will be a daunting task. Frist is still a young man and there are other ways to get free of the yoke of the Bush legacy. That’s, of course, assuming Frist has the Presidential bug that bad anymore anyway.
Frist made a smart decision in 2006 backing away from a run for President. If this report is true, he has made another one — not just for himself but for the state of Tennessee. Among the candidates for Governor, all really want to be Governor for its own sake and at least one may even have the capacity to govern the state through what will be a difficult time.
Again, assuming the report is accurate, Frist has done a good thing in clearing a path.
UPDATE: The official Frist statement bowing out of the race.
SEE ALSO:
Jackson Baker
10,000 Monkeys and a Camera
Confess All And Swear Allegiance To The King So That He Might Show You Mercy
Posted on December 18, 2008 at 6:16 pmOur esteemed Executive Editor penned a column this morning on the “three blind mice” who are currently running pre-campaigns for Governor awaiting former Senator Frist’s decision whether to enter the race. In it we are reminded of Rep. Zach Wamp’s not so shocking admission that he had, in his past, sampled the yayo from time to time.
Now, in the the modern political climate where we have a president who has not denied the use of cocaine in his past and an incoming president who has explicitly admitted such use, it is an open question how big a deal it is.
Regardless, Wamp’s decision to go public was an astute political move. The last thing Wamp wants is stories and rumors floating around about this subject while the actual campaign is going on.
Now, in December, during the holiday season before he is an official candidate, is the perfect time to make it a story.
One, it is good that he offered it up rather than have to admit it in response to stories and rumors. Owning up to something like this preempts the story and makes it seem like no big deal. Once it has been a story and considered no big deal or at least on old deal, reporters are not likely to led their stories with the information or mention it at all.
Patrick Buchanan did a similar thing in 1988. That year he was seriously considering entering the primary for President against Bob Dole, George Bush the Elder, Pat Robertson and others. However, during his college days he had had an altercation with police which, in his word, could reasonably have been described resisting arrest. Instead of having the media uncover it and confront him, he included it in his autobiography.
Obama did a similar thing putting his cocaine use in his autobiography, although noone can be sure whether he had any reasonable expectation of running for President when he penned the admission. By telling the story oneself, the story is told but in the best possible light and is no longer as newsie as it would be otherwise.
Although, it is no doubt difficult, politicians are almost always best served breaking stories about themselves rather than letting them be uncovered. The only risk is, of course, is that you reveal something about yourself that would not otherwise be uncovered.
However, in this age, where almost nothing is unprecedented or unforgivable, it probably doesn’t hurt to go ahead and get out in front of something of this nature. Response and the inevitable equivocation that comes in reaction to accusation is almost always worse that the clarity that comes from an uncoerced confession.
Reading Between The Lines Of Frist
Posted on October 17, 2008 at 2:26 pmJackson Baker, after observing the former Senator at a campaign event for state Senate candidate Dolores Gresham, is pretty sure Bill Frist is a go for Governor in 2010:
All in all, it was neither an announcement nor a commitment. But it was the speech of a man who was clearly ready to go if he chose to run for governor of Tennessee. “I’m prepared,” he responded when asked later on about the prospect of a run.
More than that, those who know him well, including some of those present Thursday night, speak of what they see as Frist’s intent to lay the groundwork for a future run for the presidency. No one seems to doubt the ultimate intent of the former Senate Majority Leader (and erstwhile presidential hopeful) in that regard.
A Gubernatorial Candidate Announces His Intentions
Posted on June 16, 2008 at 7:12 amJackson Baker reports that Shelby County District Attorney General Bill Gibbons will run for Tennessee’s Governor in 2010 if…
Whatever course the others may take, Gibbons is explicit about one thing: “If Frist runs, I’ll support him!” But he’s equally insistent that, otherwise, he’s in the running. “I make no bones about it. I’m a candidate,” he said at Saturday’s “Bob Patterson Barbecue” event, sponsored by the Shelby County Young Republicans and held at Kirby Farms in honor of the late Trustee, who died unexpectedly early this year.
SEE ALSO:
Richard Locker profiles the candidate.
The Associated Press reports
MediaVerse discusses
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