Thank You, Mr. Helper
Posted on April 29, 2008 at 10:25 amSean Braisted translates Kim McMillan’s explanation as to why she supported a state income tax for Tennessee in 2002, but doesn’t now:
What I think she wants to say is that she supported the income tax because it was the right thing to do, but the voters of Tennessee are such sheep that they really believe a regressive sales tax is better for them. But of course, she can’t say this, so I will.
McMillan Blames Past Income Tax Support On Geography
Posted on at 8:49 amExploratory Gubernatorial candidate Kim McMillan explains that her support for a state income tax in the past was based on the location of her district and that she would not support one today because we have the “type of tax revenue system that doesn’t need that particular type of environment’:
McMillan, who filed papers Monday creating an exploratory committee to seek the Democratic nomination for governor in 2010, said she supported the income tax because she was following the will of her constituents, who live on the border with Kentucky, which has no sales tax on food.
“When I had to choose between a plan that would allow us to remove the sales tax on food and make us competitive with Kentucky or increase the overall sales tax with no benefit to anybody, I think that was the choice that I took at that time in line with what the constituents of the 67th District told me that they thought was more appropriate,” McMillan said.
McMillan’s entrance into the Democratic race for governor will provide the first test of how Tennesseans react to a statewide candidate who openly pushed for a state income tax.
Since the great fight over a state income tax from 1999 to 2002, no candidate has run for statewide office who openly advocated for the income tax.
Reminder: Kim McMillan Voted For The Income Tax
Posted on April 28, 2008 at 9:29 amSean Braisted gives Kim McMillan a vote of confidence as a Gubernatorial candidate but notes that she has an unfortunate vote in her past that could prove troublesome if she is able to poke through into the general election:
Kim McMillan is probably the most qualified, in terms of experience with State issues, to be Governor out of all of those potential names (sans perhaps Bill Purcell, though even then, she might have the edge). Of course, probably her biggest hurdle will be her vote in favor of a State Income tax, the great bogeyman in Tennessee politics. Personally, of all those who have actually expressed interest so far, McMillan seems to be the best fit for me, though we’ll see how this develops.
SEE ALSO: Bill Hobbs appreciates Braisted doing his op-research for him.
The Spirit of ‘94: Frist Calls Newt A “Visionary Leader”
Posted on at 8:11 amFormer Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist uses his blog over the weekend to provide Kim McMillan with a nice little quote for a future fundraising letter:
As the Republican Party continues to grow, new ideas must be its fuel. That’s why I was honored former Speaker Newt Gingrich – a visionary leader and outstanding scholar – accepted my invitation to speak during an event benefiting the Tennessee Republican Party last Thursday.
Jimmy Naifeh All But Endorses Kim McMillan For Governor
Posted on at 8:06 amIn an article in the Clarksville Leaf Chronicle, newly announced Democratic exploratory Gubernatorial candidate Kim McMillan paints herself as a Bredesen Democrat and seems to have found an ally in her move to box out Rep. Lincoln Davis in House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh:
When she first arrived on Capitol Hill in Nashville, it didn’t her long to win over such political stalwarts as state House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh, D-Covington. Naifeh — widely viewed as the most powerful politician in Tennessee other than Gov. Phil Bredesen — told The Leaf-Chronicle Saturday he could support a McMillan bid for governor.
“When she first came to the Legislature, we knew we had a bright star on our hands. She wasn’t considered a freshman legislator for long. She really began standing out in the crowd when she became majority leader.
“Kim is one of the brightest individuals I have ever served with. She always knows her subjects, and how to present them,” Naifeh said…
…”I am not surprised that she is interested in running for governor. I think she’d make an excellent governor, and I do see her as someone I could support.
“It’s time we broke that gender barrier in Tennessee,” he said.
MORE: Richard Locker
The 2010 Gubernatorial Race: It’s On
Posted on April 26, 2008 at 4:06 pmKen Whitehouse once again brings you the breaking news and, because its the weekend, he’s gonna let you at it for free. Former Democratic Majority Leader Kim McMillan has announced that she is forming an exploratory committee for the 2010 governors race:
In a statement released to NashvillePost.com regarding the formation of an exploratory committee, McMillan said, “The people of Tennessee want good jobs, close to home. We want to send our kids to first-rate schools and we want to have safe neighborhoods. I think these expectations are reasonable. I’ve spent much of my life in leadership and public service. I believe I have the experience, the perspective, and the desire to move Tennessee forward.”
For more go to NashvillePost.com.
SEE ALSO:
GoldnI
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