Faulkin’ Good Enough
Posted on November 5, 2008 at 5:02 pmDavid Oatney congratulates his new state Senator:
Congratulations to Mike Faulk. He was far from the perfect candidate, but his opponent was far worse. Further, based on my experience with Mike, I believe he will be a responsive Senator, ready to answer constituents’ needs. I believe this not only because he had a good rapport with supporters during his campaign, but also (let’s face it) because his margin of victory was too thin to be angering his constituents.
It’s Called Working A Job
Posted on October 21, 2008 at 2:43 pmAttorney Nathan Moore raps state Senator Mike Williams knuckles for criticising his opponent Mike Faulk for his work as an attorney:
At least now we now know that Williams despises both the federal and Tennessee constitutions with equal fervor.
Meanwhile, if you are charged with crime, there are places to go. Except for you, Mike Williams - I would never represent you. I’d represent a child rapist and a crack dealer gratis, with significantly less crisis of conscience, before I would make an appearance for your despicable hide.
Child Molesters And Drug Dealers
Posted on at 11:39 amSenator Mike Williams hits his Republican opponent for the way he made his living:
SEE ALSO: Sean Braisted
Faulk Goes Negative On Senator Mike Williams
Posted on at 9:19 amThe Republican candidate for Tennessee’s 4th District state Senate seat hits the Senate’s lone independent for leaving the Obama option open:
Senator Williams Has A Campaign Website
Posted on October 18, 2008 at 6:24 pmWhich, he says, he has nothing to do with:
A Web site supporting state Sen. Mike Williams’ re-election has appeared on the Internet, but Williams says he has nothing to do with it.
“I don’t know who did it. I do know I had nothing to do with it,” he said in an interview.
In an interview last month, Williams referred to himself as “old-fashioned” in campaigning while explaining his lack of a campaign Web site - a fixture for most legislative candidates these days.
The site, www.williamsforsenate.org, is fairly basic. It features a picture of Williams with Gov. Phil Bredesen, for example, but when a viewer clicks on the word “donate,” the only thing showing is the senator’s address, where a check could be mailed.
A check of records by News Sentinel staff shows the Web site was set up through a service that blocks identification of the creator.
RELATED:
Angelia asks some questions
More on the Fourth District race.
So He Has Decided About His Gubernatorial Run?
Posted on October 14, 2008 at 10:25 amOr is he just being a good party man:
Former U.S. Sen. Bill Frist will campaign across Tennessee this week for eight state legislative candidates as early voting gets underway on Wednesday.
Frist, who has aided each of these campaigns with fund-raising, will be doing events for state House candidates Terri Lynn Weaver, A.J. McCall, Bill Sanderson, Curtis Halford and Vance Dennis and state Senate candidates Ken Yager, Mike Faulk, and Dolores Gresham.
On Wednesday, Oct 15, Frist will campaign in the 40th House district for Terri Lynn Weaver, the 46th House district for A.J. McCall, the 4th Senate district for Mike Faulk, and the 12th Senate district for Ken Yager.
On Thursday, Oct. 16, Frist will campaign in the 77th House district for Bill Sanderson, the 78th House district for Curtis Halford, the 71st House district for Vance Dennis, and the 26th Senate district for Dolores Gresham.
“Sen. Frist’s work on behalf of our Republican legislative candidates has been invaluable in the pursuit of a Republican majority in the state Legislature that is committed to keeping our taxes low and working to create jobs,” said Robin Smith, Chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party.
One can, of course, find much more info about the candidates Frist will campaign for at the TNGOP’s Victory ‘08 website.
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Mike Faulk Makes Clear What His Campaign Is Really About
Posted on October 9, 2008 at 10:06 amThe battle for control of the Senate is about holding the redistricting pen:
Today, we are in another important battle and its outcome may also be a turning point in the direction taken by the State of Tennessee. Tennessee’s Senate is divided with 16 Republicans, 16 Democrats and 1 Independent.
The outcome of the election for Senate District 4 will likely determine for years to come the direction taken by our party and our state. In fact, the winner of this State Senate election may very well determine whose hand holds the pen used to draw the lines for redistricting every State House and State Senate seat and the lines for each of Tennessee’s Congressional Districts.
RELATED: Mike Slater
We Were Totally On A Break When That Happened
Posted on October 3, 2008 at 5:51 pmState Senate Democratic Caucus Political Director Mark Brown didn’t think GOP Senate candidate Mike Faulk’s counterattack on him for disclosing opposition research by a Texas firm to Kingsport Times News Reporter Hank Hayes was entirely appropriate.
Brown resents the implication that his informative political work was done on the state’s dime. He is on leave, you see, from the Caucus in order to provide reporters with information about a lawyers’ former clientele.
“Sounds like Mike Faulk desperately wants to change the subject. Absolutely nothing was done on state time. I am presently on leave from the state, working on Democratic Senate campaigns. Just as, for example, Republican staffer Rick Nicholson is on leave working for the campaign of Rosalind Kurita.”
The full piece of opp research can be found here. For more information about the crew that culled the salacious info on Faulk, go here.
SEE ALSO: Angelia
Faulkin’ PAC Money
Posted on September 16, 2008 at 7:13 amThe Independent Reporter’s Report, a Senator Mike Williams shill blog, charges 4th state Senate district candidate Mike Faulk with hypocrisy for accepting money from a conservative PAC while carrying on a relationship with a married woman:
The Tennessee Conservative PAC should send a demand letter to Faulk asking for an immediate refund since the money was raised under false pretenses.
In addition, John Gregory and relatives Faulk-ed over at least $8,000 in personal contributions.
While Faulk’s position of constituent services could be described as “missionary” outreach, he certainly seems to come up far short of the Conservative PAC’s high moral standards.
To steal from my friend Doc Holliday: “It appears Faulk’s hypocrisy knows no bounds.”
The Truth Will Set You Faulkin’ Free
Posted on September 15, 2008 at 1:44 pmDavid Oatney encourages his (former?) choice for state Senate to go that extra mile and explicitly admit his accessory to adultery:
I might have stated it quite a bit differently, but Angelia’s basic point is that if Mike would swallow his pride and own up to his end of this completely-it takes two to tango-he might be able to survive the political storm that has resulted in part from his apparent wrongful actions. Folks aren’t looking to hang Mike Faulk from a tree-I’m certainly not. What people want is an acknowledgement of the wrong and some real contrition, especially since Ms. Walker has already done her part in that department.
The Faulk camp is not only failing to do the right thing by acknowledging the relationship when nearly everyone now knows that it is factual, Mike isn’t capitalizing on the reality that by doing so he could put it behind him in enough time to save his campaign. One has to wonder if Mike knows that what I’ve just written here is true, but Faulk’s campaign folks are giving him not-so-great advice on how to handle the affair.
Mike: How about just doing the right thing, brother? The truth shall make you free.
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Stick A Faulk In Him, He’s Done
Posted on September 14, 2008 at 1:01 pmPotential constituent Angelia discusses state Senate candidate Mike Faulk’s alleged affair with a married woman, the fall out and how they handle such things in rural East Tennessee:
Kelli Walker owned her share of this and is shouldering the fallout: folks expected Mike Faulk to do the right thing and take his part. He didn’t. And this creates two big problems for the campaign: (1) It makes him seem like a callous ass, and (2) it raises the question: If Mike Faulk won’t stand accountable for his actions and support the people who are special to him: what can you reasonably expect him to do for you?
So, in light of that, how do you think this story end?
Personally: I predict folks will talk about the school teacher behind her back for a minute and perhaps give her funny looks. School functions w/ the parents might be a little awkward - but she’s tough and she has tenure. So, she’ll be okay. And by the time Christmas break is over, we’ll have moved on to the next town scandal.
As for Faulk, well, his next love interest can just stick a fork in his ass - because I’d say he’s done.
As for Ron Ramsey, before this is all over (and I don’t think it is) he may have to answer some of those McCain/VP type questions, such as “Did you bother to check this guy out before we bet our money on him?” Add to this mess, Rosalind Kurita’s election victory has just been declared invalid, leaving the Speaker possibly down two minions, which could get interesting
SEE ALSO:
The “Independent” (II)
And Angelia on the “Independent”
In Wake Of Faulk Revelations, Ramsey Advises Republicans To Keep Plowing
Posted on September 13, 2008 at 6:01 pmReacting to news that 4th District State Senate candidate Mike Faulk may have been an accessory to adultery, Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey turns an unfortunate phrase:
One of Faulk’s biggest supporters has been Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, who is seeking to build a working GOP majority in the state Senate.Ramsey, a Blountville Republican, said he didn’t think Faulk’s past situation with Walker will make a significant difference in the campaign.“People really do want to hear about the issues, and Mike has the money to run a good campaign,” Ramsey said. “This is a little bump in the road you may wish didn’t happen because it diverts you from your message, but you keep plowing forward and keep the campaign on the issues, not about gossip.”
Past Tense: Oatney On His Support For Mike Faulk
Posted on September 12, 2008 at 11:37 amLongtime supporter and potential constituent, David Oatney, blogs his feeling on the allegations surrounding 4th District state Senate candidate Mike Faulk:
In Mike Faulk’s case, the reality that he knew what the consequences of his actions could be, yet continued engaging in morally deviant behavior speaks to his judgement. Were Faulk not involved in politics, what he did would still be equally henous, but would be a private matter with sad but private consequences. In public life, the kind of behavior Faulk is accused of is a private matter that has very public consequences-it could cost Faulk not only the election, but what appeared to be a very bright political future.
I still consider Mike Faulk a friend, and I probably always will. His saving grace may be that his opponent also has a chequered past , but I’m not sure it is wise to make who can out-philander whom the central issue of an election campaign. Merely because he is a friend does not mean that Mike Faulk deserves victory. He himself has undermined his opportunity and has let down not only his supporters, but the people of the 4th District who deserve much better representation than what we currently enjoy.
Mike Faulk’s “temporal punishment due to sin” may be that he can get the good Lord’s forgiveness, and even the forgiveness of his political friends, but must pay for his actions with his political career.
Timing Is Everything
Posted on at 10:51 amIt would appear that Mike Faulk’s big TV buy for his state Senate race comes on the same day as some unflattering allegations about him hit the papers. Interesting:
The ad purchase of nearly $75,000 makes Mike Faulk the first of the state senate candidates to be on television in the 2008 election cycle. The ad campaign is promised as a first installment of paid media planned by the Republican candidate in the 4th State Senate District covering Claiborne, Grainger, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson and Union counties.
No Worries
Posted on at 10:36 amSean Braisted makes a funny about the predicament in which Mr. Mike Faulk finds himself:
Under the New Moral Code adopted by the GOP circa September 1st, 2008, Mike Faulk need only admit he did something wrong, offer to marry the young Republican, and they will be lauded for their strong commitment to family values and examples of the redemptive nature of prayer.
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All Faulked Up: State Senate Candidate Accused Of Affair With Married Schoolteacher
Posted on at 7:14 amState Senate candidate Mike Faulk, the Republicans only hope of unseating a former Republican, now Independent incumbent, who sides with the Democratic Caucus, has been accused of an inappropriate relationship with a young Republican activist:
But his campaign is facing unexpected trouble because the chairwoman of the Hawkins County Young Republicans has circulated a letter discouraging other Republicans from supporting Faulk, saying he had an affair with her during the race and criticizing him for repeatedly denying it.
“My ability to perform my job in leading this organization has been tainted due to my inappropriate, extramarital relationship with state Senate Candidate Mike Faulk,” said the letter sent from the work e-mail account of Rogersville elementary school teacher Kelli Walker.
This is not the first state Senate race where the word adultery is fixing to play a pivotal role. Randy Camp, looking to keep former Lt. Gov. John Wilder’s seat in Democratic hands, has seen his former brother-in-law put his admitted adulterous relationships out in the street.
UPDATE: See Kelli Walker’s full email detailing her resignation from the Hawkins County Young Republicans at this link.
Gov. Bredesen Endorses State Senate’s Lone Independent
Posted on September 4, 2008 at 3:13 pmIn a statement to Post Politics, Governor Phil Bredesen has endorsed Senator Mike Williams of Maynardsville:
“Senator Williams has represented his district with pride and distinction. He’s been supportive of my agenda, especially when it comes to rural economic development, education reform, expanding access to health care and road projects. I’m happy to endorse him in his re-election efforts.”
The Governor hosted a fundraiser in Knoxville yesterday for the state senate’s only independent at the offices of architecture firm Ross/Fowler, P.C. State Treasurer Dale Sims and State Comptroller John Morgan were also listed as hosts at the $500 per person event.
Williams retains the services of Thomas Lindsey Group, a Democratic fund-raising and consulting firm headed by Cathy Thomas. In July, it was reported that three prominent members of the Senate Democratic Caucus had shifted excess mailing funds into Senator Williams account.
Long a thorn in the side of the Republican Party, Senator Mike Williams was one of two Republicans who voted for Speaker John Wilder in 2005. He left the party in 2007. He is opposed in re-election by Republican attorney Mike Faulk.
SEE ALSO:
Braisted
Silence
Angelia
A Bold Charge
Posted on August 6, 2008 at 10:07 amSenator Mike Williams’ shill blogger alleges he knows at least one of the reasons the Senator voted for John Wilder, instead of Republican Ron Ramsey, for Speaker in 2005:
The disembodied voice on the other end of the line says, “Mike, this is Jeff Hagood. I just wanted you to know I won’t be running against you. But there’s something else you should know. Ron Ramsey (then Senate Republican Caucus Chair whose primary task is preservation of Senate Republican incumbent seats) and Bob Davis (then Tennessee State Republican Party Chairman whose bylaws at the time prohibited involvement by party officers or officials in primaries) came to me and asked me to run against you. I wasn’t the one who came up with the idea. But I want you to know that I will not be running against you.”
You’ve got two seconds to figure it out. Gee, why didn’t Mike Williams commit to vote for Ron Ramsey for Speaker when Ramsey came to him in January 2005 and said, “Mike, I guess it’s a little bit too late to ask for your vote.”
UPDATE: Contacted by Post Politics Deputy Chief Of Staff to the Lt. Governor, Lance Frizzell, said that charges that Ramsey had recruited an opponent for Williams were “not true.”
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