Saltsman To Bring A Little ‘Magic’ To Neophyte’s Congressional Campaign
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 1:35 pm
While the Chattanoogan reports this morning that he is the campaign manager, Chip Saltsman makes clear to Post Politics that he will only be advising Chuck Fleischmann’s Third District Congressional campaign. His hands-on role, he says, will be limited.
“Of course, my main living these days is not made off of politics but I certainly do like to help out good candidates when I can,” explained Saltsman. “Chuck is a great guy. He gave me call when he was thinking about doing this and I’m gonna give him all the help I can.”
Saltsman describes his role as more of a ‘general consultant’ and not as one who handles the day-to-day.
While Saltsman is involved in races and potential races around the country, including advising South Carolina Lt. Governor Andre Bauer who is weighing a run for the top job, he tells Post Politics that he will not be involved in the governor’s race here.
“I have a lot of friends in this race,” Saltsman says. “But I am not officially engaged in any of the current campaigns for governor.”
Chuck Fleischmann is currently running against both Bradley County Sheriff Tim Gobble and Tommy Crangle, an engineer. Former TNGOP chair Robin Smith is widely believed to be preparing to enter the race but has not yet announced.
The Democratic contenders include former state Commerce and Insurance Commissioner Paula Flowers and perennial candidate Brent Benedict.
A New Role For Hobbs At TNGOP
Posted on June 4, 2009 at 3:27 pm
As of today, Bill Hobbs is no longer the Communications Director at the Tennessee Republican Party new party chairman Chris Devaney tells Post Politics.
Hobbs is not through with the party, however. He will be staying on with the party in a consulting role at least through the transition.
All other current employees will continue to serve in their current roles as the new chairman and his volunteer transition director Dean Rice continue to re-examine and reassess the organization of the Party.
Devaney, in a conversation with Post Politics, made clear that this is not a dismissal and that Hobbs will continue to work with the party.
“Bill Hobbs and I have a good working relationship and he will be continuing to help us as we work through our transition,” said Devaney.
Asked if this new relationship between Hobbs and the party has definite end date, Devaney said it was a personnel issue that he would not discuss in detail.
“What we are trying to do is build the best professional political and fund-raising team we can as we move towards victory in 2010,” explained Devaney. “Bill will continue to help us in pursuit of that goal.”
Hobbs tenure as Communications Director was not without controversy.
In February of last year, the TNGOP sent out a controversial press released entitled Anti-Semites for Obama in which the now President was referred to by all three of his names accompanied by a photograph of Obama wearing native Somali garb.
Both of Tennessee Senators as well as national Republican leaders denounced the release.
Later that year, the TNGOP took fire for a YouTube video produced by the party questioning the now First Lady’s pride of her country.
President Obama went on Good Morning America the next day and told the TNGOP to “lay off” his wife. Sen. Corker and others asked that the video to be removed.
Hobbs has been the Tennessee Republican Party’s Communication Director since October 2007. Prior to that he worked as a media relations specialist and blogging coach at Belmont University from January 2003 through April 2006.
Hobbs has also worked as a journalist with several news organizations including the Tennessean.
Hobbs lives with his wife and children just outside of Nashville. Hobbs could not be reached at the time of this posting.
UPDATE 5:14PM — Bill Hobbs comments on his new role:
“The Tennessee Republican party won a historic victory in the November 2008 election, against incredible odds. History has shown that successful revolutions often need new leaders and new strategies to sustain their victories, and Chairman Devaney is - with great energy and focus - moving rapidly to make the changes necessary so that the Tennessee Republican Party can hold and expand on the legislative majority we won in 2008.
The party made great strides in the use of the Internet in the last two years, but that’s just the foundation and a small piece of what is possible, and I look forward to helping Chairman Devaney and the party build on that foundation.
I also look forward to providing my experience and expertise in communications and new media to other political organizations, candidates and corporate clients.”
Devaney Wins: The Official TNGOP Press Release
Posted on May 30, 2009 at 3:31 pmFrom the desk of TNGOP Communications Director Bill Hobbs:
NASHVILLE, TN - The State Executive Committee of the Tennessee Republican Party elected a new party chairman Saturday, selecting Chris Devaney, U.S. Sen. Bob Corkers state director and a former executive director for the Tennessee Republican Party.
Devaney becomes chairman immediately, replacing outgoing Chairman Robin Smith, who served as the party chairman for 22 months and led the party to a historic victory in the November 2008 elections.
The election of 2010 is the most important for our state in generations, Devaney said, and we will be focused on building our majority in the General Assembly and electing a Republican governor.
In the worst political climate for Republicans in decades - in a year that would see Republicans lose the White House, lose both houses of Congress, lose 100 state legislative seats across the country, and lose the majority in three state legislatures to the Democrats - Chairman Smith lead the Tennessee Republican Party to winning a majority in both houses of the state legislature for the first time since the elections of 1868.
In remarks to the committee before the vote, Smith stressed that there is work left to be done keeping the Republican majority in the legislature, and electing a Republican governor in 2010 - and that the party must never stray from its principles.
“I love working with the grass roots,” said Smith, pledging to remain a Republican activist even after she leaves the chairmanship.
The Republican victories of 2008 ushered in a new era in Tennessee governance. Not only do Republicans have a majority in the state House and state Senate, for the first time the party also holds the state’s three constitutional officer seats and have a majority on all 95 county election commissions and the State Election Commission.
SEE ALSO: Devaney is the new TNGOP chairman.
Chris Devaney Is The New TNGOP Chairman
Posted on at 2:19 pm
Sen. Corker’s State Director Chris Devaney was elected chairman of Tennessee’s state Republican Party at the downtown Sheraton today in a squeaker of an election defeating current party treasurer Oscar Brock on the second ballot 28 to 25 with one write-in vote.
A third candidate, Rep. Eric Swafford was eliminated on the first ballot. Devaney will succeed Robin Smith in the role.
The campaign was briefly marred by accusations of financial mismanagement on the part of the current chairman as well as former Executive Director Devaney. Current Chief of Staff Mark Winslow was eventually moved to send an email to SEC members squashing the whisper campaign.
On the endorsement front, former Congressman Van Hilleary and National Committeeman John Ryder blessed the candidacy of Brock implying that other candidates might be biased in the upcoming governor race.
Devaney, meanwhile, boasted former Gov. Winfield Dunn as a supporter.
Devaney was a top aide to former U.S. Senator Fred Thompson and served as Executive Director of the Tennessee Republican Party under chairman Bob Davis. He and his wife Heather have four children and live in Chattanooga.
UPDATE:
Dru Fuller (FT: Devaney photo)
Andy Sher
The Associated Press
Chattanoogan
The official TNGOP release
Hobbs Looking To Stay Put At TNGOP
Posted on May 17, 2009 at 1:52 pmIn case you were pondering, TNGOP Communication Director Bill Hobbs has no plans to follow his boss, TNGOP chair Robin Smith, out the door and work on her all but announced run for Congress — at least not initially:
“I have been blessed to work for the most successful chairman in the history of the Tennessee Republican Party and I look forward to working for the next chairman to help build on the party’s successes.”
Breaking Down The Race For TNGOP Chair
Posted on at 1:08 pmHumphrey does the honors on the race to replace Robin Smith:
At first blush, [Oscar] Brock may be the frontrunner. At least he says so, declaring that he already has commitments from 25 State Executive Committee (SEC) members. Thirty-four are needed for a majority.
As a member of the SEC, Brock is well known (and favorably so, for the most part) to the folks who make the decision.
[Chris] Devaney, in turn, presents the credentials of a professional political operative while [Rep. Eric] Swafford may be positioned to claim the backing of the party’s right wing.
Corker State Director Devaney Makes A Threesome For TNGOP Chair
Posted on May 16, 2009 at 5:47 pmBob Corker’s State Director and former Executive Director of the Tennessee Republican Party, Chris Devaney has officially entered the race for TNGOP chair. His opponents for the position which Robin Smith will vacate on May 30 are State Rep. Eric Swafford and Oscar Brock. Here is Devaney’s letter to the State Executive Committee making clear his intentions:
Dear State Executive Committee Member:
These are extraordinary and challenging times for our state and nation. We find ourselves at a crossroads of values being led by a president who seems determined to choose the path of ever growing government over the path of fiscal responsibility and individual freedom. Nationally, our Republican Party is striving to be a voice in the wilderness pointing us in a direction that will restore the values of Ronald Reagan - the values that made America great.
Here in Tennessee, though, we have tasted success. Tennesseans enjoyed a great Victory last year due to the tireless efforts of our State Republican Party, Republican State Legislators, and support of our Republican Congressional leaders. Their consistent conservative convictions and message were crucial in our accomplishment and should be held as an example for paving the way for majorities across the country.
As you know, Chairman Robin Smith is vacating her post to potentially run for the United States House of Representatives, which will be an exciting new chapter in her career. We are indebted to Robin for her work in the 2008 election as chairman of our Party. She has been a tireless warrior in our fight for many years and I want to personally thank Robin for her service and her friendship.
Robin’s departure means a vacancy in the chairmanship. This is a crucial time for Republicans. The 2010 election cycle is the most important in a generation and there is no time for on the job training in the post of chairman. Our Tennessee Republican Party must have a leader with proven campaign and fundraising experience, someone who can recruit the very best candidates, raise the necessary money, and win elections. This person must be a leader who can effectively manage a multi-faceted organization, while being an effective spokesman for our Party. We must also have a chairman who comes to the job with a deep desire to serve and a hunger to build on the victories of the recent past. That is why I am running for chairman of our Tennessee Republican Party. These are the strengths that I bring to the table. This is the experience needed right now for this important election and for building our majorities in the Tennessee General Assembly.
Professionally, for almost 20 years, I have had the privilege of supporting Republican values by supporting strong Republican leaders here in Tennessee and in Washington. I have worked to ensure that our values are carried to victory at the ballot box and implemented as policy after the election is over. From my time with the Tennessee Republican Party and three members of United States Senate, including Senator Bob Corker, to my work in the national media and running a business - my experience is broad and varied.
When I worked for Senator Fred Thompson, I learned a great deal about leadership and what it meant to stand on principle and never waiver from your core convictions. Fred taught me that our Republican ideals are not a random set of good ideas, but a closely knit set of principles that weave the fabric of our nation.
Tennessee has set an example for how Republicans can win majorities, but our job is far from finished. In many ways the real work lies ahead. We cannot rest on victory. We cannot slow down in our effort to grow and strengthen our Party, and most importantly, we cannot shy away from the principles that set us apart and the values that are the foundation of our success.
Many of you across our state have already voiced your support of my candidacy, and for that, my wife Heather and I are humbled and grateful. In the coming days, I look forward to continuing our talk about how we can work together in strengthening our Republican Party and advancing the principles that make Tennessee and our Nation so great.
Birther Announces Intention To Seek The Office Of Tennessee Republican Party Chair
Posted on at 12:57 pmShortly following the announcement that Robin Smith would resign as TNGOP party chair effective May 30, Rep. Eric Swafford sent the following letter to State Executive Committee members announcing his intention to seek the office of party chair.
Swafford recently made news by being one of the first Tennessee GOP lawmakers to sign on to a lawsuit questioning President Obama’s citizenship and eligibility to serve as President:
Dear State Executive Committee member:
Over the last several months, I have received inquiries from various friends and supporters as to whether or not I would consider running for Tennessee Republican Party Chair. I was humbled and honored that my fellow Tennessee Republicans had faith in me to perform the duties and obligations that being Chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party requires. After prayerful consideration, and many discussions with my family, I have decided to announce my candidacy for Chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party.
Last November, Tennessee Republicans made gains as never before. We took a message across the state that ‘It Matters Who Governs,’ and Tennesseans agreed. We set our sights on two things: a majority in the State House, and increasing our majority in the State Senate. With the Tennessee Republican Party and the Republican Caucuses working together more closely than ever before, we were able to accomplish these goals with the help of thousands of Tennessee Republicans statewide who believed in our mission.
After overcoming a difficult first election myself, I understand the challenges we faced last year, and will continue to face as we look to the future to make more gains in both chambers. I have been tested, and have proven I can win a difficult campaign. When I ran in 2004, nearly every odd was stacked against me. I had very little name recognition, but I won because of hard work and a promise to the people in my district that I would always represent their values in the Tennessee General Assembly. I have kept that promise.
I believe I now can bring those values and that same hard work to the position of Tennessee Republican Party Chairman. The majority of Tennesseans believe in our goals: promoting fiscal responsibility, prosperity, and core Tennessee values. I believe in spreading that message from Mountain City to Memphis, growing our party and our majority in the state legislature more than ever before.
I humbly ask for your support to serve as your Tennessee Republican Party Chairman. I appreciate your consideration, and I look forward to speaking with each and every one of you over the coming days and weeks. I am ready to roll up my sleeves and start working on these goals on Day One. Together, with your support, we can make this happen.
TNGOP Chair Robin Smith To Resign Effective May 30
Posted on at 12:32 pmThe head of the Tennessee Republican Party Robin Smith informed members of the State Executive Committee her intention to step down as chairman of the TNGOP effective May 30.
She announced that intention to the Republican Party email list shortly thereafter in a letter. While the letter does not include an announcement of her intention to seek the Third Congressional District seat being vacated by Rep. Wamp, it certainly makes a thinly-veiled reference.
“Over the past few months, I have received a great deal of encouragement to assess how I can be most effective as an advocate for Tennesseans moving forward. I feel that I owe those who have contacted me a thoughtful consideration of all options,” says Smith in the emailed release.
If (or when) Smith announces for the seat she will join Chuck Fleischmann and Bradley County Sheriff Tim Gobble on the Republican side. State Rep. Gerald McCormick has taken himself out of contention, while Rep. Bo Watson is reported still open to the possibility.
On the Democratic side, announced candidates include former Commissioner of Commerce and Insurance Paula Flowers and Brent Benedict.
As for Smith’s replacement as party chair, candidates who have already announced for the position include Bob Corker’s State Director Chris Devaney, Rep. Eric Swafford and TNGOP Treasurer Oscar Brock.
SEE ALSO:
Andy Sher
Sen. Mark Norris
Joe Lance
Chattarati
The AP
Ron Huddleston
Vulcan Hammer
No Surrender: Forrester Speaks On The Truce
Posted on April 30, 2009 at 8:16 amTNDP chair Chip Forrester issues a retort to those that say the accord he reached with his detractors in the party was less a truce and more unconditional surrender:
Mr. Baker was right when he noted in his article that things were moving in a positive direction at Speaker-emeritus Jimmy Naifeh’s annual Coon Supper. But to characterize this as “surrender” could not be further from the truth. The coming together of all the constituencies for party unity is something I hoped would happen and could not be more pleased with how this has taken place.
He also wrongly states that the “deal” requires that I hire an executive director picked by the governor and reporting directly to the governor. This is completely untrue. What we have decided to do is bring on a top-flight communications director (something that I, in fact, campaigned on while running for chair) to more aggressively combat the continued failings of the Tennessee Republican Party which has been hijacked by extremist right wing zealots like Rep. Jason Mumpower, Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey and the current TNGOP Chair Robin Smith.
Given his history as a successful entrepreneur, Governor Bredesen looks at operations from a business perspective and in discussions has suggested that the party develop a business plan to help guide its operating activities, which we are in the process of developing now. The kind of leadership that the governor has given the state in these turbulent economic times is just the kind of leadership he has demonstrated for the Party.
What we are really all doing is having the entire team play to its strengths—the governor’s fundraising prowess is key to our statewide financial success, an “all hands on deck” candidate recruitment process that seeks, identifies, recruits and trains the best candidates for 2010, empowers the 72 members of the state Democratic executive committee in a much more visible leadership role, re-engages our 95 county parties, brings the grassroots activists from across the state into the Party and new 21st century communication tools (like our brand new web site www.tndp.org) that creates a community of committed Democratic activists—to do the single most important job we all have—win in 2010. There has been no “surrender” — just the unification of our Party for the battle ahead.
Defining Robin Smith
Posted on April 2, 2009 at 12:33 pmMary Mancini puts something together, just in case Webster’s calls.
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The Margin Of Williams Caucus Victory
Posted on March 11, 2009 at 1:16 pmThe vote to affirm Speaker Kent Williams as a member of the state House GOP caucus wasn’t close:
But House Republican Caucus Chairman Glen Casada said a poll of the membership on Monday night revealed that an “overwhelming majority” of House Republicans preferred to keep Williams as a member.
“I was surprised a little bit,” said Casada, of Franklin. “But I think in the membership’s mind this is a way to demonstrate that we are moving on and that we are going to solve the problems of unemployment and the budgets shortfall.
Casada said the reason the decision had not been made public previously is because it was considered an internal issue.
“It’s almost a non-issue,” he said. “He’s in, now let’s quit talking about it and move on.”
Robin Smith Tells You Where You Can File That Caucus Vote
Posted on at 12:17 pmThe TNGOP chair that threw Rep. Kent Williams out of the Republican Party reacts to the vote of the state House GOP caucus confirming Williams as a member of that caucus:
From the party perspective, she said, “Kent Williams became the Democratic nominee on Jan.13″ and “bargained away” his right to be considered a Republican.
Smith said she had not discussed the matter with Mumpower. She questioned whether Williams’ membership in the caucus would include support for re-election, given the caucus traditionally focuses on re-election of incumbent members.
On that point, Mumpower was reasonably clear. The answer is no.
“We will support every Republican nominee on the ballot,” he said. “You interpret that how you want.”
A Republican In The Legislature Only: House GOP Votes To Keep Williams
Posted on at 10:19 amDespite being expelled from the Tennessee Republican Party by its chairwoman Robin Smith back in January, Tom Humphrey reports that Speaker Kent Williams is a Republican — at least as far as the House GOP Caucus is concerned.
Since going back on his promise to vote for Jason Mumpower for house speaker and instead joining with 49 House Democrats to elect himself speaker, Williams status as a Republican has been a matter of some debate.
While he was allowed into an open caucus meeting in February, he has been subsequently turned away from such caucus meetings this month. Republican Leader Jason Mumpower as well as Caucus Chair Glen Casada have previously asserted that they had the power to ban Williams from the caucus without the benefit of a vote.
But on Monday night there was a vote — and Kent Williams prevailed:
“I think the sentiment is to allow Kent to come into the meetings,” he said during a brief interview today. Mumpower said he assumes that will include the right to vote on caucus matters.
Mumpower refused to provide any details of the vote, but other Republican legislators say a substantial majority favored Williams’ continued presence at caucus meetings.
“I don’t want to betry the confidence of caucus members,” said Mumpower in declining to give vote totals.
Have Some Tea With Robin Smith
Posted on February 25, 2009 at 2:07 pmOrganizers of the Nashville Tea Party announce that the TNGOP chairwoman will be a featured speaker:
The Nashville Tea Party has it’s first confirmed speaker. Tennessee GOP Chairman Robin Smith will be one of our speakers. There are several others I have been talking to, but I can’t announce them yet because they have not confirmed.
Robin Smith: “Kent Williams Is Not A Moderate”
Posted on February 24, 2009 at 9:03 amTNGOP Chairwoman Robin Smith on the Speaker of the state House:
“Kent Williams is not a moderate. There’s a lot of people who want to make this story about the conservative chairman of the Republican Party kicking out a moderate. He’s probably more conservative than I am. He is very pro-life. Very pro-family.
But the sad thing was when our Republican caucus in the House came together, and the Democratic caucus came together in their separate caucus, Kent Williams caucused with the Republicans and out of 50 Republicans their was one candidate who ran for Speaker — his name was Jason Mumpower. All fifty votes went for Jason Mumpower.
You Gotta Admit, This Is Kind Of Awesome
Posted on February 16, 2009 at 10:08 amFollowing his dismissal from the Republican Party by Robin Smith, Kent Williams has declared his new party affiliation officially on the state’s website — and it ain’t independent and it ain’t Democrat. As he stated, in his retort to the chairwoman, he is a Carter County Republican.
RELATED: Rep. Stacey Campfield on trademark infringement.
TNGOP Chairwoman Robin Smith Turned Down Pay Bonus
Posted on February 15, 2009 at 3:12 pmWhile the head of the TNDP will be taking a paycut from his predecessor, Robin Smith stays in the money:
Smith’s salary has been $110,000 and will not change this year, she says. The party’s Executive Committee voted to give her a “performance bonus” of about $18,000, but Smith said she refused and instead had the funds distributed among other staff members.
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