The law says Tennessee has to switch to paper ballots by 2010. Not so fast, says Sen. Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro) and Rep. Curry Todd (R-Collierville). They’ve got a bill to postpone paper ballots for cost reasons.
Today, the TNDP issued a press release calling on Tennessee to stick to the original plan:
"It's true that the economy has forced everyone to cut back," [TNDP Chair Chip] Forrester said. "And I recognize that our county commissioners are concerned about the cost of implementing [paper ballots]. But the new optical scan machines will be paid for by $25 million in federal funds from the Help America Vote Act. Plus, other states report that switching from DREs to paper ballots actually saves money in the long run."
Does this issue have traction in Tennessee?
It gets the Democrats riled up, that’s for sure. Yeah, I know paper ballots are less easy to tamper with and vital for recounts. And I support them wholeheartedly. But I worry that people who bring up the issue look like conspiracy nuts and parties that bring up the issue look like they’re making excuses for losing.
But who cares about the issue! That’s not what’s important here! The law is already signed and on the books. And once again the Republicans are being the party of “no,” trying to stand in the way.
That’s the message. That’s the opportunity. That’s what the TNDP needs to be saying. This is a great time to point out that Republicans do nothing but stand in the way.
Unfortunately, the TNDP press release doesn’t go that direction at all. Too bad.
Take the headline:
TNDP Calls for Implementation of the Tennessee Voter Confidence Act
Sounds like a chapter title in the most boring text book ever. Who knows what the “Tennessee Voter Confidence Act” is? No one, so keep it out of the headline.
How about this:
Don’t Let Republicans Block Fair Elections in Tennessee
Now that’s a headline that makes you wonder what it’s about. Don’t want to get that “in your face”? Try this:
The “Party of No” Strikes Again in Tennessee
See, you don’t even have to mention elections or voters or laws or anything like that. You just have to intrigue the reader.
Showing posts with label TNDP. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TNDP. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Willie or Won't He?
Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton wants to primary a fellow Democrat in the 2010 Congressional race, taking on incumbent Congressman Steve Cohen.
No word yet what issues Herenton has with Cohen's performance in Congress, but statements from both men can be found here. I'm sure the immediate speculation is that Herenton (an African American) thinks he can knock off the white guy in a predominently black district, but I'm not jumping to conclusions.
You can pencil me in on the Cohen side of this one. Even though I consider Cohen a bit of a kook, I don't see any reason to oust him yet.
UPDATE: TNDP Chairman Chip Forester just commented on this issue on a conference call with bloggers. He said there's "not any clarity that Mayor Herenton will be challenging Steve Cohen" and attributed all the speculation to an "offhanded comment" by the Mayor.
I understand why the party chairman wants to skirt this issue for now so I'll cut him some slack, but according to The Memphis News, Herenton issued the statement in writing and "has formed an exploratory committee to run for Congress in the 2010 elections."
Still, let's keep our fingers crossed that Chip is right. Hopefully this will all turn out to be nothing.
No word yet what issues Herenton has with Cohen's performance in Congress, but statements from both men can be found here. I'm sure the immediate speculation is that Herenton (an African American) thinks he can knock off the white guy in a predominently black district, but I'm not jumping to conclusions.
You can pencil me in on the Cohen side of this one. Even though I consider Cohen a bit of a kook, I don't see any reason to oust him yet.
UPDATE: TNDP Chairman Chip Forester just commented on this issue on a conference call with bloggers. He said there's "not any clarity that Mayor Herenton will be challenging Steve Cohen" and attributed all the speculation to an "offhanded comment" by the Mayor.
I understand why the party chairman wants to skirt this issue for now so I'll cut him some slack, but according to The Memphis News, Herenton issued the statement in writing and "has formed an exploratory committee to run for Congress in the 2010 elections."
Still, let's keep our fingers crossed that Chip is right. Hopefully this will all turn out to be nothing.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Nice to Hear from You!
Wow – the new guy already has more news announcements up on the revamped TNDP website than the old crew had in the past three months.
The most prominent message they’ve pitching right now is that they want your ideas. They’ve set up an email address just for that purpose (ideas@tndp.org) and you’ll find it everywhere on the new website.
Keep up the great work, guys.
The most prominent message they’ve pitching right now is that they want your ideas. They’ve set up an email address just for that purpose (ideas@tndp.org) and you’ll find it everywhere on the new website.
Keep up the great work, guys.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
If There's a Problem, Yo, I'll Solve It
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Don't Give Me No Sass(er)
Okay, I’m lovin’ the lovefest over Chip Forrester and everything, but I’ve just gotta laugh at this.
On the front page of the Tennessee Democratic Party website is the speech given by the Chipster after his election to party chair. And it’s signed “Gray Sasser, Chairman.”
Dudes!! Get your shit together!
On the front page of the Tennessee Democratic Party website is the speech given by the Chipster after his election to party chair. And it’s signed “Gray Sasser, Chairman.”
Dudes!! Get your shit together!
Chipster: TNGOP "Racist" and "Liars"
Damn. The new guy doesn't hold back.
Finally, I want to put the Republican Party on notice. The Democratic Party will no longer sit quietly by while the Republican Party runs racist, demagogic falsehoods against our values, our principles, and our candidates as they did this year against President Barack Obama, Nathan Vaughn, and other legislative candidates. When you lie about our candidates, our office holders, we are going to call you out as liars. There is no place in politics for such conduct. Robin Smith, Jason Mumpower, Bill Hobbs, and Chip Saltsman I tell you now: You are put on notice. As Chair of the Tennessee Democratic Party I will not stand by and see this happen without a full frontal attack on the racist, smear tactics that you have used in these past campaign. Decent men and women in Tennessee are demeaned by your racist bigoted attacks and I will not stand for it and neither will the Tennessee Democratic Party.
Does he mean it? Here's hoping!
Finally, I want to put the Republican Party on notice. The Democratic Party will no longer sit quietly by while the Republican Party runs racist, demagogic falsehoods against our values, our principles, and our candidates as they did this year against President Barack Obama, Nathan Vaughn, and other legislative candidates. When you lie about our candidates, our office holders, we are going to call you out as liars. There is no place in politics for such conduct. Robin Smith, Jason Mumpower, Bill Hobbs, and Chip Saltsman I tell you now: You are put on notice. As Chair of the Tennessee Democratic Party I will not stand by and see this happen without a full frontal attack on the racist, smear tactics that you have used in these past campaign. Decent men and women in Tennessee are demeaned by your racist bigoted attacks and I will not stand for it and neither will the Tennessee Democratic Party.
Does he mean it? Here's hoping!
CHiPS
Wow – $1,000 in just over four hours?
Almost $2,000 in eight?
The progressive blogosphere has more power (and credit cards) than I thought. A big congratulations to R. Neal at KnoxViews.com for pulling this together! He’s the brains behind the big “Chip In” effort that all the local lefty blogs are getting in on.
It’s all to show support for new Tennessee Democratic Party chair Chip Forrester. Okay, it’s mostly for that, but also a little bit about getting his attention. Bloggers are chopping at the bit around here. Chipster needs to harness that enthusiasm.
We’re ready to cheer on the TNDP if the TNDP is ready to do something worth cheering about. So how ‘bout it, Chip? Let’s start kicking some ass!
This is the first time I’ve ever donated directly to the state party. Chip, you can thank R. Neal for that.
Almost $2,000 in eight?
The progressive blogosphere has more power (and credit cards) than I thought. A big congratulations to R. Neal at KnoxViews.com for pulling this together! He’s the brains behind the big “Chip In” effort that all the local lefty blogs are getting in on.
It’s all to show support for new Tennessee Democratic Party chair Chip Forrester. Okay, it’s mostly for that, but also a little bit about getting his attention. Bloggers are chopping at the bit around here. Chipster needs to harness that enthusiasm.
We’re ready to cheer on the TNDP if the TNDP is ready to do something worth cheering about. So how ‘bout it, Chip? Let’s start kicking some ass!
This is the first time I’ve ever donated directly to the state party. Chip, you can thank R. Neal for that.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A Message from the Tennessee Democratic Party
Apparently elated and filled with energy over the Obama inauguration this morning, the Tennessee Democratic Party has finally replaced its happy holiday message with these inspirational words:
The Tennessee Association of Democratic County Chairs & the State Executive Committee will meet on Saturday, January 24th in Nashville.
The Association of Democratic County Chairs will meet at 9:00 am CST in Room LP 16 at the Legislative Plaza.
The State Executive Committee will meet at 1:30 pm CST in the House Chamber at the State Capitol. The Executive Committee will elect a new Chair of the Tennessee Democratic Party.
Both meetings are open to the public.
Not exactly the Gettysburg Address, but much like my mother when I've gone too long without calling, I'm just happy to know they're not dead.
The Tennessee Association of Democratic County Chairs & the State Executive Committee will meet on Saturday, January 24th in Nashville.
The Association of Democratic County Chairs will meet at 9:00 am CST in Room LP 16 at the Legislative Plaza.
The State Executive Committee will meet at 1:30 pm CST in the House Chamber at the State Capitol. The Executive Committee will elect a new Chair of the Tennessee Democratic Party.
Both meetings are open to the public.
Not exactly the Gettysburg Address, but much like my mother when I've gone too long without calling, I'm just happy to know they're not dead.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Remembering Martin Luther King
The Tennessee __________ Party salutes and praises the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Can you fill in the blank and guess which party bothered to put that message up on their Web site today? (Hint: We’re now at 75 days without a press release, Web update, or blog entry from the Tennessee Democratic Party, other than a happy holidays message.)
Can you fill in the blank and guess which party bothered to put that message up on their Web site today? (Hint: We’re now at 75 days without a press release, Web update, or blog entry from the Tennessee Democratic Party, other than a happy holidays message.)
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Hush
Still not a peep or press release from the Tennessee Democratic Party. Must be a slow week in local politics.
That’s 71 days of silence (other than a happy holidays message) since November 5.
That’s 71 days of silence (other than a happy holidays message) since November 5.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Christmas is Over
The TNGOP never once wished me a happy holidays or merry Christmas on its website. I’m not sure why they hate religion so much, but if they were good little Republicans, they’d be showing off their Christianity prominently - if not belligerently.
How’s that for a weak, throwaway attack on the other side? Blah. Oh well, it’s all I got because the TN Democratic Party website has steadfastly refused to say anything other than happy holidays for over two months. The party blog is likewise silent.
(Here’s a hint, guys: it’s no longer the “season of giving” and McCain’s already lost the election, so why don’t you go ahead and push that junk off your homepage?)
If the TN Democratic were paying attention or showing any signs of life, maybe they’d say something about that nice Tennessee fellow who thinks racist songs are funny, just so long as Rush Limbaugh says so?
Or how about that little oopsy-daisy near Knoxville that’s poisoning all the water? No comment on that? Don’t see any opportunity to push the importance of environment responsibility or alternative energy? Or maybe you think the people of Tennessee are already so far to the Left they don’t need to hear it?
Hey, why don’t you praise Gov. Bredesen for that $80 million the State is getting from the Department of Health and Human Services for a low-income home energy assistance program. I’m pretty sure he’s a Democrat.
Or you could praise Rep. Bart Gordon (D-TN) for that $1.65 million loan and a $400,000 grant from the USDA to construct new water distribution lines and replace leaking water lines in Putnam County.
There is a crap-load of stuff going on out there, you lazy schmucks!!!
Say something!!!
How’s that for a weak, throwaway attack on the other side? Blah. Oh well, it’s all I got because the TN Democratic Party website has steadfastly refused to say anything other than happy holidays for over two months. The party blog is likewise silent.
(Here’s a hint, guys: it’s no longer the “season of giving” and McCain’s already lost the election, so why don’t you go ahead and push that junk off your homepage?)
If the TN Democratic were paying attention or showing any signs of life, maybe they’d say something about that nice Tennessee fellow who thinks racist songs are funny, just so long as Rush Limbaugh says so?
Or how about that little oopsy-daisy near Knoxville that’s poisoning all the water? No comment on that? Don’t see any opportunity to push the importance of environment responsibility or alternative energy? Or maybe you think the people of Tennessee are already so far to the Left they don’t need to hear it?
Hey, why don’t you praise Gov. Bredesen for that $80 million the State is getting from the Department of Health and Human Services for a low-income home energy assistance program. I’m pretty sure he’s a Democrat.
Or you could praise Rep. Bart Gordon (D-TN) for that $1.65 million loan and a $400,000 grant from the USDA to construct new water distribution lines and replace leaking water lines in Putnam County.
There is a crap-load of stuff going on out there, you lazy schmucks!!!
Say something!!!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Say Anything
After 53 days of silence, the Democratic Party of Tennessee finally has something to say!! They say happy holidays. Thanks for the update, guys.
Nothing about a freshman Senator from Tennessee destroying Congress’s efforts to bail out of the auto industry. Nothing about the state’s $1 billion budget shortfall. Nothing about the Republicans at the state capitol selecting state officers. Nothing about GM in Spring Hill. Nothing about Hemlock Semiconductors in Clarksville. Nothing about education funding, or the economy, or Gov. Bredesen, or anything. Nothing but happy holidays.
Oh, and the state party blog still only has one entry since the election.
Damn it, do something!!
PS: You can probably take that lame anti-McCain YouTube video off your homepage, too. Seven weeks after the election, it's kind of a little tacky.
Nothing about a freshman Senator from Tennessee destroying Congress’s efforts to bail out of the auto industry. Nothing about the state’s $1 billion budget shortfall. Nothing about the Republicans at the state capitol selecting state officers. Nothing about GM in Spring Hill. Nothing about Hemlock Semiconductors in Clarksville. Nothing about education funding, or the economy, or Gov. Bredesen, or anything. Nothing but happy holidays.
Oh, and the state party blog still only has one entry since the election.
Damn it, do something!!
PS: You can probably take that lame anti-McCain YouTube video off your homepage, too. Seven weeks after the election, it's kind of a little tacky.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Silence Isn't Golden
The TNGOP has some nice things to say about the state’s Democratic Party in today’s press release:
The new Republican majority in the state legislature will most certainly be challenged in 2010 by a well-funded, aggressive effort by the Tennessee Democrat Party - indeed, they are already regrouping for that purpose.
I hope they’re right, but so far the evidence is lacking. We’re at 42 days without a press release, and only one blog entry since the election – which was more than a month ago.
Nothing going on in the world you guys want to talk about? Nothing at all?
The new Republican majority in the state legislature will most certainly be challenged in 2010 by a well-funded, aggressive effort by the Tennessee Democrat Party - indeed, they are already regrouping for that purpose.
I hope they’re right, but so far the evidence is lacking. We’re at 42 days without a press release, and only one blog entry since the election – which was more than a month ago.
Nothing going on in the world you guys want to talk about? Nothing at all?
Monday, December 8, 2008
If We're Really Quiet, Maybe No One Will Know We're Here
The Tennessee Democratic Party did not issue a single press release in the month of November.
(The TNGOP issued 8, including its weekly reports.)
(The TNGOP issued 8, including its weekly reports.)
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
What We Have Here Is a Failure to Communicate
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