McCain wins the GOP nomination

For a campaign that was near death late last summer, Senator John McCain showed how far he had come back by moving ever closer to the GOP nomination tonight by winning the Florida primary. Now, all eyes turn to next Tuesday, February 5. McCain has to be the odds on favorite to win the nominee.

McCain will be in Nashville Saturday morning for a 10:45 AM rally at MBA.

UPDATE: Fox News tonight reports that Rudy Giuliani will endorse McCain Tuesday.

70 rounds of applause in 53 minutes!

President Bush did an outstanding job in his final State of the Union message tonight. He promises to move forward with his initiatives to protect our economy and our borders. He will push forward with making his tax cuts permanent. Will the Congress make the deductibility of Tennessee's sales tax permanent? It expired at the end of 2007.

I was disappointed to see the Democrats took such a partisan stance by sitting on their butts when the president called upon the Congress to pass important legislation to defend ourselves against terrorism. What kind of message does that send to the terrorists and to the rest of teh world?

A Drunken Sailor

The Tennessean has the text of Governor Bredesen's State of the State address tonight. While he use a nautical motif to describe his role as head of state, he could have avoided the state's current fiscal shortfalls if he had not spent money like a drunken sailor last year. Bredesen has practically doubled the size of the state budget in his six years in office, blew through $1.8 billion in new revenue last year, and now is coming up short. It's time for Bredesen and the Democrats to sober up and realize the state should live within its means just like we do at home. Of course the governor's official residence will be much bigger than ours, especially once he spends more taxpayer money to build his underground dance hall.

Credit where it is due

Laura Ingraham's quote of the day:

	Look, the success over there is due to the blood and the courage of our servicemen and women, and to General Petraeus and to President Bush. Not to General Hillary Clinton. -- Mitt Romney, at last night's Republican debate.

and her soundbite of the week:

The idea of Bill Clinton back in the White House with nothing to do is something I just can't imagine. I think we want to have a president, not a team of husband and wife thinking that they're going to run the country. -- Gov. Mitt Romney, at NBC's Republican debate.

W.W.R.D.?

While it seems that even Republicans want to go along with the liberal/progressive/Democrats who think the answer to every problem is more government and higher taxes, it is high time to ask W.W.R.D.? That is, What would Reagan do?

Who can do more?

Senator Hillary Clinton brought her Bigger Government express to Nashville last night as she spoke to a crowd at TSU. The more I hear from her and Senator Obama, it sounds like they are competing over who can do more. Who can raise taxes? Who can spend more government dollars? Who can hand out more pork? Who can expand welfare programs? Who can do more to take away personal responsibility? Who can put the government in charge of our alives? How I long for the Reagan Revolution to return. Folks, the answer to our problems will not be found in DC.

The truth about abortion

Excellent piece from Gary Redden published in the Tennessean concerning the truth about the abortion issue. For abortion proponents, its really a matter of a convenience. A matter of a convenience for a woman to dispose of an unwanted child easily. I argue that a woman's choice is made earlier--when she decides to engage in unprotected sex. While that may not be the case when it comes to rape or incest, those no doubt for a small proportion of abortions. Redden says:

It's time to tell the truth and stop burying our heads in the sand concerning abortion. We as a nation must protect the most vulnerable among us, the unborn. If we do not, we are no better than all the other morally corrupt nations and civilizations that have allowed mass genocide of the perceived undesirable or unwanted.

The State Senate will have the second reading of SJR127 as amended Monday night at 5 PM followed by the third reading and voting on Wednesday morning.

Rambo or Walker Texas Ranger?

After seeing the lastest poll results for Tennessee, it seems that John McCain could use some help from Rambo.
But, who would you prefer to have your back? Rambo or Walker Texas Ranger? Personally, I wouldn't want to take on either one.

Latest Poll: Obama slips to third after Hillary, Undecideds

The latest poll (from WSMV) for the February 5th presidential primary in Tennessee shows that Democrat primary voters are split: 34% plan to vote for Hillary, 28% are undecided, 20% back Obama, and 16% support Edwards. On the Republican side, the poll shows the state's delegates are up for grabs although it was taken before Fred dropped out: "Don't know yet" polled first at 26%, Fred at 25%, Huckabee at 24% (but leading in West and East Tennessee), McCain at 12%, and Romney at 7%.

So, if Fred stayed in, would he have even won Tennessee?

Alcoholics, thieves or adulterers?

Rep. Gary Moore (D-Joelton), presumably speaking only for his caucus, said his fellow representatives were either alcoholics, thieves, or adulterers. Hmm....wonder which Democrats are which? Apparently, some fall into more than one of these categories. Rep. Moore, could we get a list for each group? Thanks!





More: Briley apologizes for behavior

Who do the Democrats want for the GOP nominee?

I've heard lots of talk among Republicans regarding whether Hillary or Obama will be the tougher Democrat nominee this fall. But, turn that question around. Who do the Democrats fear most. Today, Senator John McCain said he was the "Democrats worst nightmare". As a Republican, I personally have problems with all of the candidates left in the running. While I backed Fred but was disappointed with his campaign, I was happy with his positions. McCain is attractive to independents and moderates, but conservatives distrust his positions on illegal immigration and his role in McCain-Feingold. Romney has flip-flopped on so many issues. Huckabee was soft on illegal aliens and raised taxes in Arkansas. All three are picking up Thompson's crumbs, especially in Tennessee. Look for Romney and Huckabee to announce their Tennessee leadership early next week.

But, who would Hillary or Obama rather face? I'm not sure yet, but I'd love to hear what the Dems are thinking.

Sure, the NEA isn't liberal

Teachers should think twice about joining the NEA. Steve Gill has a link to check out all the liberal causes where the teachers' union gives their money.

Who's your second choice?

With Fred out, Mitt Romney and his supporters have been heavily recruiting Tennessee Republicans this week. Romney has personally made calls to key leaders, and one of his sons will be in town Monday night for a series of fundraising receptions.

If you haven't decided who you will support, Stacey Campfield has a quiz to match you with a candidate. However, if that one doesn't suit you, Phil Valentine has one he likes better.

Take the power back from the courts

The State Senate will take up SJR 127 on the third and final reading tomorrow morning (Thursday, January 24). This proposed constitutional amendment would reverse a state Supreme Court ruling and make the state constitution abortion-neutral. If it were to pass the House, pass both chambers next session by a 2/3's majority, and be approved by voters in 2010, the amendment would allow common-sense protections for women such as parental consent for minors that was struck down by the state Supreme Court in 2000. Ultimately, it would allow our elected representatives to make these decisions rather than the unelected state Supreme Court.

TCPR: Less is More

Drew Johnson in BusinessTN:

Tennessee is one of only five states—along with Florida, South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming—that are both right-to-work and income tax-free. This is an almost sure-fire recipe for a welcoming business climate. Each of the other four states scored in the top-10 in the Fortune Small Business ranking and in the top-6 in the Tax Foundation report.

Why, then, does Tennessee fare worse than the four other right-to-work, income tax-free states? High sales taxes fueled by out-of-control government spending, along with state government's misguided attempts to "help" businesses appear to be to blame.

The donkeys beat a dead horse

This is just in poor taste. Senator Thompson is out of the race, and now is not the time to pile on him. Apparently, the Democrats still have nothing good to say.

Voter data safe in Nashville

I received my letter from the Nashville Mayor's Office informing me of how to protect my personal credit and identity following last month's theft of two laptops from the Davidson County Election Commission. However, it turns out that no one tampered with the data. Hopefully this expensive lesson is one learned by Nashville and other cities.

What about Christmas? MLK Jr. Day?

In looking for the TN Democrat Party's telephone number for the last post, I noticed that the page still has up a blog wishing everyone a "Happy Thanksgiving" but no mention of Christmas. Why is it that Democrats don't want to wish you a "Merry Christmas"? The secular nature of the Democrat party and their support of a secular, religion free public environment is another reason why people have left the Democrat party.

I expected to see something marking today's national holiday in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr., but the Democrats apparently forgot that too. There's no mention on the party website. They do have a video from their Jackson Day fundraiser held last. In honor of Dr. King's legacy, the TN Republican Party does have an article.

Campfield wants you to call 615-327-9779

Rep. Stacey Campfield blogs today about TN Democrat Party Chair Gray Sasser's comments in support of an elected lieutenant governor. In fact, Campfield wants you to call Jim Sasser's son with these suggestions:

1. Allowing communities to vote for an elected school superintendent if they want.

2. Allowing state judges to be really voted on not the crappy yes/no vote system.

3 Allow the other positions to be added to this debate for elected state wide office also like comptroller and attorney general or how about revenue commissioner.

After all ""When you elect someone rather than appoint someone, they are more accountable to voters and citizens."

What say you?

New features

I just added a new feature to "The Tennessee Majority." You can now received email updates of new posts or sign-up for the RSS feed. Just check out the right hand column for the links.

What's wrong with this picture?

President Bush is pursuing a plan to give checks of up to $800 to taxpayers in an effort to stimulate the economy. While President Bush and the Democrats seem to agree on the plan, Democrats want to use the opportunity to play Robin Hood by redistributing the wealth. They want the moeny go to the 50 million or so Americans who don't pay income taxes in the first place. In addition, they want to expand the food stamp program and unemployment benefits. We know how Democrats love to take from those who work so they can play Santa Clause.

But why do we need to extend the unemployment benefits? Liberals tells us that we need the illegal aliens because there is a labor shortage. Yet, millions of Americans are living off of welfare and unemployment checks. What's wrong with this picture? Don't discourage hard work and the reward for effort that comes with it. That's why Socialism doesn't work.

What's next Fred?

Fred's disappointing finish in South Carolina leaves one to wonder what's next for Senator Fred Thompson. While he did not bow out in his concession speech yesterday, South Carolina failed to give him the kick start needed for his campaign. Pundits say he took a hit on Governor Mike Huckabee, allowing Senator McCain to finish first. Will Fred stay in a while longer or bow out before Florida or February 5? Early voting is already underway in both Florida and Tennessee as well as other states. Florida will be an interesting test for the candidates because of its history in recent elections and because its demographics mirror much of the rest of the nation. What's next?

Second Amendment Rights: No says the Nashville daily

The Tennessean takes a strike against our constitutional rights to bear arms and to defend ourselves by coming out against the bill recently passed by the State Senate to allow gun carry permit holders to carry handguns in places where alcohol is served. The law is as applicable to restaurants with liquor permits such as O'Charley's as it is to bars, but the Tennessean would lead you to believe that the bill will turn bars into the Wild West.

Senator Doug Jackson (D-Dickson) is the sponsor of the Senate bill that will likely be killed in the State House by Speaker Jimmy Naifeh (D-Covington). Senator Jackson notes the importance of this bill:

One of the deadliest shooting rampages in recent history was an incident that occurred in Killeen, Texas.

On that day in 1991, a deranged man carrying an illegal weapon drove his truck into a Luby's Cafeteria, where he opened fire, killing 23 innocent victims and wounding 20 others.Present at the Luby's was a Texas state representative, Suzanna Gratia Hupp. Because the restaurant did not allow guns, Rep. Hupp left her handgun in her vehicle. She watched helplessly as George Hennard executed both of her parents. Such horrific violence may have been prevented had Rep. Hupp been able to carry her handgun and effectively exercise her right to self-defense.

So, if I go to a restaurant that serves alcohol, is it safer to leave my gun in my car or to carry it so I know where it is at all times? Currently, the law only restricts gun carry by law abiding citizens. If you are in favor of this bill, SB23, contact your legislator and contact State House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh (D-Covington).

$1,000 for every man, woman, and child

The latest plans for a new downtown Nashville.convention center have costs increasing to $595 million, plus $40 million for parking garages, plus a 1,000 room hotel that will have developers looking for property tax breaks. That's over $1,000 for every resident of Metro Nashville-Davidson County. While supporters say that the costs will be paid by taxes on out-of-town visitors, the taxpayers of Davidson County will ultimately be on the hook. Our pockets are already paying for the Titans' stadium and the Predators' arena. In addition, it will have the city government competing with private companies such as Gaylord Entertainment which is expanding its own Nashville convention facilities. Before its over, will this be a billion-dollar boondoggle?

Tennessee Democrats: Like a Vegeterian Colonel Sanders, But Making Karl Marx Proud

State Rep. Gerald McCormick sets the record straight regarding Rep. David Hawk's (R-Greeneville) House Bill 9 while correctly asserting that State House Democratic Leader Gary Odom is like Kentucky Fried Chicken, "(H)earing Gary state an aversion to 'pork barrel' spending is about as believable as Colonel Sanders coming out in favor of vegetarianism."

House Democrat Leader Gary Odom is the father of pork barrel spending having pushed his caucus for the $20,000,000 in taxpayer funded "pork grants" that the legislature funded last June in the state budget. Now, Odom calls a Republican plan to use excess lottery revenues for school construction and renovation "pork barrel" spending ignoring his "pork grants" for ballfields. Republicans opposed the pork grants although they obviously submitted their requests when it became apparent the Democratic-controlled House had the votes to pass them. Otherwise, the funds for Republican districts would be diverted to Democrat enclaves. Republicans preferred to give the money directly back to taxpayers in the form of a food sales tax cut. In short, the pork grants were anything but finger lickin' good.

Meanwhile, Kevin Burke takes Gary Odom and Tennessee Democrats to the woodshed:

Are you kidding me? Rep. Odom even says, "The lottery scholarship was never intended to be an academic scholarship; it was intended to be a way to help more Tennesseans get a college education." That's the most ridiculous statement I've ever heard. It's a prime example of how today's Democrats represent the modern Socialist movement. If it's not an academic scholarship, then what is it? Free money?

Crutchfield walks

For his role in Tennessee Waltz including the acceptance of a $3,000 bribe, disgraced former State Senator Ward Crutchfield (D-Chattanooga) gets a $3,000 fine, six months home detention, and two years probation. He will not serve time in a correctional facility. That amounts to an interest free loan of $3,000 for 3 1/2 years.

UPDATE: Couldn't Crutchfield at least have to pay for the legal expenses incurred by the state in prosecuting the case, the court costs, and the cost of a special election?

Illegal Alien Invasion Continues

The invasion of Tennessee by illegal aliens continues with an illegal alien, already deported once, coming back in the country illegally and raping a 12-year old girl. Meanwhile, Democrats in Congress have stripped funding from the border fence project and cut back the scale of it while making it subject to all kinds of regulatory approval. Our own Democrats in the General Assembly continue to block common many sense bills to demagnetize Tennessee. When will this madness stop?

From Capitol Hill . . .

Good news from Capitol Hill for all Tennesseans today. The State Senate passed a bill to allow carry permit holders to carry their guns into restaurants and other venues where alcohol is sold. The bill does not allow the carry holder to consume alcohol while carrying their gun, and venues could prohibit guns. This is an important step to stop the state from infringing on the rights of Tennesseans. The bill now goes to the State House for consideration. While I'm certain that the liberal, anti-gun crowd will cry and scream, does it not make more sense for someone who the state has authorized to carry a gun to have it on their person rather than left in an empty car where it could be easily stolen?

$530 million and counting

Rep. Glen Casada is supporting an end to out-of-session spending by the state that allows three men to make appropriations while the legislature is not meeting. It's a good idea. Why should the governor be able to make spending decisions just by running them by the chairs of the House and Senate Finance Committees?

Currently, the governor or his finance commissioner can get approval from the chairmen of the Senate and House Finance committees to spend funds after lawmakers adjourn for the year, (Casada) said.

“The legislature needs to take a stand against this exorbitant spending out of session,” Casada says in a news release today. “It is in the state Constitution that the elected representatives, and not an appointed committee, are responsible for the purse springs.”

Alexander Works to Protect English

It's hard to believe that employers in the U.S. can be sued if they require their workers to speak English at work. This isn't even an issue about illegal immigration or what you do in the confines of your home. This is about the right of employers to manage their employees and to insure they carry out their duties. What if McDonald's couldn't require its employees to speak English? Granted I've been at fast food restaurants where it was difficult to order because of the employee's lack of English skills. In fact, I was at a Nashville Wendy's where a bilingual friend with me wound up finishing his order in Spanish because the employee behind the cash register could understand that language but not English.

To insure that English remains legal in the workplace, Senator Lamar Alexander is sponsoring legislation to give employers protections. Unfortunately, I'm sure the Liberals in Congress led by Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi will do their best to kill this common sense bill.

Political judges? Say it isn't so.

David Fowler asks if there are politics in the judiciary? Despite efforts to avoid that, he says the answer is yes.

Stop and remember

What about the constitutional officers?

Sure Governor Bredesen supports electing a state Lieutenant Governor, but what about the Secretary of State, Comptroller, and Treasurer. They certainly have more power over the lives of Tennesseans and have never been elected by anyone if you don't count Democrat majorities in the legislature.

Bredesen Doesn't Care What You Think

From billhobbs.com:

Gov. Phil Bredesen says he doesn't care what people think about the ballroom he and his wife are building - with taxpayer's money - at the Tennessee governor's mansion.

Governor Shows True Liberal Colors

Although not deserved, Governor Bredesen has enjoyed a reputation for being fiscally conservative despite nearly doubling the size of the state budget during his tenure and increasing taxes in a year of a $1.5 billion surplus. Now, Bredesen admits he is a true tax and spend liberal:

"One of the great things about being governor is you get to take taxes away and later give it back and people are happy," Bredesen said. "Is this a great job or what?"

Tip of the hat to Ben Cunningham.

UPDATE: Here's the video:

Sour Grapes, Governor?

In what appears to be a case of sour grapes, Governor Phil Bredesen now wants to elect the office of lieutenant governor. Currently, the lieutenant governor is the speaker of the Senate, elected by a majority of state senators. Following Lt. Governor Ramsey's remarks and vote in opposition to Bredesen's underground party bunker (a massive waste of taxpayer dollars), Bredesen now wants to have the Ramsey's position elected in a statewide race.

Bredesen Bunker Moves Forward

Kudos to Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey who did all he could to stop this wasteful taxpayer swindle know as the Bredesen Bunker. Ramsey was the lone dissenting vote at today's meeting of the State Building Commission today.

Meanwhile, bipartisan opposition to the bunker continues.

Democrat and Republican Show Bunker is Wrong

Rep. Frank Buck (D-Dowelltown) has joined Rep. Beth Harwell (R-Nashville) in asking members of the State Building Commission to reconsider their actions tomorrow and to vote against continuing the Bredesen Bunker. This shows that Democrats and Republicans think this underground party bunker is a bad idea and a waste of money.

Bunker Update

The State Building Commission meets tomorrow at 11 AM at the Legislative Plaza. It's a chance for members to take a stand against the Bredesen Bunker. Meanwhile, Andrea Conte continues to try to swindle the taxpayers. You can take your stand against the Bunker by calling members of the State Building Commission.

Democrats: Who needs ethics?

Despite Tennessee Waltz and other demonstrated ethical, moral, and legal violations, Democrats continue to demonstrate their disregard for ethical leadership:

The Tennessee Republican Party is chiding House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh, D-Covington, for his "disdain" of ethics. When reminding his House colleagues on Tuesday that ethics training is mandatory, Naifeh added , "We all voted for that, for some reason."
GOP leaders also took Naifeh to task for extending an excused absence Tuesday and today to Rep. Rob Briley, D-Nashville, who has pleaded guilty to driving under the influence. "Briley's own disdain for ethics and propriety were on full display last year when the married lawmaker had an affair with the lobbyist for the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association while simultaneously chairing the House Judiciary Committee which was considering high-priority legislation important to the trial lawyers," a Republican news release says.
"Naifeh no doubt will call this a partisan attack, but Republicans believe both parties should take ethics seriously, and we believe the people of Tennessee deserve better than to have a House Speaker who disdains ethics and coddles corrupt lawmakers," GOP spokesman Bill Hobbs said.

Have they forgotten Briley, Ford, and Cooper already?

Democrats in the legislature seem determined to forget about the drunken incidences involving several of their leaders in the past year. In an article in today's City Paper, Democratic leaders said their members know better than to misbehave:

“My members know not to drink and drive,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jim Kyle (D-Memphis). “Individual behavior is the responsibility of the individual senator. These are grown men and women, and they will be held accountable for their actions just like the ones who weren’t here were ultimately held accountable for their actions.”

Question for Senator Kyle: Have you forgotten about Senator Cooper's DUI last year? About his wreck while driving drunk? What about Senator Ophelia Ford's drunken antics?

House Majority Leader Gary Odom (D-Nashville) said legislators are “all adults” and they know “what’s right and they know what’s wrong.”

Question for Rep. Odom: Remember Rep. Rob Briley? You know. The one that didn't bother to show up for today's first legislative day. The one who drove drunk, hit a car, fled the scene, vandalized a police car, and refuses to give up his seat in the legislature. Meanwhile, he's doing weekends in the Wilson County jail. You think he knows "what's right" and "what's wrong"?

Republicans Support Common Sense Right-to-Life Measures

On the first day of the 2008 state legislative session, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted in favor of SJR 112 (formerly introduced as SJR 127), a proposed constitutional amendment to protect the life of unborn babies. The resolution would allow for common sense protections for unborn children and women. Of course, State House Democrats have already vowed to kill the amendment without allowing a floor vote on the issue. It really makes a difference as to who governs.

UPDATE: WSMV report

Republicans Show They Care About Real Tennesseans

House Republican Leader Jason Mumpower has an excellent column in today's Tennessean showing how Republicans are in touch with Tennessee's conservative majority:

Top Ten Signs You Are a Tennessee Republican:

10. You question why repeat drunken drivers are still on the road and why Democrats opposed strengthening extreme drunken driver laws to put these guys behind bars.

9. You believe that, in order to ensure our children's education is a top priority, we should fund education before other discretionary state programs.

8. You are startled to learn that Tennessee has the most liberal abortion laws in the nation and would support common-sense restrictions like parental consent for minors and a waiting period.

7. You believe simply that to vote in our sacred elections, you should have to be a citizen of this country and are dismayed to learn that Democrats killed this common-sense law twice.

6. You support reasonable limitations to frivolous lawsuits, ultimately saving us all in escalating health-care costs.

5. You are appalled at the brazen spending spree of Tennessee's Democratic governor, who last year raised taxes $330 million in a year when we received more than $1.5 billion in surplus revenues.

4. You believe that the driver's license test should be given in English only since you will be expected to read road signs written in English.

3. You find it hypocritical that the state will sit on more than $140 million in excess lottery reserves that are supposed to go for education, but won't spend it on K-12 school construction.

2. You think Tennessee's having the highest sales tax on food in the nation is wrong and that we should help families by cutting the grocery tax.

1. You oppose a new statewide property tax and a state income tax!

Income tax rearing its head again?

Today's Tennessean has a preview of the legislative session that begins tomorrow. Of particular note is House Democratic Speaker Jimmy Naifeh's quote on taxes:

Other points of partisan contention will include taxes, with Republicans pushing to lower the state sales tax. Democrats, Naifeh said, have some reservations in a year when the budget is tight and the economy is stalling. "I'd like to see how to replace that with a stable source of income," he said. [Emphasis added.]

Any long time follower of Tennessee politics will know that "a stable source of income" is Democratic code for a state income tax. Bill Hobbs has more.

Tennessee Democrats Show Support for Abortion on Demand

On "This Week with Bob Mueller" on WKRN in Nashville, Gray Sasser, son of Jim and chairman of the Tennessee Democratic party, says Democrats will continue to support abortion on demand.



What are your thoughts? What about Gray's political logic? If an issue is divisive, does that mean it's not worth fighting for? (Thanks to www.volunteervoters.com, you can see the whole discussion here.)

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