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Election "09Posted Thursday, October 8, 2009, at 2:19 PM
I don't believe I have ever had the displeasure of seeing such a malicious political campaign. We have two candidates from the major parties, both of whom are good people, now comes the Parties and the games begin. The candidates and the Parties will spend, it appears, in an aggregate amount of approximately $200,000 and perhaps more. This for a position that pays less than $20,000 per year! This is obscene! Ever wonder what the Parties great interest is in this rural district? Answer in a couple of paragraphs.
The viciousness of the attacks are, in both cases, designed to denigrate the candidates personally and they add nothing to the debate on the issues. We hear about hastily thrown together "debates" with no parameters I can see and expect candidates to willingly be lead to possible disaster. Then when less that the full slate appears, softball questions and platitudes for answers. What does that add to the electorate's knowledge. I think it should be told that neither candidate participated in the "attack" ads nor did they even know they were coming. If this were not so, then statutes have been violated. No where in any campaign literature, and I have a huge stack, no where in any report does the greatest issue of this campaign come up. This MOST IMPORTANT issue is redistricting. If historical events of past elections remain true, the power of incumbency is near absolute absent some scandal. This being so, after a year of incumbency, the winner will be almost certain to win a full term in 2010. Herein lies the rub. That legislative session will redraw the district lines for all state and federal districts that offer candidates for election. This being unarguably so, one can understand why both Parties covet this seat. Not for the benefit of people in our district but for the benefit of the power of a political party! If one Party has control of both Houses of the Legislature, we can forget about every having a representative in either house from Bedford County. I believe Bedford county will be slashed in two, and placed in two different House Districts. Also I believe we will be emasculated in such a manner we will never again have any significant voice in the Senate. This is my prediction, and remember when a candidate or a Senator tells you they won't let that happen, when you finish laughing, remember they are only one of 132 members, most of whom will toe the party line. As one who can document being instrumental in Sen. Jim Tracy even considering a run for the Senate as well as assisting him during that election and second election, I am most disappointed by his actions. With only vile innuendo he has gone state-wide with a campaign to "chop up" one of our local candidates. This in the face of, remember, "Democrats for Tracy." He now apparently has no need of those who put him where he is, he is only interested in "what can you do for me in the future." I'll make another prediction. If Republicans control both houses in the session starting in 2010, I predict they will gerrymander Rutherford Cty. in such a manner that Bart Gordon will be placed in Jim Cooper's district and slanted so Jim Cooper is certain to win. I believe Jim Tracy will move to Rutherford County and position himself to run, probably sans Bedford Cty., for Bart Gordon's seat in the US House of Representatives. Comments Showing comments in chronological order [Show most recent comments first] |
Near lifelong resident of Bedford County. Will comment on the issues of the day in, hopefully a cogent and certainly an honest manner. Will propose discussions not usually fully addressed in the mainstream media.
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My word, Mr. McClanahan:
Never would I have imagined that you posessed such a clear crystal ball.
Now, for those of us who have an interest, would you please gaze deeply into your sphere and tell us how the upcoming political wheezing will affect our county's 231/41A by-pass and, the schedule to four-lane 41A from Shelbyville to Tullahoma.
Oh yes, speaking of four-laning 41A, isn't Senator Tracy chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee?
Timing is everything in politics and especially for what you are predicting. Good observations. I have been told Bart's office is polling the upcoming gov's race currently. His voting record does not agree with our district or our great state.That could be an unwise decision for Bart. I think Jim will be gov, one day, but not the upcoming election.
rb1894.....Re Jim being Governor one day, I would have strongly agreed with you a few months ago....Now I think not...He has hitched a ride on the wrong horses in the Senate and the Party and I think it has and will continue to hurt him badly.
garhawk.....I think the by-pass is safe, the "Road to Tullahoma" is a little more iffy, primarily due to potential funding difficulties, although should hold a position of higher priority for some time...Yes, Master Tracy is Chm. of the Senate Transportation Comm.
Anything is possible now . . . even Obama winning a Nobel Peace Prize for doing nothing really.
Somewehere Mother Teresa is turning in her grave!
Can you believe that OBAMA won the Nobel Peace prize? What has he done for world peace? As far as I can tell he has done nothing. He has had no legislation passed; he must have won for spending money. He's doing really well at that. This is laughable. I know, I know George Bush screwed everything up and Obama inherited all this mess and George Bush started the money spending with the stimulus package and he blew up the trade centers and he started these wars, and it's his fault so many people don't have health care. Did I miss anything? What's a poor new President to do? But the peace prize, give me a break.
Please stay on topic......We each can be impacted in a most fundamental and powerful way by the election next week....What do you really think about it.........??
Carl you are such an idiot. I read all your stuff last election that you said about Barbara and Curt's race and laughed. And this is coming from someone who voted for Cobb. But now you have really gone over the top. This should not have even been a race; it is embarrassing that in Bedford county we can still have a race when one of the candidates hasn't even spoke publicly. I don't care if you are Republican or Democratic Pat Marsh is the better candidate. I think the "Democrats for Tracy" can agree.
but hey, Great job on the scare tactics you almost had me believing Bedford county would no longer be represented because of the evil Jim Tracy. Lets boot him out of office and go back to Rutherford county candidates representing us. Good idea Carl. You are insulting a man who has done a lot for Bedford county.
I love your fear mongering McClanahan, scaring people in to thinking that the district is going to somehow be split in half by the evil Republicans out to getcha. Any new house district would, of course, be where the population growth has been - which has been in Rutherford County - not Bedford County.
If you want to talk about this race being malicious, then let's do that! The same 'ole ad that I've seen time and time again on behalf of Ty Cobb is an out-and-out negative attack ad - nothing more. It says nothing of the issues, just spreads lies in an attempt to win political office. My momma always told me that telling half-truths and out right false things about someone was lying.
Basically, I think all of these negative, unfounded attacks against Pat Marsh are simply a symptom of the Democrats running a dirty race because they can't fathom the realization that they are no longer relevant in modern Tennessee politics. They have outlived their usefulness...and they're running scared.
But, Tuesday will be here before we know it and we'll see what the people have to think about it...
Please stay on topic......We each can be impacted in a most fundamental and powerful way by the election next week....What do you really think about it.........??
-- Posted by cmcclanahan on Fri, Oct 9, 2009, at 10:42 AM
I see you are trying to impact it with innuendos and bias beliefs . . . maybe you shouldn't allow your disdain for Jim Tracy to cloud your reasoning.
Merican: Both candidates are guilty of negative ads. I have just as many ads from Cobb as Marsh.However Mr Marsh has not very well explained several questions brought up in the race,he always blames someone else,Oh and the crap of Ty Cobb being Just a working man and should not be elected is for the birds.THE WORKING MAN MADE THIS COUNTRY NOT THE FAT CAT CORP EXECUTIVES like Marsh and his Country Club Friends!
hi carl. i hate to agree with you again, especially since people have begun to confuse us (remember folks, carl is the pretty face... and i am the thinker). this race is all about the parties, and nothing at all about the candidates or bedford county. i find the tactics and advertising of both to be disgusting. which is a shame, because they are both good men. if the voters of bedford county had the guts, we could send a message to the parties by electing the third party candidate. but we wont. until we reject this sort of trash at the polls, it will continue.
Any new house district would, of course, be where the population growth has been - which has been in Rutherford County - not Bedford County......'Merican
This statement displays such a naivete and ignorance of the entire political process, I can hardly keep from laughing. While you're in the bushes, perhaps you can explain the "population growth" that at one time gerrymandered our Congressional district from Savannah to Bristol!
Here we go again tineytoes, different blog and same message, still jealous of successfull people being memebers of a C.C. That is totaly rediculous talk. What about the calls I recieved from Harold Ford Jr. for helping and supporting Ty Cobb. That isn't going to win him votes.
lazarus........You had better be careful....People will figure out why Jesus resurected Lazarus.....The reason.....none!!...Just because he was a "good ole boy." (not very biblical, but factual)
rb1874:I am not jealous of sucessful people but you are stupid to think that Marsh is going to do one thing for the working man,as said before his staff denied that he had a beachfront condo,this has been proven as fact,the staff denied that Marsh has several big supporters that fly back and forth to their homes and condos in Fla by private jet this has been proven as fact. Marsh did not pay his taxes and was ordered by a Judge to pay the taxes,this too proven as fact.Marsh staff was ask about an exclusive hunting retreat owned by Marsh they again denied it AGAIN IT WAS PROVEN AS FACT.So do you really think Marsh gives a crap about the WORKING MAN Jim Tracy says that TY Cobb is not qualified because he is a WORKING MAN.Mr Marsh says he is OK with abortion then when it stirred up bad press now he says he is pro life what is the deal? he blames everything on everyone else. It was his company that DID NOT PAY TAXES His staff cannot seem to tell the truth so how can he represent THE AVERAGE JOE when he cant pay his taxes,and spend time at the beach or his MILLION DOLLAR HUNTING LODGE.or flying around on private jets.PAT MARSH WILL TAKE CARE OF HIS RICH BUDDIES YOU CAN BANK ON THAT...Besides Pats father was a WEALTHY BANKER..I wonder if they have SILVER SPOONS ON THOSE JETS.
Word on the street is that Pat Marsh Jim Tracy and Rev Bobby Scott were at a church revival on Wed night asking for votes.This was NOT the time or place for ANYONE running for office,some things are just not done.this tells me alot about these men!When did any of these men change to Baptist? I would have thought Rev Scott of all people would have had more respect that this!
tinytoes,
I have noticed that you have been active during this entire process on the T-G site. Thank you for being so concerned about not only this race, but the community as a whole. I'm not sure I know who you are, but you definitely have a passion for your beliefs and the welfare of this great nation.
Throughout the course of dealing with people I have discovered some interesting things. One of those things I have seen is how easily one's view of what they perceive is happening and what is actually happening can be vastly different. You see, we all view the world through our own "glasses" that are shaped by the stories we hold to be true. "Word on the street" can be very interesting, and even make great fodder over a cup of coffee or dinner; but more times than not there are key pieces that are either unknown or intentionally left out to give the impression that one is "in the know." Assumptions are then made, and we form answers brought about by our own "logical" conclusions.
I am a friend of Fair Haven, and I have been for some time. This is not the first time I have attended a service. I am a former (3 term) president of the ministerial association, and I am not bound to any denominational limits on fellowship that others might have. I had seen the sign about a revival, and then was invited by someone who has been a friend for the past few years.
A young man from our church and I decided that we would be able to catch the last few minutes of their service after ours. I was glad that we did, because I was impressed by the speaker and felt the Spirit of God moving in the hearts of those in attendance, including mine. As we sat down, I noticed that both Pat and Senator Tracy were in attendance. In the foyer after service, I spoke to both men, as well as several others. Food was being served, so I decided to stay a little while longer. Pat asked if I was staying, and I told him I was and that he should stay as well. We stood in line and talked of family and campaign stress to one another (as we both understand the taxing nature of it all). Pat and I know each other, and so we sat together; eventually being joined by the Pastor and his wife.
"Word on the street" is usually gossip. Gossip takes a few truths and then draws its own conclusions. Whatever the reason that someone believes is a motive for my actions I cannot help. No one was asked by me for a vote of any kind. I am a part of this community and will continue to be. I will associate with Republicans, Democrats and other parties alike because I like the people of this community and I am here to be a part of their lives in Christian service.
Again, thanks to all who are stepping out to better our community.
Bobby Scott
Bobby Scott: As we were eating our dinner tonight we saw several couples that are members at Fair Haven and we checked the "word on the street" both Pat Marsh and Sen Jim Tracy were at Fair Haven Church and WERE asking for votes.this was witnessed by several people on Wed night.so this is not gossip as you stated.I say again EVERYONE IS WELCOME IN CHURCH but this WAS NOT the time or place to be asking for votes.and from what we also gathered it was NOT appreciated by some on Wed night.some things should not be done.One lady also commented that the Pastor of the church even announced that Jim Tracy and Pat Marsh were in attendence.As I was not at the church I can only go by what the people at the church said happened.
tinytoes,
I think you need to read my post again. I have no idea what others saw or heard from anyone else, but you said that I was there asking for votes. You spoke partial truth. The fact are these: I was there = truth. Stumping for votes = non-truth.
I am not responsible for any actions other than my own. You specifically said, "Word on the street is that Pat Marsh Jim Tracy and Rev Bobby Scott were at a church revival on Wed night asking for votes"
By definition, gossip is rumor or talk of a personal, sensational, or intimate nature.
Re-read my post. I answer for no one but myself. Always have, always will. Always check THE source.
Bobbyscott Please reread my second post as it does not mention you by name as asking for votes. as you said you ate with Mr Marsh . the second post never said you ask for votes,it said as we were told by church members Marsh and Tracy WERE asking for votes and they even said it was in the foyer of the church.I am gald that you did not take part in this as I know you are a supporter of Mr Marsh and I would hope you as a man of God would agree that this was neither the time or place to be talking politics.I will however tell Mr Marsh and Mr Tracy my feelings on this when and if I ever see them.I have no doubt this is the truth because several people witnessed this and they have no reason to lie.
The redistricting is a large part of why both parties want this seat and others. The Democratic Party wants their candidate to win so they don't lose seats. The Republican Party wants their candidate to win so they can solidify what seats they have and gain others. Don't think special interests haven't already gotten their dirty little hands on the main two candidates either, one candidate already stated he wanted a seat on the commerce and transportation committee. Looking at the donors to the campaign, I can only imagine why that seat would be appealing to him. Jason Mumpower wants to be the Speaker also, this is another reason for the big Republican push. This is not about representation, it's about power and money. I hope Bobby Scott isn't backing that candidate because of the obvious RTL differences. I can't wait for this race to be over. I also can't believe Harold Ford Jr. is calling for Cobb, I would refuse his backing with all his family problems that stain him.
SO MARSH WAS THE NO SHOW AT THE DEBATE TODAY.well well how about that.. that is an ABOUT FACE.lol
Mr Marsh could not be expected to be at the courthouse today It is Saturday He was with his country club friends at his beachfront condo or at his million dollar hunting ranch,so how could he possibly be expected to be here he might miss his T time..even if he does travel by private jet.he might be seen with common working folk,what would the people at the club think oh dear!!!
Sticks and stones! are easier to throw than face the questions of the land. Do either of these purported "front runners" deserve the time it takes for the population to vote? It is obvious from the lack of civility the two parties have displayed they have no ability or desire to be put to the test by the very people they both claim they have a "heart felt desire to represent".
What everyone seems to miss in these elections is the price for the "superstars" to come to Shelbyville is not in dollars but favors. Regardless who wins the election Bedford County will lose. Whichever of the candidates that wins will have to pay the piper.
The tab will come when they are ready to stand up for a bill that will help the 62nd district but hurt the political click. They will be proud and voice an opinion. They will give speeches "see what I have done".Then a phone will ring, an email will hit or the twitter will ...well. twit and the party will call the favor.
The representative or senator will stammer. They may even want to argue. But, in the end it will do not good and a vote will change or a bill will be tabled. Then the true colors of the "winner" will be shown and the 62nd will once again fall behind.
Time is short. Could the real man please stand up and face the people and at least attempt to demonstrate they have the ability and integrity to hold this office? Then once you are elected can you cut the puppet masters strings and be lead by your convictions and do what is right by your people?
This is all just another great reason to vote for a third party....
tinytoes . . . they say gossip is a sin also. Maybe you should pay more attention to the sermon and not who is or is not there. It seems all your comments begin with "I heard from so and so and etc".
I did not vote for Pat Marsh but maybe he had something else to do on Saturday . . . maybe drive a UPS truck or maybe attend some recognition party or you can count the other excuses that Cobb has given for reasons why he hasn't attended the other debates.
jax: both Marsh and Jim Tracy had time to go to a church revival and ask for votes it was Wed night at Fair Haven 231 N any person that would be that low will never get my vote. some things are just not done!
Does anyone believe either candidate would open themselves up to public questions?