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Google"I believe that the people of Bedford, Lincoln and Rutherford counties have a right to know where the candidates stand on the issues. The best way to do that is by having a series of joint appearances throughout the district," Marsh said in a letter which his campaign said had been hand delivered to Cobb's campaign office. "A joint forum would allow the voters to hear our ideas and plans to put people back to work."
Marsh said he would be willing to participate in any of variety of formats. "I am willing to do a town hall meeting or a more traditional style debate with questions asked by local leaders," Marsh said.
Prior to the release of Marsh's press release, the Times-Gazette had begun contacting the campaigns about their willingness to participate in a debate. A call last week to Cobb was returned by his campaign manager, Rolland Hughes, who told the Times-Gazette last week that Cobb's schedule would not permit him to participate in any debates.
"We're not going to have the time," said Hughes.
On Wednesday, Hughes said the Cobb campaign had received Marsh's letter challenging Cobb to debates.
"We're in talks with both camps," said Hughes. He said State Rep. Mike Turner, the House Democratic Caucus chairman, and State Rep. Glen Casada, the Democratic Caucus chairman, were negotiating over possible debate conditions and formats.
The third candidate in the race is Chris Brown, endorsed by the Constitution Party but listed on the ballot as an independent. Brown told the Times-Gazette on Thursday that he's not received any formal invitations from the Marsh campaign to participate in any debates.
The special election will fill the vacancy caused when Ty Cobb II's brother Curt Cobb resigned from the 62nd District seat at the end of June to take a position in the Bedford County court system.
Marsh defeated three other Republicans in the party primary last month; Ty Cobb II was unopposed in the Democratic primary. Early voting will begin Sept. 23 for the general election. The district includes all of Bedford, part of Lincoln and a small portion of Rutherford counties.
Cobb gains firefighters' endorsement
The Tennessee Professional Fire Fighters Association, a statewide organization representing about 4,500 active and retired firefighters, announced last week it has endorsed Cobb in the special election.
"Firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect regular citizens put in harms way, so to receive their support is truly an honor," Cobb said in a news release. "Once elected, it is my desire to put that same firefighter passion to work in helping the people of the 62nd District."
"Mr. Cobb shows a commitment to both local and state issues and showed an understanding to the issues facing Tennessee's firefighters and emergency service personnel," said Eddie Mitchell, President of the Tennessee Professional Fire Fighters Association. "This organization believes Ty Cobb is the right man for the 62nd District and look forward to working with him in the coming months."
Note: The nature of the Internet makes it impractical for our staff to review every comment. If you feel that a comment is offensive, please
It seems to me Mr. Cobb needs to cancel a couple of chili supper appearances or whatever has him so busy and have the debate. Joint public appearances discussing the issues should be a requirement when running for office.
He doesn't have the time for a debate due to his "schedule"?
He does realize that this is a position that requires him to participate, right?
Is he only going to be available for the legislature when it's convenient for him?
If Mr. Cobb doesn't have the "time" to participate, then how about Mr. Marsh just have some "one-man shows"? He can have his own town hall meeting, open to the public, so that he can have some one-on-one time with his constituents...Personally I'd like to hear what he has to say about HIS views. Let us ask the questions...I mean, this is a job interview after all =)
I've said it a dozen times. Cobb is solely running on his last name in hopes that lazy voters and fans of his brother will just hoist him up and skip him right into office.
Maybe we should put donation jars in all of the townhall meetings.
You can just about guarantee that Cobb is going to win in Lincoln county...I mean with his dad being former Chancellor and all...but that doesn't mean he will win here or in Rutherford County...I say we all back Marsh or Brown. Show them that we are NOT interested in family dynasties...we want real people who can make a real difference!
I think it's kinda "funny" that the endorsement of the Firefighters got placed in this article. What does that have to do with the story about town hall meetings??? Let's not build up Cobb with his endorsements, let's deal with the issue that he's too busy to meet with us. We have questions and we need answers!
Ty, Duck season doesn't start until the end of November. Surely you can find time to work us into your schedule between now and then.
town hall meetings would be great. first cobb could try to talk while marsh supporters scream and shout to drown him out, then marsh could try to talk while cobb supporters returned the favor. then everyone could post wild and outrageous stories about it in the paper the next day.... i wonder if either one can really, really, really prove they were born in the US?
The Cobb family has drawn enough water from the public watering trough. it is time for change!
Republicans = 0
Democrats = 2
Independents= 1
Either way, democrats get the seat. Sorry Chris Brown, you don't have a chance but kudos to you for trying. Cobb never said he wasn't going to address the people, just not in Marsh's arena. I like jt's comment about Marsh having meetings where we can ask him what we want as citizens and if Cobb wants coverage also he might show up for a few. Jt, you do have something wrong about family dynasty though, you get that with either of the viable candidates. I already know who I'm voting for, but the real question is who's going to win? Cobb's got the name but so does Marsh, I don't know how much cash Cobb can come up with but Marsh's pockets run deep. Lets hear predictions and reasons and see what happens in a month and 3 days. I'm predicting Marsh and that's primarily because of the money advantage.
I am not certain Cobb has the intellect to participate in such debates.
I just think it is pretty sorry that they haven't even given Brown the option to do a debate. He does believe we should put God back into this country and in our schools. The Constitution Party may not be well known yet, but I know they will be and people aren't going to know what happened. They are the third largest Party of the United States. They put God first and foremost and He will rise again. It's not about money and names, it's about the people of Tennessee, and what are we without God?
town hall meetings would be great. first cobb could try to talk while marsh supporters scream and shout to drown him out, then marsh could try to talk while cobb supporters returned the favor. then everyone could post wild and outrageous stories about it in the paper the next day.... i wonder if either one can really, really, really prove they were born in the US?
lazarus, ha ha, your getting worried now that your president showed his bully nature last night on his bully pulpit.
Keep to the facts of this article lazarus.
Post your crying elsewhere please.
I think there should be a debate with both of these candidates, it would benefit the community and allow us to have more facts before we vote.
Yes, lazarus. Let's stick to Obama town hall style meetings. You know the ones where he'll say, "I'm gonna go girl, boy, girl, boy." "How about you darlin'?" And then she will go on about she is homeless, uninsured, and dying of some inoperable disease. He will tell her to stay after and speak to one of his staff so he can help her out and then give her a hug.
Then he'll go on to the next person. He'll ask his name, even though he hasn't asked anyone elses. He'll say ,"Pleasure to meet you Jim. What do you do for a living?" Lo and behold, lucky draw for Barack, he works for a non-profit organization called (Healthcare/Welfare/Free Cars/Insert Anything Else Here) For Every American.
Is that what you meant?
Why don't you e-mail them at their websites and ask questions? See what they have to offer you, but keep it sensible and stick with state and local issues, things that they will be a part of.
I read the comment "Both"... from TomJOnes and it really bothered me. What is wrong with BROWN... Oh, he is a down to earth AMERICAN... and he don't have the political ties the other two have.. well it is time to fess up... I never liked COBB! To be honest, we as citizen have been given the snub to many times. Do you think Brown is out of his league? I hope he stomps all over the other one.. Ophs are you saying two is running against Brown? Could of fooled me... they are acting the same.. Repulicat's! They are so much better than the people the represent. What is wrong with a grass roots movement from someone with COMMON SENSE?
Too busy to openly inform voters openly what he stands for ?
NOT one who obviously wants his position known on major issues.
How about a Marsh / Brown debate ?
"lazarus, ha ha, your getting worried now that your president showed..."
my first impulse was to get irritated, but then i realized you spoke the truth. this wasnt the man i voted for. as a matter of fact, had i listed candidates in order of preference, he wouldnt have made the top 5. but he is my president now, because that is how democracy works. he is my president, just like W, and clinton, and poppa bush, and reagan, and carter, ford, nixon, johnson, kennedy, eisenhower, and truman. not only that, i want to see the usa succeed, no matter who is the president, because it is my country. what can i say, my "conservative" values must be stuck in the '50s.
oh yes, and on this article... ALL the candidates should be allowed to debate. the two "major" partys dont represent everyone. brown should have a spot at the table just like anyone else who qualified to be on the ballot.
It looks bad for the Democratic Party that Cobb can't or won't find time for a debate that would let voters know where he stands. I am a democrat and I hate to say it, but it makes it look like he's afraid of his views being made public.
I personally take offense in the comment "I am not certain Cobb has the intellect to participate in such debates. Posted by gottago"
I went all through school with Ty and I think he has done pretty good with his good ole Bedford County education. I am very proud of a former classmate wanting to represent us in state government. I wish more people our age would do the same.
Personally, Ty was and has always been polite and friendly to everyone. I can't say the same for his Republican opponent.
Good luck Ty remember we are LTWB!!! (Last of The Wild Bunch) it is a class of '85 thing you wouldn't get it gottago.
i hear mr cobb was asked to leave someones house in the country club the other day over a racial issue, my,my, my
What do you do for a living?" Lo and behold, lucky draw for Barack, he works for a non-profit organization called (Healthcare/Welfare/Free Cars/Insert Anything Else Here)-- Posted by TubeSock on Thu, Sep 10, 2009, at 7:19 PM
Insert Anything Else Here -- How about (Joe Plumber): )
Sorry I couldn't resist.
Speaking of Issues, Bedford Manor Apartments has some. They are called "BED BUGS". Here we go again with another Apartment Infestation of bedbugs. It was in one area then spread to the next ones. Some Tenants had to throw their furniture out because of this, and Bedford Manor has the nerve to "TRY" and charge some of them $1,500.00 for spraying their units, even though they were not the ones that brought them in. Who's going to pay for all the stuff they Lost, because the apartment did not control the first area before it spread, Rats too. This is a Local issue here in Shelbyville, Manchester, and Nashville. Somebody is going to pay all right, But ... who you think.
I believe everyone should have the chance at a debate and another thing about this article that bothers me is how a firefighter can actually go in a house and save a small helpless baby, but yet support a party who is all for aborting them. So, does all these firefighters feel this way or just certain ones. We need God in this decision. This is about us, the people of this state. I want to know that I'm voting for someone who is about us, not what family they come from or how much money they have. I want a regular person who cares about me and my family and will fight for us, not for a bigger name or a bigger business. By the way, I heard Brown challenged Marsh to the parking lot for a debate. I wonder what will come of it.
This is the letter I received in my email:
Dear John Carney,
The following is a copy of what is on Pat Marsh's website http://marshfortennessee.com/Announcemen.... After reading it the Chris Brown campaign delivered the following letters to Pat Marsh and TY Cobb's headquarters. I am sending these to you with the emphasis being my response to Pat Marsh excluding me from the debates.
Sincerely,
Chris Brown
FROM MARSH'S WEBSITE
Dear Ty Cobb,
The special election to fill the vacant seat for State House District 62 is only 35 days away and the voters of this district deserve an honest debate about what our plans are for the State of Tennessee. Because of this short time frame, it is important that we give the people an opportunity to ask us questions before they make their choice for State Representative.
I am requesting that you join me at a series of debates throughout the district to discuss the potential solutions that we will offer to create jobs and improve our local economy. I am willing to do a town hall meeting or a more traditional style debate with questions asked by local leaders.
The people of Bedford, Lincoln and Rutherford counties have a right to know where we stand on issues like jobs, taxes, 2nd Amendment rights and family values. Before the first vote is cast in this election we need to give the people every opportunity we have to ask us questions.
I look forward to your response. Please contact my Campaign Manager at mike@marshfortennessee.com to work out the details for this forum.
Sincerely,
Pat Marsh, Republican Candidate for TN State House 62
LETTER FROM BROWN TO MARSH
Dear Pat Marsh,
Although I didn't receive an invitation to your proposed debate with Mr Ty Cobb I would like to inform you of my interest in a debate. I completely agree that the voters of this district deserve an honest debate about what our plans are for the State of Tennessee. I am also willing to do a town hall meeting or a more traditional style debate with questions asked by local leaders but would much rather challenge you to have an open air debate in the parking lot of somewhere like Goodwill or the Park where common folks wouldn't mind meeting. I can provide the equipment to host such a debate. It is my opinion that we should allow registered voters of District 62 to ask the questions.
I would also like to remind you that although a Third party campaign may not seem a worthy opponent to some people, Chris Brown will be one of the three names on the ballot on October 13th and to not allow me an equal opportunity in a debate would be a disservice to the political process and the voters of District 62. I agree that you are right in saying that "Before the first vote is cast in this election we need to give the people every opportunity we have to ask us questions." Please help make this a reality.
I look forward to your response. Please contact me at ctbrown2010@hotmail.com to work out the details for this forum.
Sincerely,
Chris Brown, Constitutional Candidate for TN State House 62
LETTER FROM BROWN TO COBB
Dear Ty Cobb,
Although I didn't receive an invitation to Pat Marsh's proposed debate I would like to inform you of my interest in being included in such a debate. I completely agree that the voters of this district deserve an honest debate about what our plans are for the State of Tennessee. I have also contacted Pat Marsh and expressed my interest in inclusion in any debates. I informed Mr. Marsh that I would rather debate in an open air forum in the parking lot of somewhere like Goodwill or the Park where common folks wouldn't mind meeting. I can provide the equipment to host such a debate. It is my opinion that we should allow registered voters of District 62 to ask the questions.
I also reminded Mr. Marsh that although a Third party campaign may not seem a worthy opponent to some people, Chris Brown will be one of the three names on the ballot on October 13th and to not allow me an equal opportunity in a debate would be a disservice to the political process and the voters of District 62.
I look forward to your response. Please contact me at ctbrown2010@hotmail.com to work out the details for this forum.
Sincerely,
Chris Brown, Constitutional Candidate for TN State House 62
I quiver. I quiver deeply when local politics pit good men againt the pawns of the so called ELITE society here in Bedford County. Money rules on this earth. Say what you like but it does. Money from the big corporations and their handfull of investors that are full of greed. Supporters of one campaign brag of how they personally came to this city and took a squandering business and took it nearly to fortune 500 status. Free enterprise, I love it and commend anyone that has had the smile of success to grace its efforts.
Knowing several supporters of the Marsh bid for the seat is repulsive to me. There are plenty that are so called church leaders on his bandwagon. Several professional leaders in our community are beating his drum. To these people, before you walk on water, remember the skeletons you hope are buried with time.
Look deep at who is supporting any political office and ask are they there for the good of the population in general or the population that wants it all for themselves. Not everyone can leave their hometown where their name is not hoisted above reproach and make it to appear before a special senate committee. A move that totally put much more money in your personal account.
Again I implore the voters to look deeper than the name of your party or the person you choose.
I totally agree that Chris Brown should be included in any and all debates for this campaign. For any candidate to be left out of the process would make a mockery of the electoral system.
I think Mr. Marsh and Mr. Cobb should take Mr. Brown up on his offer of the debate in a parking lot. He said he could furnish the equipment, why not take him up on the offer? What have they got to lose?
Thom,
I agree, All three of them with a moderator with questions from the general public, not any of our local leaders asking the questions. We need an impartial moderator though.
Good luck there, EM. The moderator just needs to be able to set aside their political beliefs when moderating. Just like being on a jury. I would volunteer, but I'm afraid that I might word my questions a bit more salty than most are used to...lol.
No, we don't need a moderator, it should be for the people (regular ole people like US) to ask the questions. We just need a time keeper to keep us with the time each one speaks. If we can't get up there and ask the questions, then why have it? It should be for the citizens, who are registered voters, of District 62, so we can see what they can do for us. The questions should be for each of them to answer with their own words, not what their Party tells them to say. It's time we start getting to know the people we vote for and not their family name or business name. I want to know who they are and where they stand. It's time we take back our rights and doing this kind of debate takes it back to what it use to be.
I would definitely like to hear (or read) where Mr. Cobb stands on numerous issues. The fact that he will not make himself available for the people to "interview" makes his ability suspect, in my opinion. Mr. Cobb seems to be running on family name and party loyalty alone (and the people that actually know him). That makes me want to vote for someone else right off the bat.
So the options for me are Chris Brown and Pat Marsh at this point. I voted for a variety of parties in the last election and I refuse to automatically vote for someone just because they've got a particular letter in parenthesis next to their name or because they've got a particular last name.
It's time that Americans elect politicians for their skills, abilities, beliefs rather than a name or a party.
I hear Brown has still not heard anything from the two parties at hand on his offer for a parking lot debate. I also haven't seen his offer put out in the paper like Marsh's was. Why is it not getting the publicity and recognition Marsh's did? What is wrong with this picture? Also, why is Marsh's calls coming from the Big G offices? What? Free publicity for his company? Or, is that a tax right-off too? Isn't that suppose to be illegal when people are on the no call list? The people need to know who they are voting for, lets get this debate underway!!! Or are they scared of parking lots, where the REAL people would feel more comfortable than being in a pink toe debate with a bunch of people that makes you feel uncomfortable? How do they think it was done in the old days? Let's get back down to earth and take our country back.
Sawyers69: Pat Marsh has his campaign offices at Big G he owns the company so if he chooses to make calls there he can. The no call list does not include people that are running for office or places you have done business with so the answer to your questions is no it is not illegal.
His campaign office in on Lane Pkwy. where all his signs are down the road, not at Big G. So, if he is running them out of Big G too, then does that mean he is paying his office workers to do campaign work then or is that coming out of his campaign funds? I just want to know if the people's money is already being misused, or is his workers being payed by his company and being used for the campaign.
Sawer69 : You are wrong again the Republican headquarters is located on Lane Pky. What peoples money is being used? If he wants to use his offices to run in this election he can because he owns them.
WHY DO THE COMMENTS KEEP DISAPPEARING IN ARTICLES?
VOTE FOR BROWN
And in every election:
VOTE FOR NO INCUMBANTS.
RE-ELECT NO-ONE
OUST THE TWO MAJOR PARTIES FROM OUR GREAT NATION.
Politicians WORK for US
Hold them ACCOUNTABLE.
I believe everyone should have the chance at a debate and another thing about this article that bothers me is how a firefighter can actually go in a house and save a small helpless baby, but yet support a party who is all for aborting them--------------( as said by sayer69)
That one is easy to answer it is because he belongs to a party that cares about the child even once the cord has been cut, the party willing to save them even after birth. The party that even though they may back the woman's "choice" would in most cases NEVER EVEN CONSIDER having an abortion, and WOULD NEVER CONSIDER refusing any health care to a child once they are born ( like Bush did when he so proudly vetoed the bill that allowed for cover to kids who may slip through the gap between wealthy and poverty)......
He belongs to the party that won't throw that child to the wolves just because the cord was cut and they don't have parents whose pay checks are not big enough for the republicans confider them as "worthy". All children deserve to be saved not just the unborn..... They don't get to choose their parents.
Don't try to tell me republicans don't have abortions, or that all democrats are the republican claim of baby killers, to believe that is out and out STUPID......
Marsh said he would be willing to participate in any of variety of formats. "I am willing to do a town hall meeting or a more traditional style debate with questions asked by local leaders," Marsh said.
That is very brave of him now isn't it, if I'm not mistaken the majority of our "local" leaders are his fellow republicans....... This is no better than calling is opponent into the fox's den.....
Why didn't he offer to debate with the citizens asking the questions one where the cards are not stacked in his favor? ? I doubt he would be interested in the debates if they were hosted by a hand picked team of Cobbs "local leader " choices.
Make a reasonable request and maybe Cobb will agree.