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GoogleDemocratic nominee Ty Cobb, Republican nominee Pat Marsh and Chris Brown, endorsed by the Constitution Party but listed on the ballot as an independent, are seeking the seat, which was made vacant when Ty Cobb's brother, Curt Cobb, resigned in late June. The election will be Oct. 13.
Currently, Republicans hold a razor-thin 50-49 majority in the state House. The Speaker of the House, Kent Williams, was elected with Democratic support over the Republican caucus' chosen candidate. Williams still identifies himself as a "Carter County Republican" but has been rejected by his party's leadership for siding with the Democrats.
The balance of power in the House, and the fact that the special election is being held at a time when no other races are underway, has resulted in the race receiving attention it might not have otherwise gotten.
Both Cobb and Marsh have hosted statewide elected officials at their rallies: Cobb had a rally with Gov. Phil Bredesen, while U.S. Sen. Bob Corker appeared on behalf of Marsh. Bredesen will return to Shelbyville Saturday for a 5 p.m. fish fry on Cobb's behalf at the American Legion Center on Kingree Road.
State Sen. Jim Tracy, interviewed Thursday morning on talk radio station WWTN-FM (99.7), praised Marsh's business experience and criticized Cobb's union ties. Marsh's campaign issued a news release calling attention to the interview.
"You've got a guy that's going to be in the back pocket of the unions or you've got a businessman, an independent businessman that's never been involved in politics that knows how to make a payroll and balance the budget. So it is a big difference, a contrast," Tracy is quoted as saying in the news release.
Meanwhile, state House Democratic Caucus Chairman Mike Turner has come to Cobb's defense in connection with the issue of Cobb's endorsement by Tennessee Right To Life.
"Pat Marsh was rejected by Tennessee Right to Life because, among other things, of his stance on human cloning," Turner said. "Marsh needs to take responsibility for his actions, and his allies need to stop using smear tactics that most people find absolutely deplorable," said Turner in a news release.
Meanwhile, the campaigns are using new and old media to reach voters:
Web sites
The Tennessee Democratic Party web site features a campaign photo of Cobb prominently on its home page, linked to online forms for soliciting volunteers for door-to-door canvassing and phone bank operations.
However, the Tennessee Republican Party web site had nothing about the 62nd District race on its home page or its news release page as of mid-morning Thursday.
The Tennessee page at the Constitution Party web site prominently features Chris Brown, with contact information and a link to his web site.
Campaign calls
The use of unsolicited telephone calls, either by volunteers or by machines playing pre-recorded messages, has been employed by both the Cobb and Marsh campaigns or their surrogates. But the overwhelming majority of participants in a non-scientific Times-Gazette web site poll don't like it.
The poll asked, "What statement most closely reflects your attitude towards the election-related telephone calls you receive?" with the following results:
* I don't mind them and it helps me make up my mind as a voter: 1.9 percent (7 votes)
* I don't mind talking to a live human being but do not like the pre-recorded calls: 8.1 percent (30 votes)
* I do not mind the pre-recorded calls but don't like it when I'm called by a human being: 1.4 percent (5 votes)
* I do not like receiving such calls at all: 88.6 percent (328 votes)
A total of 370 votes were cast. Voluntary, self-selected web site polls are not considered scientific because there is no way to document that the persons who chose to participate in the poll represent a true cross-section of the target group.
"I always hang up on pre-recorded phone calls of any kind," responded one participant.
"They call me at 8 p.m. and I am trying to get my son to bed," stated another.
One participant reported receiving seven calls in the past two weeks, all from the same candidate.
"Why are these folks able to call you when you are on the national no-call list?" asked another.
Actually, neither the state nor national "Do Not Call" lists prohibit political calls. The state "Do Not Call" list web site explains it this way:
"Calls from political candidates or other political telemarketing is not covered by this program. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees free speech, and while the U.S. Supreme Court allows the regulation of commercial speech, it provides much greater protection from government regulation of political speech."
Early voting continues through Oct. 8 in the basement of the county courthouse. Hours are 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; and 9 a.m. until noon on Saturday.
On the web
Tennessee Democratic Party: tndp.org
Tennessee Republican Party: tngop.org
Constitution Party, Tennessee page: www.constitutionparty.com/view_states.php?state=TN
Chris Brown: votechrisbrown.info
Ty Cobb: tycobb62.com
Pat Marsh: marshfortennessee.com
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
I wouldn't vote for anyone who Jim Tracy endorsed, no matter how many phone calls were made on anyone's behalf. That made up my mind who I'm voting for.
http://tnga.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php...
our money at work
dear JIM Tracy why is there alot of pork in here .
The boat 3m I think 17 cars use this boat
Jim Tracy is one of the finest men I know and so is Pat Marsh. And at least Pat and the republican party are not slinging nasty untrue remarks about Cobb. I am so tired of receiving all that trash from the Democratic Party. Why don't you people look at one's experience as a business man.
Marsh doesnt PAY HIS TAXES this has been proven 5 TIMES this is the truth check it out.the court ordered him to PAY HIS TAXES...he is not for the working people..just look at the people that are backing him.. Corp big wigs are backing him just look and see..do you think he really cares about the common people or his country club friends?While the average Joe is working he is at his $3000,000 beachfront condo Aquavista in Panama City ,Fla.. and while you see who is backing him see how many of them are his neighbors in Fla. 2 of the people backing him travel to and from their homes in Fla on their PRIVATE JETS I wonder if Marsh is a passenger? Marsh for the working man I DONT THINK SO....
Posted by tinytoes on Sat, Oct 3, 2009, at 12:42 AM
You copy stuff gooder than anybody I know. Now lets see the research that you have done yourself. The only thing I see in your writing here is the exact information that was on the flyer that I received from the RICH DEMOCRATIC PARTY HEADQUARTERS IN NASHVILLE. How many of those people there have, as you stated and I quote,"$3000,000 BEACH FRONT CONDOS IN FLORIDA, and how many of those travel around on their PRIVATE JETS, and how many of those people take care of their FRIENDS AT THE COUNTRY CLUB? How many of them are for the LITTLE MAN, and not PADDING THEIRS AND THEIR FRIENDS POCKETS WITH OUR TAX DOLLARS. Well, how many of them. Tell you what LOOK IT UP. Why don't YOU do some research on your own.
Jim Tracy is one of the finest men I know and so is Pat Marsh. And at least Pat and the republican party are not slinging nasty untrue remarks about Cobb. I am so tired of receiving all that trash from the Democratic Party. Why don't you people look at one's experience as a business man.
-- Posted by Brooklynn on Fri, Oct 2, 2009, at 11:40 PM
He's so fine he don't speak to his own BROTHER,when he comes in to macky d's
He goes and sits in the back .
But he speaks to the other people and stirs up stuff about ACORN talking about cobb
docudrama: you do some research of your own.Look at the people that are supporting Marsh.one has a mansion on hwy 30A between Destin and Panama city, Fla also has a private jet that whisk he and his friends to an from Fla. it is parked at the airport in Shelbyville,another big wig is a developer of a condo complex on hwy30A in Fla , he also flys around in his private jet also at Shelbyville.another has a condo at Navare beach between Ft Walton and Mary Ester Fla. they own an interist in a private jet that picks them up at Shelbyville.yet another friend has a condo at the Sandestin resort in Destin,Fla..two of these people live in mansions like Pat Marsh located in Bedford Co. Pa t Marsh has also been flying high on a private jet to his Condo at Aquavista.in Fla now do you honestly think Marsh cares for the working man ..you should be on The Tonight Show.. we have a friend that had a child that worked at the airport in Shelbyville so we know these are facts,he also said these were some of the most hateful,snobbish,big I little you.people that they ever delt with. NOW PROVE ME WRONG! Marsh for the little man HA HA.
Hell yeah twinkletoes!! you know all those white republicans cheated, stole, or road the backs of the worker to get all that money. If you have that much money, it should be up to us people to tell you how to spend it.
Oh..and you don't hear about a bunch of high dollar folks backing Cobb do ya? I didn't think so.
If everyone is mad about the big money backers for these two, then why aren't you backing the one who doesn't have the money or the big backers. You don't here as much about Brown, because he doesn't have the money, the name or the backers to have the money spent on him. He is a hard working, honest man. Oh, I forget, we don't want one of those, we want someone we can criticize and talk about. Well, you want something to talk about, well here. Brown's dad was one of the biggest boot-leggers in this town, but as soon as Brown graduated he left this town so that he wouldn't be known as Tommy Brown's oldest son. He didn't live that life, but yet his younger siblings did. He wanted something different for himself and joined the Army, in which he served for around 16 yrs and served in Desert Shield/Desert Storm and served to protect you and his country. That's what he believes in, you the people, but yet no one wants to believe in him. Well, vote for your big whigs and your big names, but remember God gave up His son for you and Chris has served to protect that life. If you want something to complain about, then just keep doing what you're doing. If not, then vote different than what you've been taught, VOTE BROWN!!!
Changehascome: please tell us who the big money people are that are backing Cobb.It will be interisting to see..Thanks Tinytoes oh sawyer we are notcomplaining we are pointing out that with all the big money people backing Marsh he really cant care for the commom folk...
how do u all know everything about these men. have u ever meet any one like that. how do u know they are not for the people. they worked hard all there lifes. to have something. u people make me sick.
Who do think Corker and his people are? They don't have money? Both have big backers, believe me, not just Marsh. The Teamsters are backing Cobb, what do you think they are? They are also, Big money. I know, because my neighbor was a teamster, he retired at 52 or 53, and draws a big lump sum every month for his retirement. Who do you really think is involved with the Teamsters? The big guys with guns! Don't you think that is going to help them by having a worker in the House? Do your research and you will see. Both have backers that most of you wouldn't believe. Both will be told what to do and when to do it. I like Pat from which I have met and I like Curt, but I've never had the chance to meet Ty, because he will not show for any of the meetings. Oh, by the way, they are trying to get a debate on Tues. night at Webb. I thought ya'll would like to know.
Listen to you all, now go vote. Chris Brown is the most logical choice, lets see how serious folks are. Folks are so low lifers, if a person doesn't spend a lot of money on getting elected, or fit into a country club click, or has a dolly pardon look, or is a smooth talker, along with many other qualities of this such they don't stand a chance against all the hipocrits, and shelbyville is full of them. Just give a person like Chris Brown a chance, he can't do any worse. Go to the polls and vote Chris Brown if you have any balls, if not then take the whimp approach. May god rest on all your souls heavily and show you all how hipocrital you are. I'm asking you all to vote for chris in honor of myself and others that have spent time in a war zone serving your country. I deserve at least that much. Whom among you served even in the military. Just give the other folks a chance, you can't take your country club with you if you get to heaven, don't even think the devil will let you take it to hell, but knowing you bunch you will try.
amen amen
Yes, I have met people like that and they usually have gotten to where they have gotten from hurting others to get there. People want to trust people from knowing they have worked their ways up, but who have they put down to get there. If you are a part of their lives then you are usually safe, but not always. I'm happy for anyone who works their way up, as long as it was not at someone elses loss. Too many people are hurt daily from others "Working their Way Up". It's sad, but that is the way life is. When you have someone to tell you that if you want to move ahead, then keep your nose clean and don't come out owing anyone, then you know that something is up with all of it. To move ahead, someone usually goes down. I don't want that weight on my shoulders, do you? God wants us to take care of one another, not knock each other down. If we keep letting those people hurt others then we are no better than them. We need someone who cares and wants the best for God's people, not someone who wants more recognition and their name to be bigger. It's time we look at the whole picture and not just the part that looks good.
Word on the street is there are some more facts to come out real soon...dont vote yet folks...people may be surprised...
Word on the street is there are some more facts to come out real soon...dont vote yet folks...people may be surprised...
You keep saying this and early voting is almost over. So, if you know something, maybe you should tell it. A lot of people do their voting early, because it's hard for them to get off during the election day.
sawyer69 everytime I have said it something new comes out so read and find out what is going on.Please pay attention!
Just because anyone is backed by Big Money as you say doesn't mean that they are not for the working people. All the Democrats want a little inexperienced Ty Cobb because they can tell him just what they want him to do. I am so proud that the Republican party and Pat have shown what a real man is by not mailing all that negative GARBAGE against Ty. Even if I were going to vote for Ty I wouldn't now because of his playing so dirty.
Thank you Pat for being a man who is above this kind of GARBAGE.
I have received just as much GARBAGE from the republican party as I have the democratic party, both of them. Marsh is not above these tactics, don't fool yourself.
I have also received that stuff too. Yes, BOTH have sent negative stuff on each other out. I live in the county and have received quite a bit on both. They both are up to no good!!! It's a shame that you have to bring stuff like that up to try and win an election. You have to make the other guy look bad to try and edge ahead. Like I said before, you have to hurt someone to move ahead. It is always happening and will continue to happen. That's the only way they know how to move UP in this world. I'm sick of all the negativity!!! It's time to put some regular people who want to help us into office. Politics is so over-rated. We don't need politicians, we need someone like us in there!!! They say they are not politicians to try and get our vote. Well, look who is supporting them and watch how they have to act when they are around. They are becoming POLITICIANS. If you have the company of politicians then you're trying to become one.
Broolynn: BOTH Cobb and Marsh have sent out just as much TRASH on one as the other! We ask a Marsh worker why this was happening and they said" OH Pat doesnt know what is going on he is too busy trying to get votes he has a staff that is incharge of that stuff" NOW if the man doesnt have control over his own election then this speeke volumes. Point # 2 Pure and COMMON sense will tell you that ANY candidate that has the backing of the big money IS going to take cars of THEIR big money friends ! WHY do all these big money people pour money into a house race? think about it,wouldnt you rather be at your condo at the beech that helping in an election? somebody is going to get something and I think it is the working man he gets the SHAFT... think about it!
Pat have shown what a real man is by not mailing all that negative GARBAGE against Ty. Even if I were going to vote for Ty I wouldn't now because of his playing so dirty.
Thank you Pat for being a man who is above this kind of GARBAGE.
-- Posted by Brooklynn on Mon, Oct 5, 2009, at 12:00 AM
BROOKLYNN YOU ARE JOKING HERE RIGHT???i HAVE A WHOLE STACK OF NEGATIVE ADS HERE FROM MARSH, I GET AT LEAST 1 OR 2 A DAY FOR THE LAST FEW WEEKS AND HAVE ACTUALLY GOTTEN 3 ON OF THOSE DAYS. HE HAS NOT SENT ONE POSITIVE AD YET, OH SORRY HE BRAGGED ABOUT BACKING GUNS IN ONE MAILING A COUPLE WEEKS AGO. YOU MUST NOT LOOK AT YOUR MAIL VERY CLOSELY.
Cobb has sent out negative ads too, but he has put in positive messages and reasons to vote FOR him,and gives references to verify the things he says against Marsh.
Tinytoes I like your point about his workers saying he doesn't know whats going on he's too busy getting votes, that's the same type of excuse he used about his back taxes, remember he said he there were so many details that things got over looked, he's always in way too deep over his head to keep track of what is going on around him. Things that he is responsible for answering for, then he shifts the blame around and expects to be exempt from accountability when things go wrong. He is great at delegating the blame and excuses rather than being the man for the job and having it done right.
twinkletoes and letsgetreal: Why do you all have a problem with people making a profit at there businesses, buying jets or owning condos in Fla? I must asked are you jealous of successful people who have worked hard to get where they are, taking large risks in capital building investments (well into the millions) into your community by building gas stations, helping the horse industry profit and paying big time county and city taxes on the trucking terminals,etc. in YOUR communuity so you won't see your taxes sky rocket if they fly in their private jets, take their friends and say to heck with Shelbvyille! The last time I reviewed the history of our country's economic system, it was capitalistic, until recently when your dem. Obama started takeovers of company's and gaining government controls. Think Ty,Curt or any dem would deny standing behind Obama if they visited this area?- The party is behind them they have no control. They will have to side with the democratic cause and the big machine. I am for people making and building businesses for profit. You are the same people who complain about no new jobs in this area, but if you want lots of jobs, what does it takelots of? Greenbacks, and lots of it. You go to your bank sign on the dotted line and start a company, then you can talk. There is no reason to be jealous, be proud of those people who are successful and want to help your community. Tax deal on Pat is crap. You run 48 terminals in 48 states, selling,buying new ones and these issues if you review are not excatly all his responsibilities. Have you all sat through 48 to 50 closings, if not, then realize mistakes happen and no one is pefect in the legal field. I am a firm believer that MANY people who have much wealth is granted that gift by Christ to help others. They do give back here and you never know it happens. To much is given much is deserved. I know Pat Mrsh well, and you all should be thankful we have such a class act running for this position. TY is a nice guy, but success breeds success and we do need jobs positive things to happen to our community and Pat will make us more successful, faster without the GOB system.