Stacey X: Statehouse Performance Art

Submitted by R. Neal on Mon, 2009/02/16 - 11:25am

Rep. Stacey Campfield (R-Crazytown) is in the news again with his slate of Bizarro World legislative proposals, most of which are reruns.

He recently explained that joining a lawsuit demanding President Obama to turn over proof of his identity was just his way of defending Obama from attacks and helping him clear this up. Right.

Campfield is the Andy Kaufman of state politics. Or Ali G for you youngsters. He is running the longest performance art hoax in recent memory. There's no other logical explanation. His explanation to constituents regarding his quest for Obama's birth certificate gives him away.

Yes, we know he is "joking," but along with everything else it suggests that deep down he thinks some voters actually believe he's for real. He has no respect for the people of his district and regularly insults their intelligence. He doesn't take anything seriously, state politics is just a big joke, and the only thing he's interested in is getting his name in the paper.

People often wonder why the voters in his district keep electing him. Besides the fact that Democrats seem afraid to run against him, most folks can't even name their state representative and senator. When they go into the voting booth all they know is "Campfield? Isn't he that nice boy who knocked on our door and asked us to vote for him? I think I read about him in the paper. And I heard the liberals hate him, too." If they were paying attention, they would be embarrassed and insulted to even see his name on the ballot. But mostly embarrassed.

(Reviewed strictly on the merits of his performance art, though, we give him three and a half out of four stars, with a half point off for being a little too obvious.)

RELATED: Katie Allison Granju on Campfield's stream of sexually oriented legislation.

Topics:

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Problem with your analogy

Submitted by metulj on Mon, 2009/02/16 - 11:57am.

Andy Kaufman wasn't faking.

True happiness is knowing you are a hypocrite. -- Ivor Cutler

GOP Stimulus Plan: Hunger motivates the lazy.

Maybe not...

Submitted by WhitesCreek on Mon, 2009/02/16 - 2:40pm.

How do you know Stacy Campfield IS faking?

I think he's legit. Probably the worst thing that cold be said about him.

Campfield is actually adept

Submitted by KC on Mon, 2009/02/16 - 12:14pm.

Campfield is actually adept at stirring up the class hatred and envy in his district (ie-the Steve Halls, Lloyd Daughertys, etc, etc). Most of his most avid supporters think he represents them better than those they consider "elitist."

That's how he successfully plays it.

Also related.

Submitted by CathyMcCaughan on Mon, 2009/02/16 - 1:56pm.

Also related.

My 2 cents

Submitted by bill young on Mon, 2009/02/16 - 1:59pm.

The ONLY way to beat Stacey is to out work him & thats easier said than done.

Because Stacey has a 6 year headstart on working the doors & he hits 'em 365/24/7.

My advice..If you want to beat Stacey start working the doors this spring & dont stop till 8pm election day.

Be the other nice candidate that cared enough to stop by.

Candidates running against Stacey bring to mind that classic SNL skit on the Dukakis-HW Bush '88 race when the person playing Dukakis crys out in frustration:

"I can't believe I'm losing to this guy."

IMO,candidates running against Stacey all run I not him campaigns & think it's enough.

It's not.Stacey wins & folks pull their hair out blaming everybody but themselves.

My advice would be HIT the doors & explain to the voters YOU are not interested in these crazytown hijinks.

YOU want to go to Nashville & get some common sense things done on the economy & education.Our problems are way too big for YOUR state rep to spend one iota of time looking for birth certificates ect ect ect.

Personally I like ole Stacey & I respect that he wins elections.

But I would like nothing more than to help a Democratic candidate beat him on election day.

I've told Stacey that & he just grins.

Then beats the fool out of every candidate that comes his way...Republican or Democrat.

Hit the DOORS..Hit the DOORS..Hit the DOORS!!!!

Hit the DOORS..Hit the

Submitted by KC on Mon, 2009/02/16 - 2:37pm.

Hit the DOORS..Hit the DOORS..Hit the DOORS!!!!

That's a simplification of why he wins.

It's a little more complex than that, and it involves the same motivations and class hatreds that inspire and protect the Lamberts and Pinkstons of the county.

His work ethic is too easy

Submitted by metulj on Mon, 2009/02/16 - 2:47pm.

His work ethic is too easy an explanation. He stopped by a friend's house once and asked for a vote and then pointed out some rather unsavory things (none terribly true) about his current opponent. He plays really, really dirty while working so hard.

True happiness is knowing you are a hypocrite. -- Ivor Cutler

GOP Stimulus Plan: Hunger motivates the lazy.

How would you folks beat him?

Submitted by bill young on Mon, 2009/02/16 - 3:36pm.

Metulj & Gary I would run a campaign against Stacey like this:

1.start now
2.doors..doors..doors
3.a message of common sense government

Thats what I tell people who ask me.

What would you tell 'em?

I don't think you can run a

Submitted by metulj on Mon, 2009/02/16 - 3:40pm.

I don't think you can run as a "common sense" government candidate against Stacey X as 1. this assumes that there is a such thing as common sense* and 2. if there is a "common sense" in that district, the opposing candidate might be surprised by how closely it matches what old Stacey X is spewing.**

*Henri Bergson, a philosopher, makes the point that even very intelligent people who know better still act as if common sense is a "thing" that can be measured or gauged.

**Gary's point.

True happiness is knowing you are a hypocrite. -- Ivor Cutler

GOP Stimulus Plan: Hunger motivates the lazy.

Common Sense for a Change

Submitted by bill young on Mon, 2009/02/16 - 5:28pm.

In politics perception is the reality & common sense is perceived as being "practical,sensible;ordinary good sense."

I really think a candidate can compare & contrast a common sense approach to the crazytown approach & win votes in the 18th Tn. State House district.But you got to work to do it.

Metulj not sure how your advice gets a candidate elected.About all I could get out of it was...there's no such thing as common sense & if there was the voters in the 18th Tn.State House district dont have it.

Thomas Paine said:

"I offer nothing more than simple facts.plain arguments,and common sense."

A little common sense worked back during the American Revolution.

I dont see why a little common sense & alot of hard work couldn't work today in the 18th Tn. State House district.

There is no such thing as

Submitted by metulj on Mon, 2009/02/16 - 6:05pm.

There is no such thing as "common sense." That's why it doesn't work. If you run a candidate against Campfield appealing to "common sense," you are going to lose every time. You can go door to door explaining to folks that he is a do nothing candidate who makes them look like rubes, but you have to get past two hurdles: 1. You are Democrat and 2. You are a Democrat.*

The American Revolution had very little to do with common sense, despite Thomas Paine's "appeal" to it. It had to do with the application of Enlightenment principles against absolutism. Paine was a propagandist foremost and, following from that accusation, he was the Forefather of EXACTLY why a person like Stacey Campfield can exist politically in this country.

*Baby killing, gun grabbing, anti-Christian, homosexual enabling, taxing, land stealing Communist.

True happiness is knowing you are a hypocrite. -- Ivor Cutler

GOP Stimulus Plan: Hunger motivates the lazy.

Dont think that will work

Submitted by bill young on Tue, 2009/02/17 - 9:26am.

Metulj the question is:

If a candidate ask you how to beat Stacey what would be your advice?

And this is your final answer?

1.Telling voters that the guy they have been voting for makes them look like rubes.

2.Telling voters there is no such thing as common sense.

3.Telling voters that the quote:

"I offer nothing more than simple facts,plain arguments,and common sense."

Is not to the point because of ivory tower..yada..yada..yada..

IMO,Metulj,your final answer will not work.

Voters dont like being told they are rubes & will get the last laugh & vote against your candidate.

Saying to voters there is no such thing as common sense when voters firmly believe there is.I dont think is good politics.

My candidate will say to voters:

That candidate I'm runnin agin says theres no such thing as common sense but we know different..You've got common sense..I've got common sense & we both know we need common sense in government..So it just makes good sense you vote my way in this here election.

Paine's quote is a good one..a winning political message in one sentence.

I'll send a candidate out any day that hammers "simple facts,plain argument and common sense." Against your candidate talking Enlightment vs absolutism.

Of course if candidates thinking of running against Stacey call you give it your best shot you could be right.

The ones that have called me doors doors doors & common sense government has been my advice.

They do like looking like

Submitted by metulj on Tue, 2009/02/17 - 10:35am.

They do like looking like rubes. They vote, time and time again, for Stacey Campfield. Look, you are an old guard Dem in this state. Let's look at the Old Guard's recent record, especially in East Tennessee. Don't claim Bredesen. He's more conservative than some sitting GOP governors IN OTHER SOUTHERN STATES (Charlie Crist...). Consistent losses otherwise for the last, what?, 130 years?

You like to do all of these genealogies of winners and patterns over the years. Do one for that district Campfield is in, would you?

"I'll send a candidate out any day that hammers "simple facts,plain argument and common sense." Against your candidate talking Enlightment vs absolutism."

And you'll get kicked your ass kicked by Stacey Campfield. For example, say you were to send me out there. What would Stacey Campfield tell people when he would be out there following behind me door to door? "So, Mrs. Smith, that Applegate fellow swung by? Well, he's pro-baby killing. He wants to take your boy's guns. He doesn't support he troops. His wife is a Catholic. And he's an elitist! He went to graduate school OUT OF STATE!"

The facts are that I think abortion is horrible. I am pro-gun to the point of wanting gun ownership to be mandatory. On supporting the military, I have consistently felt that the folks in theatre have a job to do and we should support them fully with proper equipment and training. We should also bring them back immediately from Iraq. Yes, my wife is Catholic. I am not. I went to UT for graduate school as well and to college at the flagship college of the Methodist Holston Conference, of which Knoxville is a part.

Here's what I would say: "Mrs. Smith. Can you name one thing that Stacey Campfield has done for your district? You can't. No one can. Did you know that he only introduces legislation given to him by lobbyists? He does. Does it bother you that folks in other parts of Tennessee, let alone the country, wonder why he keeps getting elected because he is considered the worst constituent representative in the legislature? It bothers me."

Here's what she would say to Stacey when he followed behind me: "Really? He's Catholic? And do you know what Stacey? He said all kinds of terrible things about you. He said you were rated the worst representative in the House."

Campfield: "Mrs. Smith. They don't like me because I am against all the things like abortion that they are for."

Game. Set. Match. He'd say that against another Republican.

He's dug in like dog tick.

As for Thomas Paine, let me go to the Reader here beside my desk: "Character is much easier kept than recovered."

Think about that viz Campfield.

True happiness is knowing you are a hypocrite. -- Ivor Cutler

GOP Stimulus Plan: Hunger motivates the lazy.

18th '06 Ford

Submitted by bill young on Tue, 2009/02/17 - 7:20pm.

There are split wards & I dont know how to break those down.

The split wards are:41,45,47,51,
65-N,66-N,70 & 71

Here's the Ford % in those that aren't
split:

40-48%
42-45%
44-52%
46-46%
55-41%
67-40%
68-E-48%
68-34%

The 52% ward is Ridgedale.
The 34% ward is Cedar Bluff/South

In the city the 18th state district includes part or all of the following:

Norwood,Pleasent Ridge,Ridgedale,Bearden Middle & High Schools,West Hills & Deane Hill.

In the county:Ball Camp,Cedar Bluff,Concord,Farragut,Lonas & Rocky Hill.

A well run hard working campaign could win the city wards & do well in Farragut & get elected.

I agree with s..put 24Q in the 18th's mix & it's a whole new ball game.

Nixonland

Submitted by Elrod on Mon, 2009/02/16 - 4:02pm.

Stacey Campfield is one in a long line of culture war Nixonland candidates who pray on working class sensibilities that "elitists" are somehow screwing them over. Stacey Campfield is basically an elected version of Jim Adkisson replete with all the pop right wing sociology.

The way to beat Nixonland candidates is to go door to door and put out the INEFFECTIVENESS of them, and the CONCRETE PLANS to do something else for the district.

Tell somebody that Campfield does and cares nothing about their economic problems, introduces dozens of useless bills that get ignored, but that the alternative will offer real solutions in Nashville - then you've got a hearing.

Basically, drive the point home that Campfield is not addressing their needs.

Another effective tack is to highlight his slumlording. It's one thing to back a guy because he "hates the libruls." It's another to back a guy who can't even keep up his own property - who disrespects his own property.

I think there's truth in

Submitted by Rachel on Mon, 2009/02/16 - 5:22pm.

I think there's truth in what Bill says. I've heard astute political observers say Stacey does the door to door thing harder than anybody - and he's smart about it. All people who don't think much about issues know is that he's that nice young man who came to see them.

Since he already has the rabid right on board, that's plenty enough votes to win.

Stacey Campfield is basically an elected version of Jim Adkisson replete with all the pop right wing sociology.

Please. I detest Stacey, but comparing him to a domestic terrorist is way over the line.

Redistricting

Submitted by Sandra Clark on Mon, 2009/02/16 - 5:41pm.

The problem of Stacey X is nothing that a bit of redistricting wouldn't cure. How about getting Sequoyah (24) out of Frank Niceley's district (for gosh sakes) and into Stacey's.

Also, the problem may solve itself if Stacey gets really ambitious and goes for Burchett's senate seat. -- s.

Also, the problem may solve

Submitted by Rachel on Mon, 2009/02/16 - 5:46pm.

Also, the problem may solve itself if Stacey gets really ambitious and goes for Burchett's senate seat.

Yup. I've been hoping he'll go for it.

Making a name

Submitted by lovable liberal on Mon, 2009/02/16 - 7:05pm.

Here's some satire Stacey's long-time "fans" may enjoy.

Liberty and justice for all.

My home

and he's smart about

Submitted by KC on Tue, 2009/02/17 - 9:54am.

and he's smart about it.

I've heard that when he goes door-to-door, and if he meets the homeowner who's wearing a shirt that says "Bush S****," he'll say he likes your shirt. If you're wearing a shirt that says "Obama S****," he'll say he likes your shirt.

I agree with the redistricting issue. Look at the precincts and Campfield pulls strongly out of: Norwood and part of Cedar Bluff. That's a strong blue collar element that, although strongly dependent on the aggregate demand (like the rest of us) created by Oak Ridge and UT, likes to think they're all free-enterprise, small business, uber-capitalists.

They also feel that they're ignored like the Silent Majority. It's very Nixonian.

How would I plan to beat him? Sorry. While I enjoy the discussion here, Campfield will be up for some kind of election in the future, and I don't plan to help him.

I don't hate the guy...

Submitted by ANGRYWOLF on Tue, 2009/02/17 - 10:34am.

I just feel he's stupid.
Like most repub office holders.

This state senator could

Submitted by Brian A. on Wed, 2009/02/18 - 2:20pm.

This state senator could give Campfield a run for his money: the "radical gay movement" = "They're probably the greatest threat to America going down I know of."

Brian A.
I'd rather be cycling.

Rep. Stacey

Submitted by Elmer Gantry (not verified) on Tue, 2009/04/21 - 12:40am.

Rep. Stacey Campfield
Statement of Disclosure of Interests (ss-8004)
https://www.tennesseeanytime.org/conflict-app/view_form_8004.htm?name=CA...

Date of Filing 2008-03-26
Filer Contact Information
Stacey Campfield
Representative
2011 Flagler,
Knoxville, Tennessee 37912

Sources of Income
Part A
Premier Enterprises
2011 Flagler , Knoxville, TN with recipients Filer

Part B None

Positions Held
Premier Enterprises Owner from Jan 1998 to Mar 2008
(so who now owns Premier Enterprises and pays Campfiled's salary?)

Blind Trust None
InvestmentsNone
Legislative Expenses None
Lobbying None
Professional Services None
Retainer Fees None
Bankruptcy None
Loans AmSouth with loan recipient Filer

***
Online Campaign Finance Reports for CAMPFIELD, STACEY
Page 20 results found,
http://www.tennesseeanytime.org/tncamp-app/public/replist.htm?id=402&own...

***
Apalachin Community Press
Stacey Campfield Wins Judo Championship December 1998
http://www.greaterowego.com/communitypress/1998/12-98/STACEY.htm

Stacey Campfield, son of Lee and Dale Campfield of Apalachin, won the Tennessee state Judo Championship in competition held recently at Nashville. Campfield, who wrestled at Vestal Central High School, is also a blackbelt in karate, and was the winner of the North Carolina Invitational State Championship in his first year of competition in 1997.

Campfield was owner of the STC Drag Racing Series at Shangri-La Motor Speedway in Owego, prior to moving to Knoxville, Tennessee, where he is a restoration-area contractor in the rejuvenation of the Old City section of that city.

Campfield graduated from Vestal High School and the State University of New York.

Former Apalachin Resident Elected to Tennessee Legislature
http://www.greaterowego.com/communitypress/2005/0205/2005_02_campfield.html
Community Press (Tioga County, NY), February 2005

Stacey Campfield, a former resident of Apalachin, recently was sworn in as the second-youngest legislator from Tennessee in ceremonies at the Nashville capitol.
In November, Campfield, a Republican, was elected to represent the 18th District of the Tennessee House of Representatives with 65% of the vote.

Campfield, the son of Apalachin's Therese Lee Campfield and Dale Campfield, has lived in Tennessee for 13 years, and is also involved with a Knoxville-area historic remodeling business. He graduated from Vestal High School and Empire College. He has lived in Tennessee for 13 years.

Residents - Consumer Information
http://www.tennesseeanytime.org/residents/consumer.html

Non-health Licensee Verify License or Registration (Tennessee Contractors Licenses)
http://licsrch.state.tn.us/

***

(Self-loans to Campfield campaign suggesting that Campfield doesn't not have broad support of his constitiuents:)
Amended 2008 4th Quarter for STACEY CAMPFIELD submitted on 01/26/2009
http://www.tennesseeanytime.org/tncamp-app/search/pub/report_full.htm?re...

OUTSTANDING LOANS $15,293.49 8 items found, displaying all items. 1

Loans Beg Balance Paid End Balance*
Self-Endorsed $1,039.86 $0.00 $1,039.86
Self-Endorsed $2,930.07 $0.00 $2,930.07
Self-Endorsed $1,038.55 $0.00 $1,038.55
Self-Endorsed $397.64 $0.00 $397.64
Self-Endorsed $2,397.96 $0.00 $2,397.96
Self-Endorsed $51.08 $0.00 $51.08
Self-Endorsed $1,386.70 $0.00 $1,386.70
Self-Endorsed $5,000.00 $0.00 $5,000.00 8 items found, displaying all items. 1

Stacey Campfield world ranked judo champ? Make TheRep prove it!

Submitted by Elmer Gantry (not verified) on Tue, 2009/04/21 - 12:46am.

Rep. Stacey Campfield
Class of 1986
http://www.vestal.k12.ny.us/pdf_downloads/HallOFame_Bios/StaceyCampfield...

From local entrepreneur to public servant, Stacey Campfield has carried his personal ideals with him ever since he won the award for Best
Sportsmanship as a varsity wrestler his senior year at Vestal High School.
As a second-term House member of Tennessee’s 104th and 105th General Assemblies, Rep. Campfield serves on the Consumer and Employee Affairs Committee. He also sits on the Government Operations Committee and the Consumer Affairs Subcommittee. While in office, Rep. Campfield has received various awards, appointments and other recognition for his political efforts, including the 2004 Friend of Taxpayers award, the Whip Leadership Team appointment and designation as the Assistant Chairman of the Knox County Delegation of Legislators.

In addition to his high school and college wrestling career, Rep. Campfield
has a black belt in karate, a third-degree black belt in judo and jujitsu and
was named eighth in the world for judo in 2003. He is head coach of the
Judo Club at the University of Tennessee.

In the community, Rep. Campfield has volunteered with the American Red
Cross, United Way, Citizens Police Academy, Knox County’s “Read with
Me” program, Knoxville Education Summit, Knox Heritage Committee and
other humanitarian organizations throughout his life.

Now a resident of Knoxville, Tennessee, Rep. Campfield has been featured
on Fox News, CNN and MSNBC as well as several nationally syndicated
radio shows such as Rush Limbaugh, Alan Combs and Michael Reagan. He
has also been mentioned in national publications such as USA Today and
The Washington Times.

***

Apalachin Community Press
Stacey Campfield Wins Judo Championship December 1998
http://www.greaterowego.com/communitypress/1998/12-98/STACEY.htm

Campfield graduated from Vestal High School and the State University of New York.