Attention all Knoxville Democrats (and other voters). Respected Democrats like Joe Armstrong and Randy Nichols are supporting Councilman Joe Bailey. So are Congressman Jimmy Duncan and other noted Republicans.

In addition to being a swell guy as Randy notes, Joe Bailey has done a good job and deserves to be re-elected. Joe Bailey was born and raised in Knoxville. He has experience in this community and in government. He has helped both homeowners and businesses.

This is a non-partisan race (as much as Joe's opponent would like to make it partisan). So, Democrats, Republicans and others, vote tomorrow for Joe Bailey.

I didn't say it was the only criteria. But, growing up in and living in a place for 45 or so years gives you experience, perspective and insight. Joe has other attributes as well. So did Ms. Malone.

I think Ray was born here. I know he graduated from Fulton and his dad ran that grocery store for decades. Abbas may sound a little funny compared to Bailey, but I actually think Ray was born here or has at least lived here a very long time.

You're right, Stacey. Abbas seems to have a pretty good Knoxville pedigree.

And so's Betty. Who cares where they were born? Bredsesen ain't from around here. Thompson was born in Alabama. The Haslams started out in Virginia, didn't they?

What grocery store?

From his website:

"I was born in Knoxville in the Fourth and Gill neighborhood. My parents, Sam and Elizabeth, owned the neighborhood grocery store for 32 years. Abbas Food Market was where I did a lot of my growing up. My parents were my first and best teachers. I learned my work ethic from watching my dad work 12-hour days, 6 days-a-week and my compassion from my mother as she cared for me and my three brothers and sisters."

Read more here:

http://www.rayabbas.com/about_ray.php

You can learn more about Joe Bailey, his background and priorities here http://joebaileyforcouncil.com/

After interviewing both, the News-Sentinel endorses Joe Bailey for re-election http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2007/nov/06/no-small-election/

"fighting for the poor, homeless, and disadvantaged"

No doubt credentials for a charitable job, but City Council requires more. From his website, has he ever held a private sector job post-high school? I see nothing about his family, church affiliation? While not decisive, I'm interested to know more which might enable me to connect with a candidate.

I've listed notable Democrats and Republicans who are supporting Joe Bailey. The News-Sentinel endorses Bailey. Who's supporting his opponent?

I have no dog in this hunt, BUT, it seems Knoxville politics could use some new blood.

Bailey also got the coveted Brian Hornback endorsement.

I don't have a dog in this fight, either, but having the News Sentinel's endorsement speaks volumes to me.

I would have to vote for Abbas.

Besides, I really enjoyed their music.

Wearybottom Associates

You mention only one person and not by name as a supporter of Bailey's opponent. You also provide no answers to the questions I asked. Sounds like Joe's opponent has something to hide.

Joe Bailey is supported by Republicans and Democrats and has been judged by the daily paper to be the better candidate. This is a non-partisan race. Bailey's opponent would apparently like the race to be decided on a partisan basis.

Why it's important to me?

1. I work every day in downtown Knoxville, what happens in the City of Knoxville affects my daily life
2. I want to keep good people in city government
3. Joe and his family have been friends for years, I went to school with his brother, my wife went to school with another Bailey brother
4. Lastly, I've heard to much about his opponent to not stand up and help Joe win.

Good enough?

Thanks for the compliments for Joe's work on council. Lots of folks want to put others into a category because of party affiliation. I certainly know how that feels. Joe has the support of Republicans and Democrats. I admire that. I think the voters will reward him with another win. I hope so.

My mother often told me that you're judged by the people you run with. I still think that's true. 'Nuf said.

My mother often told me that you're judged by the people you run with. I still think that's true. 'Nuf said.

Hey, now. That's a low blow. Nobody's taking cheap shots at your guy, unless you consider calling him a Republican a cheap shot, and I guess I can understand that.

I'm not quite sure who you're trying to take a shot at, Ray or me or someone else, but the least you can do is be a man about it.

Well, it's kinda hard as to you given I have no idea who 'you' are. You obviously know who I am, as does everyone else who reads this blog (I am a 'man' who doesn't care to accept blame or credit for his opinions). So, care to identify yourself 'knoxrebel'?

"KnoxViews is a progressive (i.e. "liberal") community space for citizens of Knoxville, the surrounding community, from around Tennessee, or anywhere else to meet, organize, and discuss news, politics, events, and issues of interest to progressives everywhere."

it's hard to believe that anyone on this list would support a candidate (bailey) who has publicly spoken against the concept of a living wage for city workers.

I think Joe is an ok councilman, I think they are all so-so, mostly going along to get along. But, Ray is a young, energetic Democrat and neighbor whom I am willing to give a shot. How bad can working to help the homeless be? I voted for him today, along with my write-ins, Scott West, Mike West and Kanye West. But in all seriousness, what's this stuff about who Ray "runs with" and him not listing his religious affiliations? He has a nice statement about his family posted on his website that R. Neal included. His girlfriend works in social services. Folks in Sequoyah Hills have hosted fundraisers for him. I've really not heard anything bad about Ray. My first info I got in the mail about him was an endorsement from Fulton football coach Buck Coatney, that seems like a good red-blooded American conventional endorsement to me.

Name the elected officials supporting Abbas. Name any candidates for office in the upcoming county elections who are supporting Abbas.

Abbas and his campaign tried to make this a partisan race (with help from the Democrat Chairman and Randy Neal). With almost no name recognition, maybe that's a smart move. But, that doesn't fly when prominent Democrats are supporting Bailey. Abbas doesn't seem like a bad guy, just a candidate with whom I don't likely share many of the same political views. Same for some of his supporters. He ran a good race.

Joe also ran a very good race. He worked hard. He turned out his voters. He has another term.

it's hard to believe that anyone on this list would support a candidate (bailey) who has publicly spoken against the concept of a living wage for city workers.

Comrade Kaplan,

I suppose when Randy starts checking id's at the door and/or censors those who may post opinions which are not "progressive" or "liberal", you'll get the uniform statement of opinion you apparently desire.

Last time I checked the city wasn't having any trouble getting workers. If that becomes a problem and the city is losing jobs to other employers because of money I'm guessing they'll raise the pay. If a worker isn't making enough, why is that? Lack of education, lack of skills?

Comrade Kaplan,

Bingo. That didn't take long. Oh, that's right. It's a "joke." Makes it OK to excuse anything anywhere between that remark and those from Ann Coulter.

Madeline had all kinds of name recognition, but still the same group suported Haslam. Its more about the already powerful helping the already powerful to keep the staus quo. That goes without saying. What bugged me was what seemed to be some sort low blow on Ray's strange sounding last name by making comments about his religion or where he was born. I hope that's not what CBT meant, because he seems more thoughtful than that.