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Crowded field for Knox County primaries
Submitted by R. Neal on Wed, 2007/11/14 - 11:25am.
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With just a couple more candidates in a few Commission seats, the winner might get elected with, what, a couple dozen votes? Seriously, the number of candidates will likely mean less votes needed to win. It may also mean 60+% of the district (primary) voters will end up voting against the winner. It will be interesting.
Who is Christopher Cowart?
We won't know the political landscape until December 14, the day after qualifying petitions must be turned in. I expect that several of those who picked up papers will not turn them. I also expect that there will be a significant number who will pick up papers late and turn them in on time. It would be best for the voters if every primary race is contested (did I really say that?). It would also be best if there are at least 2 people to choose from in August for each seat. In some races, like 5C, it looks like the race will be a 3-way. No candidate should get a free ride in the primary or general election (I have to quit saying that!). It's true if you get a pass in the primary you can save money for the general, but it's not all that hard to reach a majority of your likely primary voters and not too expensive. I think you can actually get a little bounce going into the general if you win a contested primary - even in a "small" race like a commission seat.
As of today, these are the contested Commission races:
1A, One D and one R get a pass in the primary and face off in August
2B, 2D's in the primary, R gets a pass, D & R face off in August
4A, Both primaries are contested, D & R face off in August
4B, Same as 1A, pass in primary, D & R in August
5C, Contested R primary, D, R & I face off in August (only 3-way now)
6A, Same as 1A, D & R face off in August
8B and 9A, two contested R primaries, primary winners are the Commissioners
This will all change many times between now and December 13th. Several of the better organized and more "well known" active candidates have not turned in their papers and are not included above. I would say virtually all of them will get their paperwork in on time but you never know. Stuff happens.
The independent candidates have an interesting opportunity to skip the primaries and have a big impact on the outcome of the August general. It would be kind of cool to have a competitive independent in every Commission race just to make everyone more nervous than they would be otherwise.
What you may not be taking into account, Tom, is that February will be a Presidential primary. This means that voting will be extremely high, and a lot of the voters may be marginally aware of Knox County politics, if that. It may also be difficult for the county candidates to get voters' attention.
As a result, it may be a rather volatile county primary, and primaries may not be easy or cheap to win.
Actually, as far as I can recall, without looking at past numbers, I do not believe the turnout in the most recent 4 Preference Primaries was high at all. Even considering ole Freddie, voting will certainly not be "extremely high" in any event. It never is, until November.
Ray Blanton won the '74 Democratic primary for governor with 23% of the vote.
One thing having the Presidential primary included will do is
limit "crossover" voting in the County primary. If people cross
over, it will be for the Presidential primary, I would think.
-----------------------------------------
Fighting for Reform and Representation, Fourth District
Steve Drevik, Commission Seat 4-B
Link...
I think the activity of crossovers, and even participation in the primary, will be highly dependent on where the presidential primary races are at that time. Personally, I think that by January 1, we will pretty much know who's going to be the Democratic nominee, and quite possibly the Republican nominee, although the Republican nomination may be more "up in the air."
If it looks like it's already determined who will be the nominee by the time we have our primary, in either party, then that could swing the focus back to local issues and local races.
Right now, it seems pretty even for the Democrats in Iowa, although I assume Sen. Clinton has used about 10 per cent of her political resources and abilities. I think she's saving it for the general.
Nevertheless, after Iowa and New Hampshire, where to paraphrase Churchill, "never have so many, spent so much, in so few states, to gain so much," after those states are finished, a number will of candidates will also be finished...financially.
Do you mean February 1st?
Nothing starts till Iowa on Jan. 3rd
Link...
If it looks like it's already determined who will be the nominee by the time we have our primary, in either party, then that could swing the focus back to local issues and local races.
I think that's a pretty good point. Sad for the national races, but maybe good for the local elections.
I guess I always hope for a more contested primary in both parties
(and I'm always disappointed...)
-----------------------------------------
Fighting for Reform and Representation, Fourth District
Steve Drevik, Commission Seat 4-B
Link...
Both the Democrats & the Republicans are in tight races for the presidential nomination.We will see how it goes.
I agree with Mark that there will be voters only marginally interested in county politics.Students would be an example & there are others that will fit that bill.
Fact is,from the Thompson campaign perspective,Republicans voting in the Democratic primary are votes lost..which when the rubber meets the road are delegates lost.There will be pressure on Republicans to stay home & vote Thompson.
On the other hand,none of the Democratic presidential candidates will equal that intensity.A Democrat that wants to vote in the Republican primary for a county candidate will not have the same pressure.
I also believe there will be voters that focus on the county primary election.More importantly there will be county primary voters that will only focus on a few races.
Futhermore,there will also be county candidates that will get under 10% of the vote....or less.These will be family & friends candidates.But how these candidates voters vote in other races could be the difference in a tight campaign.
These factors,as Mark said,will make campaigns more expensive & force campaigns to be more expansive.
Do you mean February 1st?
Nothing starts till Iowa on Jan. 3rd
You're right, but I just think support for the candidates will solidify before then into something that points into a clear direction as to which candidate will get the nod. Maybe not. That's just my gut feeling.
Concerning the parties, I also think there's a chance that events could unfold in such a way, specifically concerning the mortgage and credit industry, oil and gasoline prices increasing, tainted food or toys, or some event that slaps us upside the head that no one sees coming, that turns the voters away from one party straight down the ballot.
I'm assuming that such an event or series of events would negatively affect the Republicans more than the Democrats, since the Republicans are in charge of the executive. If such events are tied, or can be tied, to the policies of one party, rather than just originating out-of-the-blue, wherein then the governing body's reponse will be judged, the anger of the voters, and as a result, the damage done to the party will be more serious.
Remember, the chair of the Fed has stated an economic slowdown is coming, the timing and the seriousness of it will be of great significance in the upcoming elections.
On the other hand,none of the Democratic presidential candidates will equal that intensity.
You don't think Sen. Clinton will move Democratic voters to the primary? I realize having a home state candidate will dampen the Democratic campaign efforts here somewhat, but isn't there also the chance that Democrats will try to put it in play?
Early voting starts Jan 16..2 months from today polls will have been open for 30 minutes.
Some numbers & predictions per MAC DADDY's other thread
There will be a strong Democratic presidential vote..I predict 30,000.
'72 is the record @ about 33,000.Number 2 is when Al ran in '88...about 28,000.'94 prez 23,000+.For the county primary the turn out is what 6-7,000..10,000 in '94 when Rudy ran for sheriff & a hot commission race in the first between Jordan & Bowden.Primary for Guv is 20,000 or so.
I'm guessing when Ford beat Reagan in '76 was the largest turn out for the Republican presidential primary.Turn out for the County primary is 25,000+ & Gov is 40,000+..65,000 for Feb 5th last day to vote primary.
Thompson
Yes there will be intensity in the Democratic presidential race.
However,like the Democrats were with Al,its a personal thing with Thompson.Republicans know & like Thompson.
Ron Paul could get in the 15% range.
Would Democratic cross over voting for a Republican county primary candidate hit the Paul button??? Why not..it would mess up Thompson's delegate count...& we democrats sure as hell dont want Fred as the nominee..cause we really really like controlling the State House.
So, give me your predictions for turnout:
Link...
You're a candidate in the Republican county primary
You start running into
I'm thinkin about votin
If I vote I'm votin Paul & I'll vote for you.
Sorry Fred.
I like that twist
He's a Christian? Really?!
Wow, they're so few and far between here in East Tennessee; perhaps the zoo will put him on display so we can all come look.
Seriously, that's a dumb-ass reason to vote for someone for public office. Not to mention that it's in opposition to the spirit of a little thing I like to call the Consti-freakin'-tution!
I have to agree that term loses a lot when it is so over-used.
It was a phrase I heard in almost every introduction when I first moved down here. I have to admit it did seem a bit condescending ( though I know people never meant it to be) as if somehow being a Christian was a guarantee of something, that it ranked a person higher than perhaps a Jew, Muslim or other person when it came to moral behavior.
Perhaps there are some people who actually think that is a fact, but anyone who has known people who are not Christian, yet still embody the highest moral values, they can't help but be a little taken aback by that phrase.
Whoever heard of anyone being introduced as "a good Muslim" or "good aethist" or good "Jew" in these parts?
As so many ordinary people were introduced to me as "good Christians" I soon realized it was just a way of people saying they were people who went to church. To people who place a high value on that, I think it really means a lot--and who am I to judge them? Though I think many aren't aware of the connotations of that phrase. I have to say I consider it a bit quaint.
According to a study, "a sense of moral superiority can lead to unethical acts"
I guess it boils down to actions speak louder than words.
Link...
Moral superiority is a big sham and a scam that is too often sold from the pulpit. Every single one of us can act immorally if the circumstances are right and the rewards are strong enough. I think people who know this are better prepared to fend off the urge. Those who think something outside their own morale backbone is giving them strength can collapse like a house-of-cards once forbidden territory is entered.
Teaching morality through modeling moral behavior and praising it when it is encountered is always better than sinply preaching morality.
Avowing a superior morality while being immoral is one of the worst things a person can do. It breaks the trust people have in the possibility of goodness. It denigrates us all.
He's a Christian? Really?!
Wow, they're so few and far between here in East Tennessee; perhaps the zoo will put him on display so we can all come look.
It hurts when white wine comes out of your nose.
"The difficulty lies not so much in developing new ideas as in escaping from old ones." - John Maynard Keynes
The real deal, you probably have not ever been around someone who truly lives out what they believe.
You misread my comment. I have nothing against Christians. I said it's stupid to vote for someone merely because he is a Christian. As a Knoxville voter, I would be hard-pressed to vote against a Christian in any election. Personal religious beliefs are irrelevant to my electoral choices. You suggest that you do base your vote on the religious beliefs of candidates, and I stated my humble belief that that's stupid.
And as far as the constitution is concerned, our country was founded on christian principles, this warped society keeps taking God out of it every way it can!
No, you're wrong on the history, you're wrong on the use of a comma splice, and you're wrong on the lack of capitalization of proper nouns. You're either a small child or not very bright.
Don't you want someone that has a track record of living up to his reputation?
Not necessarily. What if someone's reputation is "the second coming of Pol Pot"?
Bottom Line, others? This Gailen Shane Porter whose arrest I said I wondered about was an adult at the time of the arrest. In fact, I am someone who suggested last January, at the time of the commission appointments, that we should discount the juvenile arrest of appointee Josh Jordan when he was only 14 or 15 years old. Personally, I make this distinction with ease.
I do agree with you, though, that it's more meaningful to know any candidate's answers to questions of the sort jbr poses. I'd be perfectly content to hear some of those answers from you supporters of Porter or Wright, either one--particularly if you would be willing to attach your own names to those answers.
Tamara Shepherd, Lisa Starbuck, John Mills, Jack "HotHead" Huddleston, Ballard, ETC. ETC. ETC. All these puppets work for Steve Hunley. Steve didn't want Gailen because he couldn't tell him what to do....and someone else said it had to do with "Professional jealousy too because Gailen is a pretty well liked and respected guy. Steve's empire will eventually come to an end...."What you so sow....ye shall reap"! God will get him! HA HA!
Gailen Porter is NOBODY'S Puppet!!!!!
I watched a few years ago as a lady in the local Food Lion parking lot asked another lady who was parked in the fire lane if that 'Senate' tag on the front of her car gave her the right to park anywhere she pleased. The miscreant got all red-faced and shouted that she would have her know that she was a Christian woman and would not be spoken to like that in a parking lot.
I thought for a moment I was going to get a free show but she got in her big SUV and drove away.
Visit us at
Wearybottom Associates
With which kind of business has he been involved? Any sort of property development?
I don't know Gailen but I can tell you his signs aren't the only ones in the 8th that mysteriously "disappear". What is his background and who in the 8th is supporting him?
I don't know Gailen in recent years, either.
I did know him just a bit thirty years ago, when I was a teen and he and his previous wife lived across the street from my parents in Powell (in a subdivision off Central Avenue Pike). He was a used car salesman then.
To my knowledge, Gailen is still a used car salesman. I've seen him doing TV commercials for his car dealership in the last year or two. I watch very little TV, so I can't say if he continues to operate a dealership/advertise on TV since the time I last caught one of his spots...
Ah - the reason I haven't heard about him is he's from the other side of the 8th. There seems to be an invisible line in this district and it's hard to bring them together.
What are his views of the recent issues...
South Grove development and annexation?
Tim Graham's $6 million TIF for Halls Lowes development?
Victor Jernigan attempt to develop and the resulting conflict with South-Doyle homeowners group?
Midway Road business park and lawsuit?
Existence of The Development Corporation of Knox County?
Ridgetop protection in general and specifically the water tower?
Independent audits of county entities?
I see my links take readers to the log-in page for the Knox County Public Library.
If you care to read the reports I reference, go to the site's sidebar and click on "Reference Databases," then "Periodicals," then "Tennessee Newspapers." Select the Knoxville News-Sentinel, one of four Tennessee newspapers archived there, and query Mr. Porter's name. You will find twelve stories over two screen pages, including the two stories I reference.
I think sign stealing is something that probably happens in all districts.
Historically, there has always been a kind of divide between the two sides of the river in the 8th District, but I think people are now trying to strengthen connections between the two and bridge the gap so to speak.
I live on the Ritta/Gibbs side of the river, but I have been working a lot more with the Carter/Midway/Thorn Grove communities lately and neighborhood groups on that side of the river.
The 8th District is the largest commission district geographically, and there are not that many subdivisions - most are single family homes on an acre or more land, although that is changing. So in the past, we have been a little less organized since there are not that many subdivision homeowner groups, and a little less familiar with each other since there is a big geographic distance.
I don't know Gailen Porter either, but I am supporting Dave Wright for 8th District Commissioner, as are many community leaders on both sides of the river. Dave is a lifelong Gibbs resident, still has his first wife of 42 years, and retired after 33 years as an operations supervisor for AT&T on Magnolia Avenue, where he managed a multi-million dollar budget. He has a real love for the land and for Knoxville.
But for me, the most important thing is that Dave is knowledgeable about the issues facing the 8th District and will be a supporter of the sector plan. He is not influenced by developer money and is a strong proponent of responsible development.
He doesn't have any relatives working in county government and he is relatively new to politics, so he doesn't have any political baggage.
He is not a wheeler/dealer kind of guy - he is more of a steady-as-she-goes kind of personality, but is still a quick study. I think he will make a good commissioner and with all the growth pressures and the controversial issues that are ongoing in the 8th District, I feel that it is important for us to have a strong voice that is not influenced by money from developers.
If you have a Knox County Library card and know how to use a browser, you can find the same information that Tamara cited.
Visit us at
Wearybottom Associates
If your mama has a Knox County Library card and knows how to use a browser, she can find the same information Tamara cited.
Visit us at
Wearybottom Associates
Whoa, there, folks! There are 73-ish candidates in the upcoming commission race and I am someone trying to research at least those who are emerging as "frontrunners." Gailen Porter is one of those.
As for my attempts to read up on him, I really think if you'll re-read my two posts you'll find that I tried to distinguish between those points which I can verify (and which I instructed you on how you can also verify) and those points about which I am somewhat uncertain. I find that those of us who post under our own names and also list our phone numbers in the book are more inclined to do that...
Now, I'm not sure when the Porters lived at 416 Barberry Drive (later re-numbered by KUB as 419, which stumped my KGIS search), but I was either a self-aborbed teen back then or had already moved out of my parents' home (I graduated HS at 17 and flew the coop almost immediately thereafter). Neither am I sure if I ever met any of the Porter family other than Gailen, which is why my recollection of his wife at that time is hazy. Personally, I have no interest whatsoever as to whether the man was divorced from that wife and I do not consider it an issue in his candidacy.
Then and now, I have a bit more curiousity as to whether "computer hacker" Gailen Shane Porter is his son, especially since revelations arose ("re-arose?") about Diane Jordan's son last year. We can agree to disagree that the question is relevant, if need be...
I also want to know more about the elder Porter's formal education (as in post-secondary?), why he "downsized" from a $465,000 home to a $206,450 home in 2004 (financial instability?), and, as jbr so astutely cited, what his positions are on many important civic issues.
If I have any bias as to Porter's candidacy, it's that I personally feel like Knox County's auto dealerships have been adequately represented on commission in recent years by Pinkston Motors and (Lambert's) Advantage Auto Sales. I'd like to see some breadth of experience on the dais come September.
Meanwhile, I guess I'm not the sort to accept as gospel some of the emphatic, but anonymous and "un-linked", blog posts found on this thread--especially after my limited research revealed one of those emphatic posts to be in error.
But no vendetta on my part. Are we clearer?
I don't think anyone appreciates people stealing signs - it's just a fact that it goes on. Also important to note that this may or may not be something that is encouraged by the candidate. Politics bring out strange behaviors in supporters as well as politicians!
Of course you are going to see Dave Wright with Jack Huddleston. Jack supports him and that's no secret. Jack's influence isn't what you need to be worried about -
If you have any questions about Dave, I'd suggest you come and eat some BBQ with him tonight at Gibbs High School from 5-7:30 pm. You can ask Dave yourself about the issues and get a free dinner to boot. Everyone is welcome!
The info on the candidates above was useful to me. How about info about any of these candidates?
Andrew E. Graybeal
Robert H. Bedwell
Bill Lockett
Ken Irvine
Bob R. McGee
GeorgeE. Stooksbury
AmyHenley Vandergriff
MikeMcMillan
FosterD. Arnett, Jr.
BryanBates
Just wondering, Anonymous, why you're not willing to sign your post. Could you BE Gailen Porter? -- s.
I mentioned this on another thread. My understanding is these are the Jan 31. 2007 players running in next election.
Charles D. Bolus
Richard T. Cate
Lee Tramel
Tim Greene
John E. Owings
Scott Moore
Mike Lowe
Phil Ballard
Sherry Witt
James R. Jones
Fred Sisk
Did i miss anyone?
Cate was on TV tonight claiming that none of the people involved in Sunshine Law violations are on the ballot next month.
He is a very sincere and convincing liar.
Interesting video here. Advance ahead in video to 4:20 point.
Link...
This will be my last attempt to break through the inexplicable stubborness of some of you Porter supporters.
I do not know Dave Wright and I know Gailen Porter (but not his family) only marginally. I do not yet support one of these over the other. I will not be voting in the 8th district commission race.
In my casual research of Porter (and my research of Wright will follow), I was able to confirm authoritatively that he was/is a used car dealer, replete with the name and address of the used car dealership he last owned. Against all logic, some of you have insisted that he was/is not a used car dealer.
Some of you maintain his ownership in another new car dealership, and claim "authority" in the question, although you post no link for verification purpose, you post anonymously, and you are new folks on this board whom no one seems to know. Obviously, those circumstances keep you from being any authority, yet you ignore repeated requests to verify your information and to attach your names to your endorsements (because they're not endorsements without your names).
Although I've repeated a dozen times that I am unsure about whether a certain Gailen Shane Porter is the son of Gailen Porter, you insist that I have made that assertion and now you imply that my raising the question is somehow illegal.
You have also ignored repeated requests to tell me and others where Porter stands on particular issues. Do you not know? Do you consider the questions irrelevant?
You SEEM to consider the questions irrelevant, countering instead that I should (if I could) cast my vote for your candidate solely on the basis of his religious affiliation.
I can agree with you that a candidate's religious *involvement* can possibly be indicative of his humility, of his trustworthiness. I absolutely do not agree with you that his religious *affiliation* offers voters much insight into his character, and I personally would never vote for a candidate solely on that basis.
Tell me I am damned to hell (or condescendingly tell me that you will pray for me), but I don't think so.
Your arrogance and narrow-mindedness on the subject of your and your candidate's religous beliefs, your complete disinterest in whether your candidate is qualified for the office he seeks by virtue of his education and training, and your inability or refusal to tell interested voters where your candidate stands on relevant civic issues are altogether quite offensive.
In my opinion, your comments here have done your candidate more harm than good. I will look for my answers elsewhere.
Seriously, anonymous Porter Supporter and Tamara,
the more important questions that I hear from 8th District people (including numerous family members who live there) are these:
There are rumors that Scoobie Moore is a Porter supporter, and further rumors that Moore sought Porter out and encouraged him to run. Further, there are rumors (and some evidence) that sheriff's deputies are supporting Porter. Now, I have nothing against sheriff's deputies per se-- I have friends who are honorable people and work for the KCSO -- but what people I know are concerned about is NOT whether Porter has been married before, or what his children are doing, or the vintage of cars that he has sold, but whether he is part of Team Hutchison's longrange plan to install TH as county mayor in 2010 along with a commission that he will control.
Thanks, The Truth. I'm glad to hear from someone who seems to understand that voters (even folks like me, who can't vote in the 8th) just have a general curiouslty about candidates' background and postions on issues in any race--and particularly in this election. I have Gailen's phone number and I don't mind a bit to just phone him myself with my questions. I don't mind a bit to call ALL of 'em--I do crazy things like that. Just don't suggest that I'm somehow overly focused on the man. I'm not.
And Betty, you raise some good points--about what's more important--and some questions that are far more compelling to me, too.
While you're both here, I'd like to lay it on the line concerning this crap that I'm somehow a "puppet" for Steve Hunley and/or that I feel some kind of personal animosity toward either Betty or Sandra because they are with one community newspaper and I write (very little, actually) for another. Here's the way it is:
Steve phoned me at home last May, 2007 to offer me the opportunity to write a school-related column for the Focus, working from home. He'd seen me blog on education-related issues. Prior to that phone call, I'd met him in person one time and I'd spoken with him by phone one time. We had several mutual friends and acquaintences. I accepted his offer because I'd been looking for a way to work from home and the subject matter interested me.
Since we've "worked together" (if you can call it that with my being in my home office), Steve and I do speak by phone from time to time, maybe once every couple of weeks. Have I crossed over to The Dark Side?! Nah, I am a Democrat and Steve is a Republican, so as you might imagine, we don't always see issues the same way. Most recently, for example, he is not opposed to Graham receiving this TIF he's requested and I am opposed. Whatever. I haven't seen any evidence that Steve would get all bent out of shape about it, and I'm not the sort who would, either. I enjoy speaking with him, just like I enjoy speaking with all sorts here, on this board.
But I feel absolutely no animosity whatsoever toward Betty or Sandra because I happen to have this part-time job in recent months. I've known Betty and Jeanette and (the late) Johnny Bean around 30 years, lapses in communication notwithstanding, and I just wouldn't want to do or say anything to negate the possibility that I couldn't plop down at a table in a restaurant next to them if I ran into them unexpectedly. Same goes for Sandra. She makes me laugh.
No one could offend me any worse than to suggest that I, a reasonably intelligent, white-headed 50 year-old who has been interested in civic issues her entire adult like, could miraculously become someone's, anyone's, mindless lackey simply because I recently took some part-time job. Do you have any idea how many part-time jobs I've held over the last 35 years???
As for Gailen, I bear the man absolutely no animosity. I barely know him! Some of his more rabid supporters seem to be trying to "place" me as a friend or foe, but I am neither.
Thanks for your understanding. Really, I'll just phone Gailen. Betty, see ya around soon.
I think I have the picture. Excluding the Jan 31 group and Mr. Porter, can we talk about other candidates now?
I really do not know who to address first but I will address all one at a time. While I have been told there had been some recent on line activity concerning myself, my wife and I have made a point not to participate. We have cautioned our children to stay away as well. While politics are grueling, what has happened to me at times, during the recent months is nothing but slanderous, bullying and disrespect for the people of our community. I have made a conscious decision to not go negative. I will however, tell the truth about incidents that have taken place. Now that this can of worms has been opened, I feel the right thing to do is to share what myself, my family, my committee and supporters have been going thru.
1. Porter Supporter Anonyminity
While I am blessed to have people believe in me, I can see after reading some of the statements, how you would call them fanatics. But they really are good people who were sick of what happened in our county government. I have been greatly encouraged by their tenacity, love, donations and loyalty. Words can never express how much my wife and I appreciate them. BUT.....two of my supporters that are with the sheriffs department had their jobs threatened. One is a Scan volunteer....and he does not get paid a dime for his service. The other is a Scan employee. Both of these people are very close friends of mine. I have served on several mission trips to Nicaragura with both. one of them was helping us with a voter registration drive the day after the appointees were ousted from office. It was at the IGA in the Gibbs community. We set up a table that did not have a sign that identified anything with my campaign. There were no buttons, t-shirts or hats, etc on any volunteers. There was no literature handed out. My wife was not able to be there and I was only there a little while because I went to the UT game. Jack Huddleston's wife showed up and was quite agitated with us. She had a conversation with a volunteer that was very negative about me. There were other witnesses as well, about 4 to 5. Then about 20 minutes later, Jack showed up and took a picture of the scan employee. About 30 minutes later, Steve Hunley (of the fountain city focus) showed up and took another picture. I asked him if he wanted to take my picture and he said....no, he just wanted our friends picture.
This lady has been active in Republican events for many years. They knew she worked for the sheriff's department. About 2 hours later, this lady received a call from her supervisor telling her not to campaign for me. Just recently, the volunteer was called in and told that a call had come saying that he was out campaigning for me. Is this America people? Do these good people not have a right to support their candidate of choice?
So do you understand while some supporters would not leave their name? I had a meet and greet today and a lady told me she was afraid for her job. She works in the private sector. I think this is sickening. Does not anyone else agree?
2. The Rumors of Alignment
We got a great chuckle out of the Lumpy/Moore comment.
Truth - I have never met, done business, talked or even smiled at
Lumpy. I have never been in the same room with him...PERIOD. I didn't
even know there was a "Lumpy" until he got robbed.
Scoot Moore
I saw Scott Moore at the November Republican meeting at Carter High
School. He walked over to me, shaked my hand and said nice to see
you. I have never had a conversation in my life with Scott Moore.
The statement that Mr. Moore encouraged me to run is such a hoot.
But.....Jack Huddleston and Dave Wright were both there that night.
TOGETHER.
I think we know where this of many lies came from. I did have a
campaign worker tell me that Scott Moore had put up a a sign right
next to one of mine in a church friends yard. He said he felt Scott
might be trying to pick up some votes thru my support. I don't think
it will work, never the less....I don't know Scott Moore, I have never
ever had a conversation with Scott Moore. PERIOD!
3. Tim Hutchison
I do know Tim Hutchison. He used to come by Clayton Nissan from time
to time and ask if all security matters were being looked after by his
staff. I played in one of his golf tournaments about 10 years ago. I
would see him from time to time thru the years out in the community.
The last time I saw him was at his retirement party. I did not even
talk to him and I doubt if he knew I was there. I went because I
was encouraged to be seen at Republican events. The last time I
talked to him was about a year and a half ago. I was going into
Litton's one night to eat and I heard this voice that called my
name. I turned and saw him wave to me. I walked over to his car.
We exchanged pleasantries and he gave me a hat. Are we close friends?
I don't think he would think so, I doubt if I would be that important.
Never the less, I have never had a conversation concerning politics
with Tim Hutchison. So how I became so important to a possible
Mayoral bid is beyond me? But it's a flat out lie.
4. Lee Trammel
I do know Lee Trammel. I have for many years. He as well used to
come by Clayton Nissan and see if everything was going well. Being
a business man I was grateful to have the extra security support
because we had numerous incidents of theft. I have seen him from
time to time in the community but have had no real consistent contact
since I sold out of Clayton Nissan in 2003.
I have not aligned myself with any of these gentlemen, PERIOD.
These rumors that have been told are coming from Huddleston and
Wright. Many of you saw the little prediction that Sandra Clark made
a few weeks ago in her newspaper. My campaign manager called her as
well as a few other supporters, and Sandra admitted that her source
that I had the "shurf's" support only...was indeed Jack Huddleston.
I entered this race because I was sick of the political regime that
has reigned for too long. I did not enter because of Huddleston or
any other candidate. There was nothing personal involved. I actually
prayed about it with my family and felt I was supposed to do this.
Win or loose, I know I did what I was called to do. Does that make
me a religious nut? If thats how you want to term it....that's fine.
Just remember there are alot of other nuts out there that pray about
decisions like this.
Back to the questions.......
5. My personal life
I have been married two times. My first marriage yielded two great
smart kids of whom are now adults and have blessed me with three of
the coolest grandkids alive. My second and current wife of 22 years
have 3 great smart kids as well. I'm lucky, I have been given
intelligent kids. Anyway, I do not think my children should ever be
a part of issues period; however, I will address the question of
my second oldest child, Shane.
Yes Tamara, Shane is my son. He is 35 years old today. When he was
18, he traded some video games to a friend of his for MCI phone cards.
This friend's father worked for MCI. This boy took the cards from his
dad's stash and traded them to Shane for the games. Back before the
internet actually came out with an online service, people used these
phone cards to post on computer sites. Well the cards that Shane had
used were traced to him as stolen cards. He was charged with theft
of services. There actually was no computer hacking involved. Anyway,
the case against Shane was actually dropped as he was not the actual
thief. He was then offered a job by the TBI to work in the computer
theft department because they realized he was a pretty sharp kid and
could help them catch real theives. Kids do stupid things whether
innocently or purposely. Never the less, he is my son. I love him
very much and I take offense that you could ever compare him to
a drug dealer. There is in no way any similar comparison to
Josh Jordan. First of all, Shane isn't running for
public office. Second, Shane should not be dragged thru the mud
because his old man is running for public office. Third, Shane has
not caused any death of any children. Having said this, who of you
did stupid things as a teen or adult? Who of you want to relive them
18 years later? I consider the past .......the past.
As far as my past is concerned.....I came out of the army in 1973 and
took a job in new cars sales at Burgin Dodge on Clinton Highway. After
one year I was promoted to General Manager.
During this time I was a partier. I did like to hang out in the pubs
and knock down the drinks. It is no secret I was a drinker as I have
given my testimony all over Knox County. The collapse of my first marriage was due to my drinking. It is no secret I made poor decisions in every aspect...again part of my public testimoney given numerous places.
God will humble you to get your attention...he did me. It was right before this time that I met the love of my life, my wife, Melanie. Melanie was different.
She is a major part of my testimony. If God had not brought her into
my life, I truly do not believe I would be alive today. So we had
some hard times, but on March 17, 1991, I did give my life to Christ
and accepted Jesus as my savior. Right after that my life changed
completely 180 degrees. God immediately started to replenish me
fianacially and spritually. Just a few months after I was saved I was
asked to take a job at Clayton Nissan as Sales Manager. After about
8 months I was given the job of General Manager. After about 6
months, Mr. Clayton gave me the opportunity to start earning stock and
become a co-owner. I will be forever grateful to Joe Clayton for the opportunity. During the twelve years I was there, I became Vice
President of the company that held several holdings from finance
companies to satellite used lots. I left on my own because I was just plain burned
out. Right before I made the decision to leave, I had a terrible
life threatening bout of pancreatitis that spring in which I was very
sick and my recovery was lengthy.
My wife and I started to evaluate our life, we both longed for
a simpler life. She encouraged me to leave and take time off...to
heal and to play a little. We decided to put our house on the market.
We had lived there about 5 years and because it was 6000 square feet
on 5 acres, we just could not take care of it. Melanie has a
condition called the Epstein Virus. Basically it is chronic mono.
We were paying people to both clean that house and mow the grass. Our
third son was getting ready to go to college. He has contemplated
going to medical school for years. We decided to downsize for many
reasons including health, relieving the stress of upkeep and
anticipating having 3 sons all in college at the same time, with one
going to medical school.
SO I left Clayton, rested about 2 months and decided to open a small
lot.....I was open for about 6 weeks when I realized I hated the car
business and was still burned out. In that 6th week, I learned that
I had complete blockage in my left carotid artery and 98 percent
blockage in my right artery. I had emergency surgery that week.
My heart was not in the lot and my wife helped take care of the
closure of the lot. At this time we took our house off the
market because of my illness. Again, I went back to resting and
healing.
Why I downsized really was not any of your business. But...on the
housing subject.....I was at the news sentinel for an interview
yesterday and I was told that Dave Wright said I had lost a home
in a court settlement in Corryton. Well.....this is slander.
I have never lost a home period in any kind of settlement .
My life is pretty much an open book. Everybody knows me because of being on TV for years. There is nothing that you, Dave Wright, Jack Huddleston or anyone can tell that I haven't told in numerous churchs across knox county. For those of you who may think I am a religious fanatic, well, I really don't care because you are not the one I will stand in front of one day to answer for all I have done.
As far as a recent automobile trade to Joe Whaley at Quality auto sale, I called Joe today and told him that someone had posted that i traded him a car that need repair but did not tell him. Joe was as suprised as I was.
He assured me he had no idea where that came from and reminded me that when I left that day, I told him if he "lost anything on that sled to call me and let me know". Again lies that I am pretty sure of the source. There are so many other things that have happened during this campaign that the public really should know. If I have to, I will release them at the appropriate time. However, I believe the voters will be smart enough to see past the mud slinging and see who the mud slingers are.
So why is this little Gibbs faction out to "bury me and my family"? They know that they will have no influence with me if I am elected. I am not easily manipulated or influenced. So do you want to know what I think about the issues?
Development---while some of my opponents are staying away from this subject, I've been talking about it. I am not pro development; however, if a man owns a piece of property, it is his God given right to sell it. However, there has got to be some balance. I don't blame taxpayers who do not want development in the rural communities. I see nothing wrong with brnging in sewer for betterment of health, but the 8th district needs a leader who will make them aware when those little mpc signs go up in their communities. Usually it's too late to do anything when they are noticed
and dealing with the mpc is a pain. The public needs education on what they can do. As far as giving financial breaks to developers that bring in major companies like Lowe's or Home Depot, well, why should they get a break to come into an already thriving business vacinity? As far as the out of control growth that does not support the needs of Knox county right now? Our schools are paying the price for poor planning years ago. Developers should pay impact fees to support the ammenities they are going to affect. Cause and effect needs planning and balance.
Sunshine law----I believe the sunshine law served the taxpayers well, why change it? If the leadership doesn't change they may just break new laws? The problem is not the laws, it's the leadership.
Knox County Debt--- We have got to be innovative to tackle and alleviate debt. Hard choices have to be made, fraud and waste have to be eliminated, and accountability has got to be put in place with tangible consequences. We have got to seek solutions through wise planning...utilizing financial advisors, bond attorney's and public/private sector innovators in search of ways to increase revenue.
Eighth district needs--- I drove three kids to Holston Middle school for a period of about 5 years, Gibbs has got to have that middle school, but I believe the first priority of the district is to get new schools for Carter. Their falling down, Carter has got to have the schools. Several years ago, Mascot sacrificed their community for the development of the Eastbridge Industrial Park. For years, this mining community was a major source of revenue for Knox County. There are needs for the Barbara abernathy house which is used for the Senoir meetings. They currently have no plumbing and need money to repair. The mascot community deserves and needs a new library. It was ancient when my wife was growing up there. We have to take care of our seniors. There are other needs as well, we all know there are always needs. But most importantly the 8th district needs a loud voice that will make lots of noise to get what they need. They need this loud voice to be honest and a man of his word. I believe that I am that voice and I will fight for this district like a bulldog.
Eliminating Scandal and restoring accountabilty---- I think some of the recommendations by the ethics board should be adopted. Policy needs to be put in place to eliminate conflicts of interest. Heck no you should not be an elected official if you work for knox county.. Heck yea....you should excuse yourself from votes that could over shadow any conflicts of interest. Heck yea...there should be a recall ammmendment for ALL elected officials PERIOD.
I got alot of other views on the issues folks and I have been talking about the issues, not my opponent. I really am amazed that nobody is thinking about all the candidates. I invite my opponent to a public forum to talk about the issues....not me or my past or my family or my friends.
As Knoxville new sentinel employee asked me yesterday in my interview....what does your past have to do with the issues?
I am pretty tired so I am just about to sign off; however, I, nor my friends and family will be bullied any longer. I want a better knox county, what I have been thru in this campaign is proof we need to get rid of the old blood and any connections to it. I look forward to seeing some of you out and about and you can see more of my thoughts on the tv websites that are posting election info.
I leave you with this thought, I pledge to fight for the eighth district, I am honest and I do have integrity. I have consistently proved that since God dramatically changed my life in 1991. If God wants me to have this position, it will be for his Glory and the service of the taxpayers. There is nothing anyone can do to stop his will. If he does not want me to serve, that is fine with me and especially my wife. You see, I have been out of his will before and I was not happy. I don't want to do anything that he doesn't want. Call me religious if you want that is my belief.
I thank you for your time and consideration, and Tamara, I hope you can understand why I would be leary of you since you work for the focus. That is nothing personal. I do enjoy reading your work though. If I am elected you will see what kind of man I am today. I wish you the best.
Sincerely,
Gailen Porter
Gailen, I cannot tell you how impressed I am with the thoughtfulness and clear humility of your post here.
As I tried to convey, I was very frustrated with what seemed to be an effort on the part of some of your supporters to place me in one "camp" or another, when in fact I am someone who will be giving all candidates my close scrutiny--for the reasons you seem to understand. Quite simply, we voters have been badly burned in the recent past.
Neither was that last supporter's veiled allegation that I might be some sort of "Hunley Operative" anything new. Frankly, I was glad to finally vent my irritation with repeated innuendo of this sort. As I said, I find it deeply insulting that I might be anybody's pawn. I might have added that it is largely laughable, too, given my modest earnings with the Focus. If ever I were inclined to become someone's "operative," which will not happen, surely the job would command a higher wage than my present one! Meanwhile, I am a novice journalist whose modest wage I consider fair enough.
Also, it was some of your supporters who seized on my passing (and uncertain) reference to your former marriage, not I. I deeply regret that the matter became magnified in this conversation and I hope you'll note my repeated disclaimer that I attach no relevance whatsoever to the circumstance. Few of us, if any, reach this age (I am 50) without some amount of emotional baggage.
Which point brings me to the delicate subject of your son's youthful trouble: Suffice to say you satisfy my curiosity. That the boy was an adult, yet still a teen, at the time of his error in judgment did cause me some hesitation to raise my question. Still, only young Shane's arrest at age 19 was part of the News-Sentinel's archives, so the questions of how that arrest ended (which you answered), or of whether any further arrests ensued (which you imply did not), seemed to leave the incident open-ended. As I expect all we parents understand, we may also be judged--justifiably, I think--by the choices our grown children make. But again, you satisfy my curiousity and I do not any longer wonder at your parenting ability.
I am going too long again, as the sheer breadth of this conversation seems to have imposed on me. Just know that I found yesterday's conversation frustrating and tiresome, and also that I tried to phone you several times yesterday, from the time your "meet and greet" ended at 3:00 pm, right up until 9:30 last night. I am not the sort to abandon or circumvent glitches in communication of the sort I experienced with your supporters (and you?) yesterday.
Which is why I will sign off now to phone Steve and ask him why he photographed that voter registration booth your supporters conducted, and whether the pix ever ran in the Focus (I don't recall). I'll let you know.
Again, thanks so much for your post. I'll continue to watch your campaign closely, with an inclination now to view it favorably.
I'm back to report to you on that call I said I'd make to Steve Hunley. Why'd I promise to report back? You folks are ready to move on, and so am I...
Briefly, I asked Steve about two concerns Gailen Porter's supporters raised here:
As to the threats Gailen's folks said Steve made about this Fairview Baptist Church, Steve says they weren't so fiery as all that. He took exception to the fact that the church's pastor hosted a fundraising event for Gailen in his (the pastor's) home, which Steve thinks is inappropriate.
My two cents? This point, if correct, goes to Steve.
As to the snapshot-taking at a voter registration drive Gailen's supporter's hosted, Steve acknowledges that he took the shots for two reasons: first, that he took exception to a Sheriff's Department employee being there and second, that he took exception to Gailen being there, promoting his candidacy, albeit absent any signage. Steve says he did absolutely nothing with the shots.
My two cents? Split decision...
County employees have the right to support any darn person they care to support, and many of us are tired of the factionalism. Personally, the possibility that a candidate, any candidate, might be supported by someone who is himself hoping for higher office isn't particularly shocking or concerning to me. For me, it's been the recent responses to this political reality, by both the vying officeholders and the general public, that are far more shocking and concerning. Political alliances aren't some new phenomenon, but the general hysteria over them is. Point to Gailen.
However, Gailen was probably in error to have participated in the voter registration drive, given he was a candidate, because an event of that type shouldn't give any appearance of partisanship. Steve seems to think this was a concern of the store owner whose permission Gailen's supporters obtained, and that the owner was explicit about his concern. Point to Steve.
The opinions indicated above ARE my own. As always, I make them available to you completely free of charge :-)
Shall we move on?
Tamara,
Concerning the threats-
When a man makes a threat to try to destroy your reputation and your family, that is pretty serious in light of the fact that slanderous reports are coming in to me every day. I will not be lied on. I will deal with it.
Concerning my pastor-
First of all, he has a God given right to host anybody he wants in his home - whether it is a candidate for public office or not. We have made a point to keep politics out of the church. The little gathering at our pastor's home was not a fundraiser, there were only about 10 of his closet friends invited, there were not any Fairview Members invited, it was an effort to ask for spiritual support via prayer and to get to know Gailen. Let me reiterate for you again - the people (about 10 in all) was a small select group of personal friends that were not members of Fairview Baptist Church. These few live across district 8. THERE IS NOTHING INAPPROPRIATE WITH THIS SITUATION PERIOD!
Again, lies.
Concerning my pastor, my opponent and his support have been spreading
the lie that my pastor endorsed me from the pulpit. This is an
absolute lie. This kind of viciousness is especially worrisome because
it is against God's house and a man of God. There is a verse that says,
"Do not stretch forth your hand against God's annointed". That is really something that is dangerous in my beliefs Tamara.
Concerning the voter drive - I talked with the store owner himself before and after the drive. I told him that there would be no campaigning, that I would not cause him any problems with the public. The store owner thanked me and according to the voter drive workers, this store owner did not come out one time to check on anything. You see, "I am a man of my word Tamara.
No one solicited any votes, Jack Huddleston's wife came up to the table and tried to pick a fight with one of the ladies. Again, I was not there the entire time, I left and came back two or three times, and left early....I was there when both Jack & Hunley came to take the pictures. So.....why did he take the pictures? It was intimidation and harassment, Tamara. It was none of his business if the sheriff's employee was having a voter's drive.... of which it was just one of many, many drives she has held long before I ever decided to run for commission.
Again, this is America people, they should be able to support anyone they want...however, there was no campaigning that day. This is ridiculous.
As far as the general hysteria.... It's not hysteria Tamara, THE PUBLIC IS SICK OF THIS KIND OF POLITICS....I AM SICK OF IT, MY SUPPORTERS ARE SICK OF IT! THESE KIND OF TACTICS ARE EXACTLY WHY I AM RUNNING.
As far as Steve Hunley goes.....
I was completely taken back that he was out to destroy me? I thought we had been friends thru the years....not close friends but causal acquaintances and I had always liked him. I do not know why he has decided to treat me in this manner.....but again, I will not stand for the lies that are being told about me, my pastor, or my family. SO.....they should just run a clean campaign and let the issues and the candidates speak. This smear stuff is starting to get, and it may hurt them more than help them. As far as I am concerned, my God is my refuge.
I hope they will see the light that negativity is going to bite them in the butt! This is a different election, the old ways of politics are being abolished. People are sick and tired of all this garbage.
I am moving on!
Gailen Porter
Thank you, Mr. Porter.
I believe that your response speaks well for you, and for the political process that includes blogging. Having a place for this items to be aired when they are seldom aired in the traditional media is refreshing.
I must say that I think that sometimes even though things are legal that they are still inappropriate. I think it would be a very thin line to determine if it was appropriate for you minister to have a fundraiser for you. Signing up as a supporter is one thing, but because of the nature of politics and religion, I think it is best to be careful with those things. I have relatives who attend Fairview Baptist, and while I have no idea if they support you or not, I do know that they do not always agree with the preacher. Highlighting possible disagreements about anything that is not church doctrine seems to me a dangerous road to travel.
I also have to be curious about the voter registration table. My knowledge of such things is that voter registration shouldn't be associated with a candidate. It should be neutral.
And while I believe folks employeed by government should have a right in to speak out publicly, I believe, strongly, that in doing so, it should be asolutely clear that they are not doing so as part of their job.
Again, thank you for this discussion, and yes, let's move on.
pgs
Pam Strickland
"We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be." ~Kurt Vonnegut
Let me reiterate, it was not a fundraiser that my pastor hosted, and I did not collect one dime or ask for any monies.
a canidate can do a voter regisration if they want
when bill nolan ran he register tons of students
matter of fact i hope candidates in the general election register voters
really hope the democratic candidates do
I agree with Bill (who beat me to this point).
It is SOP for candidates and supporters of candidates to do voter registration. I have no problem with that at all.
Thanks, Gailen, Bill, Betty. I didn't realize that voter registration drives were sometimes included in candidates' campaign functions, as my personal experience in conducting them is through the non-partisan organizations of League of Women Voters and PTA.
My understanding of this particular drive, though, is that it took place at a grocery store, on private property, which Gailen also mentions. I'm told that it was the store's owner who didn't want any candidates present, out of concern that it might alienate some of his customers. I'm told that the owner granted permission for the drive under that condition. I mentioned this previously, as follows:
"Steve seems to think this was a concern of the store owner whose permission Gailen's supporters obtained, and that the owner was explicit about his concern."
Please don't shoot the messenger, who is retiring now to a nice, warm bath.
Tamara, The store owner did know that I was going to be present. I am telling you I talked to him before and afterward, thanking him for allowing us to do the drive. This man was very gracious to me and knew I kept my word. Gailen Porter
Ok, I'm over this. Let's move on.
pgs
Pam Strickland
"We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be." ~Kurt Vonnegut
Bill Lockett's treasurer is a real estate developer named Buddy Malin. Anyone have any info on Lockett?
Who is Buddy Malin? What developments has he been involved in around the area?
Link...
jbr, these are some mentions of Bill Lockett's treasurer, Buddy Malin, from the N-S archives:
January 25, 2006 (Photo caption @ campaign event?):
"A holiday reception was held Dec. 11 in honor of R. Larry Smith, candidate for County Commission District 7. From left are co-hosts Bob and Teresa Gregory Tyler, R. Larry, Sharon and Mallory Smith and hosts Linda and Buddy Malin."
May 17, 2002 (On Buddy as renovator of old homes):
"Revitalizing old houses has become old hat for Buddy and Linda Malin. The two have remodeled 24 houses; they have lived in five while the others were for resale. The latest project is the granddaddy of them all - the Sterchi Mansion on Dry Gap Pike in North Knoxville...Buddy estimated that it would probably be at least a couple of years before the various projects are completed.
The Malins are proud of the work they have accomplished thus far, and so are the people in the community...'People will stop and say, 'Good job,'' Buddy said. 'It's like everybody has a piece of this house, or has a connection with it.'"
April 2, 1998 (More on his renovation of Sterchi Mansion):
"J.G. Sterchi died in 1932; his widow lived in the mansion until her death 40 years later. In 1973 Gilbert and Dot Pratt bought it; Gilbert died a few years ago, and Dot Pratt put it on the market. Now a new family has moved in -- Hollis ( Buddy ) Malin and his wife, Linda, purchased the house in February for $280,000. Linda Malin says they will renovate it and raise their children there."
That's about it. Apparently, the incidence of a funeral home in Nashville (or was it Memphis?) that contains the name "Malin" in its name causes tons and tons of obits to also link in this search.
I skimmed the first 400 entries, most of them obits, from among over 500. That review went back ten years.
I didn't look at the candidate Lockett himself...
Oh...and I got a call last week from a woman in Lockett's office asking if he might attend our Powell-area candidate forum tomorrow night.
I explained that we are confining participation in the forum to District 6 commission candidates and the two school board candidates who represent Powell schools (until rezoning takes effect in '08). However, I did invite Lockett to come and "mingle" with us at the "meet and greet" to take place before the forum. It's my understanding that he will.
I also received a phone call from Barbara Nicodemus, a Dem who plans to run for Bill Dunn's house seat, who had the same question. I believe Barbara will also come visit with us.
Initially, because of all the hubbub the last year, I would have voted for whomever was Owing's opponent.
However, after seeing L Smith tossing softball questions to Jernigan in the South-Doyle Homeowners fight, his voting for the $5 million TIF to Graham, and learning he was on MPC during a period of their odd decisions, may have to reconsider.
This does not look good...
January 25, 2006 (Photo caption @ campaign event?):
"A holiday reception was held Dec. 11 in honor of R. Larry Smith, candidate for County Commission District 7. From left are co-hosts Bob and Teresa Gregory Tyler, R. Larry, Sharon and Mallory Smith and hosts Linda and Buddy Malin."
Any insights?
I dunno, jbr. Couldn't the assumption that Lockett's personal views on issues are somehow related to Smith's personal views just because Lockett's treasurer supported Smith before backing Lockett be, well, an assumption?
We'd have to know just how unwavering Malin's support for Smith is, now that Smith has been in office for a while, and that still might not edify on the question of where Lockett stands. Sounds kinda tenuous to me...
A search of the N-S archives on Lockett himself is likely more revealing. I don't have time right this minute. I'll try a little later, and share (or go ahead, someone).
(Over & out now.)
My read on Bill Lockett:
Didn't know him before he started running, but my impression of him is that he is very smart, but is a political neophyte. He is (based on one in-depth conversation) very conservative and deeply religious. Seems like a pretty honest guy. he's a litigator with Bud Gilbert's law firm, and based on that knowledge, I'd lay odds that he is extremely competent. But I would call him politically naive, and I don't think he will win.
I look for red meat Republicans to go with Owings, who despite his connections of the woes of late, has been working the Republican clubs hard and blaming all our problems on the media
It looks like unless you are in district 1 or 2 that voting in the republican primary would be the most productive move for eventually getting good folks in office. Regardless of your normal party affiliation.
Interesting proposition, jbr. Tell us what you see?
(I'll check back later.)
Look at this for few seconds.....
Link...
What do you see?
Most races heavily weighted with high number of republican candidates.
I assume for most part the most objectionable candidates based on what happened last year are on republican side. If there are 4 republicans splitting that parties vote in District 4A and Joe Schmo is one of the four and you really object for him to get elected, then the democrats voting in the republican primary can probably push one of his opponents into victory circle. That may not be possible in general election just because of the party line
mentality and more republicans being in some areas.
At least in this election, the stars seem aligned to facilitate the practicality of that approach.
The consistency we see in these races structure in this election may be unusually suited for that to work.
Randy: "Keep in mind that you can only pick one primary and one ballot. If you vote in the Republican local primary, you can't vote in the Democratic presidential primary, and vice versa."
Thoughta that immediately, Randy, but this handful of Dems in Powell could serve no higher purpose than to clean up local government AND quell our neighbors' votes for Ron Paul!
Could be, but here in the 6th, some Powell-area GOP-ers couldn't knock Lumpy out of the general by asking that their party peers cross over for Margaret Massey-Cox, a Dem, back in '06.
After Lumpy surprised everyone with a GOP primary win, Maggie had some pretty big GOP names in support of her candidacy in the general, including two-term commissioner Larry Stephens and Laura Bailey, both then on the local GOP's executive committee, I was told. Of course, in that scenario Stephens, Bailey, and other GOP-ers were asking peers to ditch the party flat-out in the general, not to play the odds in just the primary...
In any event, they didn't get a nibble. The Lumpster garnered four times Maggie's votes in the general, much to the mortification of those Lumpy calls the "silk stocking" Republicans.
Keep in mind that you can only pick one primary and one ballot. If you vote in the Republican local primary, you can't vote in the Democratic presidential primary, and vice versa.
Anyone have a "SWAG" as to what the voter turnout will be in the primary???
My "SWAG" is 36,000+/-
vote early...it could snow feb 5
early voting starts tomorrow
I see he was a member of MPC. Anyone privy to his voting record and actions on MPC?
Link...
Does anyone have any background on LB Steele?
He was a KPD cop who resigned when he was elected to City Council in the '80s. He was defeated when he ran for re-election, and only served one term.
He worked for the state as a tax collector and I believe (although I'm not 100% certain) that he is the owner of FATS, the tasty barbeque take-out joint on Whittle Springs Road. He also does catering for a lot of public events. He's a pretty well-connected guy, but I have absolutely no clue as to who's going to win that race.
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