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Kim McMillan Receives National Endorsement

Tuesday, January 5th, 2010

kim-mcmillan Clarksville, Tennessee – January 4, 2010 - Kim McMillan has received the endorsement of the Women’s Campaign Forum in her 2010 campaign for Tennessee’s Governor. The WCF is dedicated to advancing the political participation and leadership of women who support reproductive health choices for all. It is the oldest national non-partisan political committee founded of its kind.

“I appreciate the confidence that WCF has placed in my candidacy and their support for my campaign. The organization’s efforts to increase the number of women who hold elected office is vital as we move toward equality in representation,” McMillan said.

“WCF works tirelessly to improve women’s representation by empowering women from all walks of life to become voters, activists, volunteers, and most importantly, candidates. Kim McMillan is a leader for women nationwide and we are proud to be part of her team. We thank her for her leadership and proudly endorse her candidacy,” said Sam Bennett, WCF President/CEO.

According to WCF’s research, thirty years ago, women held only 3% of the seats in Congress, 11% of statewide elected offices and 10% of state legislature seats. Today, women have more than doubled those numbers to 17% of Congress, 24% of statewide elected offices and 24% of state legislature seats nationwide.

“This endorsement isn’t simply given to every woman who puts her name on a ballot,” Bennett said. “Each candidate’s qualifications are extensively reviewed in a rigorous vetting process. Her leadership as the first female House Majority Leader, her public policy experience, her time as an attorney and in the administration and classroom at Austin Peay State University are all significant contributions and make her the most qualified candidate in Tennessee’s gubernatorial race.”

Nineteen states, including Kentucky and North Carolina, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico have elected female governors. A woman has never been elected to serve as Tennessee’s governor.

Posted in 2010, Democratic Party, Kim McMillan | No Comments »

Gordon’s Distinguished Career in Congress to Come to a Close

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009

bg-photo Congressman to retire from Congress after his current term

MURFREESBORO - After more than a quarter-century of public service to his home state of Tennessee, U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon announced his plans to retire from Congress when his current term ends in 2010.

“I feel honored that the people of Middle Tennessee have allowed me to serve them for the past 25 years,” said Gordon. “Every decision I have made in Congress has been with their best interests in mind. I hope the people here at home feel that I have served them as well as their good advice and views have served me.

“When I was elected, I was the youngest member of the Tennessee congressional delegation; now, I’m one of the oldest. In fact, I have members of my staff who weren’t even born when I took office. That tells me it’s time for a new chapter.”

Gordon, the dean of the state’s congressional delegation, said he made his decision after consulting with his wife, Leslie.

“Turning 60 has led me to re-evaluate what’s next. I have an 8-year-old daughter and a wonderful wife who has a very demanding job. I am the only child of my 83-year-old mother, Margaret. They have made sacrifices to allow me to do what I love by serving in Congress, and now it’s my turn,” said Gordon.

Strengthening families has been a common thread throughout Gordon’s time in Congress. During his service, he has consistently worked to improve the quality of life for working families by providing greater access to higher education; allowing workers to keep their jobs while managing a family emergency such as a sick child, spouse or parent; and working to preserve the American dream by ensuring today’s students have the strong math and science skills they will need for the jobs of the future.

His constituents have repeatedly recognized Gordon’s efforts by sending him back to the U.S. Capitol to represent them - in 13 elections, Gordon has never lost any of the 15 counties in his district. In recent years, he has won re-election handily, earning 64 percent of the vote in 2004, 67 percent in 2006, and 74 percent in 2008.

The son of a farmer and schoolteacher, Gordon was named chairman of the House Science and Technology Committee in 2007, becoming Tennessee’s first full committee chairman in 30 years. The congressman said he is grateful for the opportunity it presented to author landmark legislation such as the America COMPETES Act, but his goals in Congress have always remained the same.

“My dream for kids growing up in Middle Tennessee is the same that I have for my daughter, Peyton – for them to grow up in a safe neighborhood, get a quality education, and be able to find a good job close to home,” said Gordon. “I hope I’ve been able to make that dream more of a reality for the next generation.”

While Gordon’s congressional efforts may be coming to an end in a year, his legislative efforts and first-rate constituent service will continue in the meantime.

“I will be focusing on the work to be done in the year ahead. Our country is facing extraordinary challenges, and I will continue to work to be the best congressman I can be. My doors are open in Murfreesboro, Gallatin and Cookeville, and my staff and I will continue to listen to people’s concerns and help them cut through government red tape. Staying in touch with the people I represent has been my number one priority. That will remain true throughout my last year in Congress,” said Gordon, who has held more than 2,000 open meetings, call-ins and listening sessions during his service.

The congressman said his achievements wouldn’t have been possible without the support of many people very close to him, including his parents.

“I couldn’t have asked for more supportive and inspiring parents. My mother and my late father always stood by my side throughout the years,” said Gordon. “I’ve also been blessed with a talented, hard-working staff that has helped me do a better job. And I will be forever grateful to the friends and volunteers who have given their counsel and support over the years.”

Educated in Rutherford County public schools, Gordon graduated with honors from Middle Tennessee State University in 1971 and later received his law degree from the University of Tennessee. He served in the Army Reserves from 1971-1972. Gordon is married to Leslie Peyton Gordon, who is a partner with Korn/Ferry International, and they have one daughter.

Posted in 2010, Democratic Party, Elections, Rep. Bart Gordon (D-6) | 3 Comments »

Another Conservative Attacks Lou Ann Zelenik’s Candidacy

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

Stephen Shirley, Conservative DNJ Contributor

PRAYS ITS A CONSPIRACY TO MAKE HER GO AWAY

Stephen Shirley is known as a conservative contributor to the Daily News Journal through guest columns, DNJ forum posts, and blogs. Here’s what he had to say about Republican Lou Ann Zelenik’s decision to challenge Congressman Bart Gordon (D-Murfreesboro) in a DNJ guest column:

Zelenik certainly isn’t the perfect candidate. Never mind that she lost a Republican primary race for the Tennessee House 48th District. Zelenik comes across as a partisan blowhard interested more in hearing herself talk than in listening to local residents. She’s caustic, abrasive and quite simply annoying. Her schtick plays well with the “birthers” crowd. But independents simply plug their ears to her braying and search out a more reasoned voice.

Numerous political watchers openly wonder if the Zelenik campaign isn’t just an attempt to weaken Gordon for the 2012 election cycle. A campaign against Zelenik would force Gordon to spend from his campaign war chest. But what if weakening Gordon isn’t the only motivation for the Republican Party? What if there is a secondary motivation in encouraging a Zelenik campaign in 2010?

If Zelenik faces off against Gordon next November, spends significant amounts of her own money and still loses, she might conclude that elected office is not in her best interests. In one fell swoop, Republicans could hurt Gordon’s prospects of another re-election as well as clear the slate of a powerful, if not deeply flawed, candidate.

So call it the Zelenik gambit. It may be an attempt to weaken Bart Gordon. But by offering up Zelenik as campaign fodder in 2010, the gambit may also be an attempt to eliminate her from future discussions.

Posted in 2010, Elections, Lou Ann Zelenik, Radical Republicans, Rep. Bart Gordon (D-6) | 1 Comment »

Judge Orders Secretary of State Tre Hargett to Implement Voter Confidence Act

Friday, November 6th, 2009

Tre Hargett, Tennessee's Republican Secretary of State, Refuses To Implement Verifiable Voting Law

NASHVILLE - Tennessee Democratic Party Chairman Chip Forrester renewed his call for Secretary of State Tre Hargett to purchase new voting machines that count paper ballots after a Davidson County judge today ruled the machines do not have to meet 2005 certification standards.

Chancellor Russell Perkins issued his ruling after Common Cause Tennessee filed a lawsuit compelling the secretary of State to implement the Tennessee Voter Confidence Act, which requires all county election commissions to make the switch to optical scan machines and paper ballots before the November 2010 elections.

“Mr. Hargett cannot use the bogus claim anymore that the machines do not exist,” Forrester said. “Now maybe he will follow the law and do the job he was sworn to do. Fair and verifiable elections are part of the very foundations of our democracy. I do not understand why he is stalling on this issue.

“The state has more than $35 million in federal funding set aside to purchase these machines. That’s more than enough money to purchase the machines and train workers. In fact, these machines have been cited in study after study as being less costly in maintenance than the electronic touch-screen machines now in use by most of the state’s 95 counties.”

Hargett based his argument concerning certification standards on a memorandum issued by the General Assembly’s Office of Legal Services, which opines to whether the law mandates machines purchased adhere to 2005 standards adopted by the federal Election Assistance Commission. EAC standards are voluntary standards.

“The TVCA does not require the voting system to be implemented by the State of Tennessee to meet 2005 standards,” the judge ruled. “The Court determines that the State is obligated to take prompt, effective steps to meet the statutory deadline using compliant voting systems.”

Posted in 2010, Elections, Republican leaders, Safe Elections, Tennessee Voter Confidence Act | No Comments »

American Confidence In Republicans Hits 25-Year Low

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

picture-891 A tracking poll conducted quarterly for the past 30 years has found that an initial rally by republicans earlier this year has been wiped away and replaced with the lowest confidence among likely voters that the GOP has faced since 1983. Chris Cilliza has the breakdown.

Less than one in five voters (19 percent) expressed confidence in Republicans’ ability to make the right decisions for America’s future while a whopping 79 percent lacked that confidence.

Among independent voters, who went heavily for Obama in 2008 and congressional Democrats in 2006, the numbers for Republicans on the confidence questions were even worse. Just 17 percent of independents expressed confidence in Republicans’ ability to make the right decision while 83 percent said they did not have that confidence.

On the generic ballot question, 51 percent of the sample said they would cast a vote for a Democratic candidate in their congressional district next fall while just 39 percent said they would opt for a GOP candidate. (As late as this summer, Republicans had seemingly narrowed the wide generic ballot lead Democrats enjoyed for much of the last two election cycles.)

And, perhaps most troubling for GOP hopes is the fact that just 20 percent of the Post sample identified themselves as Republicans, the lowest that number has been in Post polling since 1983. (No, that is not a typo.)

The poll was conducted by conventional and cellular telephone from Oct. 15 to 19 among a random sample of 1,004 adults. The margin of sampling error for the full poll is plus or minus three percentage points.

Posted in 2010, Elections, Rutherford County Republican Party, Tax and Spend Republicans | 5 Comments »

Tennessee Republicans sour on Tea Party Leader Lou Ann Zelenick

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

It wasn’t hard to predict that Rutherford County Tea Party Leader Lou Ann Zelenick would have a hard time convincing her own party to vote for her.

Given the fact that Lou Ann is also the Rutherford County Republican Party Chairwoman, you’d think her party would be enthusiastic about her recent announcement to run for something.

Lou Ann’s own Republican Party rejected her primary bid against Joe Carr to represent the 48th District in the Tennessee State Legislature. Rutherford County Republican voters literally voted for a crook rather than sending Lou Ann Zelenick to represent the county in the House of Representatives.

Republicans knew better and probably wouldn’t trust Lou Ann as a dog catcher. Now Lou Ann’s own party is coming out to remind voters who the real Lou Ann Zelenick is, and it’s worth reading.

Former Tennessee GOP Spokesman Bill Hobbs says on FaceBook:

With all due respect to Dave Evans, his campaign isn’t catching fire and few people I have talked to think he can beat Bart Gordon. With all due respect to Lou Ann, the GOP isn’t going to beat Bart with someone who has been around politics for a long time, and who lost a state house primary, and who is not a “fresh face” in politics.

Former Rutherford County Young Republicans Vice Chairman and TreasurerMatthew Hurtt says on his blog:

Lastly, I am concerned about the history of Zelenik’s political aspirations. She jumped into a Republican primary as a member of the RuCo GOP Executive Committee in 2008, running against Joe Carr – and she ran a nasty, nasty campaign. Now, she’s jumping into a Republican primary as a member of the RuCo GOP Executive Committee in 2010 against Dave Evans. Whether or not her campaign will be nasty is yet to be seen. Is she running to further the goals of the Republican Party or is she running to further the goals of Lou Ann Zelenik?

Posted in 2010, Rutherford County Republican Party | No Comments »

Lou Ann Zelenick Thinks Rural Voters Can’t Read A Dictionary

Thursday, September 24th, 2009

It’s easy to see how Lou Ann Zelenick comes to the conclusions she does when you read her latest brilliant analysis of an article that appeared in Roll Call today.

In the Roll Call article, Rep. Bart Gordon dismissed the notion that race played a major part in Obama losing the 6th District instead suggesting it was more due to Obama being too “urbane” for voters.

Obama “seemed to be too urbane” for 6th district voters, Gordon said. “If you’re from some of those small counties, [Obama was] some guy from Chicago that speaks differently than you.”

Gordon acknowledged that racism was also a factor in Obama’s performance in the district.

“Unfortunately, there was probably a little bit of that, but it was more just being urbane,” Gordon said.

Zelenick, expecting rural voters would mistake “urbane” (meaning too polished) with “urban” (meaning inner-city), claimed Gordon was calling people racist.

Addressing Gordon’s charge of racism, Zelenik said, “I cannot imagine what would lead a Congressman to insult his constituents in this manner. The idea that Tennesseans vote based on race is a suggestion I reject entirely. The suggestion that Tennesseans are racists is particularly disturbing when it comes from a person who is supposed to represent our values.

Perhaps Zelenick would care to explain why she doesn’t know the difference between “urbane” and “urban” and apologize to rural voters for thinking we couldn’t figure it out. Bart Gordon has never lost a single county in the 6th District, while Ms. Zelenick was rejected by her own party for a mere state house seat that included only a small part of her own county. It’s easy to see why.

Posted in 2010, Racism, Rep. Bart Gordon (D-6), Rutherford County Republican Party | 9 Comments »

Inaugural Grow Tennessee Dinner a Huge Success

Saturday, September 19th, 2009

The video above shows clips from local TV news coverage of Saturday’s Grow Tennessee dinner and straw poll. It’s a good introduction to Tennessee’s 5 Democratic Gubernatorial candidates.

You can watch full coverage of this event on WTVF (5) and WSMV (4).

You can read about it in the Murfreesboro Post, Daily News Journal (here and here), Nashville Scene, Nashville City Paper, Clarksville Online, Tennessean, and MTSU Sidelines.

The results are in from Saturday’s straw poll of Democratic candidates for Governor of Tennessee in Murfreesboro. All five Democratic candidates spoke to a sold-out audience at MTSU’s Tennessee Ballroom.

Sen. Roy Herron - 119
Sen. Jim Kyle - 81
Kim McMillan - 58
Mike McWherter - 32
Ward Cammack - 13
Undecided - 12

Here is what blogs from across the state of Tennessee are saying about the straw poll:

KnoxViews:

I believe Bredesen was the clear front runner by this time in 2001. Despite this result, there doesn’t yet seem to be one for this primary. Kyle has only just started campaigning. McMillan had a stronger showing than many might have expected, especially McWherter. Makes you wonder if the McWherter name is all that familiar to the younger voters coming into the party.

Silence Isn’t Golden:

What this means, the long answer: I was rather surprised by McWherter’s poor showing. The main criticism of straw poll-type events is that the results are unreliable because campaigns can just bring in a ton of supporters to skew the results. Yet it did seem, to me at least, that McWherter did have quite a few supporters there. I really want to give him the benefit of the doubt, especially given that we know he can raise the money, but he does seem rather awkward on the stump.

LeftWingCracker:

I can see Herron contiuing to do well in the rural areas, but he will get bupkis in Shelby County; only McWherter, if any one, can make a dent in the lockdown Jim Kyle has achieved here in a short period of time. Kyle’s great showing in the Boro will cause others outside Big Shelby to take another look at him. Now, The Boro is in the fifth most populous county in Tennessee, so this is a significant showing for Roy, and suggests the Battle of Weakley County will not be going away any time soon.

Pith in The Wind:

Roy Herron won the Rutherford County Democrats’ straw poll Saturday. That’s surprising in itself, but he also trounced Mike McWherter, the one most people see as the party’s strongest candidate for governor. McWherter finished behind even Kim McMillan. He’s always seemed like a dud to me, a guy capable of sucking the excitement right out of a room.

Sean Braisted:

The results of the Rutherford County Democratic Straw poll are hardly scientific, but it sort of holds with my observations which is that Mike McWherter has failed entirely to inspire passion in his party activists. Yes, his name recognition might give him a lead in whatever polls are done, but for anyone engaged, its a lukewarm feeling at best…save the people who feel they “owe” Ned Ray one.

Politically Funny:

Last evening I attended the 1st Annual Rutherford County Grow Tennessee dinner. What a great event hosted by Rep. Kent & Cecil Coleman, Rep. John & Marilyn Hood, Sen. Andy & Cherry Womack, and Ms. Sandra Y. Trail and held at MTSU’s James Union Building. I truly must commend Jonathon Fagan, Chairman of the Rutherford Democratic Party, for doing an outstanding job.

To Move A Nation:

One by one, the candidates were introduced and strode up to the podium to present speeches that were typically five minutes in length. Each delivered what I would assume were their basic stump speeches. This was a good approach, because the audience didn’t seem to be that familiar with any of them. Here’s my general impression of each speech.

Posted in 2010, Democratic Party, Elections, Fundraising | 7 Comments »

First Democratic Gubernatorial candidate straw poll is now SOLD OUT

Thursday, September 10th, 2009

Earlier today, we issued the following press release. Congressman Bart Gordon will be in attendance and is pleased to introduce his good friend Congressman Lincoln Davis as keynote speaker.

The Rutherford County Democratic Party (RCDP) announced today that they have sold out the first straw poll in the 2010 Democratic primary for Governor of Tennessee. The 1st Annual Rutherford County Grow Tennessee dinner will take place Saturday Sept. 19th from 6-7pm CT at MTSU’s James Union Building in the Tennessee Ballroom. Congressman Bart Gordon’s good friend Congressman Lincoln Davis will give the keynote speech at the event.

The evening is hosted by Rep. Kent & Cecil Coleman, Rep. John & Marilyn Hood, Sen. Andy & Cherry Womack, and Ms. Sandra Y. Trail. The event is a fundraiser that will also serve as an important early straw poll of Middle Tennessee Democrats on who they feel has the best vision to move Tennessee forward as our next Governor.

“Not only did we quickly sell out the event we also maxed out the Tennessee Ballroom’s 360 person capacity,” said RCDP Chairman Jonathon Fagan. “The candidate that wins this straw poll will send a strong message to the party, press and donors for weeks to come that they are a serious candidate to move our state forward.”

Gubernatorial candidates Sen. Jim Kyle, Kim McMillan, Sen. Roy Herron, Mike McWherter and Ward Cammack will be at this event and share brief words about the future of our great state.

Posted in 2010, Democratic Party, Elections, Events, Fundraising, RCDP, Rep. Bart Gordon (D-6) | No Comments »

5 blog passes available for first TN Democratic Gubernatorial candidate straw poll

Tuesday, September 1st, 2009

The Rutherford County Democratic Party is making available 5 blog passes for the Sept. 19 Democratic Gubernatorial candidate straw poll at MTSU. To be considered, please fill out the form below. We will post a list of the bloggers chosen, and you will be contacted as well.

The 1st Annual Rutherford County Grow Tennessee dinner is a fundraiser that will also serve as an important early straw poll of Middle Tennessee Democrats on who they feel has the best vision to move Tennessee forward as our next Governor.

The evening is hosted by Rep. Kent & Cecil Coleman, Rep. John & Marilyn Hood, Sen. Andy & Cherry Womack, and Ms. Sandra Y. Trail.

Gubernatorial candidates Sen. Jim Kyle, Kim McMillan, Sen. Roy Herron, Mike McWherter and Ward Cammack will be at this event and share brief words about the future of our great state.

Posted in 2010, Events, RCDP | No Comments »

Middle Tennessee Democratic Gubernatorial straw poll - Saturday Sept. 19

Sunday, August 30th, 2009

The Rutherford County Democratic Party will host an evening with five Tennessee Democratic Gubernatorial candidates Saturday September 19 on the campus of MTSU.

The evening is hosted by Rep. Kent & Cecil Coleman, Rep. John & Marilyn Hood, Sen. Andy & Cherry Womack, and Ms. Sandra Y. Trail.

“Grow Tennessee will be an early indication of who Middle Tennessee Democrats are supporting in the 2010 Gubernatorial primary,” said RCDP Chairman Jonathon Fagan. “The candidate that emerges on top will send a strong message to the party, press and donors for weeks to come that they are a serious candidate to move our state forward.”

Gubernatorial candidates Sen. Jim Kyle, Kim McMillan, Sen. Roy Herron, Mike McWherter and Ward Cammack will be at this event and share brief words about the future of our great state.

WHEN: Saturday, September 19, 2009 from 6-9 p.m. CT
WHERE: Middle Tennessee State university’s Tennessee Ballroom in James Union Building (directions)
TICKETS: call RCDP at 615.796.1472 or Pat McFadden at 615.336.7450 or click here to order them online through ActBlue.

Posted in 2010, Elections, Events, Fundraising, RCDP, TNDP | 2 Comments »

Rep. Joe Carr (R-Lascassas) refuses to return thousands in bogus hotel and meal expenses

Friday, August 21st, 2009

Rep. Joe Carr (R-Lascassas) told Channel 4 today that he is refusing a request by voters to return thousands of dollars he recently told the Tennessean he “inadvertently” took from the tax payers and now claims he’s “entitled” to it.

Rep. Carr also told Channel 4 he took over $18,000 (more than any other lawmaker) in expenses to pay for hotel rooms, but no one seems to understand why he’d need that much money when he lives less than an hour from the state Capitol.

joebusted In the video above, Rep. Carr couldn’t explain how he “inadvertently” drove himself to the bank to “inadvertently” cash 13 weeks worth of bogus meal and hotel expense checks.

Joe had the nerve to challenge his fellow big spending county Republicans to join him in not accepting anymore expense claims for the entire calendar year after we caught him with his hand in the tax payer’s pocket.

At the same time Rep. Carr was writing his own personal stimulus checks he’s now refusing to return, he had the nerve to try to pass a bill to deny extended unemployment benefits to residents in his district.

It’s time the voters of Lascassas introduce Joe Carr to the unemployment line come 2010.

Posted in 2010, Budget, Crime, Economy, Jobs, Legislation, Rep. Joe Carr (R-48), Rutherford County Republican Party, Tax and Spend Republicans, Watchdog Alert | 60 Comments »

TNDP Hosts Special Training JUST FOR US

Thursday, August 6th, 2009

sostraininglogo3 There will be a special election right here in our own county this fall! The election for the critical 62nd District house seat will shape Tennesee politics for years to come. Election Day is October 13th, but the time to mobilize is NOW!

The TNDP is holding a special S.O.S. training in Shelbyville on August 15th to energize Democrats in Rutherford, Bedford, and Lincoln County and give them the tools they need to succeed.

Get More Details Or Register Now BY Clicking HERE!

The training is free. Lunch will be provided at cost.

Posted in 2010, Democratic Party, Elections, Meeting, TNDP, Volunteer | No Comments »

Tax and Spend Republicans: County Mayor Ernest Burgess uses $100,000 of tax money for secret land deal

Tuesday, July 28th, 2009

Republican County Mayor Ernest Burgess continues to refuse to release documents related to a secret land deal he tried to hide from Rutherford County tax payers.

Mayor Burgess confirmed to a persistent DNJ today that he spent $100,000 of tax payer money for land in Rockvale that the county valued at $31,300. Mayor Burgess continues to dodge growing public demands for full transparency on his secret land deal that was part of a lawsuit settlement with the county.

Mayor Burgess had an opportunity to do the right thing when no one was paying attention, and when he thought no one was watching, Mayor Burgess chose to break the law and enter an ill-advised secret land deal using tax payer money.

Mayor Burgess had another choice when confronted with his illegal behavior and again chose to violate the public trust, hide behind lawyers and lay the blame that created this mess on the entire County Commission. Rutherford County deserves a mayor who respects the law and whose faith guides them to serve the people with honesty, even when he thinks they aren’t paying attention.

Every day Mayor Burgess refuses to release public documents on this land deal is another day Mayor Burgess is blatantly breaking state law, violating his oath of office and making a mockery of the leadership our county deserves. Every day Mayor Burgess feels he can withhold public records is another day we’ll be here to remind him of his duty to the people and his oath to uphold the law.

Posted in 2010, Crime, Rutherford County Republican Party, Tax and Spend Republicans, Taxes | No Comments »

Tax and Spend Republicans: Rutherford County Republicans defend tax increases

Monday, July 20th, 2009

Rutherford County Tea Party Chairwoman Lou Ann Zelenick defends tax increases.

Tea Party organizer and Rutherford County Republican Chairwoman Lou Ann Zelenick launched her party’s message for the 2010 elections today.

Lou Ann is quoted in today’s Daily News Journal on behalf of Republican candidates saying tax increases by county Republicans this year were the “right decision.”

We don’t recall Lou Ann defending tax increases to the Tea Party wing of the Rutherford County Republican Party, but it’s no surprise to hear just days after Lou Ann was photographed above screaming into a microphone in protest of politicians who raise them.

Lou Ann defended one of the largest property tax increases in Rutherford County passed under current Republican County Mayor Ernest Burgess. Lou Ann went on to say she “can’t wait” for other Republicans to announce their campaigns for the 2010 elections. With a message like that, neither can we!

“The citizens of Rutherford County are fortunate we have an honest, hard-working leader in Mayor Ernest Burgess,” she said. “He puts in 24/7 for the citizens of Rutherford County with dignity and honor.”

Republican County Mayor Burgess campaigned in 2006 on cutting county government spending 10% across the board and promised no property tax increases. Mayor Burgess has failed to live up to his promise, and every Rutherford County tax payer can now expect the bill and thank the Rutherford County Republican Party.

Posted in 2010, Elections, Rutherford County Republican Party, Tax and Spend Republicans, Taxes | 1 Comment »