Author: Jason M. Reynolds

Nashville FOP Demands PAC Stop Using Officer Likenesses to Advocate for Civilian Oversight Board

Jason M. Reynolds

The Fraternal Order of Police sent a cease-and-desist letter to Accountability Matters PAC, saying the group used police officers’ images without permission to support Amendment 1 (setting up a civilian oversight board). The commercial uses photographs of several Metro Nashville Police Department officers without their permission, James Smallwood, president of Andrew Jackson Lodge No. 5 of the FOP, said in a press release. The commercial also depicts the MNPD officers as proponents of Amendment 1. The officers shown without their consent in the video are opposed to Amendment 1 and were mad to learn their picture was being used without their consent. [pdf-embedder url=”https://tennesseestar.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/FOP-letter-cease-and-desist_.pdf”] “Today, on behalf of the officers, we sent the … cease and desist letter to Comcast demanding that they immediately stop airing the Accountability Matters commercial that uses the likeness of our officers without their consent. We expect Comcast will pull the commercial immediately and force Accountability Matters to remove the unauthorized photographs from its commercial,” Smallwood said in the press release. “It is troubling that Accountability Matters placed the officers of the MNPD in a position where they are potentially violating not only federal law but MNPD policy that prohibits appearing in uniform for political…

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2 Polls Show Blackburn With Either 6 Point, 7 Point Lead Over Bredesen

Jason M. Reynolds

Less than a week until the midterm elections, a poll by Cygnal, a national polling and research firm, shows U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07) with a 6-point advantage over Democrat Phil Bredesen in Tennessee’s US Senate race. The live telephone survey conducted October 26-27, with 497 likely general election voters, shows Blackburn leading Bredesen 51 percent to 45 percent, with only 2 percent of voters undecided. Of the 46 percent of respondents who have already voted, 50 percent indicated they supported Blackburn, while 44 percent say they voted for Bredesen. Meanwhile, Vox Populi Polling released its latest survey of 780 active voters from the race, showing Blackburn with a seven point lead, 48 percent to 41 percent with 11 percent undecided. Blackburn’s lead is a 6-point improvement since Vox Populi Polling’s last Tennessee poll, conducted in mid-September, that had the race tied at 42 percent. Macy Cambio, Vox Populi Polling Managing Director, said, ”In the weeks leading up to Election Day, Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn has rallied Republican voters to help solidify her base. With Phil Bredesen’s image now underwater and Blackburn opening up a seven-point lead, the chance of this seat flipping Democratic looks much slimmer than it did just one…

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Bredesen Brigade Gets Out the Mop Bucket to Clean Up Damaging Interview on Migrant Army Marching Through Mexico

Jason M. Reynolds

The clean-up effort for Phil Bredesen’s disastrous interview with WCYB is hitting high gear. When asked last week about the illegal alien army marching toward America, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Phil Bredesen laughed, saying, “A few thousand very poor people coming to our border is not a threat to our, is not a threat to our security,” The Tennessee Star reported last week. The video of Bredesen’s remarks is available to watch here. After the Bredesen team dashed off an emergency op-ed to The Tennessean – which tried to walk back everything Bredesen said in the video – his team realized it wasn’t enough, and rolled out a new ad talking about how the man who called the wall “political theater” and said the migrant caravan was “not a threat” was tough on the border, the Tennessee Republican Party said in a press release. Garren Shipley, RNC spokesman, said, “Phil Bredesen made a huge mistake – he actually told Tennesseans what he really thought about immigration. Team Bredesen can mop all they want, but that’s one mess they won’t be able to clean up.” In the new ad, Bredesen talks about how he supported President Bush, while conveniently forgetting when he said…

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Blackburn Edging Out Bredesen 51 to 46 Percent, NBC News Marist Poll Says

Jason M. Reynolds

Republican Marsha Blackburn is narrowly edging out Democrat Phil Bredesen in Tennessee’s Senate race despite Bredesen having a higher favorability with likely voters, a new NBC News/Marist poll finds. Both U.S. Rep. Blackburn (R-TN-07) and former Gov. Bredesen have seen decreased popularity since the hotly fought campaign began, NBC’s Carrie Dann reports. The NBC News/Marist poll shows Blackburn with the support of 51 percent of likely voters, compared to 46 percent support for Bredesen. Among all registered voters, Blackburn’s advantage narrows to 49 percent to 46 percent. Blackburn’s standing has improved since a previous NBC/Marist poll of Tennessee released in early September, when Bredesen led 48 percent to 46 percent among likely voters. That poll was conducted August 25-28. NBC says the shift “may be a dose of political reality for Bredesen in Tennessee, where President Donald Trump won by 26 points in 2016. The poll’s sample shows that 43 percent of likely voters identify as Republicans, while just 27 percent identify as Democrats.” Among likely voters, 45 percent have a favorable impression of Blackburn, while 46 percent have an unfavorable one, down from a 46 percent favorable/ 36 percent unfavorable rating two months ago. Bredesen’s favorability is down, but…

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Video Allegedly Shows State Rep. Bo Mitchell Stealing Yard Signs For His Opponent Judd Cowan, Marsha Blackburn

Jason M. Reynolds

New video footage allegedly shows State Rep. Bo Mitchell (D-TN-50) stealing yard signs for Republican U.S. Senate candidate Marsha Blackburn and Mitchell’s opponent, Judd Cowan, in Davidson County. The video is available to watch here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKwIVevDC2U U.S. Rep. Blackburn (R-TN-07) is in a hotly contested race with Democratic former Gov. Phil Bredesen for the Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN). House Majority Leader Glen Casada (R-TN-63) confirmed the identity of his colleague in the State House, according to a Tennessee Republican Party press release. “Bo has a bad reputation at the Capitol for his temper and lack of respect for his colleagues in the legislature,” Casada said. “Unfortunately, none of those that serve with him are surprised by his actions in this video. Instead of respecting the opinions of those they may disagree with, Democrats advocate for mob-like tactics in an attempt to silence the voices of those around them. As Tennesseans, we should never stand idly by and allow this type of dishonesty in our elections.” Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Scott Golden called for an investigation and for Mitchell to apologize to Cowan and voters. “It’s an incredibly petty and childish act, but unfortunately that’s what…

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Phil Bredesen Continues to Deny Migrant Army Marching Through Mexico is a National Security Threat

Jason M. Reynolds

Democratic former Governor Phil Bredesen is still saying an invasion of thousands of migrants marching through Mexico from Honduras who have declared their intent to illegally enter the United States is not a threat to national security. “A caravan of a few thousand poor people without weapons, working their way slowly toward the southern border of the strongest country in the world, is not some huge national emergency like suddenly Russia decided to threaten us with nuclear weapons or something,” WKRN reported during an event at Nissan Stadium Saturday. “Let’s just keep this stuff in context, let’s just handle it in a smart way,” said Bredesen. The Washington Examiner recently reported that the migrant army making its way toward the United States through Mexico is includes a number of multi-national criminals, quoting the Department of Homeland Security, The Tennessee Star reported last week. “@DHSgov can confirm that there are individuals within the caravan who are gang members or have significant criminal histories,” DHS spokesman Tyler Houlton wrote in a series of tweets. Bredesen’s opponent in the Senate race, U.S. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07) released a campaign video last Friday calling him out on the illegal migrant army. The video is available…

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President Donald Trump to Visit Chattanooga This Sunday Nov. 4, Speaking at McKenzie Arena

Jason M. Reynolds

As previously rumored, President Donald Trump will visit Chattanooga Sunday just ahead of Election Day, with the administration focusing on the closely connected Southeast Tennessee-North Georgia region. The White House says President Trump will speak at McKenzie Arena Sunday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. Eastern, WDEF says. You must go to this website to register for a ticket; there is a maximum of two per transaction. The tickets are free, but they are first-come, first-serve. Previous rumors had the president visiting the Scenic City on Monday, Nov. 5. “We are pleased to announce the final stretch of our national midterm campaign tour with MAGA rallies scheduled in key congressional districts and states including Florida, Missouri, West Virginia, Indiana, Montana, Georgia, Tennessee, and Ohio,” said Michael Glassner, chief operating officer for Donald J. Trump for President Inc. “It will be a sprint to the finish of the midterms for President Trump who is campaigning hard for GOP House and Senate campaigns across the map. We can’t go back to the days of high taxes and low expectations. Voters must choose the right future on Election Day and support President Trump’s successful America First agenda with the continued support of GOP majorities in…

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New Ad Shows President Trump Saying Bredesen Opposes Border Wall, Wants to Raise Taxes, Supports Schumer and Pelosi

Jason M. Reynolds

The Senate Leadership Fund PAC on Saturday launched a new advertising campaign highlighting President Donald Trump’s opposition to Phil Bredesen and his support of U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07) in the U.S. Senate race. The $1.8 million buy will run statewide on a combination of broadcast and cable television, radio and digital. The video is available to watch here. The ad starts out with the president saying, “A vote for Bredesen is a vote for Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi. Phil Bredesen wants to raise your taxes. He opposes the border wall totally. Bredesen will not defend your Second Amendment rights.” The video continues with the president supporting Blackburn: “A vote for Marsha is really a vote for me and everything that we stand for. It’s a vote for Make America Great Again.” Senate Leadership Fund Spokesman Chris Pack said, “Phil Bredesen’s liberal agenda is completely wrong for Tennessee and that is why President Trump is supporting Marsha Blackburn. Try as he may, Bredesen can’t hide that he’s a vote for higher taxes, weak immigration, and against our Second Amendment rights.” Bredesen has taken hits throughout the campaign for the points the president raised. The National Rifle Association has been critical of…

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Police Civilian Oversight Board Redundant, Expensive, Denies Due Process of Officers: FOP President

Jason M. Reynolds

A civilian oversight board for the Nashville Metro Police Department “sounds like a warm and fuzzy,” but one expert says that is not the case. James Smallwood is president of the Nashville Fraternal Order of Police. “People immediately think, ‘Well, that’s a great idea,’” Smallwood told The Tennessee Star this week. A circuit court judge in September ruled against the Fraternal Order of Police in a lawsuit the group filed trying to throw out a referendum to establish a community board overseeing Metro Police, News Channel 5 said. Once you get into the minutiae, it becomes apparent the Amendment 1 initiative that is on the Nov. 6 ballot will have a “massive cost” of $10 million over five years, Smallwood said. That is more expensive than any comparable civilian oversight board in the nation. That is not a viable option when the city is in dire financial straits. The board also would be redundant, he said. There are at least eight layers of oversight of Metro Police already, including civilian and government agencies. The new board would not give police equal representation – there are no regulations on who can sit on the board, other than they cannot be officers or married…

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Bredesen 100 Percent Wrong on Illegal Immigrant Army, Blackburn Says

Jason M. Reynolds

Democratic Senate candidate Phil Bredesen on Wednesday dismissed the illegal alien army approaching America’s southern border. When asked about the army Bredesen laughed, saying, “A few thousand very poor people coming to our border is not a threat to our, is not a threat to our security.” Bredesen’s opponent, U.S. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07) released a campaign video Friday calling him out. The video is available here. According to Blackburn, Bredesen also: Gave driving certificates to illegal aliens as governor in 2004 and made Tennessee a magnet for illegal aliens. Said the border wall is more “political theater” than practical policy. Doesn’t support President Trump’s travel ban. (The Tennessee Star reported in June that he ducked the issue.) Blackburn’s campaign said, “Phil Bredesen is dangerously wrong on immigration and out of touch with Tennesseans. Marsha Blackburn is 100% supportive of securing our border. As our Senator, she will work with President Trump to build the wall and stop the caravan.” The Washington Examiner confirmed the migrant army is composed of criminals from various nations: The Department of Homeland Security on Thursday defended claims by President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence that violent criminals are a component of the Honduran caravan…

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Latinos for Tennessee Endorses Dr. Mark Green for Congress

Jason M. Reynolds

Latinos for Tennessee PAC announced its endorsement of State Sen. Dr. Mark Green (R-TN-22) for Congress. Founded to advance faith, family, freedom and fiscal responsibility in the Latino community, the group has many members and supporters throughout the Seventh District. U.S. Representative Republican Marsha Blackburn currently holds the Seventh Congressional District seat Green wants. She is running for the U.S. Senate against Democrat Phil Bredesen. Democrat Justin Kanew is running against Green for the Seventh District seat. In announcing their endorsement, Latinos for Tennessee PAC Executive Director Raul Lopez said, “Senator Green is a selfless patriot who loves our country and has put on the uniform to fight for our precious freedoms. As a veteran himself, Senator Green understands the unique challenges our military and our veterans are facing. Our veterans and their families have had a true champion fighting for them to ensure that they receive the benefits they deserve.” Speaking about the endorsement, Green said, “Having worked closely with Latinos for Tennessee as a state senator, I’m honored to receive their endorsement. I look forward to continuing the fight alongside Latinos for Tennessee for faith, family, freedom, and fiscal responsibility.” Green’s campaign continues to pick up support in…

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Lindsey Graham to Campaign for Marsha Blackburn Sunday in Nashville

Jason M. Reynolds

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) will campaign in Nashville Sunday for U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07) in her Senate bid. Graham will appear at CabaRay Showroom from 2:30-4 p.m., according to Facebook and Twitter posts. Doors open at 2. A different venue had initially been announced. https://twitter.com/TNGOP/status/1055142005943222272 “If you live in Tennessee — or have friends and family living there — please encourage them to support for Marsha Blackburn for U.S. Senate. I will be attending a Rally in Nashville on Sunday for Marsha and our Tennessee Republican team,” he said on Facebook. CabaRay is a venue that is owned by legendary comedic entertainer Ray Stevens. The stop is part of Graham’s 2018  midterm campaign tour.The Republican National Committee has said Graham is also stopping in Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Nevada, Ohio and South Carolina. Graham isn’t up for re-election until 2020. Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said earlier this month, “President Trump has enlisted Senator Graham, a key ally in confirming Justice Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, to go on the road for Republican candidates. Voters are fired up about the disgraceful confirmation process and the Democrats’ disturbing mob attacks. Senator Graham will…

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Media Reports Conflict on Trump Visit to Chattanooga Before Midterms

Jason M. Reynolds

There are conflicting reports on whether President Donald Trump plans to visit Chattanooga just before Election Day. Meanwhile, Vice President Mike Pence is visiting North Georgia on Nov. 1. News Channel 9 reported Thursday that the president would visit Chattanooga on Nov. 5, citing a statement by U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN-03). Later in the evening, the TV station said Fleischmann backed off his statement. In its update, News Channel 9 said, “A new statement from Congressman Fleischmann’s office is walking back his previous confirmation of Trump’s visit. In it, Communications Director Kasey Lovett says that they would welcome such a visit, ‘but I am not aware of any plans in the near future.’” WRCB reported a possible visit but said details had not been confirmed. The Chattanoogan also reported the president’s visit. It has also been announced Pence will visit Dalton, Georgia, just outside Chattanooga. He will visit the Dalton Convention Center at 11:30 a.m. Eastern on Nov. 1, the Times Free Press said. Pence plans to rally support for  Republican gubernatorial candidate Brian Kemp. Polls shows Kemp in a close race with Democrat Stacey Abrams. This will be Pence’s second trip to Dalton in three years. During the run up…

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Bredesen Smirks: ‘A Few Thousand Very Poor People Coming to Our Border Is Not a Threat to Our National Security’

Jason M. Reynolds

When asked Wednesday about the illegal alien army marching toward America, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Phil Bredesen laughed, saying, “A few thousand very poor people coming to our border is not a threat to our, is not a threat to our security.” The video of Bredesen’s remarks available to watch here. Bredesen’s opponent, U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07) is not amused. She said in a statement, “These comments demonstrate how out of touch Phil Bredesen is with the Tennesseans he seeks to represent. There is a right way to come to this country, and there is a wrong way to come to this country. This mob, which the Department of Homeland Security has confirmed includes gang members, individuals with criminal histories, and people from the Middle East, is seeking to enter our country the wrong way. Phil Bredesen would like to roll out the welcome mat for them, hand them a state-issued, taxpayer funded driving certificates, and get them to work for his campaign. This is a clear difference between the two of us. I will continue to fight against illegal immigration, by ensuring existing immigration laws are followed, building the wall, stopping sanctuary cities, penalizing elected officials who refuse to follow federal…

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Bredesen Turns to Democrats in California, Elsewhere to Call, Write to Voters After Volunteers Flee His Campaign

Jason M. Reynolds

It’s no secret that Phil Bredesen is the top choice of Democrats around the nation to turn the U.S. Senate into a blue zone. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) personally recruited Bredesen to run. Schumer’s PAC has spent millions more on Tennessee than any other race. Billionaire Mike Bloomberg, who has pledged $20 million to Democrats this cycle, hosted a fundraiser for Bredesen in New York. Now Bredesen is getting some added help from progressive allies in California, Massachusetts and other blue bastions, Chattanooga’s News Channel 9 says. Democrats in those states are mailing postcards to people in Tennessee urging them to vote for Bredesen. “Join Organize Win Legislate Sacramento in getting out the vote for Phil Bredesen and be part of the Blue Wave,” a Facebook event page for a California virtual phone bank says. Phil Valentine tweeted, “A listener sent me this. It’s a Phil Bredesen mailer that looks like a 6-year-old wrote it. But note the BOSTON postmark!!! Oh, no. There’s no big liberal outside money in THIS campaign. (Where’s my sarcasm emoji when I need it?) #MarshaBlackburn Retweet!!!” A listener sent me this. It's a Phil Bredesen mailer that looks like a 6-year-old wrote it.…

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Phil Bredesen Ally ‘La Raza Renata’ Would Welcome Members of Migrant Army, Which DHS Says Includes Criminals, Marching Through Mexico from Honduras Who Come to Nashville

Jason M. Reynolds

Phil Bredesen ally Renata Soto is issuing a clarion call to the criminal migrant army marching toward America’s southern border. Soto on Monday tweeted in Spanish that Bredesen’s Senate race opponent, U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07) gave her heartburn. https://twitter.com/RenataSotoTN/status/1052045499870732293 Soto is the immediate past chairman of the George Soros-supported national group formerly known as La Raza and founder of Nashville’s Conexion Americas. The Tennessean quoted her Tuesday as encouraging the criminal migrant army: The Honduran migrants highlight the United State’s need for sound refugee and asylum policies, she told the newspaper. “‘We must continue to be a beacon of hope for families and children who, due to violence and dire circumstances, are forced to flee their homes,’ Soto said in an email,” the newspaper said. The Washington Examiner reported Tuesday that the group is composed of multi-national criminals, quoting the Department of Homeland Security. “@DHSgov can confirm that there are individuals within the caravan who are gang members or have significant criminal histories,” DHS spokesman Tyler Houlton wrote in a series of tweets Tuesday evening. “Citizens of countries outside Central America, including countries in the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and elsewhere are currently traveling through Mexico toward the…

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Bredesen Opposes Border Wall and His Allies Support Abolishing ICE Even as Army of 7,000 Plus Hondurans Heads for Southern U.S. Border

Jason M. Reynolds

While Democrat Phil Bredesen was on stage at a concert Monday evening, an army of thousands of migrants are slowly working their way toward the southern border. President Donald Trump alerted the military on Monday, as the army of migrants from Honduras crossed into Mexico, Breitbart said. “I have alerted Border Patrol and Military that this is a National Emergy [sic],” Trump wrote on Twitter. “Must change laws!”, Breitbart reported. And while President Trump has promised to maintain the rule of law and ensure that U.S. immigration policies are being followed, some of Bredesen’s key supporters want the opposite – to end the Immigration and Customs Enforcement service, the Republican National Committee said in a press release. Bredesen is running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Senator Bob Corker (R-TN). U.S. Senator Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY), the first senator to call for abolishing ICE, stumped for Phil Bredesen’s campaign in the “I Will Vote Rally” at Third Man Records in Nashville, The Tennessee Star reported earlier this month. She has donated $5,000 to Bredesen, the RNC said. The Hill quoted Gillibrand as saying, “[T]hat’s why I believe you should get rid of it, start over, reimagine it and…

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NASCAR Legend Darrell Waltrip Races Into Marsha Blackburn’s Corner

Jason M. Reynolds

U.S. Senate candidate Marsha Blackburn has received a high-octane endorsement. Blackburn’s Senate campaign launched a new television ad Monday featuring NASCAR legend Darrell Waltrip. The ad will air in media markets across the state and on digital platforms statewide. The video is available to watch here. Speaking about the ad, U.S. Representative Blackburn (R-TN-07) said, “Darrell and Stevie Waltrip and their family are treasured friends of our family. D.W. wants his next Senator to represent our shared conservative values in the Senate, and I’m the only one Tennesseans can count on to do that. I’m grateful for his support as we head into the final laps of the campaign.” Here is the transcript: Waltrip: “I’m Darrell Waltrip. I made a career out of going fast and turning left. That works on the track, but not so good in Washington. Phil Bredesen will go along to get along with Washington liberals on taxes, immigration, and Obamacare. That’s why we need Marsha Blackburn at the wheel.” Blackburn: “Are you going to keep talking or are we going to roll?” Waltrip: “Boogity, boogity, boogity – let’s win this race!” Blackburn: “I’m Marsha Blackburn, and I approve this message.” Voiceover: “Marsha Blackburn for Tennessee.” Waltrip is not Blackburn’s only…

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Bredesen Lies About Not Financing Campaign, Dumps $2 Million into Schumer’s Effort to Retake Senate

Jason M. Reynolds

With two weeks until Election Day on Nov. 6, Democratic Senate candidate Phil Bredesen reported giving his own campaign an additional $2 million, bringing his total donations and loans to $7.4 million The news comes from Politico Playbook. Last December, Bredesen was promising something different. The Tennessean reported last December that he promised not to bankroll his campaign: Perhaps surprisingly, Bredesen, a former Nashville mayor who has earned millions privately in the health care industry and helped bankroll some of his past campaigns, said he would not be contributing any personal money into his race. He said he doesn’t think it will be necessary.” “‘I think at this point, I’ve earned the right to go out and raise money,’ he said, adding that people have already stepped up in wide numbers over the last 48 hours.” The Tennessee Republican Party says Bredesen has lied to the tune of more than $7.4 million this year. “Well, now we have another report showing Bredesen pumping millions of dollars into his campaign (he has done the same in every quarter of this financial year),” a GOP press release said, citing a tweet from Gideon Resnick of The Daily Beast. “His total to-date stands at $7,455,000,” according to FEC filings. Tennessee…

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Christian Leaders Release Video on Soros’s ‘Rented Evangelicals’

Jason M. Reynolds

The American Association of Evangelicals (AAE) is warning about progressive wolves in Christians’ clothing. The AAE on Monday released an explosive three-minute video, “Soros’s Rented Evangelicals” exploring the George Soros network’s funding of “evangelical mascots” and a “Rent-an-Evangelical” tactic to confuse and divide the Christian vote for the pro-faith, pro-life Republican party. Democrat ministers the Rev. Jim Wallis and allies are touring many states on “Vote Common Good” buses to “flip Congress” and “reclaiming Jesus” to split the evangelical vote before the mid-term elections. The AAE video features the newly released voice recording of Wallis of Sojourners as he publicly denied that he was a recipient of Soros funding. Soon after, grants disappeared, but journalists found hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants from Soros’s Open Society Foundation to Sojourners. Wallis later replied, “I didn’t recall,” as he finally admitted the Soros connection. This is a very complex story, as leaked documents obtained by AAE confirm, with Investor’s Business Daily calling it a media blackout of Soros’ takeover of politics in America and Europe. Kelly Monroe Kullberg, a spokesperson for the AAE, said, “Americans hate manipulation. Most now realize that the demoralization of America is not inevitable, it is being…

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Nashville’s ‘La Raza Renata’ Endorses Phil Bredesen, Tweets in Spanish ‘Blackburn Me Da Heartburn’

Jason M. Reynolds

Renata Soto, the immediate past chairman of the George Soros-supported national group formerly known as La Raza and founder of Nashville’s Conexion Americas, has endorsed Democrat Phil Bredesen for Senate, claiming in a Spanish language tweet that Republican nominee U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07) gives her heartburn. https://twitter.com/RenataSotoTN/status/1052045499870732293?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw Soto is the immediate past chairman of the board of the Trump-bashing group now known as UnidosUS (the new name adopted by the George Soros-funded National Council of LaRaza in July 2017), and founder and head of Conexion Americas, the Nashville affiliate of UnidosUS. She was one of the featured speakers at the February kickoff of the Transit for Nashville campaign to support the passage of the tax increasing transit plan on the May 1 referendum in Nashville, The Tennessee Star reported at the time. Soto is also the leader of the Nashville “Indivisible” anti-Trump campaign, and a close ally of disgraced former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Karl Dean and former gubernatorial candidate Randy Boyd have been huge fans of Soto’s. The same day the U.S. Supreme Court confirmed President Trump’s executive authority to restrict entry into the U.S. from designated countries, “La Raza Randy” Boyd’s collaborator Soto rallied…

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With Illegal Alien Army Nearing Border, Blackburn Says Tennesseans Want Border Secured

Jason M. Reynolds

U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07) spoke Monday about the thousands of immigrants preparing to enter the country illegally. President Donald Trump alerted the military on Monday, as the army of migrants from Honduras crossed into Mexico, Breitbart said. “I have alerted Border Patrol and Military that this is a National Emergy [sic],” Trump wrote on Twitter. “Must change laws!”, Breitbart reported. Blackburn is running for the U.S. Senate against Democratic former Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen. Blackburn’s statement said: There is a right way and a wrong way to come into our country, and Tennesseans want to see our immigration laws enforced and our border secured. As our next Senator, that’s exactly what I will do. My opponent doesn’t even think that immigration is a ‘top ten’ issue.” “If Phil Bredesen had his way, he would be at the border, handing them all state-issued, taxpayer-funded drivers’ certificates. He probably thinks they ought to use those certificates to vote too. He opposes President Trump’s travel ban and thinks building the wall is ‘political theater.’ He is too liberal to protect Tennessee families and uphold the rule of law, and if he’s elected to the U.S. Senate, he’ll help bring sanctuary cities to…

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National Federation of Independent Business Endorses Marsha Blackburn for Senate

Jason M. Reynolds

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) on Thursday endorsed U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07) for the Senate, the latest of many notable endorsements she has received leading up to the Nov. 6 election. “Congressman Blackburn has been a dedicated supporter of Tennessee small businesses throughout her time in the United States House of Representatives,” said NFIB’s Tennessee State Director Jim Brown. “She has a true understanding of the issues that matter to our members, and we are confident that she will continue to support efforts to roll back onerous regulations and protect small business tax cuts. On behalf of small businesses in Tennessee, we are proud to endorse Congressman Marsha Blackburn for election to the U.S. Senate.” NFIB’s Political Director Sharon Sussin said, “Congressman Blackburn’s voting record speaks volumes of her support of small businesses in Tennessee and across the country. We are glad to endorse her today and we know that she will be a staunch supporter of small business issues in the U.S. Senate.” Speaking about the endorsement, Blackburn said, “National Federation of Independent Business is a strong voice for small businesses nationwide, committed to advocating for the best interests of business owners. Small business owners deserve…

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Senator Lindsey Graham to Stump for Candidates in 12 States, Including Tennessee

Jason M. Reynolds

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) will kick off a 12-day campaign tour to support expanding Republican majorities in the 2018 midterm elections. The Republican National Committee made the announcement Thursday. The message Graham will take across the country is clear: Remember Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said, “President Trump has enlisted Senator Graham, a key ally in confirming Justice Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, to go on the road for Republican candidates. Voters are fired up about the disgraceful confirmation process and the Democrats’ disturbing mob attacks. Senator Graham will rally Americans across the country to take that energy to the polls and reject the Schumer Sham and liberal mob.” The left smeared the newest Supreme Court justice in a shameless series of dishonest attacks on his character. Graham stands a good chance of delivering a timely message. The Tennessee Star recently carried a commentary by Julie Kelly, a senior contributor to American Greatness, that Democrats have risked losing suburban women over the opportunistic attacks on Kavanaugh and his family. Graham will campaign to boost Republican candidates in the following states: Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Nevada, Ohio, South Carolina and Tennessee. Graham’s appearance…

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Condoleezza Rice Endorses Marsha Blackburn for Senate

Jason M. Reynolds

Condoleezza Rice endorsed U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07) for U.S. Senate on Wednesday. “I am honored to endorse Marsha Blackburn for the United States Senate,” former Secretary of State Rice said. “This election is a historic opportunity for Tennesseans to elect their first female Senator.  More importantly, it is an opportunity to help shape Tennessee’s future. Marsha represents the natural choice this November and I am proud to support her candidacy.” Rice served as Secretary of State for former President George W. Bush from Jan. 25, 2005 to Jan. 20, 2009, succeeding Colin Powell in the post. She was the first African-American woman to serve as Secretary of State. Before that, she served as National Security Advisor. Speaking about the endorsement, Blackburn said, “Condoleezza Rice is a leader for our country and our party, and I am so honored to earn her endorsement. In the Senate, I will continue to fight for our shared principles.” Rice’s endorsement is the latest of many for Blackburn. Last Friday, financial advice guru Dave Ramsey of Brentwood announced his endorsement of Blackburn, who he called his “good friend.” He mentioned how they met while protesting a state income tax in 2001. The Fraternal Order of…

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Want Higher Taxes, More Resistance? Vote for Phil Bredesen, GOP Says

Jason M. Reynolds

On the first day of early voting Wednesday, Phil Bredesen and Marsha Blackburn rallied voters in Middle Tennessee. U.S. Representative Blackburn (R-TN-07) met with about 150 supporters inside a community center in Franklin, The Tennessean said. Democratic former Governor Phil Bredesen held a lunch rally before a similarly sized crowd at the music venue 3rd and Lindsley near downtown Nashville. Blackburn and Bredesen are running for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Senator Bob Corker (R-TN). Early voting will be open until Nov. 1. The general election is Nov. 6. Republicans are urging voters to consider the candidates’ stances when heading to polling locations. Garren Shipley, communications director for the Republican National Committee, said, “If you think Tennesseans shouldn’t have Second Amendment rights, if you want to give back your tax cuts, or if you think there’s not enough resistance to President Trump in Washington, then be sure to get out there and vote early for Phil Bredesen. Otherwise, we’d suggest you go vote as soon as possible for Marsha Blackburn.” Last week Bredesen attended a fundraiser in New York City at the home of former New York City Mayor and potential 2020 presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg, The Tennessee Star…

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Bredesen Not Serious About Meeting with President Trump, Tennessee GOP Leader Says

Jason M. Reynolds

Phil Bredesen can fly his $10 million jet to New York to wine and dine with billionaire gun-control advocate Michael Bloomberg but apparently cannot make the slightly shorter trip to Washington, D.C. to meet with President Donald Trump. So, Bredesen has issued an invitation to the president to visit him next time he travels to Tennessee to campaign for Bredesen’s rival, U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07), whom Trump has endorsed. The president attended an Oct. 1 rally to support Blackburn in her run for the U.S. Senate. He also attended a May rally for her. Bredesen on Tuesday tweeted “I’d like to extend an invitation to President Trump — if he comes back to TN to campaign for my opponent— to discuss how we can establish a business relationship with pharma. It’s time for us to put our business hats on and work together to do what’s best for Tennessee.” One problem is that the president has not announced any visits to Tennessee in the immediate future. After Bredesen claimed he wanted to meet with President Trump, Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Scott Golden said: “Trump was very explicit: Democrat Phil Bredesen will ‘100 percent’ vote against the President and the…

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Taylor Swift’s ‘Reputation’ Not Enough to Move Voters in Tennessee Senate Race, Poll Says

Jason M. Reynolds

Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Democrat Phil Bredesen has done little to move the needle in the U.S. Senate race, a new poll by  Cygnal, a Republican polling and research firm shows. Pop superstar Taylor Swift used Instagram recently to endorse Bredesen and U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (D-TN-05), The Tennessee Star reported on Oct. 8. The 28-year-old superstar stunned fans by breaking her career-long political silence with her endorsements. Cygnal says Swift’s foray into politics is not having much impact, however, particularly in Bredesen’s race with U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07) for the open Senate seat. The Star reported Saturday that a New York Times poll shows Blackburn with a strong lead of 54 percent to 40 percent over the former governor. While election officials in Tennessee have noted an increase in voter registrations, more than 86 percent of respondents say their vote hasn’t changed, despite 82 percent of respondents indicating they were aware of the endorsement, Cygnal said in a statement. “Millennial and Gen Z voters are highly aware of the endorsement of the Democrat, but it did little to move their vote preference,” said Matt Hubbard, vice president of Research & Analytics at Cygnal. “Swift’s endorsement is providing a…

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Tennessee Democrats’ Favorite Spokesman Mark Brown Calls Gun Owners ‘Biggest Terrorist Organization’

Jason M. Reynolds

Tennessee Democratic Party spokesman Mark Brown is under fire once again, this time for calling American gun owners the “biggest terrorist organization on the planet.” Fox News reported on Brown’s 2015 Facebook post making that statement. A video of the report is available here. The Fox News report was based on a story by The Washington Free Beacon, which said, “A top spokesman for the Tennessee Democratic Party’s effort to get Phil Bredesen elected U.S. senator has said he views ‘white male’ gun owners as ‘the biggest terrorist organization on the planet.’” Brown is communications director for Tennessee Victory 2018, a project of the state Democratic party that’s been working exclusively on electing Bredesen. The group is hosting Bredesen for a Johnson City meet-and-greet on Thursday afternoon. Bredesen, for whom Brown once worked and is now actively campaigning on behalf of, has yet to denounce Brown’s hateful rhetoric. Bredesen has tried to claim he supports the Second Amendment, but has been given a “D” rating from the National Rifle Association. “The fact that Brown remains employed by Tennessee Democrats despite his hateful comments toward supporters of President Trump and the Second Amendment tells you everything you need to know,” said Tennessee Republican Party…

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Bredesen Misled Voters on Sexual Harassment Facts at Second Debate, GOP Says

Jason M. Reynolds

In the second U.S. Senate debate, Democrat Phil Bredesen continued to mislead voters on the facts, the Tennessee Republican Party said in a new video Friday. The video is available to watch here. U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07) put former Governor Phil Bredesen on the defensive Wednesday night at the second debate between the two candidates, The Tennessee Star reported. Blackburn started out strong at the debate held in Knoxville at the University of Tennessee’s Howard Baker Center, and Bredesen never recovered. Bredesen claims there was just one “individual” where the investigation notes were shredded. But there were at least three high profile cases in which a member of his administration was named, the Tennessee Republican Party said in a statement. According to the Tennessee GOP, citing reports from The Tennessean, those people were: Mack Cooper, top lobbyist (Brad Schrade, “Investigator Shreds Notes in Bredesen Aide’s Demotion,” The Tennessean, 5/12/05) Quenton White, State Correction Commissioner (Brad Schrade and Christian Bottorff, “Prison Chief Quits Amid Scrutiny,” The Tennessean, 7/14/05) Dave Hensley, fundraiser and state employee (Brad Schrade, “Wife Kept Deputy Governor In Touch; He Remained A Channel For Promotion Requests,” The Tennessean, 2/26/06) Bredesen claims that the individual (presumably Cooper) was “gone the…

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Tennessee Democratic Party Spokesperson Admits He Lied About Bredesen Campaign Workers Who Said ‘Fibber Phil’ Lied About Kavanaugh Vote

Jason M. Reynolds

Lies are piling up on top of lies in the Phil Bredesen campaign, as Fox 17 News has caught the Senate candidate’s spokesman not telling the truth about the explosive Project Veritas Action video. Project Veritas Action sent an undercover reporter into Bredesen’s West End Nashville campaign office, where she filmed paid staff saying Bredesen lied about supporting Judge Brett Kavanaugh for the U.S. Supreme Court. On Friday, Harriet Wallace at Fox News 17 called out Mark Brown, Tennessee Democratic spokesperson, who she said “lied” about the Bredesen campaign workers captured on video when he first claimed that they were interns and volunteers, not paid staff. Fox News 17 sent out this tweet minutes before Wallace broke the story on the 5:30 pm news. FOX 17 News @ 5:30📺 Undercover video by a conservative group claims to show Bredesen staff saying the candidate lied about an issue. The State Democratic Party says those shown in the video are just volunteers and interns, but a FOX 17 investigation reveals otherwise. pic.twitter.com/YHv0hSi72A — FoxNashville (@FOXNashville) October 12, 2018 Brown told that lie to Fox 17 News after the video was released on Wednesday. Brown said the volunteers in the video are not…

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Dave Ramsey Endorses ‘True Conservative’ Marsha Blackburn for Senate

Jason M. Reynolds

Financial advice guru Dave Ramsey of Brentwood formally announced his endorsement of his “good friend” U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07) for the U.S. Senate on Friday. Watch his endorsement: Ramsey says, “I’ve known Marsha since way back in 2001 when she and I and a bunch of others fought against a state income tax here in the state of Tennessee. I learned then a couple things about Marsha. Number one – she’s a fighter, she likes to win. Number two – she’s a conservative, and a true conservative, and she’s proven that in her public service over and over again. Marsha stands for family values … Marsha stands for Second Amendment rights … Marsha has a voice of common sense, and this is the kind of person we need as a Senator for the state of Tennessee …  I’ll be backing Marsha Blackburn, my friend for a long time, for all the right reasons, to be the next Senator for the state of Tennessee.” In response to the endorsement, Marsha Blackburn said in a statement, “Dave Ramsey is a brilliant economic mind, trusted counsel, and I’m honored to have his continued support as we work to win in November.” On his…

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Completed New York Times Poll Shows Marsha Blackburn Leading Phil Bredesen By 14 Points, 54 Percent to 40 Percent

Jason M. Reynolds

The New York Times has finalized its poll numbers in the Marsha Blackburn-Phil Bredesen Senate race, and the complete results are good news for Blackburn and bad news for Bredesen. The Tennessee Star on Wednesday reported on an earlier snapshot of the poll, showing U.S. Representative Blackburn (R-TN-07) with a 57 percent to 39 percent lead over Democratic former Governor Bredesen. The New York Times’ poll has been updated in real time to show Blackburn’s lead at 54 percent to 40 percent over Bredesen. The newspaper’s poll information is here. In September, the newspaper said it would use “live polling,” in which the results of polls in Battleground States could constantly change over a two-month period leading up to the election. “For the first time, we’ll publish our poll results and display them in real time, from start to finish, respondent by respondent. No media organization has ever tried something like this, and we hope to set a new standard of transparency. You’ll see the poll results at the same time we do. You’ll see our exact assumptions about who will turn out, where we’re calling and whether someone is picking up. You’ll see what the results might have been…

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State Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris Confirmed As Federal Judge in West Tennessee

Jason M. Reynolds
Tennessee Star

State Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris (R-TN-32) has been named as a new federal judge in the Western District of Tennessee, leaving his position open in the state senate, The Tennessean said. The U.S. Senate voted Thursday evening to confirm Norris in a close vote. The tally was 51-44. “I recommended Senator Norris to the president, and I strongly supported Mark’s nomination,” U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) said. “He is respected by his peers around the country, having been elected chairman of the Council of State Governments, and has been an advocate and a champion for federalism and for the separation of powers.” Lt. Governor Randy McNally (R-TN-05) made a statement following the confirmation of Norris. McNally said, “Congratulations to my friend Mark Norris on his confirmation as U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Tennessee. Mark has been a smart and thoughtful legislator. He will be a smart and thoughtful judge. I have proudly served with Mark for many years. I have always admired the care and thoroughness he brings to public service. As our Senate Majority Leader, Mark has been an indispensable asset not just to the Senate but to state government as a whole. While we will…

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Bredesen, Who Says He Is ‘Not With the Dems’ On Gun Control, Was with Gun Control Advocate Michael Bloomberg at Posh New York Fundraiser

Jason M. Reynolds

Phil Bredesen, the Democrats’ U.S. Senate candidate in Tennessee, who claimed recently he was “not with the Dems” on gun control, on Tuesday was in fact with the Dems in New York, including gun-control advocate billionaire Michael Bloomberg. Video of the two men entering the venue separately is available here. The Leader (of Covington, Tennessee) on Tuesday said, “Bredesen called himself ‘conservative’ with second amendment issues and said he is a life-long gun owner. …’I’m not with the Dems on that stuff,” The Tennessee Star reported Wednesday. The Tennessee Republican Party said in a press release, “Actually, he is with them, raising money in New York with people who don’t respect law abiding gun owners’ rights. Make no mistake: Phil is bought and paid for by Chuck Schumer, Michael Bloomberg, and national Democrats.” The Star first reported news of the fundraiser on Oct. 4. The event was billed to financiers as an opportunity to “join Mike Bloomberg for an evening in support of Governor Phil Bredesen.” It is likely that Bloomberg is supporting Bredesen because he has a “D” rating from the National Rifle Association. The NRA has been calling for Bredesen to fix an ad in which he claims…

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New Senate Leadership Fund Ad Exposes Phil Bredesen’s Self-Dealing Solar Investments as Governor

Jason M. Reynolds

Senate Leadership Fund on Tuesday launched a new advertising campaign slamming Phil Bredesen for his conflicts of interest as governor, costing Tennessee taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars while Bredesen made a fortune, the group says. The $1.6 million buy will run statewide on a combination of broadcast and cable television, radio and digital. The ad is available here. Bredesen is running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Senator Bob Corker (R-TN). U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07) is his opponent. Senate Leadership Fund Spokesman Chris Pack said, “Call it what you want, but look at what Phil Bredesen made Tennessee do: pour hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars into solar investments that went belly-up while he made a fortune. We knew he was trouble, but Phil Bredesen’s cashing in on the very subsidies he got passed goes beyond our wildest dreams.” Solar power companies, including Bredesen’s Silicon Ranch, wouldn’t make much of a mark without officials giving them taxpayer money, government incentives and other generous benefits, Nick Loris of the Heritage Foundation, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank, told The Tennessee Star in August. That’s because less than 2 percent of America’s electricity comes from solar power, Loris said.…

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Fraternal Order of Police Endorses Blackburn

Jason M. Reynolds

The Fraternal Order of Police on Tuesday announced its endorsement of Marsha Blackburn for U.S. Senate. Speaking about the endorsement, Scottie DeLashmit, Fraternal Order of Police State President, said, “Marsha Blackburn has consistently been a friend to law enforcement in Tennessee. Her commitment to providing the resources we need to maintain law and order in our communities is paramount to our ability to care for the safety and security of the residents of our state. The Tennessee Fraternal Order of Police is proud to endorse and support Marsha in her race for U.S. Senate.” U.S. Representative Blackburn (R-TN-07) said, “The Fraternal Order of Police is a dedicated community of law enforcement officials committed to fostering a community of law and order. I am honored to receive the FOP’s endorsement in my race for United States Senate. As Tennessee’s next senator, I will always work to support the law enforcement community and ensure they have the resources they need to protect us.” Blackburn is running against Democratic former Governor Phil Bredesen for the seat of Senator Bob Corker (R-TN), who is retiring. Blackburn leads Bredesen in the race by eight points, 50 percent to 42 percent, in a new CBS News Battleground Tracker poll,…

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Bredesen Claims ‘Not With Dems’ on Gun Control Before Bloomberg Fundraiser

Jason M. Reynolds

On issues Tennesseans care about, Phil Bredesen likes to have it both ways, The Tennessee Republican Party said. The organization pointed to the National Rifle Association’s criticism of the U.S. Senate candidate for claiming he has an “A” rating, when that endorsement comes from 2002. His current score is a “D,” as The Tennessee Star has reported. Gun-control advocate Mike Bloomberg hosted a Manhattan fundraiser for Bredesen Tuesday. Bloomberg said in 2014, “And if you want to have a gun in your house, I think you’re pretty stupid – particularly if you have kids – but I guess you have a right to do that. Someday, there is going to be a suit against parents who smoke in their houses or have guns in their houses by a kid. It’s not that far-fetched,” The Tennessee Star reported. The Leader (of Covington) said Tuesday that “Bredesen called himself ‘conservative’ with second amendment issues and said he is a life-long gun owner. …’I’m not with the Dems on that stuff.” Bredesen did not say that the Manhattan fundraiser comes as Bloomberg announced he would contribute $20 million to the Senate Majority PAC, which aims to help Democrats capture a majority. That would put…

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Democratic Leader Says ‘There Are No Moderate Democrats Left,’ Begging the Question of Whether That Applies to ‘Fibber Phil’ Bredesen

Jason M. Reynolds

Call it a Freudian slip at best, an unfortunate encounter with the truth at worst, with a top Democrat saying all the moderates have fled the party. That likely applies to Phil Bredesen as well. Speaking on MSNBC, Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez said “There are no moderate Democrats left…” https://twitter.com/michael_ahrens/status/1049455723107762176 Whoops. Garren Shipley, Republican National Committee spokesman, said, “Tom Perez had it right the first time. Moderate Democrats are a thing of the past. Phil Bredesen, who has based his entire campaign on the false promise of independence, is raising money today with billionaire Mike Bloomberg – an anti-gun zealot who has spent millions of dollars in an effort to abridge our Second Amendment rights. He is bought and paid for by Chuck Schumer, Michael Bloomberg, and national Democrats. Today’s Democrat party isn’t just Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi at the top, it’s like-minded people all the way down.” Bredesen is running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Senator Bob Corker (R-TN). U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07) is his opponent. Shipley referred to a Tuesday fundraiser that billionaire Bloomberg hosted for Bredesen at his Manhattan home. The event was billed to financiers as an opportunity to “join Mike Bloomberg for an evening in support…

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Phil Bredesen Tweet to Taylor Swift Shows Why 74-Year-Olds Should Not be Allowed on Social Media

Jason M. Reynolds

Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Phil Bredesen has led to a lot of flaming online – and Bredesen is receiving some of the backblast for attempting to be hip while in turn flaming Marsha Blackburn. Swift endorsed the Democratic Senate candidate on Instagram while also blasting U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07), Bredesen’s opponent. Swift said of Blackburn, “As much as I have in the past and would like to continue voting for women in office, I cannot support Marsha Blackburn. Her voting record in Congress appalls and terrifies me.” (emphasis added) Bredesen tweeted, “.@VoteMarsha, look what you made her do. @taylorswift13 doesn’t like your little games and she wants Tennesseans to know that you’ve been in the swamp long enough. It’s time for some fresh air up in Washington.” .@VoteMarsha, look what you made her do. @taylorswift13 doesn’t like your little games and she wants Tennesseans to know that you’ve been in the swamp long enough. It’s time for some fresh air up in Washington. https://t.co/DC11TVODMh — Phil Bredesen (@PhilBredesen) October 8, 2018 The 74-year-old former Tennessee governor was referencing Swift’s popular song “Look What You Made Me Do,” which has been interpreted as an attack against her enemies, including Kanye…

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President Trump: Taylor Swift ‘Doesn’t Know Anything About’ Marsha Blackburn

Jason M. Reynolds

President Donald Trump supported Senate candidate Marsha Blackburn Monday after pop superstar Taylor Swift “smeared” her, and he criticized the singer, Breitbart News said. “She’s a tremendous woman,” Trump said about Blackburn. “I’m sure Taylor Swift has nothing or doesn’t know anything about her.” Watch the latest video at foxnews.com Swift endorsed Blackburn’s opponent, Democratic former Governor Phil Bredesen, as well as U.S. Representative Jim Cooper (D-TN-05). She also took a swipe at U.S. Representative Blackburn (R-TN-0-7). “As much as I have in the past and would like to continue voting for women in office, I cannot support Marsha Blackburn. Her voting record in Congress appalls and terrifies me.” (emphasis added) https://www.instagram.com/p/BopoXpYnCes/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link However, Blackburn is “leading substantially” in the polls, the president said. A CBS News poll shows her leading Bredesen by 50 percent to 42 percent. The president added that he liked Swift’s music less, Breitbart reported. “Let’s say that I like Taylor’s music about 25 percent less now,” he said. The president defeated Hillary Clinton in Tennessee by 26 points in 2016. The National Republican Senate Committee said in a statement, “If you haven’t heard, multimillionaire pop star Taylor Swift came down from her ivory tower to tell…

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Shelby County Schools Superintendent Dorsey Hopson Endorses Bill Lee for Governor

Jason M. Reynolds

The leader of Tennessee’s largest school district is supporting Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Lee, education news website Chalkbeat reported. Shelby County Schools Superintendent Dorsey Hopson said Lee would be “open-minded and solutions-oriented” on issues important to him such as “improving testing, raising teacher pay, supporting students’ social and emotional needs and adopting multiple strategies to improve public education in Tennessee.” Hopson’s endorsement is his first. Memphis reliably votes Democrat in an otherwise Republican state. However, Hopson has in recent years reached out to Republican lawmakers. He has disagreed with the Tennessee Department of Education over whether to pause the flawed TNReady testing. Lee, a businessman and farmer, touted Hopson’s support during a debate last week against his opponent Karl Dean, a Democrat and former Nashville mayor. Lee praised the Innovation Zone, a school improvement program in Shelby County Schools that has boosted test scores for students at chronically low-performing schools in impoverished neighborhoods. Hopson said Lee reached out to him to meet about a year and a half ago when Lee was considering running for governor. “We routinely discussed faith, family, government and education issues,” Hopson told Chalkbeat. “I appreciated the thoughtful and humble way that he sought my input.”…

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Taylor Swift, Who Moved to New York City in 2014 After Purchasing $20 Million Condo, Endorses ‘Fibber Phil’ Bredesen

Jason M. Reynolds

Pop superstar Taylor Swift has a political crush on Phil Bredesen and Jim Cooper, having used Instagram to endorse both Democrats in their races. The New York Daily News reported her saying: In the past I’ve been reluctant to publicly voice my political opinions, but due to several events in my life and in the world in the past two years, I feel very differently about that now. I always have and always will cast my vote based on which candidate will protect and fight for the human rights I believe we all deserve in this country. I believe in the fight for LGBTQ rights, and that any form of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender is WRONG. I believe that the systemic racism we still see in this country towards people of color is terrifying, sickening and prevalent. I cannot vote for someone who will not be willing to fight for dignity for ALL Americans, no matter their skin color, gender or who they love. Democratic former Governor Bredesen is running for the Senate seat being vacated by Bob Corker (R-TN). U.S. Representative Cooper (D-TN-07) is running for re-election in Nashville, where he has served since 2003. If…

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Poll: Marsha Blackburn Now Leads ‘Fibber Phil’ Bredesen by 8 Points

Jason M. Reynolds

U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07) leads Phil Bredesen in the U.S. Senate race by eight points, 50 percent to 42 percent, CBS News reported in a new Battleground Tracker poll. CBS says that in this race and several others where Democrats hope to win upset Senate victories, they are “having at best mixed results so far.” Those other states are Texas and Arizona. Democrats are having better luck in typically blue New Jersey. [pdf-embedder url=”https://tennesseestar.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/cbs-poll.pdf” title=”cbs poll”] These races have been nationalized, CBS said. By more than two to one, registered voters say national issues outweigh local ones. Voters say their vote is mainly about the country’s direction. Majorities of each candidate’s voters say they aim to put their party in control. Those who say they support either Blackburn or Democratic former Governor Bredesen say their level of support is “very strong” (62 percent) vs. “strong” (24 percent). Voters feel relatively more satisfied about the country’s direction in Texas and Tennessee — where the Republicans lead and where President Trump is more popular — compared to voters in New Jersey and Arizona, where the president’s approval rating is under 50 percent. Trump looms large in each of these contests. In…

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New York Senator Gillibrand, Who Wants to Abolish ICE, Helps Raise Money for Bredesen Campaign

Jason M. Reynolds

U.S. Senator Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY), the first senator to call for abolishing ICE, stumped for Phil Bredesen’s campaign Saturday in the “I Will Vote Rally” at Third Man Records in Nashville. Gillibrand was the first senator to publicly support the idea of abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Here’s what she said about ICE: “[T]hat’s why I believe you should get rid of it, start over, reimagine it and build something that actually works.” She later claimed her statement was misconstrued. Gillibrand donated $5,000 to Democrat Phil Bredesen to join her in the Senate. Bredesen is locked in a tight race for a vacant U.S. Senate seat with U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07). A Tennessee Star poll shows Blackburn with a 3-point lead. Bredesen has been under fire in Tennessee for his liberal views on immigration, including giving drivers certificates to illegal aliens. Gillibrand isn’t the only Senator supporting abolishing ICE who has also donated to Bredesen. U.S. Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) has donated $10,000 to Bredesen and wants ICE to “start from scratch.” If Democrats are trying to win in a state that gave President Donald Trump 60 percent of the vote, they certainly are picking odd outside reinforcements to do…

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Blackburn Praises Senate for Confirming Kavanaugh, While Tennessee GOP Leader Calls It Fulfillment of President Trump’s Promises

Jason M. Reynolds

Senate candidate Marsha Blackburn, who has strongly supported Judge Brett Kavanaugh, praised the Senate Saturday for confirming the newest Supreme Court justice. The Senate confirmed Kavanaugh on Saturday afternoon following a grueling process in which Democrats waged war against the judge’s character. U.S. Representative Blackburn (R-TN-07) said, “Judge Brett Kavanaugh will make a fine Supreme Court Justice, and I applaud the Senate for confirming his nomination. After weeks of delay tactics and eleventh hour smear campaigns by the Democrats, I am thrilled to see he will serve the American people on the Supreme Court. I am disgusted by Democrats who are already discussing impeaching Judge Kavanaugh before he has even been sworn in. If Phil Bredesen were to be elected, Democrats would take the majority, and they would do everything they could to block President Trump’s nominees to the Supreme Court and the federal bench. Phil Bredesen and the Democrats will get it wrong every time, but I will always vote to confirm good constitutionalist judges and justices who do not legislate from the bench.” Blackburn referred to her Senate election opponent, Democratic former Governor Phil Bredesen. He has been harshly criticized for waiting nearly three months to give an insipid…

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Latinos for Tennessee PAC Endorses Seven Republican Candidates

Jason M. Reynolds

A Latino political action committee has released the names of Republican candidates it supports in Tennessee state and federal mid-term elections which will be held on Nov. 6. The Latinos for Tennessee PAC said it has endorsed: Reverend Tommy Vallejos, Tennessee House of Representatives, District 67 Brian Kelsey, Tennessee State Senate, District 31 Dr. Mark Green, U.S. Congress, District 7 Scott DesJarlais, U.S. Congress, District 4 John Rose, U.S. Congress, District 6 Marsha Blackburn, U.S. Senate Bill Lee, Tennessee governor Latinos for Tennessee Executive Director Raul Lopez said, “We are happy to support these candidates who have demonstrated their commitment to defending faith, family, freedom, and fiscal responsibility.” “I’m inspired and encouraged by each of these excellent candidates,” Lopez said. “At each level, they’re working on policies that make sense, that preserve the freedoms that make this country the land of opportunity. Members of the Hispanic community, and all citizens, want the opportunity to flourish here in Tennessee.” “We encourage all Tennesseans to vote on November 6.” Latinos for Tennessee PAC is a political action committee committed to protecting and promoting faith and family, freedom, and fiscal responsibility among Tennessee’s growing Latino population. The mission of Latinos for Tennessee is…

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Bredesen Keeps One Democratic PAC’s Support, While Another That Has Never Supported Him Financially Will Withhold Funds Over Kavanaugh Statement

Jason M. Reynolds

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Phil Bredesen will keep the backing of a top liberal political action committee but lost the support of another PAC because of his wishy-washy belated support of Judge Brett Kavanaugh. CNBC on Friday afternoon reported that Majority Forward, a nonprofit group that spends millions to elect Democrats to the Senate, will continue to support Bredesen. “Yes, Phil Bredesen is the only candidate who has an independent record of results for Tennessee families,” Chris Hayden, a spokesman for Majority Forward, told CNBC. The nonprofit’s affiliated super PAC, the Senate Majority PAC, will also move ahead with plans to back Bredesen. Majority Forward has spent just over $1.6 million in support of Bredesen and $4.1 million against his opponent, U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07). Earlier Friday, Bredesen, a former Tennessee governor, issued a half-hearted statement of support for Kavanaugh and praise for accuser Dr. Christine Blasey Ford. The statement came nearly three months after Kavanaugh was nominated and after his appointment seemed to be certain. Bredesen will not receive money from what CNBC calls the largest Democratic super PAC, Priorities USA Action, because of his belated statement of support. That PAC is affiliated with allies of Hillary Clinton.…

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Schumer Gives Bredesen Permission to Issue Wishy-Washy Statement on Kavanaugh

Jason M. Reynolds

After nearly three months of silence, Phil Bredesen issued a statement that says, in a roundabout way, he would vote yes for Judge Brett Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court. The Democratic candidate for Tennessee’s vacant Senate seat said: Presidents have the right to appoint justices who share their values – elections have consequences. I believe a Senator’s responsibility to ‘advise and consent’ is not a license to indulge in partisanship, but should focus on the qualifications of the nominee, their ethics and their temperament. I believed that Judge Kavanaugh initially met this test, and I was prepared to say ‘yes’ to his nomination prior to Dr. Ford’s coming forward.  While the subsequent events make it a much closer call, and I am missing key pieces of information that a sitting Senator has, I’m still a ‘yes.’ Dr. Ford is a heroine, and has brought forcefully into the national conversation the many barriers women face in reporting and dealing with sexual harassment and assault.  I was disgusted by the treatment she received at the hands of the Senate and am determined to help bring about a fairer and far more respectful treatment of these issues.” Bredesen, a former Tennessee governor, has received…

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Kavanaugh SCOTUS Nomination Shows Tale of Two Tennessee U.S. Senate Candidates, Blackburn Ad Says

Jason M. Reynolds

The Marsha Blackburn campaign released an ad Thursday highlighting the choices that voters have in Tennessee’s U.S. Senate race when it comes to supporting Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court nomination. The ad, which is available here, shows a tale of two candidates when it comes to the nomination – U.S. Representative Blackburn (R-TN-07) and Democratic former Governor Phil Bredesen. The video also shows Tennesseans’ reactions. Blackburn has drawn a positive response for her strong commitment to Kavanaugh and President Donald Trump, while Bredesen has stayed silent for months and even was booed by Democrats earlier this week, The Tennessee Star has reported. Blackburn and Bredesen are running for the Senate seat that is being left empty by Senator Bob Corker (R-TN), who is retiring. Bredesen has tried to flee from his ties to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s, but that’s hard given that Schumer has poured money into his campaign. Schumer recruited Bredesen to run for the Senate. Blackburn has said that Bredesen is following Schumer’s directions to stay silent. Speaking about the contrast, Blackburn campaign communications director Abbi Sigler said, “Marsha has been upfront and honest with Tennesseans. She will always support constitutionalist judges and justices who will not…

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