Author: Jason M. Reynolds

With FBI Report Done on Kavanaugh, It Is Time For Bredesen to Speak Up, Republican National Committee Says

Jason M. Reynolds
Phil Bredesen

The FBI report is in. Senator Bob Corker read it, and said there’s “zero corroboration” of the claims against Judge Brett Kavanaugh. Other senators have reached the same conclusion. Then there is Democratic former Governor Phil Bredesen. Republicans said they were confident they had the votes to confirm Kavanaugh after senators studied the FBI reports, the Los Angeles Times said. Two key Republicans, Senators Jeff Flake (R-AZ) and Susan Collins (R-ME) praised the report. For nearly 90 days Bredesen has refused to say anything about whether he would vote for Kavanaugh if he were already a senator. Bredesen is running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) who is retiring. His opponent, U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07), has given very vocal support in favor of Kavanaugh and President Donald Trump, who nominated the judge for the Supreme Court. She has repeatedly said Bredesen is following the orders of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to stay silent on the issue. Bredesen’s base wants nothing but resistance, as a booing crowd of Democrats in Chattanooga demonstrated when he dodged the Kavanaugh question, the Republican National Committee said in a press release.  The RNC questioned his handling of sexual harassment claims…

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State Senator Johnson Hosts Annual ‘Boots And Jeans, BBQ And Beans’ Sunday in Franklin

Jason M. Reynolds

Boots, barbecue, blue jeans and beans are meeting up with politics once again in Franklin. State Senator Jack Johnson (R-TN-23) is holding his 12th annual “Boots & Jeans, BBQ & Beans” event Sunday at 4 p.m. at The Factory In Franklin. Johnson’s event will feature live music from the Austin Brothers and Martin’s BBQ. The event also will feature an all-star lineup of Tennessee GOP figures, including: State Senator Randy McNally (R-TN-05), lieutenant governor U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07), Republican nominee for U.S. Senate Bill Lee, Republican nominee for governor State Senator Dr. Mark Green (R-TN-22), Republican nominee for Congress Brandon Ogles, Republican nominee for State House District 61 State Representative Glen Casada (R-TN-63) State Representative Sam Whitson (R-TN-65) Speaking about the event, Johnson said, “I am thrilled and honored to be able host my 12th annual Boots & Jeans, BBQ & Beans event. My family and I look forward to this all year and seeing all of our friends and neighbors come together for a family-friendly afternoon of BBQ and live music.” Event details and tickets are available here. Johnson has lived in Middle Tennessee since graduating from Texas State University with a degree in education, according to his…

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Bredesen, Bloomberg ‘Two Peas in a Pod,’ GOP Says

Jason M. Reynolds

New York native Phil Bredesen is at it again. Just two weeks ago the National Rifle Association chastised him for claiming an endorsement that was over a decade-and-a-half old. Now he is buddying up to perhaps the nation’s richest anti-gun advocate, Mike Bloomberg. The former Tennessee governor has a “D,” not an “A” rating from the NRA-ILA, like he claimed in an ad, The Tennessee Star previously reported. He received the “A” rating in 2002 as governor, but is currently down to a “D.” NRA-ILA Political Victory Fund executive director Chris W. Cox  is using Twitter to call Bredesen out for his use of the old “A” rating, Breitbart reports. @PhilBredesen It’s not 2002, you’re not governor and you’re not A-rated by the NRA. Its 2018, you have earned a D rating for turning your back on self-defense and supporting the Hillary/Schumer/Bloomberg gun control agenda. @VoteMarsha is a 2A champion. You’re not. #stoplying pic.twitter.com/Wi0ORRmQTv — Chris Cox (@ChrisCoxCap6) September 20, 2018 Bredesen is running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) who is retiring. U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07) is his opponent. Now, former New York Mayor and gun control advocate Bloomberg will host a…

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Corker Predicts Kavanaugh Will Be Confirmed to SCOTUS

Jason M. Reynolds

U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) said he thinks Judge Brett Kavanaugh will be confirmed. The Hill reported on Corker’s statement Wednesday. Corker said on Tuesday evening that he is confident Senate Republicans will have enough votes to confirm Kavanaugh by “no later than Saturday.” Corker also accused Democrats of having “overplayed their hand” in leveling accusations of sexual misconduct and assault by several women and demanding an FBI investigation. The Senate had previously been scheduled to vote on Kavanaugh’s nomination but the Republican majority on Friday agreed to a demand from some members to delay the vote by one week to give the FBI more time to investigate the accusations. “Cloture may be filed tomorrow … it feels to me like the FBI reports could come in as early as tomorrow, maybe Thursday … my guess is we’re going to vote no later than Saturday,” Corker said in an interview. He said he had spoken to his colleagues about the matter. Corker is retiring from the Senate. Running for his seat are U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07) and Democratic former Governor Phil Bredesen. Blackburn has been criticizing her opponent for staying silent on whether he would support Kavanaugh. Blackburn said recently,…

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New GOP Ad Imagines Schumer, Hillary Clinton Giving Bredesen Instructions to Stay Silent on Kavanaugh Nomination

Jason M. Reynolds

The Tennessee Republican Party has launched a new digital ad to point out how Phil Bredesen is refusing to take a position on Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s SCOTUS nomination per instructions from Chuck Schumer and Hillary Clinton. The Tennessee GOP’s video ad is available here. It shows fantasized text messages in which Clinton and Schumer tell Bredesen to stay neutral in the nomination and give him encouragement. Bredesen, a Democratic former governor of Tennessee, is running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Senator Bob Corker (R-TN), who is retiring. His opponent is U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07). Blackburn has vocalized her support for the embattled Kavanaugh and has hit repeatedly at Bredesen for staying silent on whether he would vote for the judge’s confirmation. Blackburn said this week, “Tennesseans are very clear: they want their next senator to confirm good constitutionalist judges and justices, and they support Judge Brett Kavanaugh. Phil Bredesen, under Chuck Schumer’s direction, has stayed neutral as long as he can.” The Democratic former governor was booed by a mostly Democratic audience Monday in Chattanooga when he sidestepped the question about Kavanaugh. The Tennessee GOP says Bredesen’s lack of communication is in line with Senate Minority Leader…

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Billionaire Gun Control Advocate Bloomberg to Host High Dollar Manhattan Fundraiser for Bredesen

Jason M. Reynolds

Former New York Mayor and gun control advocate Mike Bloomberg will host a fundraiser at his Manhattan home next Tuesday for Tennessee Democratic Senate candidate Phil Bredesen, CNBC reported. The involvement by billionaire Bloomberg is likely to increase scrutiny on one of the tightest races in the midterm elections, as Bredesen, a former Tennessee governor, is trying to flip the seat being vacated by Senator Bob Corker (R-TN), who is retiring. The event is being billed to financiers as an opportunity to “join Mike Bloomberg for an evening in support of Governor Phil Bredesen,” according to the invitation. The Tennessee Republican Party said, “When President Trump said Phil Bredesen wouldn’t protect the Second Amendment during his speech in Johnson City, he was more right than he could have known. Today we found out that anti-Second Amendment zealot Mike Bloomberg is holding a fundraiser for Bredesen in New York.” 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…

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Democrats Boo Bredesen For Ducking Kavanaugh Question While Blackburn Calls for ‘Honest’ Answer

Jason M. Reynolds

Marsha Blackburn called on Phil Bredesen to be “honest” and tell Tennesseans how he would vote on Judge Brett Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court after he dodged another opportunity to give his position. The Democratic former governor was booed by a mostly Democratic audience Monday in Chattanooga when he sidestepped the question about Kavanaugh. The video is available here. U.S. Representative Blackburn (R-TN-07) and Bredesen are running for the Senate seat that is being left empty by Senator Bob Corker (R-TN), who is retiring. Blackburn said, “Tennesseans are very clear: they want their next senator to confirm good constitutionalist judges and justices, and they support Judge Brett Kavanaugh. Phil Bredesen, under Chuck Schumer’s direction, has stayed neutral as long as he can. He won’t tell Tennesseans how he’d vote on Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination because his past record of shredding evidence of sexual harassment is too shameful and embarrassing to take a stand. And Chuck Schumer, who has bought and paid for Phil Bredesen’s campaign won’t let him support Judge Kavanaugh. Eighty-five days is more than enough, Phil Bredesen should be honest with Tennesseans – that’s what leaders do.” During the Sept. 25 debate with Bredesen, Blackburn mentioned that when he was…

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Senior Google Software Engineer Calls Marsha Blackburn ‘Terrorist’ and ‘Violent Thug,’ Supports Censorship

Jason M. Reynolds

A senior Google software engineer who oversees a key component of the search engine called U.S. Senate candidate Marsha Blackburn a “violent thug” and a “terrorist,” Breitbart News reported, citing internal emails it obtained. The employee also defended the censorship of her campaign ads on social media. Breitbart’s story is available here. The comments took place in an internal email discussion that began on June 19, Brietbart said. The topic of discussion was a Fox News op-ed by U.S. Representative Blackburn (R-TN), which urged tech companies to address bias against conservatives. Blackburn, who has been the target of social media censorship, has been a vocal critic of tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Twitter. Blake Lemoine, a senior software engineer at Google, said Blackburn was lying to the public. He accused her of “causing the deaths of people she claimed to protect” – referring to her work on two anti-trafficking bills, which has pushed most sex workers off Twitter. “We certainly shouldn’t acquiesce to the theatrical demands of a legislator who makes political hay by intentionally reducing the safety of the people who she claims to protect,” said Lemoine. “I’m not big on negotiation with terrorists.” Lemoine is a technical lead on Google’s…

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In Honor of Trump’s Visit to Johnson City, Group Names Plethora of Examples of Tennessee Business Growth Thanks to President’s Tax Cuts

Jason M. Reynolds

In honor of President Trump visiting Johnson City Monday night, Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) released a list of “Tennessee Examples of Tax Reform Good News.” Trump’s appearance was a Make America Great Again (MAGA) midterm rally to share “great news” about the economy and support U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) in her Senate race. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that was passed by the Republican Congress and signed by President Donald Trump means 90 percent of wage earners have higher take-home pay, ATR said. The group praised Blackburn’s “yes” vote on the tax cuts. Garren Shipley, Republican National Committee spokesman, said, “President Trump couldn’t have made the stakes more clear. A vote for Phil Bredesen is a vote for the failed polices espoused by Hillary Clinton – a candidate Bredesen enthusiastically supported in 2016. A vote for Marsha Blackburn is a vote to continue to success our country has seen over the last 20 months. Marsha knows that the tax cuts passed by Republicans and the drastic reduction in burdensome regulations has jumpstarted our economy. Tennesseans cannot afford the Bredesen/Clinton policies and that’s why Marsha Blackburn will be elected to the U.S. Senate.” Watch the live video feed…

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Free Health Care Fair to be Held at Jackson Street Church of Christ in Nashville

Jason M. Reynolds

A free health care fair will be held Saturday, Oct. 13 in Nashville to help residents connect with local health care providers. Healthy Tennessee, a non-profit organization founded by Vanderbilt University Medical Center trauma surgeon Dr. Manny Sethi, is providing the fair from 10 a..m to 1 p.m. at the Jackson Street Church of Christ at 1408 Jackson Street in Nashville. United Healthcare and Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee are also sponsoring the health fair. Sethi said, “We’ve had very successful health fairs in Nashville previously, such as the one on Jefferson Street in 2016. We look forward to partnering with great groups such as the Jackson Street Church of Christ to bring the very best health care providers and options to our fellow Nashvillians.” Dozens of physicians, nurses and healthy lifestyle companies will provide free health screenings, educational conversations with doctors, free health-related products and tools for local residents to lead better, healthier lives. Free booth spaces are still available to local health-focused organizations and companies that want to reach out to attendees. Some of the featured offerings include: Health care providers Drawings /giveaways Food distribution Opioid drug take-back Free health screenings for all ages Blood pressure…

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Blackburn Calls Out Bredesen Over Continued Silence on Kavanaugh Nomination

Jason M. Reynolds
Marsha Blackburn, Phil Bredesen

Marsha Blackburn is calling out Phil Bredesen over his continued refusal to tell Tennesseans how he would vote on Judge Brett Kavanaugh if he were in the Senate. “Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and Judge Brett Kavanaugh testified extensively before the Senate Judiciary Committee and the American people on Thursday,” Blackburn said in a statement. “I appreciate their willingness to share their stories. Each of us saw more of what we have seen throughout this process: Senate Democrats behaving despicably and putting personal political ambitions above their constitutional duty to advise and consent.” “Phil Bredesen, under Chuck Schumer’s direction, has stayed neutral as long as he can, but now,  the hearing is over and he has no other reason to stall. I have been clear from the start: I will always vote to confirm judges who uphold the Constitution. Obviously, Phil Bredesen will not make that commitment to Tennesseans because he’ll only vote when and how Chuck Schumer tells him. That’s not what Tennesseans deserve from their next Senator.” U.S. Representative Blackburn (R-TN-07) and Democratic former Governor Bredesen are running for the Senate seat being vacated by Bob Corker (R-TN). The Tennessee Republican Party said in a statement, “One of the…

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Bredesen’s Socialized Healthcare Plan Endangers Insurance, Medicare, Ad Says

Jason M. Reynolds

Senate Leadership Fund on Tuesday launched a new advertising campaign discussing U.S. Senate candidate Phil Bredesen’s support of single-payer health care, saying it “threatens our healthcare.” The $1.2 million buy will run statewide on a combination of broadcast and cable television, radio and digital.  It is available to watch here. Bredesen, a former Tennessee governor, is running for the Senate seat being vacated by U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-TN). His opponent is U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07). “Multimillionaire Phil Bredesen is dropping a fortune on ads portraying himself as a moderate, but his plan for a government takeover of health care would give Bernie Sanders palpitations,” said Senate Leadership Fund Spokesman Chris Pack. “Bredesen just isn’t the moderate he wants Tennessee voters to believe he is.” The ad brings attention to Bredesen’s book, “Fresh Medicine,” calling for socialized healthcare. The ad points out “Even the liberal Los Angeles Times called it ‘radical stuff,’” referring to a March 3, 2011 book review by David Lazarus for the newspaper. Also, the ad says Bredesen’s plan would eliminate employer-sponsored health insurance, “making you dependent on the government.” The plan would eliminate Medicare “as we know it, jeopardizing seniors’ care.” The ad ends with this…

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‘Fibber Phil’ Bredesen Called Out by NRA: ‘Stop Lying’ About Endorsement

Jason M. Reynolds

Phil Bredesen has a “D,” not an “A” rating from the NRA-ILA, and the organization wants him to “stop lying.” The Democratic former governor of Tennessee had received an “A” rating from the NRA – in 2002, The Tennessee Star reported last week. Bredesen is running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) who is retiring. NRA-ILA Political Victory Fund executive director Chris W. Cox  is using Twitter to call Bredesen out for his use of the old “A” rating, Breitbart reports. @PhilBredesen It’s not 2002, you’re not governor and you’re not A-rated by the NRA. Its 2018, you have earned a D rating for turning your back on self-defense and supporting the Hillary/Schumer/Bloomberg gun control agenda. @VoteMarsha is a 2A champion. You’re not. #stoplying pic.twitter.com/Wi0ORRmQTv — Chris Cox (@ChrisCoxCap6) September 20, 2018 On September 19, Bredesen posted a video to Twitter in which he is seen holding a shotgun and can be heard talking about the “A” rating, Breitbart says. Bredesen’s video is available here. Real independence and not party politics — that’s what’s right for Tennessee. pic.twitter.com/BmyyvJGL2e — Phil Bredesen (@PhilBredesen) September 19, 2018 Bredesen was elected governor in 2002, and Cox responded…

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No Raise Is Too Little For Nashville Mayor Briley’s Staff While Remainder of City Employees Left Out of Pay Increases

Jason M. Reynolds

In a year where Metro Nashville’s rank and file workers learned they would not get promised cost of living increases, Nashville Mayor David Briley gave merit raises to 20 members of his own staff, WSMV reported. Two of the mayor’s staff received 6 percent increases. One Briley staffer, Chief Strategy Officer Brian Kelsey, got a $7,178 raise, increasing his salary to $126,824. Briley also gave merit-based raises to department heads. Briley’s decision to reverse the cost of living adjustments – COLAs – for Metro employees created a lot of controversy. Nashville Fire Chief Will Swann refused his 2.5 percent pay increase, choosing to pass the Open Range money to 19 administrators under him. Briley said that although city workers would not get cost of living adjustments this year, 71 percent of the city’s work force could expect their paychecks to increase during the coming year. Workers can get what are called step increases. Metro Nashville’s being strapped for cash did not stop Briley from compiling a wish list of expensive projects like a $125 million floodwall for downtown, The Tennessee Star reported. Police officers and firefighters wanted the raises they were promised to help with the cost of living, WSMV…

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‘Fibber Phil’ Bredesen Claims ‘I Am Not Going to Be Voting for Chuck Schumer,’ But Even Politico Admits ‘The Pledge Is Functionally Useless’

Jason M. Reynolds
Phil Bredesen, Chuck Schumer

Phil Bredesen did his best to flee from Democrat Chuck Schumer during Tuesday’s U.S. Senate debate, the Republican National Committee (RNC) said. Bredesen is running against U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07) for the Senate seat being vacated by Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) who is retiring. “We need to get new leadership. I can tell you right now that if I’m elected, and when I’m elected and go to Washington, I am not going to be voting for Chuck Schumer,” Bredesen said at the beginning of the debate. He managed to make news by saying he wouldn’t vote for Schumer to be the leader of the Democrat caucus, even though Schumer, the Senate Minority Leader, recruited him. But there’s a problem with that. Politico said, “The pledge is functionally useless — unlike in the House, where the speaker is chosen by a majority of the chamber in a floor vote, Senate party leaders are chosen by a majority in a private caucus vote. While there might be enough Democratic House candidates to deny (U.S. Represesntative Nancy) Pelosi the 218 votes she needs to become speaker again, there is virtually no chance of Schumer being dethroned by the Democratic Caucus after the…

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UT Board of Trustees Places Trust in Randy Boyd to Serve as Interim President

Jason M. Reynolds

The University of Tennessee Board of Trustees on Tuesday placed its trust in failed gubernatorial candidate Randy Boyd to lead the system as interim president. Boyd, the Knoxville entrepreneur who made improving education a key plank in his failed bid this summer to be Tennessee’s governor, will take over as interim University of Tennessee system president when current President Joe DiPietro retires in November, WBIR reported. The Board of Trustees voted Tuesday morning to appoint Boyd to the role. As the board started its vote, a few students began protesting. Stephanie Haines reported on Twitter, “Before this, a few students interrupted the vote and approached Chair Compton with a petition against the appointment. They were asked to leave. There was some profanity.” UT Board of Trustees votes Randy Boyd as interim system president pic.twitter.com/2GE7OMhD3F — Stephanie Haines (@StephNewsNation) September 25, 2018 Several UT students attended the meeting and protested Boyd’s appointment, holding signs saying, “LIES” and “#RunoutRandy,” the Knoxville News-Sentinel reported. Several also spoke during the meeting, saying they had concerns about his appointment. Some protesters planned to introduce a bill to the Student Senate Tuesday night opposing Boyd’s appointment. The bill says, “the administration has forgone any review of…

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Blackburn, Bredesen Trade Barbs in Senate Debate

Jason M. Reynolds
Phil Bredesen, Marsha Blackburn

U.S. Senate candidates Rep. Marsha Blackburn and former Governor Phil Bredesen traded barbs in a debate at Cumberland University Tuesday. U.S. Representative Blackburn (R-TN-07) called Bredesen out on a number of issues at the debate at the university in Lebanon, from allegedly covering up sexual harassment in the state’s executive office to being financially dependent on Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. The video archive is available here:   The debate was sponsored by NewsChannel 5, The Tennessean, Nashville Public Television, the League of Women Voters and Cumberland University.  NewsChannel 5 anchor Rhori Johnston and David Plazas, opinion engagement editor at The Tennessean, were co-moderators. Blackburn reminded viewers that Bredesen is “bought and paid for” by Schumer, who recruited the former governor to run for the Senate and has financed his campaign. Schumer’s PAC donated $10,000 to Bredesen’s campaign earlier this year, and the Schumer aligned Senate Majority PAC has already booked more than $2 million in ads in Tennessee, The Tennessee Star previously reported. The candidates were asked if they would vote for Judge Brett Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court. Bredesen said what both parties are doing “disgusts me” and repeated previous claims the nomination is a circus. He said he wanted…

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President Trump to Hold MAGA Midterm Rally Oct. 1 in Johnson City for Marsha Blackburn, Will ‘Share Great News About Booming Economy’

Jason M. Reynolds
Tennessee Star

President Donald Trump will hold a Make America Great Again (MAGA) midterm rally Oct. 1 in Johnson City. The rally will be the president’s sixth in Tennessee – and first in Johnson City – since he began his first presidential race in June 2015, his campaign announced Monday. The rally will be held at 7 p.m. ET at the Freedom Hall. The president is expected to discuss the latest news on the booming Trump economy and the critical importance of protecting and expanding the GOP majorities in the House and Senate for his America First agenda. “We are pleased to announce our next scheduled Make America Great Again rally on Monday, October 1 in Johnson City, Tennessee,” said Michael Glassner, chief operating officer for Donald J. Trump for President Inc. “With just 44 days from today until the midterm elections, President Trump looks forward to sharing the great news about the booming economy that’s delivered new jobs and bigger paychecks to Tennessee families. The President will also remind Tennesseans of the critical importance to get out and vote for Marsha Blackburn for the U.S. Senate.” The public may register online for the rally here. You may only register up two…

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Republicans Tell Bredesen Get Off the Fence on Kavanaugh Nomination

Jason M. Reynolds
Phil Bredesen

President Donald Trump won the election in 2016 due in part to his promise to put mainstream conservative judges on the federal bench. Trump also won Tennessee by more than 26 points. It’s fairly obvious that Tennesseans want the President’s nominees to be confirmed, Garren Shipley, Republican National Committee spokesman, said in a statement Friday. Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Phil Bredesen has said he is “embarrassed” by Democrats’ treatment of Judge Brett Kavanaugh in his Supreme Court confirmation hearings, the Tennessee Star reported last week. He has also been dragging his feet for more than two months in saying whether he would support Kavanaugh. Shipley accused Bredesen of hedging his bets, hoping he can avoid having to take a stand on Kavanaugh’s nomination — following Democrat Senate leader Chuck Schumer’s advice of staying neutral for as long as possible. Shipley pointed to a story by The Star showing Schumer’s Senate Majority PAC has booked more than $2 million in ads in Tennessee, perhaps giving Bredesen a reason to stay quiet. Schumer’s PAC donated $10,000 to Bredesen’s campaign earlier this year. As next week’s vote approaches, that time has run out, Shipley said. “Phil Bredesen has had more than enough time to consider Judge Kavanaugh. He needs to tell Tennesseans…

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NRA Tells Bredesen to Take His ‘Misleading’ Gun Rights Ad Off the Air

Jason M. Reynolds

The National Rifle Association is demanding Phil Bredesen retract a misleading ad from his U.S. Senate campaign in which he uses an old rating to make it appear the organization supports him. The Washington Free Beacon on Friday reported on the gun rights organization’s demand. Watch Bredesen’s ad: The Democratic former governor of Tennessee had received an “A” rating from the NRA – in 2002. His current grade is far different. “Phil Bredesen is a ‘D’ rated candidate, and he will not protect our constitutional rights in Washington, D.C.,” Chris W. Cox, chairman of the NRA’s Political Victory Fund, said in a statement. “Tennesseans should not be fooled by his false and misleading campaign ads.” “It’s not 2002, you’re not governor and you’re not A-rated by the NRA,” Cox tweeted at Bredesen in response to the ad. “It’s 2018, you have earned a D rating for turning your back on self-defense and supporting the Hillary/Schumer/Bloomberg gun control agenda. @VoteMarsha is a 2A champion. You’re not.” @PhilBredesen It’s not 2002, you’re not governor and you’re not A-rated by the NRA. Its 2018, you have earned a D rating for turning your back on self-defense and supporting the Hillary/Schumer/Bloomberg gun control agenda. @VoteMarsha…

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Trump’s Tax Cuts Were ‘Oversold,’ Says Bredesen, Who Raised Taxes and Fees by Nearly $1 Billion as Governor

Jason M. Reynolds

Former Governor Phil Bredesen said Wednesday that President Donald Trump’s tax cuts were “oversold” and have had little impact on falling unemployment rates. Bredesen’s comments appeared in a story in The Tennessean based on an interview with the newspaper’s editorial board. Bredesen is running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Senator Bob Corker (R-TN). His opponent is U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07). Bredesen said the tax cut is a “perfect example of what’s wrong in Washington,” arguing it missed an opportunity to overhaul the tax code, which he said is full of loopholes. The former governor said much of the tax cut funds have gone into stock buybacks. Bredesen said he was “100 percent for tax reform.” While the debate began as reform, Congress last December failed. “Instead it was, well, let’s just do the tax cut because that’s easy and everybody’s happy.” The Tennessee Republican Party has called out Bredesen for what it says are “phony” claims to have balanced the state budget when he served as governor 2003-2011, as the Tennessee Star reported this week. The state constitution requires the budget to be balanced, they said. The GOP pointed out how Bredesen fails to say that…

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Bredesen ‘Bought and Paid for by Chuck Schumer’ by Failing to Support Kavanaugh, Blackburn Says

Jason M. Reynolds

U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07) released a statement on Phil Bredesen’s refusal to take a stance on Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court nomination, saying he is following the Democratic Party’s playbook. “Campaigns are opportunities for candidates to show voters how they will serve them if elected. I have been clear and honest with Tennesseans: I will vote to confirm constitutional judges and justices, who uphold the rule of law every time. “My opponent is showing Tennesseans he will get it wrong every time. His campaign is bought and paid for by Chuck Schumer, and he is already following the lead of Democrat Party bosses who have orchestrated this eleventh hour smear and look for every opportunity to block the President’s agenda. Phil Bredesen says he’s applying for the job, but he’s leaving questions on the application blank.” Blackburn and Bredesen, a Democratic former governor of Tennessee, are running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN). Late Wednesday, Bredesen told the Associated Press that Professor Christine Blasey Ford, the woman who has accused Kavanaugh of attempting to sexually assault her more than 35 years ago but has provided no corroborating evidence or witnesses, “has a very credible story,” The Tennessee Star reported.…

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Former Gubernatorial Candidate Randy Boyd Likely to Serve as Interim University of Tennessee President

Jason M. Reynolds
Randy Boyd

University of Tennessee’s Board of Trustees says they will consider appointing Knoxville businessman and failed gubernatorial candidate Randy Boyd to serve as interim president, WJHL reports. The job could last up to 24 months or until the appointment of a new president at UT. If he’s appointed as interim president, Boyd has told the board that he will decline to be paid a salary. Boyd lost in a blowout primary election Aug. 2 in the Republican governor’s race to political newcomer Bill Lee. UT President Joe DiPietro said Monday that he planned to retire from active service Nov. 21, the university announced. Members of the public can preregister to address the board regarding the proposed appointment during a 30-minute comment period at the Sept. 25 meeting at the Visitors Center on the UT Knoxville campus. UT Board Chair John Compton said appointing an interim president gives the trustees time to plan for the university’s future. He and the other trustees, since beginning their work Aug. 1, have individually been meeting with and listening to key stakeholders, including legislators, faculty, campus leadership and alumni. Boyd is the founder and chairman of Radio Systems Corp., with more than 700 employees, offices in six countries and the…

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Bredesen Supports Socialized Healthcare, Ad Says

Jason M. Reynolds
Phil Bredesen

The Senate Leadership Fund has targeted Phil Bredesen’s support of socialized healthcare. The organization launched a new advertising campaign Tuesday criticizing Bredesen for his support of single payer health care. The $1.2 million ad buy will run statewide on a combination of broadcast and cable television, radio and digital. The video is available to watch here. Bredesen is a former Democratic governor of Tennessee. He is running for the seat being vacated by U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-TN), who is retiring. His opponent is U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07). The Senate Leadership Fund ad targets a 2011 book, “Fresh Medicine,” Bredesen wrote advocating for an insurance system similar to Social Security. A Los Angeles Times book review by David Lazarus says the former governor wants a 20 percent payroll tax for every worker to create a trust fund. “If the trust fund starts running dry, of course, a bigger bite out of people’s paychecks would be required. Or smaller vouchers. Either way, you would be looking at a benefit cut,” Lazarus writes. “Another potential problem: Bredesen’s vouchers would be adjusted to accommodate different health circumstances. Someone with diabetes, say, would receive a larger voucher than someone without any illness. An older…

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Bredesen Says on Video He is ‘Fine’ With Planned Parenthood Receiving Federal Funds, Has ‘No Problem’ With Abortions

Jason M. Reynolds

Phil Bredesen said he had no interest in halting federal funds for Planned Parenthood in a video captured by the Tennessee Republican Party, Politico says. The publication says the topic could become a campaign factor. Watch the video: The Democratic former governor, who is running for the U.S. Senate, told a GOP tracker that he’s “fine” with federal funds going to Planned Parenthood for non-abortion services. A tracker works for a party or other entity to capture candidates’ gaffes on video. About abortion services, Bredesen said: “I don’t have a problem with them doing it.” He called himself “‘pro-choice,’ but emphasized again that federal funds aren’t used for that purpose. “I’m not the least bit interested in defunding Planned Parenthood,” Bredesen said. When Bredesen was governor, Planned Parenthood received state funds that were prohibited from being used for abortion services, Politico said. In a press release, the Tennessee Republican Party pointed out a majority of Tennesseans hold pro-life views. The Daily Caller has called out Bredesen’s waffling on abortion, saying he has “some skeletons in his closet concerning ties to Planned Parenthood and advocating for the public to fund Down syndrome abortions.” The Daily Caller quotes Bredesen as telling The…

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Former Tennessee Governor Dunn Endorses Blackburn for the U.S. Senate over Former Governor Bredesen

Jason M. Reynolds
Winfield Dunn

Former Tennessee Governor Winfield Dunn, a Republican,  endorsed U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07) for the U.S. Senate on Friday last week. Dunn picked Blackburn over one of his successors, former Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen, a Democrat, who is running against Blackburn. Blackburn and Bredesen are running for the seat being vacated by retiring U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-TN). Speaking about his endorsement, Dunn said, “November’s election is not about the past; it is about the future of the state and the country. Marsha Blackburn is the only candidate who will vote to protect Tennessee values. She has dedicated her life to making things better for her fellow Tennesseans, and she will represent us faithfully in the United States Senate.” A video of Dunn’s endorsement is available to watch here. In the video, Dunn said, “I strongly urge your support and your vote for Senator Blackburn.” Responding to the endorsement, Blackburn said, “Governor Dunn made history as the first Republican governor in 50 years, but he is most well-known for his gracious spirit and love of public service. He and Betty serve as role models for each of us who seeks to serve. I am so humbled to have his endorsement.…

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Fact Checking Shows Bredesen Raised Taxes, Fees By Nearly $1 Billion as Governor

Jason M. Reynolds

Republicans are checking the facts about Phil Bredesen’s “phony” claims to have balanced the state budget when he was governor, pointing out Tennessee’s constitution requires a balanced budget. “Phil Bredesen is touting his budgetary accomplishments in a recent ad, but he’s not giving Tennesseans the full story,” the Tennessee Republican Party said in a statement. Bredesen, a former Democratic governor, is running for the seat being vacated by U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-TN), who is retiring. His opponent is U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07). The Tennessee Republican Party says their latest video shows “Bredesen doesn’t have a leg to stand on.” The video is available to watch here. Tennessee has balanced its budget every year since voters approved a balanced budget amendment to the state Constitution in 1978. The GOP points out how Bredesen fails to say that as governor he raised taxes and fees by nearly $1 billion, citing a 2010 story by the Times Free Press, and “raided hundreds of millions of dollars from the state’s highway fund so that he could pay for his own budgetary priorities.” “Our state constitution has strictly prohibited anything other than a balanced budget since 1978, so it’s pretty rich for Phil…

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Controversial Music Modernization Act on Verge of Crucial Senate Verbal Vote

Jason M. Reynolds

The U.S. Senate is on the verge of holding a verbal vote on the Music Modernization Act, leaving many in the industry to say it is a step in the right direction while a few say the legislation is out of tune with established business practices. Nashville Public Radio reports that advocates of the Music Modernization Act say the legislation will clear the U.S. Senate soon. Supporters include U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN). The measure has been stalled in the upper chamber after having passed in the House of Representatives earlier this year. Companies like Sirius XM and private equity firm Blackstone, which owns performance rights organization SESAC, have concerns with the act, Nashville Public Radio says. Streaming services like Sirius XM say they already fairly pay artists. The company sent a letter to the Senate saying the act would force it to pay again for music produced prior to 1972 that it already has licensed, Billboard reported Sunday. The bill was planned for a verbal vote in the Senate early this week, Billboard said in a story Monday. One no vote could force the measure into a formal vote, and time is running out for such action before the…

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Franklin Workshop Offers to Teach People of All Ages How to Talk Politics Without Losing Friends

Jason M. Reynolds

An Oct. 6 workshop in Franklin is offering to help high school students – or people of all ages – learn how to have political conversations without losing friends – and there is a taco feast too. The event is titled the Communications Workshop – Getting Your Friends to Understand Why. The Leadership Institute is holding the training from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Marriott Cool Springs, 700 Cool Springs Blvd. in Franklin. State Senator Dr. Mark Green (R-TN) is the guest speaker. High school economics students may remember the adage, “There is no such thing as a free lunch” (TINSTAAFL), referring to the cost of decision-making and consumption. So what’s the cost of this training workshop and lunch? Only $5. The event page for more information and registration is available here. But the organizers say the worskhop is not only for high school students, but also for any professional who needs advice on crafting his or her communications abilities. According to the Leadership Institute, “The Communications Workshop is designed to help you better connect with your friends. The workshop provides an in-depth look at how you can design and improve your political communications in person and online. You…

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‘Nasty Woman’ Ashley Judd Endorses Karl ‘Marx’ Dean for Governor

Jason M. Reynolds
Ashley Judd

Ashley Judd has tweeted her endorsement of Karl Dean for Tennessee governor. The Tennessean reported the story Friday. Did you know that 54% of voters are women? We absolutely have the power to influence an election! I am so proud to endorse my friend, former Nashville Mayor @KarlFDean, in race for governor of the great state of #Tennessee. — ashley judd (@AshleyJudd) September 14, 2018 Her Tweet read, “Did you know that 54% of voters are women? We absolutely have the power to influence an election! I am so proud to endorse my friend, former Nashville Mayor @KarlFDean, in race for governor of the great state of #Tennessee.” The activist and actress is a Franklin resident and sister to country singer Wynona Judd. Judd is backing Dean because of her support for abortion and other reproductive rights, The Tennessean said. Dean said in July he was committed to maintaining access to healthcare for women when asked if he would support a bill making it harder to have abortions. This is far from Judd’s first bizarre entry into politics. In 2017 Judd slammed Donald Trump during a Women’s March on Washington, where she read a Franklin teen’s poem against the president.…

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Bredesen ‘Running From a Tough Decision’ on Kavanaugh Nomination, Republicans Say

Jason M. Reynolds

As of Friday, it had been 56 days since Judge Brett Kavanaugh was nominated to the Supreme Court, and Phil Bredesen says he still needs more time to consider whether he supports President Donald Trump’s selection. Bredesen says he is “embarrassed” by Democrats’ treatment of Kavanaugh in the confirmation hearings, the Tennessee Star reported earlier this week, citing a story in The Tennessean. Four Democratic members of the Senate Judiciary Committee donated money to Bredesen’s campaign. The senators are: Cory Booker (D-NJ), $5,000; Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), $10,000; Kamala Harris (D-CA), $10,000; and Dick Durbin (D-IL), $5,000. The GOP cited this campaign finance report in a press release. The Democratic candidate, who is pro-abortion, said Kavanaugh’s pro-life stance would not matter to him if he could vote. He told reporters that Kavanaugh’s position on abortion is “certainly not as important to me as it is for some Democrats.” In July Bredesen said he would have to wait for the hearings to make a decision. But after multiple days of hearings, he said he didn’t watch them because he was busy traveling, the Tennessee Republican Party said in a press release. Politico reported on July 30 that Schumer has been…

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Blackburn Campaign Releases New Ad Highlighting How Tennesseans Really Feel About Bredesen

Jason M. Reynolds

Marsha Blackburn’s U.S. Senate campaign on Wednesday launched its fifth television ad telling how Tennesseans feel about Phil Bredesen. The responses are not favorable for the Democratic candidate. The ad, Non-Starter, is available to watch here. One voter says he voted for Bredesen as governor but “I can’t support Bredesen for Senate.” Another voter says, “Bredesen opposes building the wall,” while one says, “And now Washington Democrats are behind him.” Another comment was, “Bredesen opposed Trump’s tax cuts.” Speaking about the ad, Blackburn campaign manager Kevin Golden said, “These Tennessee voters come from all walks of life, but they have one thing in common: they liked Phil Bredesen as governor but cannot vote for him for Senate. Like Tennesseans across the state, they know Phil Bredesen supported Hillary Clinton for president and he will be a reliable vote for Chuck Schumer and national Democrats. They recognize that in 2018, the stakes are high, and Marsha Blackburn is the only person they can count on to represent their Tennessee values in the United States Senate.” U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07) recently announced her renewed support for President Donald Trump after U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) called for his impeachment. In an off-the-cuff moment caught…

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Bredesen ‘Dodging Making a Commitment’ on Kavanaugh SCOTUS Confirmation, Following Schumer’s Instructions

Jason M. Reynolds
Phil Bredesen

U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07) on Wednesday released a statement on Phil Bredesen’s recent comments about Judge Brett Kavanaugh. Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Bredesen still isn’t ready to say whether he supports the appointment of Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court, The Tennessean reported. “Judge Brett Kavanaugh is eminently qualified and there is no question he will uphold the rule of law,” Blackburn, a Republican candidate for the Senate, said. “His extensive record speaks for itself. There is nothing left to be determined – the facts are on the table. “It appears that Phil Bredesen is dodging making a commitment because of what we already know – Schumer has told Democrats to stay neutral as long as they can, and Phil Bredesen is already following orders. I will always vote to confirm judges that abide by the rule of law and the Constitution. Obviously, Phil Bredesen will not make that commitment to Tennesseans because he’ll only vote when and how Chuck Schumer tells him. That’s not what Tennesseans want or expect from their next senator.” Bredesen, a former Tennessee governor, said he needs more time to watch confirmation hearings and study the pick. He is pro-abortion but says Kavanaugh’s pro-life stance will not affect his…

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Bredesen May Compare Senate Democrats to ‘Circus’ for Kavanaugh Hearings, But They Donated $30,000 to Campaign

Jason M. Reynolds

Democrats have turned Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court nomination into a circus, U.S. Senate candidate Phil Bredesen said, and the Tennessee Republican Party has released a new ad to point out his ties to those Democrats. The ad is available to watch here. Four Democratic members of the Senate Judiciary Committee have donated money to Bredesen’s campaign. The senators are: Cory Booker (D-NJ), $5,000; Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), $10,000; Kamala Harris (D-CA), $10,000; and Dick Durbin (D-IL), $5,000. The GOP cited this campaign finance report in a press release. “Phil Bredesen says he’s ’embarrassed’ by his fellow Democrats’ antics, but it’s hard to take his complaints seriously when he’s received tens of thousands of dollars in donations from those very same people,” Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Scott Golden said in the press release. “The makeup of the Supreme Court is a priority for Tennesseans. Phil should quit waffling and tell them where he stands.” Former Tennessee Governor Bredesen said he cannot make a decision until he has more time to watch the confirmation hearings and study the selection, according to a story in The Tennessean. The Democratic candidate, who is pro-abortion, said Kavanaugh’s pro-life stance would not matter to…

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State Senator Bo Watson Calls for Review of UT Nike Contract

Jason M. Reynolds
Bo Watson

Taking a stand on Nike’s support of National Anthem kneeler Colin Kaepernick, State Senator Bo Watson (R-TN-11) is calling for a review of university endorsement deals with the seller of running apparel. Watson’s request was reported by Campus Reform. “I have asked the TN Office of Legislative Budget Analysis to review what TN state-financed colleges & universities have Nike contracts and report findings,” Watson, who is the Senate Finance Chair, tweeted. I have asked the TN Office of Legislative Budget Analysis to review what TN state-financed colleges & universities have Nike contracts and report findings. @TN_SenateFWM @TNGOP @tnsenategop @ltgovmcnally #WeStand @robints https://t.co/RoolkmWOY4 — Bo Watson (@SenBoWatson) September 7, 2018 Catherine Haire, Senate budget analysis director in the Office of Legislative Budget Analysis, confirmed to Campus Reform that the office has launched the inquiry and should have the findings by the end of the week. Currently, the University of Tennessee is locked into a deal with Nike as the official apparel supplier until the 2025-26 academic year, The Tennessee Star reported. Tennessee Star political editor Steve Gill says that legislators might have a say about the issue. “Similar contracts with Nike reduce the amounts paid to schools if athletes or coaches cover…

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Bredesen Budgets Like Bernie Sanders Does, New Ad Says

Jason M. Reynolds
political ad

Democratic Senate candidate Phil Bredesen had a “rare rendezvous with the truth” in Chattanooga Tuesday, according to the Tennessee Republican Party, saying about the federal deficit, “Democrats — my own party — have never been great on the subject.” To mark the occasion, the GOP released a new ad showing how Democrats budget — just like U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) does. The ad is available to watch here.   The ad mentions how Democrats’ plans to provide Medicare to everyone would cost $32.6 trillion over 10 years, citing a study by the Mercatus Center of George Mason University and reported on Fox News. “If Phil Bredesen is elected and Senate Democrats regain control, they would choose current ranking member and socialist Bernie Sanders to lead the Budget Committee,” said Gillum Ferguson, the Tennessee Republican Party press secretary. The ad will run digitally statewide. “Bredesen’s claims to care about the federal debt are downright laughable since he would vote to put socialist Bernie Sanders — whose healthcare proposal would cost $32 trillion — as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee,” said Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Scott Golden. “As governor, Bredesen irresponsibly raided hundreds of millions of dollars from the state highway fund and rainy…

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Steve Bannon’s Documentary, Trump @War, Premieres on One America News Network Tonight

Jason M. Reynolds

Tune in tonight at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT) for a Steve Bannon exclusive look into the socialist war on President Donald Trump with supporters being attacked in the streets and leftists using the label “racism.” The Trump @War documentary will be available here on One American News Network (OAN). “It’s a film that every American, regardless of political belief, should watch,” according to the network’s press release. “It’s a historic time for our country, and no one should be sitting on the sidelines during the upcoming elections.” There will be a 30-minute roundtable discussion starting at 8 p.m. EST, with the film immediately following. Trump @War highlights the challenges faced by Trump and economic nationalists with the left and the mainstream media as the president fights to fulfill his America First Agenda. To find OAN and their availability in your area, click here. You can watch the trailer here: A veteran documentary film maker, Steve Bannon served as executive chairman of Breitbart News until August 2016, when he was selected by Donald Trump to serve as CEO of his presidential campaign. Bannon served as chief strategist in the Trump White House from January until August of 2017. One America News Network is…

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Pence to Headline Knoxville Fundraiser for Blackburn

Jason M. Reynolds

Vice President Mike Pence will headline a fundraiser in Knoxville for Republican U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07) in her Senate bid. An event invitation says the fundraiser will be Sept. 21, WATE reports, citing the Associated Press. The cost will be $1,000 per person; $5,400 per couple, with a photo; or $25,000 per couple, including a photo and round-table with Pence. Contributions will benefit Blackburn’s joint fundraising committee. President Donald Trump appeared at a Blackburn fundraiser and rally in May. Pence attended a Chattanooga fundraiser and related event in Cleveland in July. At the Cleveland event, held at Lee University, Pence praised Blackburn and Representative Diane Black (R-TN-06), The Tennessee Star reported. Black eventually lost in the Republican gubernatorial primary to Bill Lee. “The former Indiana governor called the 2017 tax cuts the biggest in a generation and a generator of American jobs in front of a raucous crowd,” the Chattanooga Times Free Press reported: “His wide-ranging 33-minute speech at Lee University addressed immigration, tax cuts, Supreme Court nominations, environmental rollbacks and chastised the ‘liberal left’ before narrowing his message to tax cuts.” Blackburn’s opponent is Democratic ex-Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen in the November general election. Blackburn last week received…

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New Ad Touts ‘Out of Touch’ Bredesen’s History of Supporting Tax Increases

Jason M. Reynolds

Senate Leadership Fund on Tuesday launched a new advertising blitz targeting Phil Bredesen’s fixation with raising taxes on Tennessee families. The $1.1 million buy will run statewide on a combination of broadcast and cable television, radio and digital. The ad is available to watch here. Bredesen, a former Democratic governor, is running for the seat being vacated by U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-TN), who is retiring. His opponent is U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07). The ad, titled “Out of Touch,” highlights Bredesen’s 30-year record of supporting higher taxes and fees, and his opposition to the recently passed tax reform legislation. “Phil Bredesen is an out-of-touch multimillionaire who raised taxes and fees on Tennessee taxpayers by over $1 billion,” said Senate Leadership Fund Spokesman Chris Pack. “Bredesen never saw a tax hike that he didn’t like, which explains why he was so resolutely opposed to the Trump tax cuts that are helping Tennessee’s families and jobs.” Senate Leadership Fund’s website says this about the organization: “As an independent Super PAC, the Senate Leadership Fund has one goal: to protect and expand the Republican Senate Majority when Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders and Chuck Schumer, together with their army of left-wing activists, try to take it back in 2018.” The $1…

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Ryman CEO Says $9 Billion Nashville Transit Plan ‘Scared the Living Daylights Out of Me’

Jason M. Reynolds
Colin Reed

The CEO of Ryman Hospitality Properties now says he was never on board for Nashville’s $9 billion light-rail plan, which went off the tracks at a May 1 referendum, the Nashville Business Journal said. The transit proposal came to a crashing halt after voters defeated it by 64-34 percent on May 1, The Tennessee Star reported at the time. Business supporters included McNeely Piggot & Fox, which handled the failed plan’s PR, the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Nashville Predators. Now, the Nashville Business Journal says Colin Reed, CEO of Ryman Hospitality Properties, had some misgivings. “I had some of the same concerns that the ‘antis’ had,” the Nashville Business Journal quotes him as saying. “The notion of tearing up the middle of Broadway for an extended period of time, building a tunnel underneath and bringing it up somewhere on Broadway, concerned the living daylights out of me. Building rail lines in the middle of highways concerns the life out of me. This was a huge amount of money. What we have to fix is morning-time rush hour and evening-time rush hour. That’s where our problems reside here. I felt like this whole evolution we’re seeing with self-driving…

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Website Helps You Track Phil Bredesen’s Level of ‘Sophistication’

Jason M. Reynolds
Phil Bredesen

“Welcome to SophisticatedPhil.com, where you’ll see exactly what Phil thinks of himself!” proclaims a new website launched by the Tennessee Republican Party. “Phil Bredesen has been desperately trying to convince Tennesseans that he’s one of them, but he keeps getting in his own way,” the organization’s press secretary, Gillum Ferguson, said in a press release. Bredesen, a former Democratic governor, is running for the seat being vacated by U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-TN), who is retiring. The website mentions his statements like being more “sophisticated” than rural voters. He made the remarks in an interview with the Times Free Press. Around the same time, Bredesen also released a campaign ad that was filmed outside his grandmother’s American flag-clad house touting his humble roots growing up among “secretaries, nurses, factory workers, and small business owners,” The Tennessee Star reported. Bredesen has reported assets between $88.9 million and $358 million, The Washington Free Beacon said. Bredesen would also become one of the richest members of Congress, The Star said. Public records show he is the owner of five homes—two homes in Nashville, two lakefront properties in upstate New York, and a five-bedroom home in Jackson, Wyoming. And, he is one of the…

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A Vote For Bredesen is a Vote for Obstructionists Like Schumer, TN GOP Says

Jason M. Reynolds
Phil Bredesen, Chuck Schumer

The Tennessee Republican Party has released a new ad, highlighting Phil Bredesen’s support for the most ardent Democratic obstructionists in the Senate. The ad will run on digital platforms statewide and is available here. “While Phil Bredesen claims he wants to end ‘partisan squabbling’ in Washington, the fact is that the worst offenders are in his own party,”  said Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Scott Golden. “President Trump is fulfilling his promise to the American people to nominate constitutionalist judges and justices, but Senate Democrats are throwing up partisan roadblocks at every turn. A vote for Phil Bredesen is a direct vote for these obstructionists.” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is leading the charge, telling CBS This Morning he’d oppose the President with “everything I’ve got.” His interview is available to watch here. In an off-the-cuff moment caught on video during a Labor Day parade in Brooklyn, Senate Minority Leader Schumer told a bystander who asked when President Trump would be impeached, “The sooner the better,” The Tennessee Star reported, citing Fox News. In an exclusive interview with Tennessee Star Political Editor Steve Gill, U.S. Senate hopeful Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07) called Bredesen out over one of his greatest vulnerabilities.…

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Conservative Group Says Give Money to Blackburn, Other Proven Senate Candidates in Battleground States

Jason M. Reynolds
Marsha Blackburn

The Senate is broken and both parties are to blame, the Senate Conservatives Fund (SCF) says in a new fundraiser that touts support for battleground state candidates that includes U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07). “Despite controlling the Senate, the House and the White House, Senate Republicans have failed to keep their biggest promises,” SCF President Ken Cuccinelli II says. Blackburn is running for the Senate against Democratic challenger former Gov. Phil Bredesen. SCF is a national grassroots organization trying to “bring bold conservative leadAll Postsership to Washington by supporting candidates who will fight for the timeless conservative principles of limited government, strong national defense, and traditional family values,” its website says. Rolling off a list of grievances against Senate Republicans, the organization says: They failed to repeal Obamacare. They failed to build the border wall. They failed to stop sanctuary cities. They failed to defund Planned Parenthood. “It’s time to fix the Senate by electing battle-tested, Trump-approved conservatives in battleground races,” Cuccinelli says. Their fundraising page is available here. Cuccinelli says SCF will pay all processing fees and transfer your contributions directly to the candidates’ campaigns. President Trump has personally endorsed each of these candidates and urged all Americans to support…

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First You Will See Him, Then You Will Not, as Democratic Senator Cory Booker Abruptly Cancels Memphis Rally

Jason M. Reynolds
Phil Bredesen, Cory Booker

Hours after the Tennessee Republican Party called attention to the planned appearance of #Resistance leader Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) at an election rally for Tennessee Democrats in Memphis, he abruptly decided to pull out of the event. You can view the Facebook page for the now defunct Shelby County Democratic Party Blue Wave Rally here. The Commercial Appeal said, “According to the event invitation page, the possible 2020 presidential candidate aimed to generate buzz in the Memphis area for the upcoming Nov. 6 election.” Shelby County Democratic Party (SCDP) chairman Corey Strong said that Booker is unable to attend because of a scheduling conflict. “We are disappointed that we are forced to cancel the event, but a suitable replacement lineup could not be found in time,” said Bryan McBride, communications co-chairman for the SCDP. McBride said the rally was called off due to Booker’s cancellation. Booker was one of three senators called out for being the most disruptive of Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court hearings. U.S. Senators Kamala Harris (D-CA) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) were among the most disruptive as well. They and other Democrats tried their best to shut the hearing down. Things got so bad U.S. Senator John Cornyn…

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Blackburn Receives Taxpayers’ Friend Award and an A Rating from National Taxpayers Union

Jason M. Reynolds
Marsha Blackburn

U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07) has received a Taxpayer’s Friend award and an A rating of 87 percent from the National Taxpayers Union (NTU). Blackburn is running for the seat of retiring U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-TN). Democratic former Governor Phil Bredesen is running against her. NTU released the Congressional scorecard for the first session of the 115th Congress, and it’s good news for taxpayers: more pro-taxpayer votes were taken and passed in 2017 than in other recent years, and the number of “Taxpayers’ Friend” awards has jumped over the 2016 totals. The results are available here. The Tennessee House delegation’s state average is 70. “While far too many members of Congress are still failing to consistently stand up for the best interests of taxpayers, 2017 was still an important year of progress on many fiscal policy issues,” the organization said in a press release. NTU will be awarding 66 representatives and 15 senators with the “Taxpayers’ Friend” awards this year, up from only 15 House members and 3 senators from previous ratings. “This reflects the number of important, pro-taxpayer bills that were voted on and passed by Congress in 2017 – including the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and important regulatory reforms. At the…

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Blackburn Supports President Trump, Whom Schumer Said Should Be Impeached

Jason M. Reynolds
Chuck Schumer, Marsha Blackburn, Donald Trump

U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07) announced her renewed support for President Donald Trump after Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) called for his impeachment. In an off-the-cuff moment caught on video during a Labor Day parade in Brooklyn, Senate Minority Leader Schumer told a bystander who asked when President Trump would be impeached, “The sooner the better,” Fox News reported. “We gotta get a few Republicans,” Schumer responds. “Democrats are on your side.” Impeaching the president requires a majority of votes in the House of Representatives, which Democrats do not currently have; removing the president would then require a two-thirds vote of the Senate. The video is available here. The president has repeatedly warned about the “witch hunt” investigation into Russia’s alleged role in the 2016 election, Politico reported. Trump also has repeatedly criticized Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who has won convictions against former Trump campaign aides but has yet to publicly link any of the crimes directly to the president. Schumer’s office, reached by Fox News, claimed that Schumer had simply misheard the question at the parade. Blackburn is having none of it, however. She also connected Schumer to her opponent Phil Bredesen in the election to fill the seat of…

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Does Phil Bredesen Endorse Senate Democrats’ Shameless Antics?

Jason M. Reynolds
Phil Bredesen

Democrat Phil Bredesen, who is running for the seat of retiring U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-TN), claims he wants to end hyper-partisanship in Washington. The Tennessee Republican Party said in a press release it is clear, however, that the worst partisans are members of Bredesen’s party. “Senate Democrats engaged in a shameful display yesterday, rudely interrupting Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearing a 76 times,” the Tennessee Republican Party said. “The Democrats further admitted their behavior was pre-planned and had nothing to do with any substantive opposition to Judge Kavanaugh.” Bredesen says he isn’t afraid to call out members of his own party when they take a wrong turn. But Bredesen and members of his campaign refused to comment on the antics members of his own party unleashed at Tuesday’s U.S. Supreme Court confirmation hearing for Brett Kavanaugh in the Judiciary Committee. No one in the Bredesen campaign returned The Tennessee Star’s repeated requests for comment Tuesday. Bredesen has remained noticeably silent on the episode, perhaps because he’s accepted tens of thousands of dollars from Senate Democrats on the Judiciary Committee. “Confirming judicial nominees is one of the most important duties of a United States Senator, yet Phil Bredesen refuses to…

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Lawyers for Pilot Flying J Ex-President Say Evidence Was Inaccurate, Incomplete

Jason M. Reynolds

The legal defense team for Mark Hazelwood announced it filed a brief presenting the court with newly found exculpatory evidence in support of his request for a new trial in the case surrounding truck stop chain Pilot Flying J. The brief was filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee by Walden Macht & Haran LLP on behalf of the former president of the truck stop chain. The attorneys claim the government used a “doctored and materially incomplete transcript of a critical recording.” Hazelwood was found guilty by a jury in February of three out of the four federal charges brought against him – including conspiracy to commit mail/wire fraud and witness tampering – in connection with his alleged role in a multi-million dollar rebate scam to bilk customers out of $56 million. He was found not guilty on the remaining charge of wire fraud. The Walden Macht & Haran press release said, “The new evidence reveals that the government, either intentionally or unintentionally, used a doctored and materially incomplete transcript of a secret and critical recording at trial, thus fundamentally misleading the jury. The doctored transcript was the single most important piece of evidence used by…

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IKEA Corporate Welfare Documentary Earns Beacon Center of Tennessee Nomination for National Award

Jason M. Reynolds
Beacon

Think tank Beacon Center of Tennessee is one of three finalists for a national award in the category of Best Issue Campaign. The Beacon Center was nominated for its award for a mini-documentary titled “Rigged: The Injustice of Corporate Welfare.” The Bob Williams Awards for Outstanding Policy Achievement celebrate state think tanks that develop credible research to help states create free-market solutions with national impact. The Bob Williams Awards are hosted by the State Policy Network. The national nonprofit promotes “a vision of an America where personal freedom, innovation, opportunity, and a more peaceful society help all Americans flourish.” The organization supports the growth of a collaborative network of 64 state think tanks and 90 affiliate partners. These partners strengthen working families and defend rights. They do this by promoting policies to create a level playing field and promote freedom, economic liberty, rule of law, property rights and limited government. SPN works these think tanks “to catalyze thriving, durable freedom movements in every state, anchored with high performing independent think tanks so that every American has a voice.” SPN was founded in 1992 by South Carolina entrepreneur Thomas Roe at the urging of former President Ronald Reagan. The Beacon Center’s mini-documentary told…

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President Trump in Blackburn Ad: Schumer Recruited Bredesen

Jason M. Reynolds
Donald Trump, Marsha Blackburn

The Senate campaign for U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07) launched its fourth television ad Friday, featuring President Donald Trump’s support. The ad will air in media markets across the state and on digital platforms statewide. Blackburn is running against Democratic former Governor Phil Bredesen for the seat being vacated by Republican U.S. Senator Bob Corker. In the ad, the president says, “Phil Bredesen was recruited by Schumer to run for the Senate. Bredesen donated a lot of money to Hillary Clinton. Crooked Hillary. Phil Bredesen supported her, and he supported her ideas. Phil, whatever the h—- his name is, this guy will 100 percent vote against us every single time.” Speaking about the ad, campaign Chairman Kevin Golden said, “President Trump knows Tennesseans need a senator who will represent them first. Phil Bredesen is Chuck Schumer’s number one recruit and donated over $33,400 to Hillary Clinton’s campaign. What we hear from Tennesseans is they fear Phil Bredesen will not represent their values in Washington.” Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Scott Golden said in a statement that the president’s remarks show that Bredesen is the wrong choice to represent Tennesseans. “Donald Trump won Tennessee with over 60 percent of the vote and the…

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