Jeremy Harrell - who served as Lamar Alexander's campaign coordinator - has been hired by Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam for what now appears inevitable - a Haslam-run for Governor.
Haslam has said for months that if Bill Frist decides not to run - he would seriously consider it.
Frist opened the door for Haslam and other Republicans this weekend with his announcement that he will not seek the Governor's seat.
Harrell says the Mayor will brief reporters tomorrow morning at Pete's Cafe in downtown Knoxville.
The setting is not by accident.

Our newsroom could use a new carpet.

If you've ever been around reporters for any time at all, you know that we can be a messy bunch. After years of wear and tear, the carpet in the six newsroom has lots of stains from spilled coffee, soft drinks and food.

I doubt though that our managers are too worried right now about the carpet. They're more concerned about putting a good news product on the air. And they're worried about the economy, about ad revenues and about not laying off people.

That's the difference between private business and government.

A special Holiday Tennessee This Week.

For the past few years - we've turned to local high school choirs to provide us with holiday cheer; a break from the usual political commentary.

This Sunday, we invited students from Karns High School and Seymour Middle School to perform for our viewers.

I think you'll be pleased. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

Oops.

That's the real headline for the latest news coming out of the UT President's office regarding former head football coach Phillip Fulmer.

After several days of criticism over the hiring of Fulmer as a "special assistant to the UT President," Fulmer now says he doesn't want the job.

UT President John Petersen and Fulmer have been under fire for the deal that would've paid the former UT football coach, $12,500 a month through February to help in fund raising for the University.

The fact that the money paid to Fulmer would come from private donors, didn't mitigate the anger many

Phillip Fulmer will be paid $12,500 a month for three months, according to a news release from the University of Tennessee.

That money will come from "private dollars." He will, however, receive employment benefits as provided to all full-time University employees.
"Phillip Fulmer is a UT icon and a wonderful ambassador.

While individual campuses within the UT System struggle to make cuts, the University President has decided to add another member to his staff: former football coach Phillip Fulmer.

In a meeting this morning, it was agreed that Fulmer will join President John Petersen's staff as a special assistant.

According to sources at the University, Fulmer will be involved in fundraising efforts for the University and not for the Athletic Department.

We have not yet been told how much Fulmer will be paid, but the hire will surely create a firestorm among many UT employees who are trying to figure

A familiar name has surfaced for next year's City Council election. Nick Pavlis today announced he will seek the 1st District seat being vacated by term-limited Councilman Joe Hultquist.

Pavlis served as an At-Large member of City Council from 1995 to 2003. "I think it is important for the 1st District to have a Council person who is involved, effective, and knowledgeable," Pavlis said in a news release. "That can make a tremendous difference in representing any community, and I know I am that person."

A friend e-mailed me something he'd received recently regarding ABC and a decision to
ban flag lapel pins on the air.

Here's what it said:

This should make your blood boil..it DOES mine!

ABC NEWS BANS FLAG LAPEL PINS!

Yesterday, the brass at ABC News issued orders forbidding reporters to wear lapel pin, American flags, or other patriotic insignia. Their reasoning was that ABC should remain neutral about causes. Since when is support for preventing death and destruction some sort of a 'cause?' Since when is patriotism to be discouraged?

A new survey out by the Josephson Institute reveals what it describes as "entrenched habits of dishonesty in today's young people."

The survey of 29,000 high school students shows rates of kids stealing, lying and cheating on the rise in America.

Examples:

Stealing - more than one in three boys (35%) and one-fourth of girls (26%) - a total of 30% overall - admitted "stealing from a store within the past year."

They're also admitting to stealing from friends and family members.

And it's not just the "bad kids" who are doing the stealing.

UT Economist Dr. Bill Fox had little positive to say this week on Tennessee This Week regarding the state economy.

In fact, Fox says for the first time in the history of the state, sales tax revenues are down, year to year.

Still, anything is possible and perhaps the stimulus package expected from Washington may jump start us toward better times...Or maybe not.

What do you think?

This week we began a new feature on Tennessee This Week. It's our poll question of the week.