Submitted by Gene Patterson on July 20, 2006 - 12:50am
I'm a little surprised by U.S. Senate candidate Bob Corker's most recent ad slamming his two opponents over immigration, skyrocketing federal spending, congressional payraises and being registered lobbyists.
Corker's tv ads have, to date, been more about his accomplishments and not about the job his opponents had done. And with early voting underway and the election just two weeks away, many are surprised to see Corker go negative.
Submitted by Gene Patterson on August 3, 2006 - 12:39am
A state election official says Tennessee could see a record turnout for an August primary tomorrow. State Election Coordinator Brook Thompson says (in an article by Knoxville News Sentinel reporter Tom Humphrey) he's basing that projection on the heavy early vote state-wide.
Submitted by Gene Patterson on August 4, 2006 - 4:10am
An exciting evening Thursday night for those watching the Knox County Sheriff's race. As the early numbers came in, it appeared challenger Randy Tyree might actually pull off the upset.
By around 9 o'clock Tyree was within striking distance, only about 500 votes separating him and Sheriff Tim Hutchison. In fact, at that point, more people had voted for Tyree on election day than Hutchison. Only the early vote total kept Tyree from leading.
Submitted by Gene Patterson on August 4, 2006 - 11:51pm
The U.S. Senate campaign should be an interesting one.
I spoke with Democrat Harold Ford, Junior by satellite today. I asked him about Republican challenger Bob Corker's acceptance speech last night, in which he descriped Ford as a "career politician." Ford didn't blink, instead he called on Corker to stay away from personal attacks, to stick to the issues and invoked - of all people - Ronald Reagan.
When's the last time a Democrat running for the U.S. Senate called on the memory of Ronald Reagan, the President most cherished by conservatives?
Submitted by Gene Patterson on August 31, 2006 - 2:18am
I traveled to North Carolina recently and followed former UT footballer Heath Shuler on the campaign trail. Heath is running for Congress in North Carolina's sprawling 11th Congressional District.
The district is where he grew up and now has returned to live after years in Knoxville where he built a successful real estate company. He came to Knoxville originally to play football for UT, then joined the NFL for a few years.
Submitted by Gene Patterson on September 15, 2006 - 8:53pm
Tune in this Sunday at noon for Tennessee This Week. Republican candidate for Governor, Jim Bryson is our guest.
The state senator from Franklin is running an uphill battle to win the governor's seat. A recent Survey USA poll (sponsored by WBIR) found Bryson a 3 to 1 underdog to Governor Bredesen. Still, Bryson says he is optimistic he can overcome the deficit and win the race.
Submitted by Gene Patterson on October 11, 2006 - 8:19pm
Expect more attacks against Harold Ford, Jr's family in these last few weeks of the US Senate campaign.
Bob Corker broached the issue in Memphis last weekend, calling the Ford family a "political machine." He renewed his attack last night in Chattanooga, asking Ford to explain how his father, Harold Ford, Sr. was hired as a lobbyist for Fannie Mae within days of Ford, Jr.
Submitted by Gene Patterson on November 1, 2006 - 10:22pm
There's alot of conversation on a number of blogs about the impact of Bob Corker's decision to trigger the so-called millionaire clause.
Corker's campaign announcing today that he is lending himself 2 million dollars. And that allows Harold Ford Junior supporters - already legally maxed out on their donations - to give more money.
But will Ford have enough time to gather his money and make media buys to counter Corker's spending?
A check of the WATE sales department suggests that Ford may have been anticipating Corker's move today.
Submitted by Gene Patterson on November 7, 2006 - 10:38pm
It seems this campaign has been going on forever. I'm sure the candidates feel that way.
I voted this morning at AL Lotts and experienced a pleasant surprise. Rather than zipping in and out in a few minutes, it took me more than 30 minutes to vote.
I'm not a big fan of long lines, but on election day, I figure that's a good thing.
I voted early once, a few years ago. I didn't particularly care for it.
Submitted by Gene Patterson on November 7, 2006 - 11:42pm
Efforts by the State Democratic Party to extend voting hours because of some issues in West Tennessee are not on-going. State Democratic Pary officials say they have no plans to go to court, but want to make sure all the machines are working properly.
In Loudon County at Highland Park Elementary School, a power chord was incorrectly plugged in causing a slight delay this morning.
In North Knoxville, a voting machine at Christenberry Elementary went down, but did not affect the other machines.
Submitted by Gene Patterson on November 8, 2006 - 12:47am
ABC says its exit polling across the country today shows that 6 in 10 voters are opposed to the war and disapprove of the President.
A third of voters surveyed said they were registering a protest against the administration with their votes. But a third also said their feelings about the President was not a factor in their votes.
Submitted by Gene Patterson on November 8, 2006 - 2:20am
AP - based on its analysis - is declaring Governor Phil Bredesen winner of the Governor's race over his Republican opponent Jim Bryson.
Hold on for local voting totals. The Knox County Election Commission says hundreds of voters are still in lines. The Commission expects results sometime after 9 PM
Submitted by Gene Patterson on November 8, 2006 - 3:54am
Incumbent Democrat Eddie Yokely, despite being injured in the last couple of weeks of the campaign, is leading his opponent Charlotte Leibrock. Vote totals out of Greene and Cocke Counties show Yokely leading 6622 to Leibrock's 5241.
Submitted by Gene Patterson on November 8, 2006 - 4:43am
Despite heavy spending by both parties, the status quo appears to be the winner tonight in the State House and State Senate races.
The one major change in the State Senate make up appears to be in the 27th district. Incumbent republican Don McLeary is losing to Democrat Lowe Finney.
Even with McLeary's loss, the Republicans will still hold control of the State Senate. The big question, will all Republican Senators vote for Senator Ron Ramsey?
