Guber campaign notes: Prayerful Green, Fitzhugh on the cliff; Boyd & Lee on the road
Some notes from media reports on the developing campaign for governor:
Sen. Mark Green in a Tennessean report, after saying he was encouraged by a letter signed by 106 “conservative leaders” urging him to resume his run for the GOP nomination and that he would make a decision within a week.
“I have heard forom these leaders and many others from all parts of Tennessee asking me to run as their conservative candidate for governor,” he said. “I am examining, prayerfully, with the input of friends and family, all of my options including resuming my campaign for governor.”
House Speaker Craig Fitzhugh, Democrat, quoted by the Nashville Post from a speech to the L Club in Nashville on Saturday following an introduction by millionaire businessman Bill Freeman (who said “he’s my candidate for governor, if he decides to run”):
“I think I’m ready to jump off a cliff,” Fitzhugh told the group to loud applause. “I might go splat, but I might also land on my feet.”
Another quote: “We’ve been in session, and I got behind on some other things. But we’re out now. And I’ve got some other boxes to check off and some people I want to talk to,” Fitzhugh said. “But I’m moving in that direction. I’ve got a lot of good support, some good encouragement, and my family’s on board, so I’m just almost there.”
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Announced Republican candidates Randy Boyd and Bill Lee, both millionaire businessmen, continue their introductory campaign travels through the state, getting some local media attention. Recent samples:
Boyd quote from visit to Dover in Stewart County, as reported by the Clarksville Leaf Chronicle:
“I want to complete some missions I started while special adviser on higher education and while I was commissioner of Economic and Community Development,” Boyd said on a recent campaign swing through Dover. “My goal is to make Tennessee THE State of Opportunity. … When you think of Tennessee, that’s the place you go for a better education, for an opportunity for a better job, an opportunity for everyone. They don’t leave anyone behind in Tennessee.”
Lee quote from visit to the Tri-Cities area, as reported by the Johnson City Press;
The cattle farmer, businessman and family man leads his campaign by letting people know he isn’t a politician, focusing on the fact that he is a native Tennessean with the people and state in mind.
“We have growing cities, a great small business climate and improving schools,” Lee said. “But we also face challenges shared by both our rural areas and inner cities — rising crime, persistent unemployment, increasing opioid abuse and families in turmoil. While we’ve made great strides across our state, we can’t leave these communities behind.”
Roundup of some recent TN politics and policy writing
Gas tax debate brings new legislator titles
In a lengthy review of conservative legislator complaints that they haven’t gotten a fair hearing while opposing Gov. Bill Haslam’s tax plans, Sam Stockard depicts Rep. Jerry Sexton as “apparent leader of the ‘Fire and Brimstone Caucus’.”
Excerpt:
Sexton was so irritated he got into an argument with Tennessee Journal writer “Easy” Ed Cromer, who had the audacity to ask him if he also opposed a cut in the food sales tax, a 1 percent reduction contained in the bill.
“Why don’t you ask me if I’m against F&E and the Hall tax (cuts)? You want to pick out something,” Sexton argued.
Cromer, who could be the most laid-back member in the Capitol Hill Press Corps, bristled at the suggestion he was being unfair – at least as much as he can bristle – and after a short back-and-forth with Sexton left the scene of the crime (We’ve got a lot of folks storming out these days).
On the other hand, Tennessee Star – which has hailed Sexton’s efforts and commentary – has taken to referring to Rep. Barry Doss, R-Leoma, who has taken the lead in pushing Haslam’s bill in the House – as “Boss Doss” in criticizing his commentary.
The latest example, under the headline “Boss Doss Claim That Tennessee is Lowest Taxed State in Nation Contradicted by Kiplinger Report” is HERE.
Multi-question MTSU Poll: Obamacare repeal, school bus seat belts, vouchers, etc.
News release from Middle Tennessee State University
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Tennessee voters dislike Obamacare and want it repealed, but not until they’ve seen details of a replacement plan, the latest MTSU Poll shows.
They also support banning immigration from “terror-prone regions” but think illegal immigrants already here should be able to stay and apply for citizenship, and they split about evenly over believing, doubting or not knowing what to think about President Donald Trump’s repeated claim, without supplying evidence, that millions of illegal voters prevented him from winning the popular vote during the 2016 election.
“Most of these opinions divide sharply along political party lines,” said Ken Blake, Ph.D., director of the poll at Middle Tennessee State University. “But there are some perhaps surprising areas of cross-party agreement.”
A rundown on some recent TN political columns
On kookiness in East TN
In a Commercial Appeal column, Otis Sanford looks east to “political vitriol bubbling up” in the 2nd Congressional District, citing U.S. Rep. John J. “Jimmy” Duncan’s refusal to hold town hall meetings because they could become “shouting opportunities for extremists, kooks and radicals.” An excerpt:
That, ladies and gentlemen, is a microcosm of the state of our political discourse in 21st Century America. The ill will has been around for several years, but it has now gotten worse. And we have to ask ourselves, did the kookiness start with the politicians or with the people who elected them?
… The lengthy diatribe from Duncan is particularly striking in that he is generally not known as someone who resorts to name-calling, even during the most heated political battle… But it’s obvious that the current national political rancor has revealed Duncan’s edgier side. And like so many other elected leaders, starting at the top, the 69-year-old ranking Tennessee congressman is no longer averse to describing some of his constituents as extremists, kooks and radicals.
In like-minded East Tennessee, who knew that deep-seated political enmity was contagious?
In Knoxville, on the other hand, George Korda writes that Duncan displayed “good judgment.”
Duncan decided to not irrigate a field seeded for conflict. A discussion in which members of Congress can hear and speak with constituents is one thing; trying to engage in conversation with people whose primary purpose is contention is another matter entirely…. Shouting down other people isn’t a meeting; it’s putting on a show for the cameras. Regardless of whether Indivisible East Tennessee members
…It’s not going to hurt him politically. In fact, it could be a positive.
Should “Mr. Nice Guy” Haslam play political hardball?
In a blog post, Hank Hayes of the Kingsport Times-News addresses the “perception that Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam is too much of a Mr. Nice Guy.” While his “easygoing governing style” has worked in some ways, Hayes suggests that a lack of skill in playing“ political hardball” can also be a hindrance — say in pushing for more fuel tax revenue to build roads — and the governor should consider acting more like a couple of his predecessors.
If McWherter would have pitched a gas tax increase today, I believe he would have called every lawmaker into his office one by one and said: “Look, if you don’t support this, your district won’t get any road dollars.”
Former Gov. Phil Bredesen, another Democrat, described McWherter as one of his mentors. Bredesen was good at crafting what I’ll call the “Do This Or The End Of The World Will Happen” memo sent to lawmakers when he felt strongly about something. Bredesen also wasn’t afraid about making cold executive decisions.
…Every governing style is different, but my point is there is precedent plus scenarios for playing political hardball.
So instead of telling his transportation funding reform plan’s opponents, “Show me the math on your plan,” maybe Haslam should be channeling his inner Ned McWherter or Phil Bredesen.
On Blue Cities at the mercy of a Red State legislature
In a Johnson City Press column, Robert Houk ponders the fate of “a left of center kind of gal or guy living in a Red State like Tennessee. Basically, their options are to “join a support group for local progressives,” move to a Blue State… or move to a Blue City. Excerpt:
Nashville has become a place of refuge for weary liberals. And while the Music City might never be confused for Seattle or San Francisco, members of the Republican-led state General Assembly are nonetheless paying close attention to what’s going on there.
They are determined to see that none of the liberalism found in the state’s Capital infests other municipalities in this state…. This kind of state power grab over cities is not limited to Tennessee. It goes on in most every state, and it has become even more prevalent as the divide between urban and rural communities widens in this nation.
…In the end, Blue Cities have little power in challenging the dictates of the legislatures in Red States. Just as they have gerrymandered seats in Congress, Republicans have been careful to draw safe districts for their members in statehouses.
That means support groups might become the only viable option for progressives in Red States.
Rep. Dunn, school vouchers bashed
Columnist David Hunter takes a rather harsh swat at state Rep. Bill Dunn for his renewed push for passage of school voucher legislation. Excerpt:
As of this writing, Dunn has not been able to get the voucher bill to the floor for a vote, even after his hyperbolic comparison of withholding vouchers to withholding medical care: “You could say they’re (the children) dying of cancer and we’re trying to come up with a treatment for them,” Dunn said.
I will concede that Dunn is familiar with the subject of withholding medical treatment for the poor. He is part of that altruistic bunch of Republicans who refused billions of dollars in federal funds to bring Medicaid up to a viable level for this state’s poorest people — while still presumably being able to sleep at night and look at himself in the mirror when he shaves.
Initial reaction to Haslam’s taxing plans
McNally likes it; Harwell ‘grateful’
Statement to media from Lt. Gov. Randy McNally:
“Governor Haslam’s proposal does what Republicans do consistently: It cuts taxes. This plan addresses our transportation funding dilemma in a way that makes sense and still reduces the overall tax burden on our citizens. In just the past few years, we have repealed the gift tax, eliminated the death tax, reduced the sales tax on food and begun the phase out the Hall Income Tax. Governor Haslam’s plan unveiled today does even more to reduce the overall tax burden on our citizens. This plan eases the tax burden on our manufacturers allowing them create jobs that Tennesseans need. The plan also takes another bite out of the food tax which gives our working and middle class citizens a tax break on the everyday necessities of life. For Tennessee’s economic growth to continue we must have the infrastructure to support it. This plan attacks the funding issue in a responsible way. I appreciate Governor Haslam bringing forth this proposal. I look forward to a spirited debate on the merits in the House and the Senate.”
Statement to media from House Speaker Beth Harwell
“I am grateful Governor Haslam has found ways to cut taxes and reduce the size of government in addition to calling attention to our infrastructure need and today putting forward a plan to address them. Transportation and infrastructure solutions are vital to ensuring our state remains competitive, creating jobs and bringing prosperity to all Tennesseans. I look forward to discussing these ideas and others to address these needs with my House colleagues.”
Senate Minority Leader Lee Harris: ‘Initially encouraging’
Statement from Senate Minority Leader Lee Harris, D-Memphis
“While we are waiting to receive more details on the Governor’s proposal later this week, particularly details on the franchise and excise tax cut proposal, the Governor’s remarks about infrastructure and public transit are initially encouraging. Democrats and many others have been pushing for solutions to solve our road issues. In my county alone, the state has $874 million in backlogged road projects, like the Lamar Avenue project, which has been shovel-ready for 15 years. Seventy-seven thousand trucks pass through Tennessee every day. It’s up to the state to ensure the highways are in good condition. As important, we have filed bills to expand public transit options by giving local governments the option to raise transit revenue, an idea the Governor endorsed this morning. I am also initially encouraged by the cut to grocery taxes, which is the kind of broad-based reform that has the potential to give some relief, albeit minor, to all Tennesseans. Finally, the Governor again raised the issue of cuts to the Hall Income tax, which is likely to raise concerns for local governments around our state that use that revenue for law enforcement, among other needs. Unlike cuts to taxes on groceries, Hall Income Tax cuts only help a very limited number of individuals, around 4.3% of Tennessee households and, in some counties, like mine, less than 1% of households pay the tax.”
House Minority Leader Craig Fitzhugh
Part of a press release:
“Investing in our infrastructure is one of the best things we can do as a state to create sustainable economic growth,” said Fitzhugh. “While I look forward to hearing more about the Governor’s plan, I also want to make sure whatever we do is equitable for all Tennesseans–regardless of their income or geographic location.”
Fitzhugh made the statement in response to Haslam’s announcement to cut $270 million dollars in taxes during the next year, of which only $55 million directly benefits Tennessee’s middle class. The administration plans to ask for a 7 cent per gallon increase in gasoline and 12 cents for diesel engines, as well as a five dollar increase in registration fees and a $100 yearly fee for electric vehicles.
“I want a good road for our state, but for many issues in this administration and with the majority party, there has been a ‘kick the can down the road mentality,” Fitzhugh said. “I believe in Gov. Ned Ray McWherter’s philosophy of ‘education plus roads equal jobs.’”
While Fitzhugh is happy with a proposal in the reduction of the grocery tax in Tennessee, he is troubled by the timing of the announcement.
“I applaud the governor for his intention to cut the grocery tax by a half percent, but we should have done this much sooner,” Fitzhugh said. “I brought legislation early in the governor’s administration to reduce the grocery tax to this level. For almost 5 years, hard-working Tennesseans have paid an exorbitant tax on groceries compared to other states, while the Administration focused on cutting taxes for the wealthiest 4% of Tennesseans. This Hall Tax cut is putting local governments in a lurch and–at some point–those chickens are going to come home to roost.”
TN political news and opinion roundup Jan. 8, 2017
The legislative session that begins Tuesday is the focus of much Tennessee media reporting in recent days. A sampler:
Legislative issue overviews
This week’s legislative meetings will be devoted to organization matters, followed by a recess until Jan. 30, when Gov. Bill Haslam delivers his “state-of-the-state” speech. But there’s a pile of proposals awaiting action afterwards — a gas tax increase, cuts in other state taxes, a big budget surplus, school vouchers, Sunday liquor sales, de-annexation, school bus seat belts, bathroom bills, etc. Andy Sher’s roundup is HERE; Sam Stockard’s list of main issues is HERE.
McNally profiled
The Tennessean has a well-done profile on Sen. Randy McNally, who will replace Ron Ramsey as Senate speaker and lieutenant governor on opening day.
The two have similar political backgrounds — they rose through the ranks over a long period of time — and are natural leaders. But in other ways, the differences are stark. Both have their own specialties.
“A lot of times in baseball you need to follow the guy that throws at 100 miles an hour with the guy that throws the circle change-up 75 miles an hour,” said Brad Todd, a longtime political consultant who has worked closely with both men.
McNally’s ascension this week will be the culminating act for a man who has commanded respect through his dedication to a life of public service that began in the muddy streets of Oak Ridge.
Roundup of TN new law news, Jan. 1, 2017: Beer, guns, social media crime, etc.
Twenty-nine laws enacted by the Tennessee Legislature took effect Jan. 1, 2017, and media around the state have picked different measures to emphasize in reporting on them. A sampler:
Higher alcohol content in beer
From The Tennessean: Although it never quite got the attention that the law allowing wine in grocery stores did, Tennessee’s craft beer brewers are rejoicing today now that it’s legal to put their specialties with higher alcohol content on the shelves wherever other beer is sold. A law passed in 2014 and revised during the 2016 legislative session takes effect Jan. 1, allowing craft beer of up to 8 percent alcohol by volume to be sold anywhere other beer is sold.
The crime of social media harassment
From the Kingsport Times-News: Online harassment via social media will soon be a criminal offense in Tennessee when a host of new laws goes into effect at the beginning of the year. Posting so-called revenge porn online will also become illegal on Jan. 1. Sullivan County District Attorney General Barry Staubus said the laws have been updated to better reflect the changing world.
Gun law changes
From WTVF-TV: For the first time in Tennessee people between the ages of 18 and 20 will be allowed to get a handgun carry permit. The law will only apply to individuals who are an active service member in the military or a veteran of the U.S Armed Forces…. Also, the fee to apply for a lifetime handgun carry permit will will decrease from $500 to $200 for renewals. Initial applicants will have to pay $315.
From the Times-Free Press: Tennesseans who want a lifetime state-issued handgun carry permit are getting a price cut, while persons convicted of a third domestic violence offense risk more jail time under new state laws that took effect Sunday.
Public Safety Act
From the Crossville Chronicle: Major legislation, which addresses the most serious offenses driving Tennessee’s violent crime rate, is among 29 new Tennessee laws set to take effect on January 1. The Public Safety Act of 2016, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville) and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Brian Kelsey (R-Germantown), establishes mandatory minimum sentences for those convicted of three or more charges of aggravated burglary, especially aggravated burglary or drug trafficking.From WSWV: Tennessee high school students will need to prove their knowledge of American government before they graduate beginning in 2017. A new law requiring a civics test will quiz students on the basics from the U.S. citizenship test, the same test given to those who want to become naturalized citizens.
High school citizenship test
From WSWV: Tennessee high school students will need to prove their knowledge of American government before they graduate beginning in 2017. A new law requiring a civics test will quiz students on the basics from the U.S. citizenship test, the same test given to those who want to become naturalized citizens.
Note: The legislature’s list of new laws effective Jan. 1, 2017, is HERE.
TN political notebook, holiday edition: A Democrat’s money musings, gas tax increase and other stuff
Mike Stewart: Democrats need long-term funding
Tennessee House Democratic Caucus Chairman Mike Stewart writes in The Hill that “movers and shakers in national Democratic politics” have been ignoring state-level politics while Republicans have not – and that’s a big factor in “their most improbable victory year,” the election of Donald Trump as president.
His bottom line:
Democrats in the states need what their Republican counterparts have had for a decade – a well-funded national apparatus dedicated to the specific task of winning down-ballot elections. This can take many forms, and much of the needed machinery is likely already in place within the DNC, the DLCC and their allies. But to be real it requires long-term funding and a sustained commitment to turning red legislatures blue again. Until that happens, Democrats will continue to see their candidates win all the debates but come up short on Election Day.
Pollster: Tennesseans ready for higher fuel tax
John Geer, Vanderbilt political science professor and pollster, writes in an op-ed piece that a majority of Tennessee voters think the state’s roads are in “only fair” or “poor” condition and are ready to support a gas tax increase to improve them.
Specifically, 67 percent favor a 2 cent per gallon increase, 55 percent favor an 8 cent per gallon increase, and 47 percent even favor a 15 cent per gallon increase to improve roads and bridges in the state.
… Despite all the understandable concerns about higher taxes, there are issues and times when government needs more revenue to ensure a brighter future for the state. The results of our latest Vanderbilt Poll suggest that repairing roads and bridges is one of those issues and this is one of those times.
Lamar backs state-level gas tax hike — again
On the gas tax front, it’s pointed out that U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander basically endorsed a state gas tax hike in a press release last month as Gov. Bill Haslam’s term as governor is winding down – just as Alexander did back in 1986 when his term as governor was winding down. The governor-turned-senator says waiting for Congress to provide funding is wrongheaded. An excerpt:
“Why send Tennessee dollars to Washington, D.C., take some out for overhead, add some regulations and send what’s left back to Tennessee? Conservatives who believe in the 10th Amendment ought to want to keep our money at home, let local officials use it to meet real needs and pay as you go with zero debt.”
He added, “That’s exactly what Tennessee did 30 years ago. In 1986, I proposed and the legislature enacted a massive $5.7 billion Better Roads Program. It has done more than anything else the state could have done to attract the auto industry, increase family incomes and spread auto jobs throughout the state.”
The release, interestingly, doesn’t mention a follow-up increase in the gas tax, enacted under former Gov. Ned McWherter in 1989 that provided a good chunk of the money needed to cover Alexander’s road plans. Tennessee fuel taxes haven’t been raised since.
Cutting other taxes: Cover for gas tax boost?
Excerpt from a Sunday News Sentinel column by yours truly:
In the upcoming legislative session, it appears likely that lawmakers will be in the odd situation of considering a tax increase and tax cuts at the same time and, further, it’s conceivable that both could happen in a curious post-holiday gift exchange.
Haslam had pre-Christmas meetings to talk over his taxing plans with legislators last week. One gift idea is that the governor could go along with some tax cuts if Republican legislators would also go along in exchange with a gas tax hike – especially if the whole package is pitched as something approaching “revenue neutral.”
Logically, we are talking about separate pots of money – one for overall “general fund” government use that’s awash in money; the other specifically for building and maintaining roads that’s well short of needs. Most legislators understand that, but they also understand that GOP primary voters don’t like tax increases of any sort and fear the political consequences of backing one.
Still, the idea of exchanging tax cuts for funding of one governmental function while increasing taxes for funding of another might be seen as providing enough political cover against anti-tax fervor to make the risk worth taking for a majority of the 110th General Assembly – especially given that the business lobby generally supports enhanced road revenue and generally favors corporate tax breaks, especially in areas with unfunded road needs.
Roundup of some recent TN political reporting and opinions, 12/18/2016
Corker for governor?
In a talk with the Jackson Sun, U.S. Sen. Bob Corker reviewed dealings with Secretary of State nominee Rex Tillerson, the possibility of Russian involvement with the presidential elections and other topics of national interest reported elsewhere, HERE. He was also asked if he might run for governor at some point and “did not explicitly say yes or no,” but acknowledged “the fulfillment” he felt while serving in an executive capacity as mayor of Chattanooga.
“On the other hand I’m in a place right now where I’m affecting things not only in our state but also our country and the world,” Corker said. “So again we’ll look at that over the next several months and try to make what I believe to be the best decision as it relates to offering public service.”
Faison’s folly?
That part of the headline on a review of state Rep. Jeremy Faison’s crusade – despite the misgivings of some fellow Republican conservatives — to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes by Sam Stockard. Sample quote:
“The deeper you get into understanding the goodness of that plant the more you question why in the world we ever demonized it in the first place.”
TN political talk roundup: Outsourcing, Rusty Crowe, refugees & marijuana
Arguing over outsourcing
Randy Stamps, executive director of the Tennessee State Employees Association, did an op-ed piece a couple of weeks ago in the News Sentinel under the headline, “Outsourcing state services doesn’t save taxpayers money.”
In a rebuttal op-ed Sunday, state Department of General Services Commissioner Bob Oglesby declares that Stamps’ article “makes misleading and factually wrong claims and chooses to back up his false premise with several charges that are equally incorrect.”
