New TNJ edition alert: ‘Dumbest’ teachers, unconventional thinking, and nobody here but us RINOs
Issue No. 26 of The Tennessee Journal is out. Here is what’s in it:
— Lee draws heavy criticism for silence on charter operator’s ‘dumb’ teachers remark.
— Unconventional thinking: Effort to host RNC in Nashville runs into heavy opposition.
— From the campaign trail: Nobody here but us RINOs, online poll shenanigans, the race for Charlie Sargent’s old seat, and waiting for the gloves to come off in the 5th.
Also: The “poop hits the fan” in Maury County, Jimmy Matlock gets higher ed nod, economic development upheaval around the state, and a new name for invasive carp.
As always, access the your copy of the TNJ here.
Or subscribe here.
Bid to host RNC in Nashville withdrawn from Metro Council, backers hope to bring it back later
The sponsor of a resolution detailing the framework of hosting the Republican National Convention in Nashville has withdrawn the measure from consideration amid heavy opposition on the Metro Council. Progressive members of the local legislative body have expressed reservations about welcoming the GOP presidential nomination festival to town following the recent Supreme Court decision ruling overturning Roe v. Wade, the state high court’s decision to allow a school voucher law to apply only to the capital city and Shelby County, and a slew of other perceived slights by the conservative General Assembly (including splitting the city into three congressional districts earlier this year).
Council members also criticized Mayor John Cooper for negotiating the deal but then having it submitted without any statement of support or accompanying lobbying effort.
The Nashville 2024 Host Committee issued a statement Tuesday to say it wasn’t quite giving up:
This evening we asked Nashville Mayor John Cooper’s administration to withdraw legislation to approve a contract for Nashville to host the Republican Nashville Convention and allow for additional time to address multiple concerns and objections expressed by Metro Council for the event to take place in Nashville in 2024.
It is our optimistic view that Nashville is the ideal American city to host one or both of our nation’s nominating conventions and to demonstrate to the world its ability to host civil and respectful public discourse on issues vital to the future of our country.
As concerns are sufficiently addressed, we hope that Mayor Cooper and Metro Council leaders will refile the legislation at its next meeting this month.
The next council meeting is July 19.
