TN GOP NEWS

NASHVILLE, TN – Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Chris Devaney issued the following statement after the spring 2010 Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) political poll showed that the majority of Tennesseans believe that Congress should start over on health reform:

“This poll is another indication of what Republicans have been saying all along,” said Devaney. “Tennesseans don’t want a government takeover of their health care and Democrats should start listening to the voters and work on common-sense reforms that lower costs, not expand government-run health care.”

Following is a summary of MTSU poll findings regarding Tennesseans and the health care debate:

Health reform: Most Tennesseans want a do-over

When asked what Congress should do next on health reform, a majority of Tennesseans, 53 percent, say Congress should start on a new bill. Twenty-two percent say Congress should pass a bill similar those the House and Senate have passed. Only sixteen percent say Congress should stop working on health reform altogether…

Most of Tennessee’s independents, 63 percent, say Congress should start work on a new health reform bill, followed by 19 percent who say something like the current bills should be passed, and 18 percent who say Congress should just stop working on health reform.

Tennessee Democrat Congressmen voting in favor of the Obama/Pelosi/Reid government takeover of health care last November were Reps. Steve Cohen and Jim Cooper. However, the Associated Press reported this week that so-called Blue Dogs John Tanner and Bart Gordon were amongst a small group of Democrats who would not say whether they planned to vote against the latest version of the legislation that is expected to come up for a vote soon. Reps. Tanner and Gordon have announced they will not be seeking re-election this year.

“It was very disappointing when Rep. Jim Cooper voted in lock step with Speaker Pelosi in November, especially after openly admitting it was bad policy,” continued Devaney. “But even more disturbing is the refusal of Reps. Gordon and Tanner to make clear they remain opposed to the latest, yet equally reckless proposal that could be rammed through Congress in the coming weeks. Announcing your retirement doesn’t give you the right to abandon those you are elected to represent. It is my hope that when the time comes, Tennessee Democrats will put their constituents ahead of their liberal leadership and vote against anything that would put government bureaucrats in between Tennesseans and their health care.”

This month brought great news on the GOP fundraising front. Democrats weren’t expecting to be hit with the numbers put up by the Tennessee Republican gubernatorial candidates. Our GOP candidates outraised Democrats by a stunning $9 million! In addition, Democrat State Senator Jim Kyle announced just today that he is discontinuing his bid for governor, leaving just two Democrats in the running. The Republican message of limited government and individual responsibility is resonating with voters and the political wind at our backs is getting stronger by the day.

While voters signal their desire for more conservative leadership, Tennessee’s Democrat congressmen keep leaning to the left and following Speaker Pelosi’s big government, big spending path. They proved their allegiance to the liberal Speaker once again earlier this month when all five Tennessee Democrats voted to increase the nation’s debt ceiling by another $1.9 trillion which helped set a new debt ceiling record of $14.3 trillion – money that will have to be paid back by our kids and grandkids. It’s no surprise that Democrat Reps. John Tanner and Bart Gordon decided to vote in favor of this increase – they’ve announced they won’t seek re-election in November. But, so-called Blue Dog Democrats Jim Cooper and Lincoln Davis who are rolling the dice this November blatantly put the will of their constituents aside and voted yes on this fiscally irresponsible proposal.

In addition to more irresponsible spending, Democrats in Washington are doing what they can to salvage what’s left of health reform. Just yesterday, President Obama hosted a health summit in which he attempted to promote his "new" health care legislation which is simply a regurgitation of the Senate bill passed in December that has already been rejected by the American people. Tennessee Republicans Sen. Lamar Alexander and Rep. Marsha Blackburn both attended the event and made strong cases for why the current health care proposals should be scrapped so that lawmakers can start over and work in a bipartisan fashion. Despite the effects the massive health care overhaul will have on states, governors and state legislators were excluded from the summit invite list signaling further this was a less-than-serious attempt to reach consensus on health reform.

While there is a lot happening in Washington, there is also a lot happening right here at the Tennessee Republican Party headquarters. Specifically, our focus over the last few months has remained two fold: fundraising and candidate recruitment. I’m happy to report that efforts on both fronts have been extremely successful. Candidates are lining up across the state to run for State House and Senate and because of continued help from supporters like you, we’re going to be able to help those candidates run competitive campaigns that will ensure victory for Republicans this November. I plan to keep each of you updated on our progress as we edge closer to election day.

As always, I want to express my appreciation for everything you do to support the Tennessee Republican Party. Thanks and God Bless.

Sincerely,

Chris Devaney
Chairman
Tennessee Republican Party

TN REPUBLICAN GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATES OUTRAISE DEMOCRATS BY $9 MILLION: Tennessee Democrat gubernatorial candidates were given a startling wake-up call after financial reporting showed that Republicans outraised their Democrat counterparts by $9 million. The combined fundraising numbers for Democrats was just one fourth of what Republicans raised over the last year demonstrating that our GOP candidates are articulating a strong message that is resonating with voters across the state.

From the Tennessee Republican Party:

• Devaney Statement on GOP Gubernatorial Candidates Outraising Dems by $9 Million – Press Release (02/02/10)

In the News:

• GOP Hopefuls Haul in Donations – Tennessean (02/02/10)

TN DEMOCRAT CONGRESSMEN VOTE TO RAISE U.S. DEBT CEILING ANOTHER $1.9 TRILLION: Apparently Democrats didn’t think raising the debt limit $290 billion back in December was enough. At the beginning of this month, they voted for another $1.9 trillion increase to set a new debt limit record of $14.3 trillion. This is another example of Democrats not listening to voters who are sick and tired of Washington’s out-of-control spending. The proposal passed both the House and Senate with all six Tennessee Republican lawmakers voting against the increase.

From the Tennessee Republican Party:

• Devaney Statement on Tennessee Democrat Reps Voting to Raise U.S. Debt Limit Another $1.9 Trillion – Press Release (02/04/10)

From Tennessee Republican Lawmakers:

• Senator Lamar Alexander – Alexander: President Obama Should Veto Largest Debt Increase in History – Press Release (01/28/10)
• Senator Bob Corker – Corker Opposes Increasing the Federal Debt Limit to $14.3 Trillion – Press Release (01/28/10)
• Rep. Marsha Blackburn – Blackburn Votes No On Fiscal Scam – Press Release (02/04/10)
• Rep. Zach Wamp – Debt Limit Increase Will Slow Economic Growth – Press Release (02/04/10)

In the News:

• House agrees to $1.9 trillion more debt – Associated Press (02/04/10)
• Wamp, state GOP criticize 2nd debt limit rise – Chattanooga Times Free Press (02/08/10)

PRESIDENT OBAMA HOLDS PR STUNT HEALTH CARE SUMMIT: Seeing as how President Obama’s government takeover of health care is on life support, he decided to host a health care summit in which lawmakers from both sides of the aisle were invited to have a roundtable discussion on health reform. However, it seems the “summit” was nothing more than a public relations stunt to try and shift scathing public opinion of Democrats’ health care proposals. Tennessee Republicans Sen. Lamar Alexander and Rep. Marsha Blackburn attended the summit and both made clear that the President should start over on health care so that reform can be achieved in a bipartisan fashion.

From the Tennessee Republican Party:

• Alexander, Blackburn Show Strong Leadership at White House Health Care Summit – Press Release (02/25/10)

From Tennessee Senators & House Members:

• Watch video of Rep. Blackburn speaking at the summit here and here.
• Watch video of Sen. Lamar Alexander speaking at the summit here.
• Rep. Phil Roe – Roe Statement on the White House Health Care “Summit” – Press Release (02/25/10)
• Rep. Zach Wamp – White House Health Care Summit – Press Release (02/25/10)

In the News:

• Health-care summit has Tennessee flavor – Gannett (02/25/10)
• Poll: Expectations low on health summit – USA Today (02/25/10)
• Lamar Alexander point man for GOP at health-care reform summit – Gannett (02/26/10)
• More Talk, No Deal At Health Summit – Wall Street Journal (02/26/10)

OTHER ITEMS OF NOTE:

• The TRP is excited to announce that veteran Tennessee political operative, Gregory Gleaves, will serve as Executive Director. Read more about Gregory here.
• Democrat State Senator Jim Kyle announced he has discontinued his campaign for governor. Read more here.
• Republicans in the General Assembly have been leading an effort to make it easier for Tennessee troops deployed overseas to cast absentee ballots in an election. Read more here and here.
• Please take a look at your Republican U.S. House and Senate Members’ websites to find out what they’ve been doing on your behalf over the last month.

• Rep. Marsha Blackburn
• Rep. John Duncan
• Rep. Phil Roe
• Rep. Zach Wamp
• Senator Lamar Alexander
• Senator Bob Corker

TRACKING CHAIRMAN DEVANEY: During the month of February, Chairman Devaney has attended a number of events around the state. Following is a list of some events in which Chairman Devaney was involved:

02/02 – Guest Speaker at Montgomery County Republican Women’s Club Luncheon
02/03 – Taped Interview for Inside Politics in Nashville
02/04 – Live Interview on the Steve Gill Radio Show
02/06 – Guest Speaker at Benton/Henry/Stewart County Reagan Day Dinner
02/06 – Guest Speaker at Madison County Reagan Day Dinner
02/11 – Guest Speaker at the Tennessee Press Association Forum
02/16 – Attended TRP fundraiser with special guest U.S. Sen. Bob Corker
02/18 – Guest Speaker at the Cumberland County GOP Meeting
02/26 – Guest Speaker at the Greene County Lincoln Day Dinner

NASHVILLE, TN – Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Chris Devaney issued the following statement after Democrat State Senator Jim Kyle announced he is discontinuing his campaign for Tennessee governor:

“The GOP field of candidates is strong and I believe that Sen. Kyle could see that it is the Republican message of less government, less spending, and more jobs that is resonating with voters,” said Devaney. “He didn’t need anymore proof beyond the substantial fundraising numbers put up by the GOP which showed Republican gubernatorial candidates out raising their Democrat counterparts by $9 million. Democrat candidates across the state are finding themselves facing an uphill battle in November which is why I believe Sen. Kyle’s exit from this race is a very wise decision.”

Sen. Kyle’s decision to withdraw from the race drops the number of Democrats vying for governor to just two.

NASHVILLE, TN – Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Chris Devaney issued the following statement on the White House health care summit attended by Tennessee Republicans Sen. Lamar Alexander and Rep. Marsha Blackburn:

“Senator Alexander and Rep. Blackburn showed significant leadership at today’s health care summit,” said Devaney. “Republicans once again presented a number of ideas to help reform our nation’s health care system and it is our hope that Democrats will finally listen. The new proposal put forth by President Obama earlier this week is nothing more than a regurgitation of the Senate bill passed in December that has already been rejected by the American people. Instead of re-packaging a bill that has already run into considerable opposition from voters, Democrats need to start over on health care and work with Republicans so we can reform our health care system in a bipartisan fashion. Tennessee was well-represented again today by Sen. Alexander and Rep. Blackburn and I want to thank them for their strong leadership on this issue.”

NASHVILLE, TN – Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Chris Devaney announced today that veteran Tennessee political operative, Gregory Gleaves, will serve as Executive Director for the Tennessee Republican Party:

“Gregory has an extensive background in Tennessee politics and we’re thrilled he’s joining our team,” said Devaney. “We’re working to make 2010 an historic year for Republicans in our state and with Gregory at the helm of our political operation, I have no doubt we’re going to experience extraordinary success in November.”

Gleaves previously served at the Tennessee Republican party from 2001-2004. Most notably, he served as Director of Field Operations during the 2004 election cycle, directing the legislative campaign program that resulted in Republicans capturing a majority in the State Senate for the first time since Reconstruction. He also served during the post-redistricting 2002 election cycle in which Republicans made significant gains in the State House despite Democrat efforts to re-draw district lines in their favor.

“Gregory Gleaves was instrumental in my campaign to defeat a long-time incumbent,” said State Representative Curtis Johnson, who defeated income tax sponsor and finance chairman Tommy Head in 2004. “I’ve witnessed first-hand the success the Republican Party has when Gregory is involved with campaigns. There is no better person to fill this role at this critical time for our state and our party.”

“I’m extremely excited to be joining the Tennessee Republican Party again,” said Gleaves. “I greatly appreciate Chairman Devaney giving me the opportunity to join his team during such a critical year for Tennessee Republicans. It’s going to be a great year for the GOP and I’m eager to begin doing everything I can to ensure Republicans across the state achieve victory in 2010.”

Gleaves has been involved with Tennessee politics for more than a decade which includes working in the U.S. House of Representatives for former Rep. Ed Bryant and the U.S. Senate for former Sen. Fred Thompson. After his time in the U.S. Congress, Gleaves spent three years at the Tennessee Republican Party before moving on to serve as Southeast Political Director for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) where he managed grass roots political activities across eight states. He comes directly from The Saint Consulting Group, the world’s leading experts in land use political campaigns, where he managed projects across the south. Gleaves holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a master’s degree in Political Management from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

NASHVILLE, TN – Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Chris Devaney commended State Senator Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro) for his work on legislation to help Tennessee troops deployed overseas cast absentee ballots. The bill passed the full Senate this evening.

“This measure is a victory for Tennessee’s troops who, in the past, have not been given ample time to return absentee ballots,” said Devaney. “There is no question that the men and women of our military should be given every opportunity to participate in the election process, regardless of where they are stationed throughout the world. I’d like to commend Senator Ketron for all of his efforts to move this important bill through the Senate and I look forward to seeing similar legislation sponsored by Republican Rep. Gerald McCormick continue to advance in the State House.”

A report released by The Pew Center on the States in January 2009 identified Tennessee as one of 16 states that is failing to allow military personnel deployed overseas enough time to cast their absentee ballots. Full Senate passage of
SB 2681 comes a week after subcommittee passage of
HB
2799. In addition to helping our troops, the initiatives put Tennessee in compliance with the federal government’s Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment (MOVE) Act that was enacted last October.

NASHVILLE, TN – Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Chris Devaney issued the following statement after the State House Subcommittee on Elections passed a bill to make it easier for members of the U.S. Armed Services deployed overseas to cast their absentee ballots:

“The brave men and women of our Armed Forces make tremendous sacrifices each day to ensure that the freedoms of this great nation are protected. It is unthinkable that while they are working to protect our right to vote, their votes might not be counted in an election.”

State Rep. Gerald McCormick (R-Chattanooga) is the chief sponsor of today’s legislation which is an amended version of a bill he sponsored last year. Shockingly, the original version was voted down last spring by Democrat Rep. Eddie Yokley and two of his colleagues. Democrats voted to kill the bill despite the release of a report just three months prior that named Tennessee one of 16 states that is failing to allow military personnel deployed overseas enough time to cast their absentee ballots.

“Rep. Yokley and his Democrat colleagues we’re wrong to vote against this effort to help our troops the first time it came up. However, I’m pleased they have joined the Republican effort to ensure our troops are given enough time to participate in the election process while stationed overseas. Tennessee’s troops deserve nothing less and I commend Rep. McCormick and Sen. Ketron for their leadership on this issue.”

Sen. Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro) introduced similar legislation last week in the State Senate. In addition to helping our troops, the initiatives put Tennessee in compliance with the federal government’s Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment (MOVE) Act that was enacted last October.

NASHVILLE, TN – Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Chris Devaney issued a statement clarifying the facts about Republican State Rep. Tony Shipley’s leadership in having vital improvements made to State Route 126 in Sullivan County:

“Facts are stubborn things, especially for a party that will do anything – including distort the truth – in order to try and improve their dismal election chances,” said Devaney. “The fact is that Rep. Shipley has been instrumental in having a number of improvements made on State Route 126 and continues to play a significant role in securing future improvements to the road.”

A document from the Tennessee Department of Transportation actually states that Rep. Shipley partnered with the City of Kingsport and submitted a request for “safety improvements” to the road. The full document is available here and a key excerpt from the document follows:

“In December 2008, State Representative Tony Shipley and the City of Kingsport Metropolitan Planning Office presented TDOT with a request for a Safety Improvements Project to implement safety enhancements in the interim while the larger State Route 126 project is developed. The Safety Improvements Project (SIP) report recommended short term improvements for fourteen areas of State Route 126. It also recommended “major improvements for eight specific locations…”

“It’s clear that the Democrats in Nashville are misrepresenting the truth in hopes that they can gain back a seat they lost in 2008,” Devaney continued. “However, Rep. Shipley has demonstrated through his work on State Route 126 projects that he is a representative who follows-through on his campaign promises. I have no doubt that the voters in District 2 will see what he has accomplished over the last two years and send him back to the legislature again to represent west Sullivan County.”

NASHVILLE, TN – Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Chris Devaney issued the following statement on the passing of former State Representative Joe Kent who represented parts of Shelby County from 1978 until 2004:

“I was saddened to hear about Rep. Kent’s passing,” said Devaney. “Rep. Joe Kent was clearly a dedicated public servant, spending 24 years as a Memphis police officer and 26 years as a state representative. His experience in law enforcement proved invaluable during his time at the state legislature where he worked diligently to promote a number of anti-crime and law enforcement policies. Rep. Kent was well-respected by colleagues on both sides of the aisle and he will be sorely missed. At this difficult time, I extend my deepest sympathies and prayers to his wife Becky, their two sons, and their granddaughter.”

NASHVILLE, TN – Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Chris Devaney issued the following statement after Tennessee Democrats voted to raise America’s debt limit by $1.9 trillion which follows a vote in December to raise the debt limit by $290 billion:

“Tennessee Democrats just don’t get it,” said Devaney. “Once again, President Obama and Speaker Pelosi have won out over hard-working families across Tennessee. Instead of taking voters’ concerns about Washington’s out-of-control spending seriously, Tennessee Democrats ignored their constituents and helped set a new debt ceiling record of $14.3 trillion to ensure Washington’s unprecedented spending spree can continue.”

This vote follows a similar vote in December in which all five Tennessee Democrats – Steve Cohen, Jim Cooper, Lincoln Davis, Bart Gordon and John Tanner – voted in favor of raising the debt ceiling $290 billion to $12.4 trillion. Today, all five fell in line behind their party’s leaders again to vote for a $1.9 trillion increase that will put our debt ceiling at a record $14.3 trillion. Tennessee Republicans Marsha Blackburn, John Duncan, Phil Roe and Zach Wamp voted against both debt ceiling increases.

“This vote is yet another example of how out-of-touch Democrats in Tennessee have become with their districts. And while they continue to play the blame game for our nation’s record debt, the fact of the matter is they own these votes and the only people they can point the finger at is themselves. I commend our Republican members for standing up on behalf of Tennesseans and voting against this fiscally reckless increase.”

Today’s vote in the House comes a week after the $1.9 trillion increase was passed by U.S. Senate Democrats. Tennessee Republican Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker both voted against the measure.