Congressman Jenkins Praised by First Lady

Huge East Tennessee Crowd Greets First Lady

Laura Bush: "Bob Corker & Tennessee are GOP Firewall"

First Lady Comes to Kingsport

New CNN Poll Released 6:00 am October 31, 2006: Corker Surging

CNN released at 6am its latest polling in Tennessee conducted October 26-29, 2006. The poll surveyed 1015 voters. Amongst registered voters Corker leads 47% - 45%; but amongst likely voters, Corker is surging - leading Ford 52% - 44%!

P.S. Don't let up. Keep calling. Keep mentioning this to your neighbors, family, friends, and co-workers. This election is still very dependent on turnout.

Blackburn and Bryant Blast Ford's 'Republicans Don't Love the Lord' Comment as Offensive to All Tennesseans Regardless of Party

Two of Harold Ford Jr.’s congressional colleagues today blasted Ford’s divisive comment that only Democrats love the Lord, not Republicans, as an affront to all Tennesseans regardless of faith or political affiliation.



Video of Ford’s comments recorded this weekend at a Democrat gathering in Paris, Tennessee -- and being played on talk radio and TV outlets within Tennessee and nationally, shows Ford stating the following:



“My friend Lincoln Davis who chairs our campaign says there are, there’s one big difference between us and misfortunate Republicans when it comes to our faith: he said that Republicans fear the Lord; he said Democrats fear AND love the Lord.” (applause)… (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyndlrgODN8)



From Congressman Marsha Blackburn:



"If Harold Ford believes what he said about our relationship with God is true, then it's incredibly disturbing. If it was merely a politically motivated remark, then it's incredibly disgusting. Tennesseans expect and deserve better than this sort of foolish and inappropriate behavior. It’s outrageous for Harold Ford to say that someone's love for the Lord depends on their political views – and it is offensive to all Tennesseans who want their next Senator to bring people together, not divide them. This is just one of several irresponsible and insulting comments I’ve heard Congressman Ford make during this campaign."



And from former Congressman Ed Bryant:



“People in West Tennessee are already talking about Congressman Ford’s inappropriate and outrageous comment – and as he travels West Tennessee today he’s going to have to answer for saying something so irresponsible. The fact that he’s trying to evade responsibility for his own words is even more appalling, and says quite a bit about the man himself.”



We believe that on November 7th, Tennesseans will decide for themselves what they think of Ford’s judgment, temperament and lack of Senatorial demeanor.

Don't Miss the Bus!

First Lady Laura Bush comes to Bob Corker Country, Tuesday, October 31, 2006 at Meadowview Conference Center in Kingsport. The rally begins at 12:40 p.m. but you must arrive by 12 noon to clear security.

Bryson Praises Real Marriage Campaign: Bredesen Doubletalk on Marriage Out-of-Step with Tennessee

Senator Bryson this week praised the Real Marriage Campaign for taking their message across Tennessee on a five day bus tour. The Marriage Amendment provides a clear choice between Sen. Bryson and Governor Bredesen.

Jim voted for it twice and proudly supports protecting marriage in Tennessee's constitution. Phil Bredesen REFUSED to sign it when it crossed his desk. He said an amendment to the constitution was "unnecessary" and "overkill" because Tennessee has a law against same-sex marriage. Well Governor, so did New Jersey and Massachusetts.

Though the Governor disagrees with amending the constitution to protect marriage, he continues to say he will vote to amend it. So if the Governor is to be believed, he plans to vote for something he publicly criticizes. Tennessee deserves better than that.

Phil Bredesen's Partners: Ophelia Ford

Another installment from the Big Jim Bryson for Governor Campaign:

Governor Bredesen recently filmed an ad called "My Partner" with U.S. Senate candidate Harold Ford, Jr. We thought you would like to know a little bit about Bredesen's other partners.

Today we chronicle the relationship between the Governor and another of his closest partners: disgraced former State Senator Ophelia Ford.

Governor Bredesen has a unique view of the election process. When Senator Ophelia Ford's stolen election was voided by the state senate, this is what Bredesen had to say:
"I suspect you can go to any election in the state of Tennessee and find people who have voted and shouldn't have voted and find some people who were felons who might've voted," Bredesen said.("Senate Voids Ford Election," The City Paper, April 20, 2006)

While that statement certainly doesn't inspire pride in our state or our election process, it was music to Sen. Ford's ears. Even better was the Governor's comment that unseating Ford was a "mistake".

Prior to the Senate's voiding of the election, Gov. Phil Bredesen came out against it, saying voiding the election is a "mistake," even with ballots cast in the names of dead people and by convicted felons.("Senate Voids Ford Election," The City Paper, April 20, 2006)

So, what exactly happened in that election that caused the Tennessee senate to void it 26-6 and find it "incurably uncertain and untrustworthy" - yet not faze Governor Bredesen?

From the police blotter:

Verline Mayo, 69: Officer in charge at Precinct 27-1, she's charged with 20 felony counts of illegal voting, making false entries on election documents, official misconduct and inducing others to commit illegal acts. Also faces a misdemeanor count of failing to perform an official act.

Gertrude Otteridge, 64: Election judge at 27-1, she's charged with nine felony counts of illegal voting, false entries, official misconduct and inducing others to commit illegal acts. Also faces a misdemeanor count of failing to perform an official act.

Mary McClatcher, 52: Substitute election judge, she's charged with six felony counts of illegal voting and false entries.('Dead voter' Precinct 27-1 is no more, Memphis Commercial Appeal, March 28, 2006)

Article III, Section 10 of our state constitution says that the Governor shall take care that the laws of the state be faithfully executed. Instead of upholding the law, Governor Bredesen asks the citizens of this state to accept crime as a matter of course. Tennessee deserves better than that.

Tomorrow: Meet another one of Bredesen’s Partners!

To see previous partners click here.
###
www.brysonforgovernor.com

Phil Bredesen's Partners

From Big Jim Bryson's Campaign:

Governor Bredesen recently filmed an ad called "My Partner" with U.S. Senate candidate Harold Ford, Jr. We thought you would like to know a little bit about Bredesen's other partners.

John Ford

Today we chronicle the relationship between the Governor and one of his closest partners: indicted former State Senator John Ford. In 2003, Senator Ford lobbied Governor Bredesen to shift TennCare patients to OmniCare, whose parent company paid Ford over $400,000 from 2001-2005. Sure enough, 20,000 patients were shifted to OmniCare in a matter of months. That equaled $2.5 million more dollars the state paid to OmniCare.

However, Governor Bredesen turned out to be a silent partner. Even as the scandal around state Sen. John Ford's financial ties to a Memphis-based TennCare contractor grew to a fever pitch, Gov. Phil Bredesen waited weeks before publicly disclosing that Ford had pressed him to send more business to the company.

Ethics and legal experts had mixed views on whether Bredesen should have disclosed his interaction with Ford.

Megan Barry, a compliance officer for a private company, who closely follows corporate ethics issues, called Bredesen's silence ''foolish,'' particularly given the rash of high-profile corporate scandals over the past few years.

Ironically, fellow Democrat Frank Buck outlined similar deals to Governor Bredesen long before the Tennessee Waltz scandal erupted. Almost two years ago in a governor's office meeting, state Rep. Frank Buck laid out the ethics mess in the General Assembly for Gov. Phil Bredesen...He asked the governor and fellow Democrat for help... Buck said Bredesen ultimately turned him down. "He said, 'I can't get involved in fights I can't win. Ethics is a legislative matter.' "

Buck was devastated: "Two things that offended me ... that he thought I was so stupid to believe he couldn't win this fight and ... that he obviously had no interest in it. "

However, Bredesen did finally own up to dealing with Ford when the TBI expressed interest in talking to the Governor.

Gov. Phil Bredesen will meet with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation as early as this week to discuss a 2003 conversation with state Sen. John Ford, the governor said yesterday.

These new twists in the ethical scandals surrounding Ford come after some had criticized Bredesen for waiting weeks before speaking publicly about his conversation with Ford - and, even then, not going to investigators with his knowledge.

Meet another one of Bredesen's Partners!

Governor Bredesen recently filmed an ad called “My Partner” with U.S. Senate candidate Harold Ford, Jr. We thought you would like to know a little bit about Bredesen’s other partners.

Fred Phillips

Today we chronicle the relationship between the Governor and one of his closest partners: disgraced former Commissioner of Safety Fred Phillips.

In 2005, Safety Commissioner Fred Phillips resigned because of his leading role in the promotions for campaign cash scandal that continues to rock the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

As Commissioner of Safety, Phillips ran the THP in classic “good ole boy” fashion.
A months-long investigation by The Tennessean has shown that two-thirds of THP officers proposed for promotions under Bredesen had made campaign donations or had relatives or patrons who did. Of those, half were recommended over troopers with better scores on impartial exams.

But now, Phil Bredesen is actively campaigning for Phillips.

In response to a question, Bredesen confirmed he will campaign for Fred Phillips, who is challenging Republican state Rep. Matthew Hill of Jonesborough; Lowe Finney, a Jackson lawyer challenging Republican Sen. Don McLeary of Jackson; and Bob Rochelle, a former state senator challenging Sen. Mae Beavers, R-Mount Juliet.

"In Fred's case, I want to make it clear that there's no hard feelings between us or anything like that," said Bredesen.

Phillips, a former Washington County sheriff, was appointed safety commissioner by Bredesen and served until earlier this year, when he resigned amid allegations of political favoritism and other problems in the Highway Patrol.

So, Governor Bredesen believes Fred Phillips is not ethical enough to be Safety Commissioner but it is just fine for his partner to serve the people of Washington County and Tennessee in the Tennessee General Assembly.

Governor Bredesen and Fred Phillips: returning cronyism and corruption to the state legislature.

Tomorrow: Meet another one of Bredesen’s Partners!

Bryson Campaign Unveils New Television Ad Highlighting Bredesen's Opposition to State Illegal Immigration Laws

(NASHVILLE, TN) - State Senator Jim Bryson (R-Franklin) today unveiled the latest ad of his campaign for Governor. The 30-second spot features Heather Steffek recounting the deaths of her mother and step-father at the hands of an illegal immigrant who had been arrested 16 times prior to driving his car head-on into her parents’ auto.

Governor Bredesen maintains illegal immigration is a federal issue and has publicly fought legislation to tackle the problem at the state level.

“Heather is just one of many Tennesseans who have been hurt by illegal immigration,” Sen. Bryson said. “My vision for Tennessee is a state that illegal immigrants avoid and legal immigrants seek. Phil Bredesen publicly fought legislation requiring state law enforcement to work with federal authorities in apprehending and deporting illegal immigrants who commit crime.

There is a crystal clear choice on the issue of illegal immigration in this election.”

Script:

Heather Steffek:
Illegal alien Gustavo Garcia was arrested 16 times, but Governor Bredesen said illegal immigration wasn’t his responsibility...
Then, a drunk Garcia mowed killed my mother and step-father in a head-on collision.
I’m Heather Steffek. As our governor, Jim Bryson will punish and deport illegal aliens who commit crime.

Narrator:
For the toughest illegal immigration laws in the nation...vote Jim Bryson.


Background:

On June 8th of this year, Gustavo Reyes Garcia was charged with two counts of vehicular homicide and one count of evading arrest in the deaths of Mt. Juliet couple Sean Wilson, 38, and Donna Wilson, 47. The head-on collision occurred moments after Lakewood police tried to stop Garcia for driving erratically. Officers recovered numerous beer containers from Garcia’s vehicle.

Heather Steffek is Donna Wilson’s eldest daughter and has become an advocate for reforming Tennessee’s laws regarding illegal immigrants. The ad can be seen at www.brysonforgovernor.com.

Ford's Memphis Meltdown

It’s the talk of Tennessee, it was Saturday’s “most popular” video clip on CNN’s website, and it’s even in newspapers from coast to coast, including the Washington Post, the Baltimore Sun, the Boston Globe, the L.A. Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, the Seattle Times, and others.

It’s Washington Congressman Harold Ford’s Memphis Meltdown.

And now, public sentiment and media commentary surrounding Ford’s embarrassing, non-Senatorial act of “crashing” Bob Corker’s Memphis news conference – just as a disgruntled teenager would “crash” a party – is determinably against Ford.

It was understandable Ford would try to stop Corker from unveiling a lobbying reform plan that would prohibit a family member from lobbying the House or the Senate while another family member serves in either body (questions have been raised about Harold Ford, Sr. lobbying the House of Representatives while his son is a member) – but it’s quite another to have done so in such a juvenile, petulant, non-Senatorial manner.

Ford now sees the damage he did himself, and nothing makes this clearer than the following transcript and video after an event in Gallatin Saturday during which Ford, when asked by a reporter if he wanted to comment on the airport incident, incredibly pretended not to know what the reporter was talking about:
Reporter: Do you want to comment on the Corker thing at all – the airport?
Ford: What Corker thing?
Reporter: The airport.
Ford: No, I just think the negative ads in this campaign have gotten so bad …

Following is a sampling of commentary thus far regarding Ford’s Memphis Meltdown:

“…Corker’s resolute and terse termination of the encounter was the sort of image that may grow larger in the collective memory of the event. He had, besides, protocol on his side, and an air of maturity more in keeping with the public notion of what a senator is.”
Jackson Baker/Memphis Flyer 10/22/06

“This is the second time in recent days that someone with the Ford campaign has shown up right before or just after a Corker event to try and give their side of the story. That's generally considered bad form and a bit rude even in politics. Is Corker's apparent campaign resurgence starting to annoy Harold Ford and his campaign?”
News Channel 5 Nashville: Capitol View Commentary

The following is a representative sample of commentary from Nashville’s News 2 WKRN blog:

"I am truly transfixed by this video. Ford has made an incalculable error in judgment here. He has started to take these attacks on his family personally. He shouldn't. This is politics. He should've expected this.

Sure, this "ethics" press conference was a thinly veiled attack on the Ford Family. So what? Don't take it personally. Corker's aim here was not only to expose the political "machine" but to show that Harold is just like the rest of his family. This video does that.

The Ford partisans are suggesting that this stunt takes the focus away from the Ford Family and mutes the potential headlines Corker might have captured. Nothing could be further from the truth...

Everyone else, however, sees a foolish young man, an arrogant young man, a man not quite ready for the upper chamber. This is what Ford needs to understand. He is young. He is a bachelor. In terms of coming off "Senatorial", he is already behind in the count.

This press conference by Corker was never going to be a big story. An article in the paper and a mention on the evening news. That's all it was gonna be. Very routine.

This confrontation does take away from whatever it was that Corker actually said at the conference. No doubt. But who comes off better in the confrontation?

If you are watching the same video I am, you have to admit that Corker comes off very well. Even standing several inches above him, Harold Ford comes across the smaller man.

Senators don't confront -- not like this. They reason and they deliberate. They do not let their blood get up and pull stunts like this.

It may have worked had Ford stayed off to the side and answered questions from the press.
However, once Corker came over to Ford to confront him, Ford lost the day…
Ford got sloppy. No other way to put it.

He showed up hoping to take the headlines away from Corker and he instead gave the public an opportunity to see something from Corker that they had never seen before. Toughness. A quiet reserved toughness, but toughness all the same.

Those who think Corker did not win this day, watch the video again. See how Ford reacts once Corker walked away. He clearly didn't see this going down this way.

Ford miscalculated badly here…"

E-mail from Corker Campaign Staffer Emily Booker

The recent Federal Election Commission report shows that Bob Corker’s fundraising has produced $12.97 million in receipts through the latest reporting period. Eighty-four percent of this money came from Tennesseans, and contributions were received from all 95 Tennessee counties.

This is a stark contrast to Washington Congressman Harold Ford, whose embarrassingly excessive reliance on support from Hollywood and non-Tennesseans is emblematic of his tenuous association with Tennessee values and priorities. The September 25th issue of Newsweek reported that Ford was the largest recipient of Hollywood money in the U.S. House of Representatives – except for the Congressman who actually represents Hollywood, U.S. Rep. Howard Berman.

Do we really want Hollywood selecting our next U.S. Senator?

October 12th Corker Reception

The Hawkins County GOP hosted a reception for Bob Corker on October 12, 2006, at the Hawkins County Gas Utility. Present at the reception was U.S. Congressman William L. Jenkins, State Representative and candidate for U.S. Congress David Davis and State Representative Mike Harrison. Hawkins County GO P Chairman Cecile Testerman introduced David Davis who introduced Congressman Jenkins who introduced Republican Nominee for U.S. Senate Bob Corker. A large crowd attended and enjoyed hearing Bob Corker.

Campaign Rally Today

Congressman William L. “Bill” Jenkins
Congressman John “Jimmy” Duncan, Jr.
Congressman Zach Wamp
Representative David Davis

Welcome
U.S. House of Representatives Majority Whip
Congressman Roy Blunt

At the Greene County Republican Headquarters
3333 E. Main Street
Greeneville, Tennessee
October 16, 2006
1P.M.

Everyone is Welcome!
For More Information Call 773-8861
Visit www.RightForCongress.com

Tennessee Right-to-Life Endorses Jim Bryson

(NASHVILLE, TN) - Tennessee Right to Life, the state's largest pro-life organization, today endorsed state Senator Jim Bryson (R-Franklin) for Governor.

"I am honored to have the endorsement of Tennessee Right to Life," Sen. Bryson said. "The sanctity of life is a fundamental part of Tennessee values, and as Governor, I will continue to fight for the protection of innocent life at all stages."

In the Senate, Sen. Bryson sponsored legislation to create the Choose Life license plate, whose proceeds go to a fund dedicated to helping women facing an unexpected or difficult pregnancy. Governor Bredesen refused to sign that legislation and stalled the production of the plates until a US Supreme Court ruling said the plates were constitutional.

Sen. Bryson also co-sponsored Senate Joint Resolution 127, a resolution which would allow a public vote to restore common sense pro-life laws in Tennessee. All restrictions were thrown out by the state Supreme Court in 2000 so Tennessee's constitution now grants a greater right to abortion than the U.S. Constitution.

Tennessee Right to Life Chairman Brian Harris said: "There could not be a more stark distinction between Phil Bredesen and Jim Bryson than that which exists on the matter of human life. Phil Bredesen is pro-abortion, opposed SJR 127 and refused to sign the Choose Life plate into law. In contrast, Jim Bryson is passionately pro-life, an adoptive father and sponsor of both SJR 127 and the Choose Life plate.

That's why the 45 active chapters of Tennessee Right to Life are so deeply grateful for the leadership and vision of Jim Bryson. We strongly support him because he has been there for pro-life Tennesseans - and for unborn children. We look forward to working hard in the days ahead to carry his message of hope, compassion and respect for human life into every county across the great state of Tennessee."

Sen. Bryson and his wife are the parents of three adopted children as well as one birth-child.

Reception for Bob Corker

The Hawkins County Republican Party will hold a reception for Bob Corker at the Hawkins County Gas Utility on Thursday, October 12, 2006, from 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. The public is invited.

Hawkins County Matters to Bob Corker: Events at Allandale Mansion and Hawkins County Gas Utility on Consecutive Days This Week

GOP candidate Bob Corker brings his campaign for the U. S. Senate to Hawkins County twice this week: first on Wednesday, October 11, 2006, from 11:30am to 1:00pm for a luncheon at the Allandale Mansion in Kingsport, Hawkins County, Tennessee and then back again on Thursday evening at the Hawkins County Gas Utility on Park Boulevard in Rogersville from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 pm. Refreshments will be served. (This meeting came on very short notice and it is hard to inform everyone of schedule changes.)

If you've not already met Bob, please come see him so you can firsthand compare his background to his competitor's background.

Early voting begins in only a few days.

If Bob is to be your U. S. Senator, you're going to have to help. E-mail your friends. Put a sign in your yard. Talk it up!

Senators Frist and Alexander have rolled up there sleeves to get it done for Bob. But they cannot do it alone. Every Republican foot-soldier is going to have to participate in this battle if we are to win.

Tennessee saved the country from Al Gore in 2000. Surely we won't turn the U. S. Senate over to the party of Ted Kennedy, Chuck Schumer, and Hillary Clinton? The balance of power in the U. S. Senate and President Bush's ability to push his agenda of conservative principles and protection from terrorism is coming down to Corker v. Ford. It's up to you!

An E-Mail from Tom Ingram After Debate No. 1

Get Excited, Troops!

Our guy did great in tonight’s debate in Memphis. Expectations were out the roof for the other guy and questionable for ours. Bob greatly exceeded expectations, and Harold’s flat performance sagged terribly from the very first moment.

The distinction, clear – Bob demonstrated a thoughtful, senatorial temperament; Harold was shrill, confused at times particularly when it came to critical foreign relations issues, and did not show the maturity one would expect of a senator.

Media, enamored of teflon Harold, probably will give him a break, but we all should be very proud of Bob and his performance tonight. He clearly has the intellect, character and presentation to carry on the tradition of Howard Baker, Fred Thompson, Bill Frist and Lamar Alexander in the U. S. Senate.

Thanks for all your help and support.

Below is the release we distributed immediately after the debate, including multiple instances of Harold once again saying one thing while his voting record says something quite different:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For Immediate Release
October 7, 2006
Contact: Todd Womack
423-364-2220

Corker Shares Vision; Exhibits Senatorial Temperament
Ford Continues Pattern of Stretching Truth

Memphis, TN – In the first debate of the general election campaign, U. S. Senate candidate Bob Corker easily prevailed over Washington Congressman Ford, who did not live up to his over-hyped reputation as an expert orator, but continued his pattern of stretching the truth on his record.

Corker illustrated that the clear choice in this election is between himself, a real Tennessean who has proven his ability to help people solve complicated problems with bold solutions in the private and public sectors, or Congressman Ford, a young man whose total life experience is about Washington, politics and perpetuating the Ford political machine.

Corker Communications Director, Todd Womack said, “While Bob Corker shared his vision of creating bold solutions to lead America’s toward a bright future, Congressman Ford continued a pattern that has dominated the campaign of stretching his record and his resume. Bob Corker demonstrated that he has the background and experience to represent Tennessee in the United States Senate, while Congressman Ford showed that while he talks a good game, he lacks the maturity, temperament or experience to serve in the U. S. Senate."

FORD STRETCHES THE TRUTH ON TORT REFORM

Ford Has Voted At Least Five Times Against Caps In Medical Malpractice Lawsuits, Consistently Voting To Block Reform Since 2001. (HR 5, CQ Vote #449: Passed 230-194: R 216-9; D 14-184; I 0-1, July 28, 2005, Ford Voted Nay; HR 4280, CQ Vote #166: Passed 229-197: R 214-10; D 15-186; I 0-1, May 12, 2004, Ford Voted Nay; HR 5, CQ Vote #64: Passed 229-196: R 213-9; D 16-186; I 0-1, March 13, 2003, Ford Voted Nay; HR 4600, CQ Vote #421: Passed 217-203: R 203-15; D 14-187; I 0-1, September 26, 2002, Ford Voted Nay; HR 2563, CQ Vote #330: Rejected 207-221: R 201-18; D 5-202; I 1-1, August 2, 2001, Ford Voted Nay)

Former President Of The Trial Lawyer Association Fred Baron Gave Congressman Ford $1,000 In 2006. (The Center For Responsive Politics Website, www.opensecrets.org, Accessed October 7, 2006)

Baron Once Quipped That Trial Lawyers Ran The Democrat Senate. “Lastly, there is another reason [a legislative solution to the asbestos litigation crisis] won’t happen. I picked up my Wall Street Journal last night . . . and what did I learn? ‘The plaintiffs’ bar is all but running the Senate.’ Now, I really, strongly disagree with that, particularly the words ‘all but.’” (Fred Baron, Mealey’s Asbestos Bankruptcy Conference, June 3, 2002)

· Baron Even Vowed “Jihad” Against Tort Reform Advocates. “Fred Baron has 10,000 asbestos clients – probably more than any other lawyer in the US – and he has a simple message for those lobbying Washington’s lawmakers to make it harder to bring his cases to court. ‘There will be a jihad,’ he says. ‘We will fight them with everything we’ve got.’” (“Growing Chorus Demands Change In Law,” Financial Times, September 9, 2002)

FORD STRETCHES THE TRUTH ON HIS OPPOSITION TO IRAN

Ford Missed A Chance To Condemn The Iranian President And His Call To Destroy Israel:

· Condemnation Against Iran President – Adoption. “Adoption of the resolution that would condemn Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s threats against Israel and nations that support Israel.” (H Res 523, CQ Vote #556: Adopted 383-0: R 204-0; D 178-0 (ND 135-0, SD 43-0); I 1-0. October 28, 2005, Ford Did Not Vote)

FORD STRETCHES THE TRUTH ON OPPOSITION TO AMNESTY

Ford Called A Senate Judiciary Bill That Included Amnesty “More Balanced” And “More American.” FORD: “We passed a strong enforcement-only bill in the Congress. And I think what came out of the Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday was a more balanced forward-looking approach and, frankly, a more American approach. It’s probably not altogether right but it’s a lot better than what we had.” . . . CNBC’S LARRY KUDLOW: “If the Senate bill, this Specter bill comes to the House floor, can you vote for it?” FORD: “If they add--make it a little stronger border protection component, I can vote for it, but we’ve got to address the border protection thing.” (Harold Ford, Jr. CNBC’s “Kudlow & Company,” March 30, 2006)

The Senate Judiciary Committee Bill Ford Said He Would Vote For Includes Amnesty And Guest Worker Provisions. “The draft bill approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee . . . includes provisions on border security, internal enforcement, guest workers and legalization of those now in the country illegally.” (Elizabeth B. Crowley, “Judiciary Measure Would Significantly Alter Frist’s Bill,” Congressional Quarterly, March 30, 2006)

· “The Bill (S 2611) … Would Offer A Path To Citizenship To Most Of The Estimated 11 Million To 12 Million Illegal Immigrants In The Country.” (Michael Sandler, “Senate Limits Debate, Moves Toward Final Immigration Vote,” Congressional Quarterly, May 25, 2006)

FORD STRETCHES THE TRUTH ON HIS SUPPORT FOR VETERANS

Vietnam Veterans Of America Gives Ford An Average 35.5% Rating For His Votes Since 2003. (Vietnam Veterans Of America Website, capwiz.com/vva/keyvotes.xc/?lvl=C, Accessed September 8, 2006; Project Vote Smart, www.vote-smart.org, Accessed August 29, 2006)

Disabled American Veterans Gives Ford An Average 40% Rating For His Votes Since 2001. (Project Vote Smart, www.vote-smart.org, Accessed August 29, 2006)

The Retired Enlisted Association Disabled American Veterans Gives Ford A 17% Rating For His Votes In 2004. (Project Vote Smart, www.vote-smart.org, Accessed August 29, 2006)

FORD STRETCHES THE TRUTH ON HIS SUPPORT OF A TWO-YEAR BUDGET

In An Interview With The Chattanooga Times Free Press Editorial Board Ford Said He Favored A Two-Year Budget Cycle. “Ed Bryant and I share something in common when it comes to balancing the budget. I think that we ought to adopt a two-year budget cycle.” (Harold Ford, Jr., Chattanooga Times Free Press Editorial Board Interview, October 3, 2006)

But In 2000, Congressman Ford Voted Against An Amendment To Replace Annual Budgeting With A Biennial System. “Dreier, R-Calif., amendment that would replace the annual budgeting and appropriation system with a biennial one. Under the amendment, the budget resolution would cover two years, as would appropriations bills.” (HR 853, CQ Vote #186: Rejected 201-217: R 176-42; D 24-174; I 1-1, May 16, 2000, Ford Voted Nay)

FORD STRETCHES THE TRUTH ON HIS SUPPORT OF THE PRESIDENT

According To Congressional Quarterly, Liberal Icons Ted Kennedy And Hillary Clinton Supported President Bush More Often Than Harold Ford In Four Of The Past Five Years. (Member Profile, “Harold Ford,” Congressional Quarterly Website, www.cq.com, Accessed February 1, 2006)

Ford Has A Lifetime Democrat Party Unity Average Score Of 88% - The Highest Of The Tennessee Delegation. (All Information From www.CQ.com, updated through January 2006 and Accessed August 24, 2006)

According To Congressional Quarterly, In Three Of The Last Five Years Ford Has Opposed President Bush More Often Than Any Member Of The Tennessee Congressional Delegation. (Congressional Quarterly Website, www.cq.com, Accessed June 29, 2006)

FORD STRETCHES THE TRUTH ON HIS LIBERALISM

According To National Journal, Ford Has A 67.3% Average Liberal Score Over The Course Of His Career, The Highest Of The Tennessee Delegation. (National Journal, House Vote Ratings 1997-2005, http://nationaljournal.com/voteratings, Accessed August 26, 2006)

FORD STRETCHES THE TRUTH ON HIS COMMITMENT

TO “THE LITTLE GUY”

Harold Ford’s Leading Donors Are Not Comprised Of “The Little Guy.” Ford has received almost $660,000 from lawyers and law firms and well-over $500,000 from the largest securities & investment firms. (Center For Responsive Politics Website, www.opensecrets.org, Accessed 10/7/06)

Ford’s Top Contributors Are All Investment Firms

Rank Company/Firm Amount

1 Credit Suisse Group $37,720
2 Ariel Capital Management $31,550
3 Goldman Sachs $30,797
4 Morgan Stanley $28,850
5 Merrill Lynch $27,850
6 McVean Trading & Investments $26,700
7 UBS AG $25,250

(The Center For Responsive Politics Website, www.opensecrets.org, Accessed 10/7/06)

Bryson to Bredesen: Will you remove the Deputy Governor?

(Nashville, TN) - GOP nominee for Governor Jim Bryson has called on Governor Phil Bredesen to fire controversial Deputy Governor Dave Cooley for ongoing ethical problems and his involvement in a ticket-fixing scandal that now involves the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Attorney General. Bredesen refused to answer the question three times during yesterday's televised gubernatorial debate in Knoxville.

"Someone must be held accountable for the Deputy Governor's ticket-fixing and the cash for promotions scheme within the Highway Patrol," said Sen. Bryson. "Either that person is Governor Bredesen or Dave Cooley."

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has refused to comply with a subpoena issued for the closed file of Cooley's actions regarding a speeding ticket he received that was dismissed in 2004. Bredesen asked the TBI to investigate and news reports have said that investigation has uncovered internal memos and e-mail relevant to the case. The Attorney General, an appointed Democrat, is backing the TBI.

The subpoena is part of former Highway Patrol Lt. Bryan Farmer's federal lawsuit over the THP's promotions process. Farmer contributed to Bredesen's 2002 opponent and was subsequently dismissed.

Another major issue to come out of the debate was Bredesen's refusal to support tough state laws that punish illegal immigrants who commit crime. The Governor also downplayed the fact that illegal immigrants are on TennCare and left the door open to a gas tax increase.

On the net:
www.brysonforgovernor.com