Republican Meet & Greet

The Hawkins County Republican Party will host a Republican “Meet the Candidates” gathering at the Hawkins County Courthouse upstairs courtroom on Thursday, January 24, 2008, at 6:00 PM. This will give the candidates an opportunity to introduce themself to their constituents and say a few words about why they are seeking your office. The members of the Hawkins County Republican Party are invited, as well as members of the community and press. Please bring your family and friends and plan to attend this informal function that will help kick start this exciting campaign season.

Faulk for Senate Bandwagon Rolls into Knoxville January 15, 2008

The Faulk for Senate Committee has announced plans for a Knoxville Fundraiser on January 15, 2008. The reception and fundraiser for Mike Faulk takes place from 7:00pm to 8:30pm at the home of Sherri Lee, 5555 Cove Island Road, Knoxville, Tennessee 37919. Make your reservations by calling 423-357-8088 or e-mailing finance@faulkforsenate.com.

This all-star host committee invites us to make an all-out effort to return this seat to the GOP. With Tennessee's Senate divided 16-16-1, the re-election of a Republican Lt. Governor and the drawing of district lines after the 2010 Census depends on the outcome of his race.

Sen. Mike Williams: A Trail of Broken Promises

The ad shown here is from 1996 when Mike Williams first asked for our vote. The advertisement attacks Democrat Senator Wallace for taking special interest money. Specifically it says, "Mike Williams does NOT take money from special interests. Never has. Never will."

According to the Tennessee Journal, Sen. Williams, who abandoned the Republican Party last session, sent this past week a letter to special interest lobbyists seeking contributions for his reelection asking his "true friends" to stick with him.

To learn about the contributions Sen. Mike Williams has accepted since promising to "never" accept special interest money, see the disclosures at the Tennessee Registry of Election Finance. Type his name and choose a year to see how little he raised and how few contributors he has in the 4th Senate District. Then compare that to how many "true friends" - special interest friends - he has who have handed him thousands and thousands of special interest dollars even though he hasn't had an opponent since 1996.

The issue isn't Political Action Committee contributions. The vast majority of candidates for state office accept PAC contributions. Isn't the issue is whether or not you can depend on the promises Mike Williams makes?

That Sen. Williams shared his plan to seek reelection first with his special interest friends rather than the constituents of his district says it all.

See also Bill Hobbs: "Flip-flop Mike" and Angelia Gibson-Herrell: "Too Little, Too Late".

Gratitude Campaign!

As many of us travel this holiday season, we will encounter service men and women in their travels as well. While often we don't have the time or don't quite feel comfortable engaging these service men and women in conversation, how many times have you wanted to express your gratitude for their selfless service?

An new way of saying "thank you" is taking hold around the country. If you get the chance, learn the new salute to our troops that expresses our gratitude.