Category Archives: Political News

Constitution convention

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Surely you know that the Republican National Convention will take place in Tampa, and the Democratic National Convention will be in Charlotte; but did you know that there is a national political convention here in Tennessee, and that it’s happening now?

Thanks to a heads-up from a longtime friend in the blogosphere, now you do. The Constitution Party is holding its convention in Nashville. (Personal aside: the apparent frontrunner for the nomination formerly represented the congressional district where I spent my childhood, and earlier was a state senator—and a Democrat).

Former Congressman Virgil Goode is widely considered the front-runner for the top spot on the ticket, though it’s unclear at this moment who will serve as his running mate. Former Savannah State football coach Robby Wells is also seeking the party’s nomination.

Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, it’s not too late to defect and join this ticket. Think about it: “Goode & Pawlenty 2012″ has a certain sweetness to it.

The Constitution Party of Tennessee, which is the state-level affiliate, won ballot access (along with the Green Party of Tennessee) in a recent federal court ruling, although officials for the State of Tennessee have appealed the judgement. It is therefore undetermined whether the Constitution Party’s nominees for president will appear with the party label beside them, but as of right now they would.

To my knowledge, there are no state legislative or congressional candidates running as Constitution Party candidates in Tennessee.

(Updated to add paragraph 4.)

More on the unrest in the Hawks’ nest

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Rep. David Hawk pleaded not guilty to the assault charge following his arrest on a domestic violence complaint. — AP

Hawk’s wife said she was holding their 11-month-old daughter when she was struck. — WCYB.com

Hawk is resigning his House Environment and Conservation Committee chairmanship. — WCYB.com

The Tennessee Democratic Party used a photo showing an apparently injured Mrs. Hawk in a press release, causing somewhat of an outcry on Twitter.

Please remember two things as this troubling story unfolds: any of us accused of a crime is legally innocent until proven guilty, and there are human beings going through a lot of pain. A third thing to keep in mind is the welfare of a small child.

Earlier post

Sen. Mike Faulk not seeking re-election

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In a year dotted with Democratic Party retirements from public office, here’s one from the other side of the aisle: Sen. Mike Faulk, a Church Hill attorney who defeated former independent Sen. (now Union County Mayor) Micheal Williams of Maynardville in 2008, will not run for office this year in District 8 (currently numbered as District 4, but will be the 8th as of redistricting).

The reason is a sad one: Faulk’s mother is gravely ill. Here is the senator’s press release:

Senator Mike Faulk announced today during one of his Student Town Hall meetings that he will not be a candidate for reelection to the State Senate.

“My ailing mother and my business need me more than the Senate needs me. Most folks understand the need to care for a gravely ill parent.,” Faulk said. “Being at her side is a higher priority of mine than campaigning for reelection for the next 8 months.”

In regard to his business, Faulk added: “For the past three years, having time to work in my business after first doing my Senate responsibilities has been a struggle. As a solo attorney, I need to work much, much more over the next four years to keep my business going.”

Faulk also noted his term-limits pledge was a part of his decision. “As Candidate Faulk, I told folks I’d serve a term or two. I’ll be keeping that promise by becoming Citizen Faulk,” said the Senator.

“Serving in the State Senate has been the highest honor of
my lifetime. Every single day I’ve learned something new about the special privilege I’ve been given. I will be eternally grateful for that privilege,” Senator Faulk added.