The conventional wisdom on midterm elections says it’s not going to be an easy year for Democrats in Tennessee (or many other places). But by all available accounts, there was no damper on the optimism at the state party’s annual Jackson Day fundraiser Friday night in Nashville.
The blogger at Dru’s Vues reported that no chickens were harmed in the making of the event: instead of the typical dinner, donors “paid top dollar to sit on hard metal chairs.” Party chair Chip Forrester said that the money saved on dinner would be put to use in funding campaigns.
Chas Sisk, Erik Schelzig, and Richard Locker each wrote stories about the fundraiser, which reportedly amassed close to $400,000 for the state party. Former Vice President Al Gore introduced current Vice President Joe Biden, who cheered on the three Democratic congressmen who are running for reelection. Gov. Phil Bredesen also spoke, along with Mike McWherter, who is running to replace him.