Campaign Notebook: Forum blasts justices' spending

Forum blasts justices' spending

The Tennessee Forum, a group working to oust three state Supreme Court justices in Thursday's election, last week linked spending by the three to "Washington, D.C., Democrats."

Forum President Susan Kaestner said in a news release that money the three spent with three media firms "eliminates any doubt" that "these judges are partisan Democrats, period."

"Tennessee has utterly rejected Barack Obama and D.C. Democrats. It is time for Tennessee to vote replace on Democrats Connie Clark, Sharon Lee and Gary Wade," Kaestner said.

Conservatives led by Republican Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey are working to persuade Tennessee voters not to retain the three justices, all appointed by former Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen. Their goal is to replace them with judges appointed by Republican Gov. Bill Haslam. The new judges, then, would be expected to name a Republican state attorney general.

According to Kaestner's release, the judges spent nearly $25,000 on media production with the firm Murphy Vogel Askew Reilly, LLC. She said the firm bills itself as a "full-service political media firm with experience helping Democrats and progressive causes" and was the media team for the 2008 Barack Obama campaign.

She said the judges also spent $300,000 on an advertising firm called Buying Time, LLC, which worked for the Clinton/Gore campaign in 1996. And she said Wade paid Hart Research Associates $16,000 for research and polling. Hart Associates has worked for Hubert Humphrey, Lloyd Bentsen and Jay Rockefeller.


Fleischmann rapped over ads

The East Tennessee Young Republicans organization slapped at U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann for negative advertising.

In a news release, the group said Fleischmann's campaign has run "4 negative television ads, 2 negative radio ads and sent out 2 negative Mail [sic] pieces" against his GOP primary opponent, Weston Wamp.

"As Young Republicans, we do not endorse in primaries but we do stand for good government," the release from chairman Ray Meade stated.

"Negative advertising on legitimate issues can be expected but as all three major daily newspapers have now editorialized, the negative campaign being run is not truthful and personally destructive.

"Young Republicans repudiate this advertising and hope that all GOP candidates will conduct themselves in an honorable manner whether they are the incumbent or the challenger."


Vincents back Crangle in 27th

Former state Rep. Jim Vincent and his wife, Marilyn, have endorsed Tommy Crangle for the Republican nomination in the 27th District state House race.

In a news release, Vincent said: "Tommy would approach the office as a true conservative. In getting to know Tommy, I have found him to be a statesman, not a politician. I believe his values are deeply entrenched. Tommy Crangle will make a wonderful representative for District 27."

Crangle already has been endorsed by incumbent District 27 Rep. Richard Floyd and former state Reps. Bobby Wood and Bill McAfee.

Tennessee House District 27 includes Soddy Daisy, Falling Water, Red Bank, Mowbray, Signal and Lookout Mountains, Lookout Valley and Walden.


Eagle Forum PAC endorses Carr

The Eagle Forum PAC has endorsed state Rep. Joe Carr in the U.S. Senate Republican primary.

Eagle Forum founder Phyllis Schlafly said in a news release that Carr "is a strong voice for limited government and traditional values."

She specifically noted Carr's call for securing the nation's southern border and halting illegal immigration.

She added: "Joe understands that our rights don't belong to the government. He has been a tireless advocate for the unborn, traditional marriage, and the Second Amendment, and he will be the same in the U.S. Senate."


Realtors back Fairbanks

Randy Fairbanks, the GOP nominee for the District 1 seat on the Hamilton County Commission, has received the endorsement of the Greater Chattanooga Association of Realtors.

A news release called Fairbanks the most qualified candidate because of his community service and his success as a business owner.


Headrick to address JFK Club

Dr. Mary Headrick, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. House seat in the 3rd Congressional District, will speak about her candidacy at the JFK Club on Aug. 11.

Headrick, a retired physician from Maynardville, will face the winner of the Republican August primary in the November general election.

The JFK Club will meet from noon to 1 p.m. in the Mountain Room of The Chattanoogan hotel, 1201 Broad St. There will be a buffet luncheon including vegetarian dishes. Valet parking is available at no charge for those attending the meeting.

RSVP by Thursday to jfkclub109@gmail.com.

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