An Ol' Broad's Ramblings
Tennessee Primaries
.Haslam claims GOP nomination for Governor
Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam withstood relentless attacks from his rivals to claim Tennessee’s Republican gubernatorial nomination on Thursday.
Haslam had the dominant fundraising advantage in the race against U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp and state Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey, and poured in at least $1.5 million of his own money in the closing weeks of the race.
To say I’m disappointed by Ramsey’s poor showing, would be an understatement. However, Haslam was my (DISTANT) second choice, so I can’t get all bent out of shape. We are never going to have a perfect candidate. Why? Because the candidates are people too, and not a one of us is perfect. I’m actually wondering how many Democrats asked for the Republican ballot? 
In the over all picture for Tennessee, Tea Party candidates didn’t fair too well, although there were a few victories. This should dispel the rumor that Tea Partiers are rich. The “money” candidates did a lot better, even though they had fewer endorsements. Somehow, that money issue always comes out on top, for good or ill.
One of the entertaining races was in the Memphis area, TN 9th district. Long time Memphis Mayor, “King” Willie Herenton got his ass handed to him on a platter in the Democrat primary. Not that I want Cohen to retain the seat, but it was amusing to watch Willie digging his own political grave with a lot of the ignorant remarks he made. Not to mention, his record as mayor was abysmal. Unfortunately, Charlotte Bergmann, the lovely CONSERVATIVE lady who won the GOP primary, has gotten little to no attention at all.
Marsha Blackburn had no opponent in the primary, so that’s a no brainer.
Closer to home: I have no idea if Ashley won or lost, as all I can find is just the Hardin County vote. Last count I saw had her down by 17. Jim Davis came a close second to the current sheriff, Sammy Davidson, but just couldn’t get over that hurdle. Kevin Davis is still the county mayor. Since, Vance didn’t have an opponent, he could have won with one vote. LOL And honestly, I have no idea who most of the rest of the people are, or what they do.
One bright spot in my morning – Brother Gary Vickery was victorious in his bid for school board! Heaven knows, we need to get more Christians involved in our children’s education, and he is definitely, one of the good guys!
On the Democrat side: there were no contested races, and most had the field all to themselves. It’ll be Haslam V McWherter for governor. I know nothing about this guy, other than he’s a Dem. And I seriously doubt, considering today’s political atmosphere, he’s as ‘moderate’ as Bredesen. But who knows….I’ll have to do some checking.
For the state Rep seat (71st), there were 24 write-ins. It doesn’t say who was written in, could be Daisy Duck for all I know.
TN’s 7th Congressional was a lone candidate too, Greg Rabidoux. I rather doubt he’ll be able to unseat Marsha, but you never know what will happen these days.
Other races I’ve been watching: Looks like Stacey Campfield got the nod for State Senate in Dist 7. Stephen Fincher wins in U.S Dist 8 for John Tanner’s seat. There are a few more, but for the life of me, I can’t think of who they are. LOL
There’s a pretty good run down on The Tennessean.
One thing I’ve found highly interesting and amusing: Republicans sweep all 9 of the contested Shelby County races
Hi,
As a native of the Chattanooga area , I was rooting for Zach, though I knew he had no money and could not win. My family members that live in your wonderful state wound up voting for the Knoxville mayor, over Zach for that very reason.
I’m sorry for you, my fellow Smart Girl, that your candidate didn’t win, as he seemed more conservative, but I certainly hope that nominee goes on to win in November.
Apparently your state has open primaries that include Democrats??? Now that’s just crazy. I thought ours was bad (in NC) to include unaffiliates (independents) as they tend to go for the “squishy moderate” types.
Bless you and I’m glad you posted this on Twitter, as that’s how I found your article.
Keep it up!
I am my kid’s mom,
Katy in Raleigh
Mother of Bobby, age 5
Blogger and Smart Girl
Honestly, I’d rather keep Bredesen than to have a RINO in that office. As a Dem, he could be much worse. But, we have term limits, which is a good thing, IMHO. We need to expand that to the national level.
I’m not real sure how Haslam actually won, other than when you go into vote, they ask you which ballot you want, Republican or Democrat, and like I said, I’m thinking a LOT of Dems got the Rep ballot. I’m also really surprised that Wamp did as well as he did, considering his vote for Bush’s bailout. His record in Congress hasn’t shown him to be very conservative at all. sigh…
There is a bit of talk of REAL Constitutional conservatives hunting up a candidate to run as a third, but that will do nothing but split the vote, and hand the victory to the Dem. Maybe that’s what the Dems are hoping. If Haslam wins, I have every intention of holding his feet to the fire, and I pray everyone else in the state will do.