How should we choose?

In the waning days of the 2010 Primary, it appears that many voters remain undecided.  With the Republican Party choosing its candidate for governor, much attention has been focused on this race.  The negative campaigning in Districts 6 and 8 have drawn attention away from the congressional race in the 5^th district, a key district if Republicans are to take back the House in November.

What should voters make of a Primary with 11 listed candidates?  I confess I would be confused as well if, as a voter, I had just raised my head from the important daily routine of taking care of my family.  But here we are anyway.  What should voters be looking for?

Walking the Talk

I am continually amazed at the attempts of political candidates across the country to co-opt issues in which they have no experience.  Years ago, the Christian Right encouraged numerous politicians to have a “come to Jesus” experience and advocate platforms they neither agreed with nor could validate.  If one could say something enough times and get his/her picture made with the right people, then… voila! you’re automatically an expert.

I have thought about this in relation to my lifetime of experience in socially conservative issues.  Though these matters will always form the basis for strength in our republic, they do not currently rise to the top of the national discussion, except during Supreme Court nominee hearings before the U.S. Senate.  The nation’s attention is clearly focused on overly big government, runaway spending, excessive debt, unsustainable entitlements, an open border, energy dependence, an unfair tax system, and two wars against enemies that wear no discernible uniform.

To make the record clear, let me describe my walk compared to my talk.

The 40th Vote

I want to be the 40th vote.

Assuming the Republican Party can retain every seat it currently holds in the U.S. House of Representatives, we would regain a majority in the House by one vote if 40 new conservatives were elected in November. This is a critical number for working families across America because this number will guarantee that a conservative majority controls the checkbook, debit and credit cards for the government.

In Tennessee, it’s all about Jobs

A recent Tennessean poll revealed what many had known for some time.  Tennesseans are worried about jobs, period. Yes, health reform has been a big topic. Cap and Trade has been a big topic.  Financial reform has been a big topic.  But these issues are not as important to constituents unemployed and unable to find work.  A lost health plan, increasing energy costs though unable to pay current energy bills, and changes to bank regulations on a house account with very little in it, etc. The solution to those issues is contingent on finding and securing a job.

Get out and Vote.

We are halfway home folks. We have been asking for your votes now for almost 7 months, and we are right in the middle of early voting. Now is the time to get to the polls and make your voice heard.

In the interest of helping you make your way to the polls across the 5th District, I asked our staff to put together some helpful hints on where to go vote. There have only been a few locations open across the district, but that all changes on Monday, July 26th.

If you are unsure of where to vote, that isn’t an issue in Early Voting. You should be able to go to any polling location (within your county of residence) and vote. Here is the information:

An endorsement for Jeff

Today I am proud to announce that the “New Voice for the People” has been endorsed by 2008 Presidential candidate and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and his PAC, Huck PAC.

June 30th News

The past two weeks for the campaign have been absolutely phenomenal. We’ve been a part of many events, voter meetings, speaking engagements, and much more. As such, it’s become more difficult to blog consistently. Because of this blogging break, I wanted to update you on the recent news from our Campaign HQ on 21st Avenue South.

Middle Tennessee Flooding

Over the past 48 hours Middle Tennessee has seen some of the worst flooding ever recorded in Tennessee history. In light of this, we will be taking a few days away from the blogging to focus on helping get Middle Tennessee back as close to normal as we can. It will be a long road to recovery. At this point, the rains seems to be subsiding and the work will begin.

If you are interested in helping with the task of cleaning up, or if you just want to give something, you may do so at the links below. There is no greater opportunity to show kindness to fellow Americans than a crisis like ours. I fully expect the region to work together to fix the problems created by these floodwaters. It may sound cliche’, but we are called the Volunteer State for a reason.

We will continue to pray for everyone affected by the rainstorms and flooding. However, we will be active in working to provide relief to those that need it.

If you would like to donate funds to the relief effort, the Middle TN Red Cross can be found here.

If you would like to donate time, skills, etc. you can sign up at “Hands on Nashville” to volunteer here.

What do you believe in?

My wife and I have been blessed with three wonderful children. If you don’t know us very well, you should know that our children mean the world to us. As of April 3rd, we also have three grandsons. It’s hard to see how life could be better.

A letter to Rep. Cooper

An Open Letter to Jim Cooper
March 22, 2010

Dear Mr. Cooper:

Today, you have officially abandoned any pretext as a credible representative for District 5 of Tennessee. I have contacted you many times in the past regarding your votes for Cap and Trade, Health Care Insurance, Stimulus One and Two, Cash for Clunkers, Bank Bailouts, Insurance Bailouts, Car Company Bailouts, etc. Your office has steadfastly told me that you know best because you are a teacher at Vanderbilt, a fiscal conservative, a Rhodes Scholar, etc. You certainly teach at Vanderbilt and are a Rhodes Scholar. However, you are no fiscal conservative.