DNC hits Alexander views on health care
November 28, 2009

In a Monday e-mail, the Democratic National Committee took aim at some of the arguments against the Senate health care bill made by U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., during an appearance on "Fox News Sunday."

The e-mail's two arguments focused on whether the bill would cut Medicare benefits and raise private insurance premiums. Quoting from ABC News, Politifact.org, The Associated Press, AARP and FactCheck.org, the DNC pushed back against those assertions.

The committee's basic arguments were that studies showing that premiums would increase were commissioned by insurance companies and the bill's provisions "strengthen Medicare."

Davis' 'serious foe'

A Wednesday Southern Political Report analysis called Scott DesJarlais, the Republican opponent of U.S. Rep. Lincoln Davis, D-Tenn., a "serious foe," citing fundraising as a major factor.

"The contest attracted attention when the third quarter financial reports came in," wrote analyst Hastings Wyman. "Davis raised a not-very-serious $68,000, leaving him with $121,000 on hand. DesJarlais did better, bringing in $97,000 in the same period -- impressive for a beginner -- leaving him with $106,000 on hand."

The analysis also cites recent tea party meetings within Tennessee's 4th Congressional District as a sign of dissatisfaction with Democrats and President Barack Obama.

"Despite some notable advantages, however, DesJarlais remains the underdog," the report goes on to say. "For starters, he has neither held nor sought public office before, which means that until now he has had no experience campaigning and is not widely known in the district."

corker sizes up pelosi, reid

U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., tried his best this week to size up the leadership styles of U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

"Nancy Pelosi is a true believer, OK?" he said in a Chattanooga Times Free Press editorial board meeting. "These positions she takes, they're heartfelt, and I think, somewhat strange in some cases."

He continued, "Harry, he's agnostic. He just wants to pass legislation."

wamp issues challenge

U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., issued a challenge to his fellow candidates for Tennessee governor Wednesday, calling on them to "be fully open and transparent now about any potential personal or business holdings they could have while serving as the state's next chief executive."

Rep. Wamp said he and Shelby County District Attorney Bill Gibbons provided five years' worth of income tax returns to the Tennessee Newspaper Network. The network had asked for three.

Rep. Wamp said he also provided detailed financial statements.

"My intent in going above and beyond your request is to be as open and transparent as I can be with the people of Tennessee about any personal or business financial holdings that could present any potential conflicts of interest while I serve as governor," he wrote in a letter to Tom Humphrey of the Knoxville News Sentinel.

twitter updates

Twitter is a social networking tool politicians often use to send updates to supporters. Here's what some local and state candidates and officials were saying this week.

* Bradley County Sheriff Tim Gobble, GOP candidate for Tennessee 3rd District Congress, Monday: "Attended the 'Save Don Ledford GM dealership Rally' today. Another great cause in support of jobs for Cleveland and a fine local family."

* Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam, GOP candidate for Tennessee governor, Monday: "Coffee in Marshall, breakfast in Lincoln, lunch in Wayne with visits to Giles, Lawrence and Lewis. Headed to Dickson to knock on more doors."

* Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, R-Blountville, candidate for Tennessee governor, Tuesday: "In Nashville all day today. Several meetings. May get to do a little hunting tomorrow before I head home for a great weekend with the family."

* Rep. Wamp, Wednesday: "Sevier support today best yet. Good people ready 4 new Gov. Wamp family says Happy Thanksgiving to all. We are grateful to be Tennesseans."

* State Sen. Jim Kyle, D-Memphis, candidate for Tennessee governor, Thursday: "Receiving txt messages wishing me a Happy Thanksgiving. First year for that."