Following McCain, Obama and Clinton Make TN Visit Plans
Following McCain, Obama and Clinton Make TN Visit Plans -- All three major contenders for President have now made plans to stop by the Volunteer state. For the Democrats, states such as Tennessee offer ready sources of campaign donations and grass-roots labor for the on-going primary struggle between Clinton and Obama. For McCain, the hope is to shore up grassroots support and raise more money after locking in the nomination. The Tennessee Democratic Party is expecting a visit from at least one of the Clintons in the next two months. Obama is likely to swing through the state to stump with Bob Tuke, although no date has been set.
Txting Ban Goes Forward -- A new law would ban sending text messages while driving, but some lawmakers say the bill is not needed because state law already bans driving while "destracted." State Sen. Jim Tracy, the bill's sponsor, said a specific statute is needed because texting has become a "big issue" and the "distracted driving" statute might not always apply to someone text messaging.
Grocers Push Wine Bill -- Grocers have started a grassroots lobbying effort to be able to sell wine in their stores, instead of the current TN system which prohibits alcohol sales in grocery stores. Currently, 33 states allow wine sales in retail food stores, including five of the states bordering Tennessee. The Tennessee Grocers and Convenience Store Association launched a new public relations campaign entitled “Red, White and Food.” A pair of public relations firms has been hired, including the powerful McNeely, Pigott & Fox, as well as a lobbyist.
Goetz Criticizes Additional Education Funding -- State Finance Commissioner Dave Goetz strongly critcized lawmakers who conditionally authorized $177.7M in bonds for new college and university projects. Goetz says the newly authorized expenditure throws a wrench in an already tight budget. Total costs of the bonds estimate to $30.5M, which State Sen. Randy McNally thinks will be offset by cuts in the budget elsewhere. More here.
Long Pleads Not Guilty -- Former Hamilton Co. Sheriff Billy Long pleaded not guilty to a 28-count federal indictment. The trial is set for Tuesday, May 18. Long's attorney, Jerry Summers, is seeking an order to release Long from prision in Bradley Co. to make easier for Long to visit Summers and assist in his own defense. Meanwhile, Democratic nominees to replace Long have until Friday to get their applications for the job in the Hamilton Co. Democratic Party.
