In May, when a McCain adviser proposed a series of pre-convention appearances at town hall meetings, Obama said, "I think that's a great idea." In summer stumping on the campaign trail, McCain has often noted that Obama had not followed through and joined him in any events.
The worst nightmare for Republicans on Election Day is the Democrats' best-case scenario: control of the White House, a nine-seat net gain in the Senate, and a healthy gain on their 36-seat majority in the House. In that case, Democrats could steamroll President Obama's agenda into law.
There will be no Daily Dose until Monday, August 11 as I am vacationing outside of our great state. In my absence, you can stay up to date with TN political news of course at A.C. Kleinheider's essential Post Politics blog. Or if you are interested in the latest in the McCain - Obama showdown, be sure to check out The Hotline's On Call blog or and the other great state affiliates of the Hotline Political Network.
Tax Free Weekend This Weekend -- Don't forget you can get clothing items and computers under $100 without having to pay the state's sales tax this weekend. Economists are debating the impact of the sales tax holiday this year, which they say will be less of a homerun than in year's past. Tradtionally, shoppers who come to take advantage of the tax free savings typically spend that extra money on other taxed items. But this year, because of a slow economy and fuel costs, consumers could be less willing to spend money on non-necessary items. In recent weeks, Gov. Bredesen has changed his stance in favoring a sales tax holiday to opposing it in the future. Opposition to the tax holiday could have consequences if other surrounding states decide to keep their sales tax holidays, TN could lose out on even more revenue opportunities than it gives up in the holiday.
TN to Get Tougher Edu Standards -- Tougher standards for graduation, including more difficult math and science courses, are coming to TN. The class of 2013 and every class thereafter will be required to take four years of math, instead of three, including the higher level Algebra II, which currently is not required for a high school diploma. Additionally, all students still must take three years of science, but now they'll be required to pass chemistry or physics in addition to biology. The effort is a push on the part of a 33 state coalition to standardize state school standards across the country.
Hammond Leads Donations in Hamilton -- GOP Sheriff candidate Jim Hammond leads contributions in the Sheriff's race in Hamilton Co. According to financial disclosure forms filed with the election office, Mr. Hammond received a total of $120,675 in contributions between March 28 and July 28. Contributions to Democrat Greg Beck totaled $20,785, while Independent candidate Jim Winters reported $1,950 in contributions.
On July 29, for instance, Amnesty International published a report critical of the Chinese government's human-rights policy. According to an Amnesty statement, "there has been little progress towards fulfilling the Chinese authorities' promise to improve human rights, but rather continued deterioration in key areas."
Paris-based Reporters Without Borders in a statement on its Web site has condemned the Chinese government's censorship policy and the International Olympic Committee's willingness to go along with it. "The organization also condemns the cynicism of the Chinese authorities, who have yet again lied," the Reporters Without Borders statement said, "and the IOC's inability to prevent this situation because of its refusal to speak out for several years."
On July 29, the group issued a report on the government's treatment of people opposed to the demolition of housing and the eviction of residents in Beijing to make room for Games venues. Human Rights Watch focused on Ni Yulan, an activist whom it said the government will put on trial Aug. 4. "To try her on the eve of the Games is an extraordinary insult to those who lost their homes to the Beijing Olympics and shows contempt for human-rights concerns raised by the international community," said Sophie Richardson, the NGO's Asia advocacy director, in a Human Rights Watch statement.
Greenpeace in a recent report praised some of the government's work to improve the environment before the Games. "A number of Beijing's achievements represent best environmental practice," a Greenpeace report published on July 28 said. "In our analysis from the information available, Greenpeace found that Beijing achieved and in some cases surpassed original environmental goals," the group added, although the NGO's report said leaders "also missed some opportunities that could have ensured a better short- and long-term environmental Olympic legacy for the city."
