Dolores Gresham is number one ...

on the list of Fayette County recipients receiving state-funded agriculture grants, according to the Commercial Appeal. The State Senate candidate's husband, James, received almost $27,000 from the program and is on track to receive an additional $9040.

James Gresham was approved for cost-sharing grants totaling $35,890 to help pay for improvements on the cattle farm east of Somerville he owns with his wife. She sits on the House Agriculture Committee and in the legislature that funded the program.

Rep. Gresham, R-Somerville, spoke in favor of the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program in the committee on Feb. 6, 2007, when Agriculture Commissioner Ken Givens reviewed its first year. She said the program "is obviously an investment in our future. It's an economic development tool."

That it is.

Although she didn't mention it at any point during the legislative session that approved the funds, she's not required to. She didn't break any laws or violate any regulations.

I wonder whether this item gets highlighted in next year's beef, er, um, Pork Report from the Tennessee Center for Policy Research.

Gresham wins close victory, will face Camp in November

From the Commercial Appeal:

In a local state Senate primary, Rep. Dolores Gresham, 66, of Somerville won a tough challenge against two Republican opponents for the District 26 senate seat vacated by former Senate Speaker John Wilder.

With all precincts reporting, Gresham collected 4,899 votes, or 38 percent just ahead of Bob Shutt's 4,797 votes, or 37 percent. Tim Linder had 2,949 votes, or 23 percent.

"I'm more conservative than you." District 26 Senate race

http://www.jacksonsun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080413/NEWS01/804130313/-1/newsfront2

A Jackson Sun profile of the candidates running to replace John Wilder in the Senate (D-Mason). Whoever wins may tip the balance between Democrats and Republicans in the closely divided Senate. A big turnout by Democrats in the presidential election may help Democrat Randy Camp, who was Wilder's chief of staff.

So far the rhetoric is about who is more conservative...or at least conservative enough for the district. Camp and a possible Republican opponent Rep. Delores Gresham (R-Somerville) have weighed in so far.

Here are the relevant quotations:

"I'm a conservative Democrat," Camp said. "I don't think being a Republican or a Democrat makes that much difference to people if they've got good conservative representation."

Gresham, a former Marine, said her experience will show she is capable of bringing strong representation to the district. She promised to work to improve education and battle against legalized abortion.

"Conservative principles and voting record will resonate with those who look into it," Gresham said. "I look forward to the campaign, I look forward to building a relationship with the people of the 26th district, and I look forward to a great summer."