"What does that say about Tennessee?"

Late yesterday I gave three interviews to the Nashville media about the Senate's vote on repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. When the topic of the NO votes of Tennessee's Senator Lamar Alexander and Senator Bob Corker came up, two of the reporters asked me,

"What does that say about Tennessee?"

That's the question a lot of us have been asking over the last couple of years as Tennessee's elected officials have said and done so many things that make us wonder just who is welcome here.

But I got to thinking that if two reporters who don't spend 24/7 thinking about equality issues could independently ask me that question, do all of us who care about our state and its leadership need to be asking that question more often and raising the volume?

I think the question is particularly acute in Nashville right now because so many of us are embarrassed at how Belmont University is handling issues of discrimination against faculty, staff, and students on campus. More than a few straight allies have said something like this to me: "Right now the national media is looking at Nashville through the lens of Belmont."

Nashville isn't alone. Many residents of Memphis have been exasperated at Mayor A.C. Wharton's trumpeting of "City of Choice" rhetoric while the City Council has failed twice to pass a basic non-discrimination ordinance. Instead the city opted to hire an image manager.

We don't need image managers. We don't need to focus primarily on the talk outside the state. We need to stop letting our elected officials get away with doing and saying stupid, harmful things. And if that means USING what the rest of the country thinks about Tennessee as a gong, so be it. But the goal is (a) stopping the negatives and (b) starting to build up positive public policy. Then image will take care of itself. If the goal is complaining, then we won't get very far.

-Chris Sanders

Tennessee Senators fail LGBT soldiers in DADT filibuster

Both Tennessee Senators failed their LGBT constituents and all U.S. service members with their votes to filibuster the "Don't Ask, Don't" Tell repeal today. More than three-fourths of Americans favor allowing gay and lesbain service members to honorably serve their country in the U.S. military. With today's filibuster vote, the U.S. remains in the company of oppressive dictatorships like Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, Venezuela and Saudi Arabia.

Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker are out of step with the mainstream, and their votes do not represent the values of a free and fair democracy.

What a dishonor to the soldiers currently serving our country. Alexander and Corker insinuate that the bravest, most highly trained military officers in the world can't handle a gay person in their midst. Disgusting. Today, we are the laughing stock of the rest of the developed world.

- Jonathan Cole, TEP Board Chair, 901.301.3306

Saturday Brunch on the Go: Probable Hate Crime in Vonore and more

Brunch came from Hardee's today. Cancel that. It was breakfast. It's too early for brunch and the ballcapped customers would have looked at me like I was crazy if I had asked them, "How's your brunch this morning?" Our president, H.G. Stovall, is on the road today and he and I always make a stop at Hardee's when we travel for TEP. So I raise my cup of Diet Coke to you, H.G., and wish you safe travels.

Hate crime in Vonore, TN: A fire that destroyed the home of a lesbian couple in Vonore about a week ago is finally getting some media attention. Here's WATE's coverage complete with a photo of "Queers" spraypainted on the house. More coverage is available from The Daily Times (Blount County). The couple had been harassed by a neighbor in the weeks leading up to the incident. The only fortunate, though ironic, aspect of the story is that the couple and their daughter were in Nashville celebrating their 5th anniversary of moving into the house while it burned to the ground.

PFLAG Maryville, the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, and the East TN Equality Council have offered support to the family. If you would like to help, Knoxville Pridefest's blog offers specific ways to do that.

We are all hopeful that the family remain safe and that they get justice under the Tennessee hate crimes statute and the new federal hate crimes law. The matter is in the hands of law enforcement and we will all be watching how they handle the matter.

Don't Ask, Don't Tell: As many of you heard, a federal judge has declared the military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy unconstitutional. It's good news, but it's not stopping advocacy groups around the country from pressing the Senate for a legislative repeal. Tomorrow the TEP Nashville Committee is holding a Don't Ask, Don't Tell Barbecue at Stirrup to get our members to contact Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker to support repeal. That will be an uphill climb, but we believe they still need to hear from us so that they know people in Tennessee want to see this outdated, harmful, discriminatory policy changed.

Volunteers are signing up: This week TEP PAC started recruiting volunteers for pro-equality candidates for the General Assembly. We're getting a great response. What I'm noticing is that candidates are having a tough time getting all the help they need. We believe that they will be a valuable resource to candidates who deserve the help. If you would like to volunteer 2 hours between September 20 and November 2 to help a good candidate, contact us at chris@tnequalityproject.com and we'll try to find a match for you.

Have a great weekend!
-Chris Sanders

There can be only one: Bredesen as the Highlander

The City Paper's Clint Brewer has his reasons, I'm sure. He continues to use the Odom-Bredesen war of words to slam Odom. But where is the analysis that helps us understand a Democratic governor who has a pattern of undermining Democrats?

No need to run against Senator Lamar Alexander, we heard over the last year and a half. And then there were those comments predicting failure as Speaker Naifeh worked out the cable bill this year. When asked to opine about Barack Obama, we were sent on shopping sprees to Wal-Mart followed by a feast at Waffle House. But it didn't end with the election. In fact, it just brought new opportunities to snipe at the House Democratic leader.

With two years left, the Governor may well be on his way to being the last one standing before he walks off the stage.

Matthew Shepard and Coming Out

Sunday marks the 10th anniversary of the death of Matthew Shepard, the Wyoming college student who was brutally attacked and left for dead hanging on a fence in the cold night air. Tomorrow is National Coming Out Day that celebrates the often difficult decision that people make to be honest about their sexual orientation.

Events around Tennessee will provide an opportunity for the GLBT community to reflect on both. Today I'll be speaking to a group of Vanderbilt medical students and on Sunday I'll be in Chattanooga for their annual hate crimes vigil that kicks off a week of activities for Tennessee Valley Pride.

The pairing of the two reminds us of the risks to our lives. We've seen a rash of hate violence already this year in Tennessee. Given the danger we face, I'm amazed and humbled that our movement makes progress. And I'm amazed and frustrated that there is not a national consensus that violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity should be covered in federal hate crimes laws.

Coming home from Kentucky last weekend, I heard a radio preacher fulminating against the Matthew Shepard Act that would add these two categories to federal law. He violated a commandment in the process. He repeated the common fear tactic that hate crimes laws would restrict the freedom of the pulpit to denounce the "abomination of homosexuality." The proposed law criminalizes behavior and it adds law enforcement resources to deal with the problem. Pure and simple. It does not restrict speech or religion.

At one level, I'm comforted that all our opponents have left are lies as their last defense against a just law. On the other hand, I'm angry that these lies generate enough calls and emails to Tennessee's U.S. Senators to prevent them from voting for the Matthew Shepard Act.

So Lamar, Bob, and Bob, I hope 2008 is the last year in U.S. history that federal law overlooks the violence against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. Whoever among you enters the Senate chambers next year, have the courage to defend all your fellow Tennesseans. In most places in Tennessee, local law enforcement are either uninformed or unwilling to devote the resources to investigating and solving hate crimes in our state. We need the involvement of the FBI if we're going to put a dent in the problem. That won't happen unless you and your colleagues support the Matthew Shepard Act.

Politics on the road in Kentucky

I took a quick round trip to Frankfort today. My first observation is that there is no hint of a gasoline shortage there. In fact, you can find gas for as little as $3.12 a gallon.

On the way, I drove through one of those great community festivals that happen all over the Commonwealth in its small towns. Republicans and Democrats were actively handing out materials, especially about Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and his challenger Bruce Lunsford. I told my parents about the talk down here of the prospect of Lamar Alexander becoming minority leader. I'll just add that they're not fans of McConnell and they both pointed out increased interest around Kentucky in Lunsford's campaign. As I drove along, I saw a few signs saying "Ditch Mitch."

I saw more McCain-Palin bumper stickers and yard signs than I've seen down here, but there were plenty for Obama-Biden, too. That race is also tightening in Kentucky, but no one had any doubts about McCain carrying the state.

Eaton and Alexander respond to Knoxville Church shooting (updated)

Since the original post, Senator Alexander has responded via Lee Pitts, his press secretary. This statement is to be attributed to Mr. Pitts:

“Senator Alexander was deeply saddened by last Sunday’s events. His thoughts and prayers are with the families, children and community affected by this tragedy."

---

Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Kenneth Eaton has responded to my questions about the attack on the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church and the Matthew Shepard Act. The last part of his answer may be similar to the feelings of Bob Tuke, whose campaign has not returned my email asking him if he has a statement. But, like I said, the campaign hasn't returned my email, so it's impossible to know. Here is Mr. Eaton's email response in full, which he gave permission to be posted:

I do support the Matthew Shepard Act.

No matter your ideology, what happened in Knoxville is disheartening, and inexplicable. This is such a tragedy, our hearts and prayers go out to everyone involved, but my campaign is not going to use it for political gain.

Sincerely,

Kenneth Eaton

The Senatorials on the Knoxville Church Shooting

I've been looking around for what our U.S. Senators and candidates for Senate have had to say about the tragic attack on the members of the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church. Since it's this week's biggest story out of Tennessee and since the Senate voted in September on the Matthew Shepard Act, which would have added sexual orientation and gender identity to federal hate crimes laws, I think it's important to know what they have to say. While statements may not seem like much, at times like this, it helps the community heal when leaders reach out, whatever their positions may be on the specifics of policy.

Senator Bob Corker: As far as I can tell, Senator Corker was the first to issue a statement. He says that he has reached out to Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam. Although Senator Corker did not vote for the Matthew Shepard Act, he deserves praise for making his support of the Knoxville community and for local officials known so quickly. It's the right example.

Mike Padgett: I looked on the campaign site and at first didn't find anything. I also didn't recall the shooting being mentioned in any emails. So I contacted Terry Quillen, who pointed out the Knoxville Democrat's blog post dated July 28. His own First Baptist Church hosted a service of prayer for the community. Highlighting the bridge building between two very different congregations is also the right response.

Chris Lugo: Chris Lugo reacted to the news Monday by calling Tennessee Valley UU a "beacon of joy and hope in East Tennessee" and by urging comprehensive gun control.

Bob Tuke: I haven't found a statement yet, so I've asked the campaign for comment.

Kenneth Eaton: I didn't see anything on the main campaign site or on his blog. I've requested comment.

Senator Lamar Alexander: I couldn't find a statement at the Senate or campaign site and I've asked for comment from his campaign, too.

Again, I want to point out that a statement in itself isn't everything. The candidates may have reached out in other ways. I also want to be sure to add that I could have missed their statements. I hope to have updates on all the campaigns whose information I'm lacking.

Coach Alexander in the game

The Knoxville News Sentinel includes this profile of Sen. Lamar Alexander, who is the chairman of the Senate Republican Conference. Calling Alexander a "moderate," the piece discusses his ability to reach out to Democrats and the weekly bipartisan breakfasts that he cohosts with Independent Senator Joe Lieberman.

One of Sen. Alexander's recent outreach efforts was missing from the story, though. He worked with Democratic Congressman Steve Cohen to get Bishop William Graves of Memphis reappointed to the TVA board. He had been deadlocked with Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid who thought it was time for a Democrat to be appointed to the board. Bishop Graves identifies as a Democrat, but has supported Republicans such as President Bush and Alexander himself.

Sen. Alexander's rising position gives him the opportunity to advocate for Tennessee on a more regular basis:

"Whenever I see the president, which is more often now, I remind him about our clean air issues in Tennessee," he said. "I remember walking in to (see) him, and he said, 'Lamar's going to ask me about sulfur.' "

TVA turns 75, still controversial

A rare color photograph from the Library of Congress in today's Knoxville News Sentinel shows a carpenter working on TVA's Douglas Dam. The accompanying story discusses the current efforts to reexamine TVA's place as a quasi-government agency as well as the efforts of TN Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker to protect it.

Speaking of oil...

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Mike Padgett devotes his Earth Day message to alternative energy sources. He hits Senator Lamar Alexander on gas prices and vote on a recent energy bill:

In 2008, the average Tennessee family will spend close to $5,000 on gas.
“A fellow told me last night he spent more than $90 to fill up his pickup,” Padgett said. “Remember when gas was $1.24 a gallon? That was the average cost before Senator Alexander took office.

“Americans expect their leaders to try to fix the problems that make life tough. But when an energy bill came up in the Senate last December to enforce better mileage and develop other energy sources, Senator Alexander, President Bush and other Republicans threatened to scuttle it.

“Why? Because it would have ended some of the huge tax breaks going to the oil industry. Only when that part of the bill – along with some of the alternative energy funding – was taken out did they agree to let it go through."

His opponent Bob Tuke doesn't say a great deal about energy policy on his site, so I've signed up for his email updates. Tuke does mention the rising gas prices but mainly with respect to its impact upon family budgets.

Senator Alexander recently wrote about energy policy from the point of view of TVA's efforts to find clean energy source to reduce our dependence on coal. Yesterday he spoke about the importance of setting aside more land for parks as a viable form of conservation. In particular, he addresses the Gulf of Mexico Security Act of 2006, which takes oil and natural gas production royalties and devotes them to the Land and Water Conservation Fund. I'm not sure how that addresses the price of gas, but I'd be happy for someone to post and make the connection.

So basically, all three candidates have noticed the price of gas is going up. Padgett, so far, has the clearest message on why that should be a liability for one of his opponents. Whether any of the three candidates can match some concrete policy to the "Gee, gas prices are too high" rhetoric remains to be seen.

Alexander and his shadow

The Knoxville News Sentinel includes a good profile of Tom Ingram, Senator Lamar Alexander's chief of staff and staff director of Senate Republican Conference. As Alexander's influence has risen, so has Ingram's.

Alexander said Ingram is a good manager who hires talented people, assigns them to jobs that fit and then creates an environment in which they like to work. "That leaves me free to focus on being a good governor or senator," he said.

Ingram has never tried to act like he's the one who was elected, Alexander said, but "we work side by side. I don't consider him in a subordinate role. And I think people who work with us understand that, and it makes us much more effective in what we do."

Padgett knocks Alexander's flat tax

Here's what Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Mike Padgett had to say about Sen. Lamar Alexander's advocacy of the flat tax in a press release today:

“Take the few folks who make more than $350,000 a year. A flat rate would cut their tax bill in half,” Padgett said. “What do the folks in the middle get? A slight change in their taxes and an easier form to fill out.”

Senator Alexander said earlier this week that he liked the idea of an optional 17 percent flat tax on individuals and businesses, and he touted the simplicity of having only a one-page form to fill out.

“If Senator Alexander were serious about lifting some of the load off of the working class, he would not have voted at least a dozen times to block tax cuts that were targeted for middle- and lower-income taxpayers,” Padgett said.

“What about tax cuts that would really make a difference in the working family’s budget – a tuition tax credit equal to 50 percent of college costs, for example, or a first-time homeowner tax credit? How about doubling the tax credit for child-care expenses?

“How do you pay for them? You REDUCE the tax breaks we are giving the biggest earners instead of EXPANDING them, as Senator Alexander’s flat tax would do."

Padgett doesn't mention his Democratic primary opponent Bob Tuke in his release. He's clearly running against Alexander already. This allows him to show contrast without increasing Tuke's name recognition.

On his website, Tuke, says, "I will vote to repeal parts of the Bush tax cuts that favor wealthy Americans, and sponsor legislation that will give tax relief to middle-class Americans. I will remove existing tax incentives that make it too easy for American businesses to ship American jobs overseas." Additionally, Tuke has this piece on Alexander's flat tax proposal at Huffington Post. He pulls no punches with this section:

"Senator Alexander this is your chance to put me in my place. Prove to me this isn't an election year gimmick.

Better yet, let's schedule a public meeting to discuss it. Bring your plan. We will invite the media and have a calm chat about your plan.

I'm calling your bluff. I want to see your hole card."

I didn't find much about the flat tax on Alexander's candidate site. That doesn't mean it's not there. It's just not one of the obvious features of how he's identifying himself on the site. But his press release about the proposal is easily found at his official Senate site.

Tuke's strategy is interesting. Having a piece at Huffington Post will help his name recognition nationally and perhaps in Tennessee's urban areas and may even help national fundraising. But the race is in Tennessee, after all. Padgett's focus on Tennessee media and plain spokenness should be an asset with voters. I have to give Tuke credit, too, for the forcefulness with which he raised questions in his piece. If Padgett's release and Tuke's piece are a preview to what might happen in debates with Alexander, then I think either Democratic candidate will score some points.

Still, either will have to be careful because Alexander is well loved in Tennessee and his pleasant, calm demeanor can be disarming and make an opponent look angry. We've seen the dangers of the word "bitter" in the presidential debate. While it's hazardous to classify voters as bitter, it's a good word to tag your opponent with if it sticks.

Padgett hits Alexander on new GI bill

In a press release today, Mike Padgett asks, “So, why hasn’t Senator Alexander signed on – like 10 other Republicans in the Senate – to support it and give our heroes the benefits they deserve? Maybe he follows the twisted logic of the White House, which says the better benefits will hurt recruitment and military regiment. If you can make sense of that, please explain it to me.” He's referring to the newly revised GI bill proposed by Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va) and Sen. John Warner (R-Va). http://webb.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=293906 .

Padget may have found the one place where it's almost universally accectable to talk about class--the needs of our troops and veterans. Evoking Jim Webb is a smart move, too, given that unconventional Democrat's ability to win in the conservative Commonwealth of Virginia. I wonder whether such connections will have resonance in upper East Tennessee along the Virginia border where Webb commercials no doubt flooded the airwaves during the last senatorial election.

I am a little surprised that Bob Tuke, the other Democrat in the race, hasn't made more of the issue. As a veteran, he'd surely agree with Padgett, but it appears Padgett got to it first (as far as I can tell) and staked out the ground.

Tuke troubles: eVites and phone calls not returned

Matt Pulle is relentless in dogging Bob Tuke for not getting back to him on any number of things. He starts with the fact that Tuke won't attack Lamar Alexander over the Gus Puryear affair. But then the issue turns to modes of communication. Tuke used eVite to invite folks to his fundraising event. Hey, we used it at TEP too, but, um, our parties aren't usually in the $1000 range. But back to the story... Pulle notes that as a result of using eVite, Tuke "outed" those who couldn't be at the soiree. Ouch!

http://blogs.nashvillescene.com/pitw/2008/03/all_tuke_all_the_time.php

It's hard to say why Mr. Tuke won't return Mr. Pulle's calls. Matt, to use a well worn phrase, maybe he's just not that into you.