“I’m supporting Sen. Henry,” Beth Harwell said in an interview last week. “He’s excellent to work with, he’s a fiscal conservative and we have a personal friendship.”
I was disappointed when I heard that. I like Senator Henry myself. I have nothing bad to say about him. I wish he had switched parties and ran as a Republican. He probably votes more often with Republicans than Democrats anyway. He is moderately conservative and is a likable guy. However, even a conservative Democrat is still part of the liberal machine. The election of a conservative Democrat tilts the balance of power to the liberal party which is the Democrat Party. The election of even a conservative Democrat insures the election of a Democratic leadership and advances the legislative agenda of the Democrat Party. More Democratic committee chairmen means legislation sponsored by Democrats is more likely to get out of committee. If Democrats control the State Senate then they get a majority on every county election commission across the state. Putting the state in the hands of Democrats also helps set the stage for Democratic victory in national elections helps elect more Democrats by putting redistricting in the hands of the Democrat Party.
I often hear people say they vote for the person not the Party, but voting for a conservative Democrat advances a liberal agenda, just as voting for a liberal Republican advances the conservative agenda.
In the 21st District we have an excellent candidate in the person of Steve Dickerson. He is smart and accomplished and will make a great Senator. It is very disheartening to those of us who work to advance the Party to see elected Republicans fail to support our candidates. It has to be disheartening to the candidates who sacrifice to carry the Republican banner in a Democrat strong hold to see other Republicans endorse their opponent.
Today, Representative Harwell told the Tennessean,“I want to clarify a comment recently reported in an article in The Tennessean. While I expressed admiration for Senator Henry and our wonderful working relationship, my statement was not an endorsement.”
OK. I feel much better. It sure sounded like an endorsement and I am not really sure what the difference is between "supporting" and "endorsing." If Beth cannot endorse the Republican she should say nothing.
I admire and respect and like Senator Henry, however I want to advance the Republican agenda. I live in the 21st Distinct. I will be supporting Steve Dickerson. I will be working for his election, contributing to his campaign and voting for him. Beth, how about saying the same thing? How about endorsing Steve Dickerson?
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Rod, I must respectfully disagree with you on this one. I actually admire Rep. Harwell for being honest about her thoughts on Sen. Henry. While I also support the Republican cause, party affiliation goes only so far.
ReplyDeleteParty affiliation is everything in this election. We have Democrats= left of center, on the other side we have Republicans= Right of center. Pretty clear cut. Beth is a republican and she has a good republican, Steve Dickerson, running in her district. What is wrong with this picture.
ReplyDeleteRod you have your priorities in the right place. Loved the article.
I find Rep Harwell's comments hard to take. It really makes the DCRP look like a silly school girl (or,a 'slow' school boy)!! How can Davidson County ever move out from under Democratic influences with this "lack of cohesion" within the Republican ranks ? Rod, you're being TOO easy on Rep Harwell. She should publicly apologize; strongly endorse Dr Dickerson; and INSURE Republican campaign funds go to him. (and I worked for Chesser but am saddened for Dickerson)
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