An enjoyable evening at the TNGOP Statemen's Dinner where VP MIke Pence was the keynote speaker.

I had an enjoyable evening at the Tennessee Republican Party's Statesman's Dinner last night.  Luckily people arrived early enough and arrival times were staggered enough so there was no problem getting through security to get into the event.  I arrived about 5PM for the event which started at 6:30.  I enjoyed mingling and talking to other Republicans and people I had not seen in a while, while enjoying an overpriced $10 class of wine. I saw Diane Black and chatted with her and I saw Beth Harwell.  I don't if the other candidates for governor were there but their people had a presence handing out campaign stickers.

Connie Hunter and Rod Williams enjoying something funny.

The event started on time and Governor Bill Haslam made introductory remarks, touting the success of his administration, and he introduced Vice President Mike Pence.  He explained how he had gotten to know Mike Pence when Pence was governor of Indiana and spoke of their friendship and the respect he had for the man.

In Vice Presidents Pence's speech he spoke of the successes of the Trump presidency including the appointment of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, the approval of the Keystone pipeline, the roll back of numerous regulations, starting the process of building up the military, and getting out of the Paris climate accord. He said their were more achievements coming, including adequate funding for the military, rebuilding our alliances, securing the border, and tax reform.  He said repeal and replacement of Obamacare would happen yet. The Tennessean gives a good report of the speech and the event which  you can read at this link and this link. The Tennessean also post 54 pictures from the event.

I enjoyed being at the table with Martha Brown, Melissa
Smithson, Connie Hunter and John Wang and his wife and family.

The Tennessean reports that some illegal aliens were outside the convention center protesting Turmp's immigration policy, but until reading in the paper this morning, I did not know of any protest.  I don't think anyone attending the event was aware of the protestors.

The meal was just OK.  Of course that is not why you pay $250 to attend an event like this. The meal is never anything great at these type events.  I think it is hard to prepare a great meals for 2,000 people.

Unfortunately, I had to leave the event early to relieve my invalid wife's sitter and missed the performance by Ricky Scaggs.

This is a "Thank you" email I received today from the TNGOP.

Good Afternoon,

Last night's Statesmen's Dinner was definately one to remember. We at the Tennessee Republican Party want to personally thank all 2,000 people that came out and made the night a success. 

We would also like to say congratulations again to all of the award recipiants last night:

Howard Baker Award - Governor Winfield Dunn

Statesman of the Year Awards:

• 1st District - Roger Greene
• 2nd District - Pete DeBusk
• 3rd District - Tony Sanders
• 4th District - Scottie Poarch
• 5th District - Mayor Bob Rial
• 6th District - John Roberts
• 7th District - Peggy Daniel
• 8th District - Shannon Haynes
• 9th District - Barbara Thornton

With the help of all of our donors, volunteers and activists, we are getting ready to elect Republicans across the state next fall! 

When we have supporters like you, together, the Republican Party in Tennessee will continue growing and building on the sweeping victories of 2016. Together We will continue moving Tennessee forward!

Thank you for all you do,

Tennessee Republican Party

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Brent Leatherwood running for chairman of the TN GOP.

Brent Leatherwood who is the Executive Director of the Tennessee Republican Party has announced he is running for the Party chairman position. The current chairman, Ryan Haynes, has announce he will not be seeking reelection. The new chairman will be elected by the State Executive Committee at the December SEC meeting. Leatherwood has served as Executive Director since December 2012, serving under both Ryan Hanyes and Ryan's predecessor Chris Devaney.

There is discontent within the TN GOP for several reasons.  In October, instead of the Party enthusiastically getting behind Donald Trump's candidacy, Bent Leatherwood issued a statement saying Republican should vote their conscience. While that statement pleased me and other who were disappointed that the party had nominated a person who unnecessarily used vitriolic rhetoric, who lacked the temperament to be president, and who was a Republican in name only, it did not sit well with supporters of Donald Trump. "We’re encouraging people to vote their conscience. We view our job as one to continue the advance of the conservative cause by defeating Democrats. So we encourage Tennesseans to vote consistent with their conservative convictions,” said Leatherwood. (link)

There was also resentment that among the 14 delegates appointed by the Party sent to the Republican National Convention were those who were not Trump loyalist.  Most delegates are elected but 14 are appointed by the executive committee. If we would have had a brokered convention, they would have not likely voted for Trump on the third ballot. This became very heated and generated national news coverage that establishment Republican were stealing Trump delegates.

Another recent conflict in the party as been that involving Walther Ferrell and Taylor Ferrell and an allegation that the Party was involving itself in primaries attempting to defeat some incumbent Republicans. Taylor Ferrell  was a paid contractor with the TRP who worked to coordinate travel and other logistics for those delegates attending the Republican National Convention. She is also married to Walker Ferrell who is the TRP Political Director. Taylor Ferrell is also sole proprietor of Southland Advantage and Southland Advantage had clients who were running in the primary against incumbent Republican office holders.

Twenty-seven Republican office holders signed a letter calling for Walter Ferrell's resignation due to this conflict. Those who defended Taylor Ferrell said she was not an employee of the Party but was a contractor doing work for the Party and was not violating Party bylaws by having clients seeking to defeat incumbent Republicans. That to me appeared to be a distinction without a difference. Among those leading the effort to get Taylor and Walker Ferrell fired, there were also  calls for the termination of Ryan Haynes as Chairman and Brent Leatherwood as Executive Director. For a lot more on this controversy, follow this link.

According to a recent story in the Tennessean, also seeking the position of Chair is Bill Giannini, a deputy commissioner with the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.  Also, a potential candidate for the position is Scott Golden a member of the SEC.  Several people who ran in 2015 such as SEC member Rebecca Burke and Vanderbilt professor Carol Swain are not running and neither is former State Senator Jim Tracy who has been mentioned as a candidate.

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Haynes won't seek another term as Tennessee GOP chairman

Haynes won't seek another term as Tennessee GOP chairman

www.knoxnews.com/story/news/politics/2016/11/11/..

Haynes won't seek another term as Tennessee GOP ... Ryan Haynes will not seek re-election as chairman of the Tennessee ... State Forestry team leader

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Tennessee GOP insiders speculate party chairman on his way out

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TNGOP: ‘Embarrassed Erin’ Coleman Isn’t Ready to Lead in Tennessee

TNGOP Press release, NASHVILLE, Tenn.- October 6, 2016 — Democrat Erin Coleman was interviewed by the editorial board of the Nashville Tennessean newspaper this morning and the thirty minute discussion provided a window into the thinking of one of the Tennessee Democratic Party’s top recruits.

Asked right out of the gate why she’s running in Senate District 20 against State Senator Steve Dickerson, Coleman states (1:01) how “embarrassed (she was) to be living in Tennessee.”

From that ignominious beginning, Coleman launched into a haphazard list of policy prescriptions that veered from big government spending proposals to positions that sounded as if Coleman was reading off the Smart Solutions agenda that Sen. Dickerson is advancing (which is a remarkable turnaround from 24 hours ago when the TNGOP criticized Coleman for standing for “pretty much the opposite” of everything Dickerson stands for).

Among the liberal and sclerotic positions Coleman staked out:

• Advocated for deficit spending (8:45) for Tennessee’s roadways (currently, Tennessee has zero road debt thanks to the fiscally responsible leadership of Lamar Alexander when he was Governor);
• Lamented that potholes (9:30) are ubiquitous on Tennessee’s highways (our state’s infrastructure system was recently ranked among the best in the nation);
• Talked about an alleged funding shortfall (13:54) in education (Tennessee’s teachers just received a $100 million increase for salaries—with no tax increase);
• Was critical of multiple pieces of legislation (3:21 and 4:13)—but failed to disclose that Dickerson was against them;
• Bizarrely tried to claim she has been both very active and knowledgeable about her district yet, at the same time, was so unfamiliar with the local representation she tried to vote for a State Senator whose district she didn’t even live in (24:29).

Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Ryan Haynes reacted to the video of the interview by remarking, “Erin Coleman stands for the exact opposite of what mainstream Tennesseans believe in. You can’t be a public servant of a state you’re embarrassed to live in. You can’t advocate for deficit spending in a state known for fiscal responsibility. You can’t be a leader when you’re taking your cues from a liberal agenda that’s been rejected multiple times by our voters. This interview not only makes it clear ‘Embarrassed Erin’ isn’t ready to lead in our state, she’s not even aware of the values of our state.”

Online: http://tngop.org/embarrassed-erin-trainwreck-interview/

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TNGOP Response to "Whole Women's Health" SCOTUS Decision

NASHVILLE, Tenn.-June 27, 2016—In a 5-3 decision, the United States Supreme Court today found

http://www.iwillchooselife.com/

women’s health provisions passed in Texas were unconstitutional. The case was Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt.

Two provisions of the Texas law were challenged: admitting privileges for doctors and surgical standards. Media outlets have reported the decision may have an impact on similar laws here in Tennessee. Reaction from pro-life advocates and conservative voices was swift.

State Senator Becky Duncan Massey (R—Knoxville) remarked, "Women's health should not be a political football. Today's decision undermines several initiatives to ensure women and their safety are prioritized. We will recommit to ensuring Tennessee stays on the path of valuing life, health, and safety."

State Representative Susan Lynn (R—Mt. Juliet) stated, "Today's Supreme Court decision is a disappointing moment for women's health in Tennessee. Once again, the Court has found a way to circumvent the will of the people. I am firmly committed to making sure that life is protected and that women are not put into risky medical situations. That's what we will continue working toward in the General Assembly."

Tennessee Republican Party National Committeewoman Peggy Lambert said, "It is not a mistake that life is the first inalienable right. This dangerous decision puts women at risk and ensures that more innocent lives will be taken. As a Party, we are committed to advancing proposals that value the essential human right to life and fighting back against an industry that values profit over safety."

In response to the decision, the TNGOP launched a pro-life petition to rally Tennesseans around the causes of women’s health and the protection of life. The petition may be found at: www.IwillChooseLife.com

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Nashville Scene: State Republican Party's Internal Fracas Gets Ugly

By Cari Wade Gervin, The Nashville Scene, Wed, May 25, 2016 - Less than two weeks ago, the Tennessee Republican Party proudly proclaimed unity at its annual Statesmen's Dinner after a divisive primary season. ... .

Well, the party may have publicly rallied around Trump, but a vocal minority is now refusing to rally around Haynes. Following a letter by 27 House Republicans last month calling for the ouster of party political director Walker Ferrell, the Wilson County Republican Party adopted a resolution calling for a special meeting of the State Executive Committee (SEC) to consider firing Haynes, Ferrell and executive director Brent Leatherwood....

Party insiders say the tension between the more mainstream Republicans on the SEC and the more hardline right-wing ones dates back almost a decade, but it’s become much more divisive in recent years. ..... Hartline is not on the SEC, but he is one of the main people behind the push to oust Haynes over the hiring by the party of Ferrell's wife, Taylor. .... SEC member Jennifer Winfree writes: Jeff Hartline is violating the bylaws. He's a member of our county executive board,.... But Hartline has worked on at least 26 campaigns to defeat incumbents, says Gay, and attempted to run more. (link)

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Wilson County GOP calls for firing state party chairman

by Joel Ebert, The Tennessean - Wilson County Republicans drew a line in the sand with their party on Monday by passing a resolution calling for the executive committee of the Tennessee Republican Party to consider holding a special session in an effort to fire party Chairman Ryan Haynes and two other party officials.

In the resolution, the 11-member Wilson County Republican Executive Committee called for the termination of Haynes; Brent Leatherwood, the state party's executive director; and Walker Ferrell, the party's political director. The vote was based on the state party leaders' decisions surrounding a political consulting firm, led by Ferrell's wife, that was working with candidates challenging GOP incumbents in this year's primary.

The move comes one month after 27 House Republicans called for Ferrell to be fired after it was revealed that his wife, Taylor Ferrell, the founder of Southland Advantage, a Hendersonville-based political consulting firm, had been working for two challengers of incumbent Republicans.  (link)

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Wilson GOP demand meeting to consider termination of Ryan Haynes as Chairman, Brent Leatherwood as Executive Director, and Walker Ferrell as Political Director

The Wilson County GOP Executive Committee has sent a letter to the State Executive Committed of the GOP demanding that the State Executive Committee call a special session to consider the immediate termination of Ryan Haynes as Chairman, Brent Leatherwood as Executive Director, Walker Ferrell as Political Director and to terminate all contracts with Taylor Ferrell.  Taylor Ferrell is the wife of Walker Ferrell.  She has a consulting contract with the State Party and also has her own consulting business and has entered into agreements with several clients seeking to challenge in the Republican primary several sitting Republican office holders. For more on this see this link. Below is the letter.

May 23, 2016

Via Email:

Tennessee State Republican Executive Committee

Tennessee Republican Party County Chairs

To All Who Hold Transparency and Fairness Dear:

Whereas, the task of the Tennessee Republican Party is to promote the National Republican Party Platform and assist Republican Candidates in defeating Democrats, and;

Whereas, the State Republican Party under the leadership of Ryan Haynes and Brent Leatherwood have approved contracts with Taylor Ferrell to provide services to the State GOP, and;

Whereas, Taylor Ferrell is married to Walker Ferrell, who serves as an employee of the State GOP as its Political Director, and;

Whereas, Taylor Ferrell had from time to time been officing at the State GOP headquarters answering calls and speaking on behalf of the State GOP, and;

Whereas, Taylor Ferrell had access to hallway talk inside the GOP Headquarters and, as a result of her marriage to the Political Director, access to all kinds of information about political campaigns and strategies, and had access to phone lists and fundraising lists, and;

Whereas, Taylor Ferrell offered her services as a Consultant and in fundraising to Republican candidates running against Elected Republicans Rep. Scott DesJarlais, Rep. Judd Matheny, and Rep. Courtney Rogers, and;

Whereas, Chairman Haynes and Director Leatherwood, when confronted with this blatant conflict of interest chose to do nothing to correct this injustice against Elected Republicans, and;

Whereas, the Wilson County Republican Party, in carrying out its duties as a non-participant in Primary Processes as an entity, is prohibited by the State GOP By-Laws from engaging in similar behavior;

Therefore, as the Executive Committee of the Wilson County Republican Party, we immediately demand that the State Executive Committee call a special session to consider the immediate termination of Ryan Haynes as Chairman, Brent Leatherwood as Executive Director, Walker Ferrell as Political Director and to terminate all contracts with Taylor Ferrell and to issue public apologies on behalf of the Tennessee Republican Party to all Republican Incumbents affected by their actions, and;

We further encourage every Republican Party County Executive Committee to demand similar actions on the part of the State Executive Committee.

Affirmed by a majority vote of the Wilson County Republican Party Executive Committee, May 2016.

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Statesmen's Dinner keynote speaker Gov. Haley: A Great Night to be in Tennessee

2016 Statesmen’s Dinner Honors Fred Thompson’s Legacy; 1210 Attendees Help TNGOP Raise $630,000; Lt. Gov. Ramsey Honored for His Achievements 

Gov. Nikki Haley

Press release, NASHVILLE, Tenn. – May 13, 2016— Every year, the Tennessee Republican Party hosts the Statesmen’s Dinner to promote the Party and celebrate its successes. The 2016 Statesmen’s hit those traditional notes but also caused a stirring reflection on the life and legacy of U.S. Senator Fred Thompson, who passed away last fall.

In honor of his memory, U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander presented the Howard H. Baker Award to Thompson’s widow, Jeri Thompson. She provided some fitting words about Thompson and his love for Tennessee.

Thompson built a reputation as a common sense, conservative problem-solver. Given that context, it was appropriate the keynote address was given by South Carolina Nikki Haley who highlighted her state’s successes and how the Republican Party can continue providing solutions to the problems facing our nation. 

Gov. Haley was introduced by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam. He noted in his remarks, “When you listen to her (Gov. Haley), you can’t help but be drawn to her. She loves her state. She’s relentlessly enthusiastic.” 

During her remarks, Haley exclaimed, “It’s a great night to be in Tennessee!” She went on to talk about the remarkable achievements brought about by Republican leadership as well as her experience steering her state through some of its darkest hours.

Additionally, the TNGOP honored the service of Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey who recently

Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey honored at Statesmen's Dinner.

announced he would not seek re-election in 2016. Ramsey helped build the Republican Party into what it is today and guided the GOP to supermajority status in the State Senate. 

He was recognized by State Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris and State House Speaker Beth Harwell and U.S. Senator Bob Corker. 

“He served our state with great distinction and I thank him for his service,” stated Corker.
The event was kicked off by TNGOP Chairman Ryan Haynes who declared, “Our Party is strong and thriving!” He noted the attendance was nearly double what Tennessee Democrats had last week in the very same location and featured a Republican “star” in Haley who has achieved “phenomenal results in her state.” Haynes also proudly unveiled the fact the TNGOP has raised over $630,000 for this year’s event. 

Haynes was followed by Dr. Manny Sethi, who was tapped to serve as this year’s Event Chairman. Sethi, who founded Healthy Tennessee with his wife, Maya Sethi, and serves as the Director of the Vanderbilt Orthopedic Institute Center for Health Policy stated, “I believe our country needs a renewal of courage, of dedication, and of faith in God. I believe the Republican Party is ready to lead us in those endeavors and keep the American Dream alive in Tennessee for the next generation.”
The evening was capped off by remarks from U.S. Representatives Phil Roe, John Duncan, Chuck Fleischmann, Scott DesJarlais, Diane Black, and Marsha Blackburn. 

State Senator Jack Johnson and State Representative William Lamberth lead the event in the Pledge of Allegiance. Both served as the Legislative Chairmen for tonight's event. 

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Campaign Consultant Accuses State GOP of Conflict of Interest

Says State GOP Chairman Haynes Should Apologize Publicly to Elected Republicans

Press Release, NASHVILLE, TN -  Today, Jeff Hartline, Campaign Consultant to Tennessee conservative candidates is calling for State Republican Party Chairman, Ryan Haynes, to publicly apologize to several elected Republicans for his ignoring obvious conflicts of interest between State GOP Political Director Walker Ferrell’s wife and Federal and State House seat challengers.

The obvious conflict of interest was made public back in April when a letter signed by more than two dozen Tennessee House members, and addressed to Chairman Haynes, objected to the inappropriate relationship between Taylor Ferrell and the State Party.  Ms. Ferrell, wife of Political Director Walker Ferrell, had received a contract from the State GOP and was officing part time in the GOP’s 21^st Avenue offices, while at the same time working with Republican challengers running against Incumbent Republicans.

Hartline said, “This situation is part and parcel of the problems that have existed in the State GOP for years.  These officials appear to be tone-deaf to the people that have given them a supermajority in the State House and State Senate.  While their ‘real’ job is to help Republicans beat Democrats across the state, the races they have managed against Democrats for the past two cycles have been absolute disasters. Their record is so bad it almost looks like they are losing on purpose. Keep in mind these are the same folks that tell candidates who are challenging Democrats that the State GOP will not ‘help’ them if the candidate considers employing an ‘Outside’ Consultant.”

Despite calls for the firing of the Political Director, Haynes has refused to even acknowledge anything wrong has been done.  Apparently, this is just “business as usual”.

“As far back as February, Ms. Ferrell was the RSVP contact for a fundraiser for one of these challengers,” said Hartline.  “I guess I was not aware that the State Party had decided to involve itself in primaries and take a leading role in defeating solid conservative Incumbents.  The fact that Ms. Ferrell was on the State Party payroll, officing in their headquarters, and living with their political Director while at the same time consulting with challengers to Incumbent Republican legislators did not seem to be a conflict of interest at all to Chairman Haynes.”

He concluded, “If he knew this was occurring, Haynes should himself resign.  If his ethics will not allow him to do that, he should at least issue a formal public apology to the Republican Incumbents he has used the State Party to attack in this manner. 

“Additionally, these challengers should also issue public apologies to their Incumbent opponents for their collusion in this matter since there was no way that they could not have known this was a blatant conflict of interest.”

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TN GOP consultant Taylor Ferrell ends two contracts but that does not end the controversy.

Taylor Ferrell in an apparent attempt to placate her critics has announced that she is ended two contracts with clients.  These are assumed to be clients who are challenging sitting Republican members of the State legislature. She said she was cancelling the contracts, "Due to some wrong information and false allegations" and to protect her clients.

To summarize what this is all about, Walter Ferrell is the Political Director of the TNGOP and he is married to Taylor Ferrell.  Taylor Ferrell has a contract with the Party to provide logistics support for the Party, having to do with the upcoming convention, things like arranging travel and such.  Taylor Ferrell also has a political consulting business called Southland Advantage that raises money for candidates seeking office.  Some of her clients are running in the primary against incumbent Republican office holders. Twenty-seven Republican office holders signed a letter calling for Walter Ferrell's resignation. To see who signed the letter and for more on this follow this link.

Ferrell's announcement that she was cancelling  two contracts has not quelled the storm.  Rep. Judd Matheny in a letter to Republican Party Chairman Ryan Haynes has said that action does not resolve "the ethical dilemma presented first by employing a husband and wife team and the subsequent very serious ethical breach facilitated by you, remains unchanged."

I agree.  With Walker Ferrell serving as Political Director of the Party and his wife a consultant seeking to represent people seeking political office or people seeking to retain a political office, that is a conflict.  Either Walker Ferrell should resign or Taylor Ferrell should close shop.  To see The Tennessean story on this follow this link.

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Not a single Cruz delegate elected to a leadershp position among TN delegation to GOP Convention.

The Tennessee GOP delegation to the Republican National Convention held their election of

Former Gov. Don Sundquist campaigns
for former foe, a Trump delegate, to beat
a Cruz delegate.

delegates to the standing Convention committees and the election of the delegation chair, on Thursday at 3:30 pm via a conference call. Only delegates were allowed to vote, to select from among their own, those who would represent Tennessee at the convention on the standing committees. Of the 58 Tennessee delegates, 57 were on the phone for this election, the governor being the only absent delegate.

Each state gets to elect two delegates, one male and one female, to serve on each of the four standing Convention committees. Below is the list of who was elected to those committees and who was elected chair of the delegation.

Rules Committee: John Ryder and Betty Cannon. John Ryder is the legal counsel to the Republican National Committee and a sitting RNC committee man. Betty Cannon is Vice Chair of the Tennessee Republican Party. Both Ryder and Cannon are Trump delegates.

Credentials Committee: Chris Hughes and Linda Buckles. Chis Hughes is the husband of Scottie Nell Hughes who is a nationally known political commentator and who is a  national spokesman for the Trump campaign. Linda Buckles is a sitting SEC member and President of the Tennessee Federation of Republican Women. They are both Trump delegates.

Now, this is where it gets interesting. Charlie Cato and Laura Beigert are both Cruz delegates and were also running for seats on the Credentials Committee. Enter former Governor Don Sundquist. Remember Sundquist who is known and dishonored as the Republican governor who almost gave Tennessee a State Income tax? Although not loved by the rank and file Republicans he still has friends and influence in east Tennessee. He made calls and lobbied delegates to support Chris Hughes.

Remember, the State income tax fight? Scottie Nell Hughes, wife of Chris Hughes, at that time worked for radio talk show host Steve Gill.  Steve Gill was a leader in the anti-income tax battle and unmercifully denounced and attacked Gov Sundquist on his radio talk show.  Now the former governor resurfaces to help defeat a Cruz delegate and campaign for Scottie Hughes husband. Politics makes strange bedfellows !! Who would have ever put Steve Gill, Don Sundquist, and Chris and Scottie Hughes in the same bed?

Permanent Organization: Beth Campbell and Chad Blackburn. Chad Blackburn is Marsha Blackburn’s son. Beth Campbell is a sitting SEC member. Beth Campbell is a Rubio delegate and Chad Blackburn is a Trump delegate.

Platform: Victor Ashe and Connie Hunter. Victor Ashe is the former mayor of Knoxville and the former United States Ambassador to Poland. Ashe is a Rubio delegate and Hunter is a Trump delegate.

Delegation Chair: Senator Mae Beavers. Senator Mae Beavers and Senator Bill Ketron were both nominated for this position and as I understand it the Trump leadership did not really want Mae Beavers but she pulled it off. Both Beavers and Ketron are Trump delegates.

Of the delegates elected to leadership positions by the delegation, all were elected delegates except for John Ryder, Better Cannon, and Linda Buckles. They were delegates appointed by the Party to be Trump delegates.  Also, while the term is hard to define, one might say all of the delegates elected to these positions were “establishment” except for Chris Hughes.

The big take away from this election of delegates to the committees, other than the roll of Don Sundquist, is the slight of Cruz delegates. Not a single Cruz delegate was elected to any of these positions. Of the eight committee positions and Chair, all but two were Trump delegates and those two were Rubio delegates.

This was a great opportunity for the Trump campaign to start building bridges but missed the opportunity by not having a single Cruz delegate on any of these committees. Remember, Trump won 33 delegates, Cruz 16 and Rubio 9 in our primary on March 1. Cruz delegates should have been given a seat at the table.

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Tennessee Delegation Elects Convention Chair & Committee Members

TNGOP Press Release, NASHVILLE, Tenn.-April 28, 2016— The Republican delegation from Tennessee met today to elect the Convention Chairman for the delegation as well as elect committee members for the four standing committees of the Republican National Convention.

The results are as follows:

• Chairman - State Senator Mae Beavers
• Credential Committee - Linda Buckles and Chris Hughes
• Permanent Organization Committee - Beth Campbell and Chad Blackburn
• Platform Committee - Connie Hunter and Ambassador Victor Ashe
• Rules Committee - Betty Cannon and John Ryder

Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Ryan Haynes remarked, "I am so pleased to serve alongside all of our delegates at the 2016 Republican National Convention. I'd like to personally congratulate Senator Beavers and the rest of our newly-elected committee members."

The responsibilities of the committees are:

Committee on Credentials
The Credentials Committee will receive the credentials of each delegate filed in accordance with the Rules and submit the temporary roll of the convention, which will have been previously reviewed by the RNC.  The Credentials Committee may hear and resolve appeals to the ruling of any contest adjudicated by the RNC Committee on Contests as to the seating of delegates to the convention.

Committee on Permanent Organization
The RNC Chairman recommends a number of convention officers, including the Permanent and Temporary Chairmen, the Secretary and the Sergeant-at-Arms.  The Permanent Organization Committee will meet at the beginning of the convention to review the slate and make its recommendation to the convention.

Committee on the Platform
The Committee on the Platform submits resolutions to the full convention body to be voted on as the official platform.  The Republican Platform is a formal declaration of the principles of the Republican Party.

Committee on Rules and Order of Business
The Convention Rules Committee will draft the rules for the 2016 Republican National Convention, which must be adopted by a majority vote of the full convention body.

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Not “Red” but “ROTTEN to the Roots” says Rocky Top Politics. Beth Campbell called out for her support of Walker Ferrell.

Rocky Top Politics is continuing to milk the TNGOP Ferrell scandal for all it is worth but they really haven't turned up anything new. They have called out SEC member Beth Campbell for her defense of Walker Ferrell. To summarize what the scandal is all about, Waller Ferrell is the Political Director of the TNGOP and he is married to Taylor Ferrell.  Taylor Ferrell has a contract with the Party to provide logistics support for the Party, having to do with the upcoming convention, things like arranging travel and such.  Taylor Ferrell also has a political consulting business called Southland Advantage that raises money for candidates seeking office.  Some of her clients are running in the primary against incumbent Republican office holders. A bunch of Republican office holders signed a letter calling for Walter Ferrell's resignation. To see who signed the letter and for more on this follow this link.


Beth Campbell is a member of the SEC and she has pointing out that Taylor Ferrell is not a Party employee but a contract employee and that she can have what ever clients she wants.  RTP has taken her to task for that position (link).  I consider Beth Campbell my friend but I think she is wrong on this count. I agree with RTP.   The difference between being a contract service provider and an employee is a distinction without a difference. In my view even if Taylor Ferrell did not have a contract with the Party, I still think what she is doing is wrong.  When a couple are married they share information and income. If  Walker Ferrell's wife is earning money representing clients seeking to defeat incumbent Republican office holders, that is a conflict.  It may not technically violate a rule, but it ought to.  I am not buying the argument that who Taylor Ferrell has as her clients is her business.

As distasteful as this situation is, I am equally concerned about a current member of the Executive Committee who has actually been a paid campaigner working to elect a Democrat to office while serving as a member of the Party and who had access to Party strategy and had a vote in determining how much money to appropriate to fund the Republican he was working to defeat. I am speaking of Mark Winslow.

To me, it does not matter which faction of the party one identifies with or who you are trying to oust.  It does not matter if you are part of the "establishment"  or the insurgent conservative faction, the principle should be the same.  If you are a County Chairman, or a member of the Executive Committee or an employee of the Party you should not engage in primary campaigns and you should certainly not be working to elect Democrats and defeat Republicans.  And your spouse should not be doing so either. I know people have to earn a living, but if you earn your living helping people get elected to office and that conflicts with your position with the Party, you should resign your position with the Party.  One cannot serve two masters. That is the same principle whether you are Mark Winslow or Walter Ferrell.

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The mess at state GOP HQs just got worse.

Rocky Top Politics, April 24, 2016 - Political consultant/wife of state GOP political director working to defeat incumbent conservative GOP legislators while working out of office in GOP HQs. Posed as an official representative of the Tennessee Republican Party to reporter covering the delegate controversy. 


RTP has learned that party officials Brent Leatherwood and Walker Ferrell were repeatedly warned about the appearance and ethics of contracting with Ferrell’s wife.  That arrangement on its face was highly questionable, but exploded into the public view when it was learned she was also under contract to defeat several Republican officeholders. This unethical “backdoor” attempt to circumvent party by-laws was exposed in a letter delivered by over two dozen GOP legislators last week.

In a new development RTP has learned Taylor Ferrell, the wife of state party political director Walker Ferrell, has been working out of state party HQs, acting like an employee and enjoying the HQ’s facilities event to the point where she felt comfortable representing herself to the media as a spokesperson of sorts for the state party  — all while being paid to defeat incumbent Republicans.

.... Pretending that Taylor Ferrell is not an actual employee, but an independent contractor is a disingenuous attempt to provide cover for the Ferrells and perhaps others to enrich themselves while playing both sides of the street.(link)

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Breitbart picks up TN GOP controversy story: Growing Grassroots Anger at GOP Establishment in Tennessee

Growing Grassroots Anger at GOP Establishment in Tennessee

by Michael Patrick Leahy, Breitbart News, April 21,2016 - Controversy is threatening to bring an early end to the regime of thirty-year-old Ryan Haynes, who was named chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party in April 2015.

.. Breitbart News asked Tennessee Republican Party executive director Brent Leatherwood if Chairman Haynes had received the April 18 letter and whether he was going to terminate Walker Ferrell.

“Chairman Haynes considers all these individuals good friends and he would in no way allow his staff to be involved in their legislative primaries. In fact, TNGOP bylaws prohibit that from occurring. It hasn’t happened and it never will,” Leatherwood responded by email.
“Voters decide who the nominees are and we work with those individuals to beat Democrats,” he added.

Leatherwood said Haynes would not terminate Ferrell.  “Mr. Ferrell is a valuable member of our staff. Per our bylaws, no staff member is involved in any legislative primary, therefore no action is necessary,” Leatherwood subsequently told Breitbart News. (link)

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The 27 GOP State Representatives who signed the letter wanting Walker Ferrell fired

27 GOP lawmakers want Tennessee party official fired over wife's work

The Tennessean, by Joey Garrison and Dave Boucher, April 20, 2016 - Twenty-seven Tennessee state House Republicans have called for the firing of a high-ranking state Republican Party official whose wife leads a political consulting firm they say is working for candidates challenging GOP incumbents in this year’s primary.

Lawmakers also want any GOP party superiors who knew about or condoned the "engagement" of the consultant to resign.

The group, which includes House Republican Caucus Chairman Glen Casada....

The 27 lawmakers who signed the letter are from all over Tennessee. Here's a list of those who signed the letter; names in bold have primary challengers. 
Rep. Terri Lynn Weaver
Rep. Jeremy Faison
Rep. Courtney Rogers
Rep. Judd Matheny
Rep. Curtis Halford
Rep. Bill Sanderson
Rep. Jimmy Eldridge
Rep. Timothy Hill
Rep. Mark Pody
Rep. Bryan Terry
Rep. Jay Reedy
Rep. Dawn White
Rep. Mary Littleton
Rep. Mike Sparks
Rep. Gary Hicks
Rep. Micah Van Huss
Rep. Jimmy Matlock
Rep. Billy Spivey
Rep. Glen Casada
Rep. David Byrd
Rep. Dennis Powers
Rep. Matthew Hill
Rep. Sheila Butt
Rep. Rick Womick
Rep. Susan Lynn
Rep. David Hawk
Rep. Ron Lollar 

(link)

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Scandal at the TNGOP. Republican legislators demand Walker Ferrell be terminated.

There is a scandal brewing at the Tennessee Republican Party. TNGOP political director Walker

Walker Ferrell

Ferrell is married to Taylor Ferrell and Taylor Ferrell is the sole proprietor of Southland Advantage and Southland Advantage is seeking clients who are challenging incumbent Republican political office holders.  This is clearly a conflict of interest and certainly appears a violation of Party bylaws. Several member of the state legislature have signed a letter to Chairman Ryan Haynes demanding the termination of Walker Ferrell.

If this is all true, and I have no reason to believe it is not, this is an outrage. I agree that Mr. Ferrell should be terminated.  This is not the first time something like this has happened at the TNGOP. The Party has a history of this sort of thing. There is a current member of the TNGOP Executive Committee who has provided his professional campaign services to serves Democrat Party clients and who works to defeat Republican candidates yet has access to Republican strategy and has a vote on how much money will be appropriated to fund the Republican candidates he is working to defeat, and yet the Party allows him to continue to hold his seat. I am very disappointing that the Party allows this situation to continue. I am disappointing that there is a climate of corruption at the TNGOP that makes anyone think that financially benefiting from a position with the Party is appropriate.

The bylaws should be enforced and people who are serving the Party to enrich themselves should be terminated or purged.

Taylor Ferrell

Below is the letter signed by various members of the state legislature.  The quality of this copy is poor but with effort one can read it.  If someone will send me a clearer copy I will replace this poor quality copy with one easier to read.

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Trump backer says, "There will be war," and other news and opinion on TNGOP delegate fight.

Trump backers: 'There will be war' over disputed delegates

by Jamie McGee and Joel Ebert, The Tennessean, April 2, 2016 - Death threats, protests and allegations of vote-stealing didn't stop Tennessee Republican Party leaders on Saturday from finalizing a list of delegates to the GOP's national presidential nominating convention over fierce objections from backers of Donald Trump.

The raucous meeting in Nashville underscores a growing rift among Republicans and adds to party angst over a possible floor fight at the GOP convention in July.

The measure, approved by a tally of 40-25, comes a day after the Trump campaign accused the party of trying to "steal" delegates, even after he handily won the state's primary last month. On Saturday Trump's backers flocked to the party's executive committee meeting in Nashville, doubling down on allegations that officials are trying to stack Tennessee's delegation with members likely to vote for another candidate if given the chance.

.... Brent Leatherwood, executive director of the Tennessee Republican Party, said the party didn’t have any agreement and accused the Trump campaign of rabble-rousing. "There was never an agreement, especially after the Trump campaign spoke dismissively about the party process and one of our female members,” Leatherwood said, ...(link)

From Bobby Patray, Executive Director of Tennessee Eagle Forum on a Facebook post: No Secret Meeting

I am seeing lots of posts this morning about the 'secret' meeting that the TNGOP held yesterday and I want to set the record straight.
I am on the Administrative Committee of the TNGO and I just wanted folks to know that our regular meeting was neither secret or closed. The dates of our meetings are published and the members of the public are usually there and welcomed. At this one, because of the alerts that went out, entrance to the room was limited and when the room when w...as beyond standing room only, it was closed. A private business has been kind enough to let us use their facilities for our meetings. The room simply is not designed for huge crowds. Just the SEC members (66 of them plus some spouses), National Committeeman and woman, Admin Committee members (some spouses), TNGOP staff, delegates who attended, representatives of the presidential campaigns, LOTS OF MEDIA, and some other guests quickly filled the small room and the walls all around the room. I understand that the media was constantly tweeting during the meeting. If some are not happy with the delegates selected, (see list posted below) that is another story. I hope this helps clarify the situation.

Below is an example of what has Trump supporters really upset.  Of the Trump delegates appointed to their position by the TNGOP, who will have to vote for Trump on the first two ballots but then be free to vote their conscience if there is a brokered convention, many are not real supporters of Trump.  This explains it.

From Lou Ann Zelenik's, well known political activist,  leader in effort to stop the Murfreesboro Mosque, former candidate for office:

This is a FB post of Melissa Gay, newly "appointed" state wide delegate for Trump. A close ally of Diane Black (who went to the exclusive private meeting at the resort to raise millions to stop Trump.); Ms. Gay also ran as a committed Rubio delegate. Her name showed up on the list yesterday. SEC members were not provided the names until minutes before the meeting this morning. When one member asked for a break to discuss, it was shot down by the Chairman. When another asked to separate out the elected and the appointed, that was shot down as well. When another asked to discuss some of the problems with Chairman Haynes appointments, that was shot down too. Ask Ms. Gay to step aside and allow a Trump supporter to represent the voters of this wonderful state as a statewide delegate. Surly Ms. Gay did not mean Trump and his supporters do not pass the "decency test".

From Rebecca Ann Burke, Member of the TNGOP SEC commenting on the above post, on Facebook:

THIS is an example of what my colleagues and I on the Tennessee Republican Party's State Executive Committee were opposing today. Chairman Ryan Haynes picked a slate of delegates for Donald Trump which included "anti Trump" individuals, like Melissa Gay. I would implore Ms. Gay to do the decent thing and step down with integrity, allowing a true Trump supporter to fill her delegate slot. This is dishonest and this undermines the Trump campaign. She does not belong on the slate. The majority of the State Executive Committee voted to accept the altered slate as presented by the Chairman. "Melissa Gay, relinquish your seat, do the right thing!" PLEASE SHARE

From Former State Rep. Stacy Campfield on Facebook: STACKING THE DECK TO STEAL TN TRUMP DELEGATES.

I just got a very interesting email from the Donald Trump campaign. It seems the Tennessee GOP is trying to stack the Trump delegates with their own hand-picked people that are not supported by the Trump campaign. The campaign is supposed to get 14 delegates. 7 that were direct vote and 7 more that were picked by the party in conjunction with the Trump campaign. The campaign said that they had agreed with Ryan Haynes on Wednesday to go with the Trump delegates who were on the ballot but not the top 7. Suddenly after Wednesday night that changed and now the party wants to pick different delegates (at Saturdays SEC meeting at 10) that are not people that Trump campaign wants. I figured something like this would happen.
Feel free to share this.

From CNN YouTube:
 

From CNN Politics: Tennessee approves final delegates over Trump supporters' objections.

From NBC News: Trump Campaign Alleges 'Theft' as Tenn. GOP Picks Delegates.

Breitbart News: GOP Establishment Grabs Delegates in Tennessee. Of the 13 delegates allocated to Cruz and Trump today in the State Executive Committee’s vote, eight are clearly loyal to the Republican establishment and not supporters of the candidate to whom they are legally bound (Trump or Cruz) on the first two ballots. .....In any potential third ballot, all eight of these delegates are certain to vote for a candidate other than Trump or Cruz.....These “Trojan Horse” delegates, while expected to honor their legal obligation when casting their votes during the first two ballots for the presidential nominee, are expected to side with the anti-Trump and anti-Cruz establishment forces in the all-important procedural and rule votes....The 75 Trump supporters outside the room who were prohibited entry by private security were clearly outraged by the process, which they called “unfair” and “un-American.”

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