It's Not The Decision Which Was So Much In Question As The Timing Of The Announcement
Rep. Lincoln Davis tells Herman Wang that his eschewing a race for governor had nothing to do with who the chairman of the Tennessee Democratic Party was and everything to do with which committees he sits on in Congress:
“If I had stayed on Financial Services or Agriculture,” Rep. Davis said, referring to his previous committee assignments, “you would not have had an announcement that I am not running. You probably would have heard from me on March 31 that I am running for governor.”
Rep. Davis, who would have been the presumptive Democratic frontrunner in the 2010 gubernatorial race, said his decision not to run had nothing to do with his opposition to the election of Chip Forrester as Tennessee Democratic Party chairman, as some political observers have speculated.
Rep. Davis was among several prominent Tennessee Democrats, including Gov. Phil Bredesen, who declined to support Mr. Forrester’s bid to head the state party, preferring Charles Robert Bone, whom backers said had a stronger fundraising background.
Rep. Davis made his announcement that he would not be running for governor just days after Mr. Forrester’s selection in January.
But in an interview with the Chattanooga Times Free Press, Rep. Davis said the opportunity to serve on one of the most prominent congressional committees was too good to pass up.
PREVIOUSLY: The Chip Factor
Let's be honest, that's what
Let's be honest, that's what Davis has to say. As much as some of us would love to see Davis or Bredesen or Gordon or one of the major Democrats shit on Chipper's head publicly, that isn't going to happen. They will downplay the rift in the press, say nice things about Chipper, and then do nothing to help him . . .
And do subtle things to undercut him (like announce you aren't running for governor a week after the guy gets elected chairman). Politicians usually keep their names out there as long as possible. You know, keep people talking. The only reason to announce a non-candidacy when Davis did was to thump Chipper on the nose.
Oh well, Davis would not have
Oh well, Davis would not have gotten my vote anyway. The Tennessee Democratic Party need a MAJOR over-haul like "yesterday" before we can turn this red "ahem",state blue.
The party chairs in my area of the state are a joke. People with ideas and a desire to actually "do something" are driven out by the "do nothings" out of fear of losing their imagined "status" as leaders. Over the course of the Presidential election, I saw bright beacons of light shinning in the Democratic Party wilderness. I sincerely hope that Mr. Forrester will search high and low for them now because if we continue with the status qua, we are doomed.
The "good-old- boys- n- girls" are driving our party into the ground. They are just as happy and content with Executive Committees, as well as supporting Democratic Party organizations, whose memberships look like A.A.R.P. commercials, because those members will do they bidding under the table. (pass the beans)
I look forward to working for Mr. Forrester,and my beloved Democratic Party minus the dead "stuck on yesterday" weight. My brothers and sisters, you are heavy. "Let go", there is room for us all at the table, and it is past the time for new ideas and ways of doing things if we are to survive.
Walker, I completely agree
Walker, I completely agree with you. The problem is that Chip is part of the old school. He's a 25 year member of the executive committee. He promised a new way of doing things. He promised transparency.
So far, his new way of doing things is hiring a Republican as treasurer. As for transparency, Chip didn't bother to tell anyone that Bill Freeman is a Republican before he hired him.
The Republicans are attacking Democrats daily, and I don't see TNDP doing anything about it.
I'm really put out with the way things are going with the party.
Well, and I think issuing
Well, and I think issuing them a blank check to do whatever they like has been what's contributed to this mess. Right now they've got things set up so the Exec Cmte controls 100% of everything, and they've pretty well got it rigged so those who are on the EC can control who gets and stays on it.
It's their own fault that this party is collapsing under its own weight. Debacles like this Forrester thing, the Kurita matter, the Ford election...it just goes on and on.
I'm just wondering when enough folks will thirst enough for a real opposition party to do something about this moribund state of affairs. Maybe after Dems are redistricted into oblivion and we lose the Gov race in 2010. In the meantime, unfortunately, actual people are going to be eating a big plate of Republican social issues for breakfast. I look for legislation allowing kindergartners to carry concealed weapons to show up in the House soon.
People really thought Forrester stood behind change you could believe in? Tell me another one. Fercryinoutloud.
If there's another
If there's another organization out there that helps elect Democrats, I'm all for it. I won't support TNDP as long as Bill Freeman is treasurer, but I won't turn Republican. I'll offer assistance directly to our candidates. TNDP can forget it.
I agree about the executive committee too. It's time for most of them to go.
Sounds like you and I are on
Sounds like you and I are on the same page, Morpheus. For the record, I suspect (and I know in a few cases) there are many legislators that agree with this train of thought. It's just that they feel powerless to do anything about it.
I can see why. Change is gonna have to come from the grassroots, but it does seem like some of those in the saddle right now are going to have to lose some of their perceived power before anyone new is gonna get a chance. It's like TNWalker says: they have imagined status as leaders.
Maybe when it finally occurs to them they're leaders of a system that's utterly failed, they'll lead, follow - or get the hell out of the way.
I only vote for Democrats, so
I only vote for Democrats, so I would have had to sit it out if Davis ran.