Thompson, seated behind McCain on stage and rocking back in his arm chair, grinned as McCain called him “an old and very dear friend” and made a few light-hearted references to Thompson’s acting resume. “I know exam week involves some tough moments,” McCain told students in the audience at Wake Forest University. “Like when you're up at 3:00 a.m. and have to choose between studying or watching one of Fred's old movies.”

The Tennessee Department of Safety (TDOS) is pleased to announce that customers conducting business at driver license service centers statewide may now use their credit cards.

“TDOS is committed to improving customer service,” stated Department of Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell.  “One of our strategic goals has always been to provide additional services that will make doing business at any of our driver license centers more convenient, and we see this as a major step in achieving that goal.”

I’m not at all suggesting that what this fella said was somehow offensive. But lately the bar really seems to have lowered considerably in terms of what might be considered the “polite” discussion of racial politics. Well, I guess if it just stays among the Democrats, then that’s A-OK.

Campaigning isn't just canvassing neighborhoods and giving stump speeches. It's also about fighting for good legislation, answering questions from constituents and doing all that I can to serve the community. It’s fighting to improve the quality of life for those here at home. For me, it’s basically listening to my constituents and responding to their needs and concerns. I believe the results of the 2006 race for State Representative made it very clear to anyone that has lived in Anderson County, more than a few months, how my constituents feel about my job performance. When the 105th General Assembly comes to a close in the next few weeks, I will once again take up the banner of re-election and make sure I work to visit as many people as possible across Anderson County to remind them of why I am the best choice to serve as their representative in the State House. But most importantly, visiting people across Anderson County will give me an opportunity to hear what is important to them, my constituents—not what the self proclaimed political junkies desire.