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August 30, 2006
Consider Me Part of the "Hit"
Today President George W. Bush arrives in Nashville to campaign (read: raise lots of cash) for US Senate candidate Bob Corker.
Readers of this blog will recall that I supported former Mayor Bob Corker through the entire Republican primary election, over rivals Ed Bryant and Van Hilleary. Especially Van Hilleary.
However, today's side-by-side with the President seems as opportune a time as any to "un-endorse" Bob Corker for Senate. Kleinheider says that the cash will more than make up for what I and undoubtedly others will do with this information, and he's probably right.
But here's the thing, y'all: there's a fairly good chance that the GOP nominee will win this election to succeed Senator Frist. The idea of Ed Bryant — or, worse, Van Hilleary (whom we know came into the election with the highest name recognition) — becoming our next Senator was unacceptable to me. I don't just sit and savor the thought of any Republican (that I can think of, in this state) winning, but of the three big names in 2006, Bob Corker was the one person whose qualifications at least came close to mitigating his drawbacks, so he won my support. I cannot, however, continue that support in light of three things: 1) my personal political status as a "liberal libertarian"; 2) large-picture ramifications regarding control of the branches of government; and 3) Corker's willingness to rub shoulders with Bush.
Am I endorsing Harold Ford, Jr? Not explicitly. I am forced once again into a "lesser of two evils" election. It happens time after time, and I suspect that it will continue to do so: the kind of decent person it would take to generate an enthusiastic vote is exactly the kind of person that will never make it to federal office.
As of this point, I am officially undecided in this race, and I thought it would be fair to let you know. Questions and comments are welcome, and I'll update this post with more of my reasoning as time allows.
Politics is Personal | By joe lance | 12:47 PM