A Campaign Scam
I've never been a big fan of Lamar Alexander, and I'm all for competitive elections. But it's hard to resist the temptation to see Bob Tuke's campaign as a scam. Here's a guy with absolutely zero chance to win who's going to trick and shame and guilt-trip Democrats into giving him $1 million or more. And to what end? So Tuke's handlers—who include Fletcher, Rowley and the fundraiser Cathy Thomas—can earn a little cash.
If Tuke or anyone else wanted to make a serious run against Alexander, they needed to start doing it much, much earlier. At this point, his campaign is a joke, except as a small moneymaker for political operatives. In the latest email shakedown from Tuke, campaign manager Ben Chao says:
I'd also like to take this opportunity to talk about some of the chatter I hear around the state. A lot of people were skeptical when Bob jumped in the race, wondering how he was going to beat Lamar Alexander. My answer is simple. Senator Alexander is a Washington politician and a pretty fair piano player. Bob Tuke is a seasoned and experienced leader, a Marine who will bring hope and change to the US Senate, work to end the Iraq War with honor, help improve our economy and reform health care in America. Simply put, I like our chances.
And if you believe that ...
Update: Sean Braisted weighs in.
Comments
What you wrote is nothing short of libel. Without an ounce of proof, you have stated Tuke's run for office is to raise money for his friends. Did you attempt to reach Tuke first to ask him if that was his reason?
The only thing I see from his campaign is a quote from a press release. Did you call his campaign manager?
Bob Tuke is a Vietnam Vet, who served his country honorably as a Marine, who served his party well from pushing pencils to leading the party...whatever was needed, and now with the Obama surge, perhaps he sees a chance to serve in the U.S. Senate with a [potential] President to get things done for Tennessee and our country.
Whether or not you like Tuke, as a "real journalist" you owed both Bob Tuke and your readers the truth.
Shame on you for passing yourself off as a journalist.
Posted 03/31/2008 at 04:53:15 PMIt's far from clear that he has an "absolutely zero chance of winning." There are some TN Republicans--active ones--who worry that the national political scene is toxic enough to hurt even well-ensconced Republicans like Alexander. Does Tuke have a great chance--as of now, no. But ask state Republicans if they think next fall is a shoo-in. I doubt you'll get a lot of honest yeses.
That said, what up with the e-vites, Tuke? And for chrissakes, return reporters' messages. You ignore them for too long, and see what you get?
Posted 03/31/2008 at 05:39:18 PMSharon, you crack me up. Yesterday, you used the longest fluffiest title that I have never seen: "If Y'all Would Like To See A Democrat Replace Lamar Alexander In The U.S. Senate, You Need To Know About Bob Tuke." Nevermind what a real editor would have done to it before Google had a chance to mark it as spam.
I've worked on campaigns before, as have you. You and I both know what winning campaigns look like. Tuke could have have started months ago by first supporting the candidate Tennessee Democrats overwhelmingly supported for our party's nominee for President: Hillary Clinton. But he not only didn't start months ago, he's supporting a candidate who is calling for an end to elections and who fought to make sure the votes of FL and MI were not counted. That won't be easy for this Democrat to forget.
Posted 03/31/2008 at 05:47:44 PMChristian,
Considering Wesley Clark, a Clinton surrogate, endorsed Bob Tuke...I don't think the Hillary scenario really plays out. While a few die-hard Clintonistas might not support Tuke because of it, I don't think most voters will know or care who Tuke supported in the Presidential preference primary.
Although I imagine he'll be pushing his support for Obama if and when he campaigns in Memphis.
Posted 03/31/2008 at 05:58:57 PMSean, Wesley Clark isn't running to represent Tennesseans in the U.S. Senate, and I don't think he will be voting in Tennessee anytime soon. Tuke will count of the votes of Democrats and Independents of Tennessee, and this Democrat isn't impressed by anyone who throws their hat in the wrong ring and late into the other.
Posted 03/31/2008 at 06:07:22 PM"Tuke could have have started months ago by first supporting the candidate Tennessee Democrats overwhelmingly supported for our party's nominee for President: Hillary Clinton."
Everything's about Clinton, as far as her embittered supporters are concerned. Love the logic, Christian--Screw getting a Dem Senate seat for TN! Tuke didn't back the Inevitable Anointed, and he will be made to suffer!
I point to your quote pasted above, which inherently suggests that Tuke, along with every other Dem in the state, should have realized a priori that Clinton would carry the state. Good grief, why even have a primary at all, if she's the only one you're allowed to support?
Now, Christian, do you think we can get back to talking about the TN Senate race, instead of your grudge list?
Posted 03/31/2008 at 10:07:54 PMIt is so amusing when you blogger types start shooting at somebody then end up in a circular firing squad.
Posted 04/01/2008 at 08:54:48 AMEh?
Posted 04/01/2008 at 09:56:06 AM