The Battle of East Nashville
A month ago it looked like Eric Stansell had no chance to upset Mike Stewart for one simple reason: For every 20 yard signs in East Nashville for Stewart, there was only one for Stansell. (Chuck Todd, watch out. I'm gunning for you with my tight analysis.)
Now, though, Stansell is slowly starting to catch up in the battle of the signage. He also seems a little more eager to jab at the favorite and set up a nice contrast between the two of them. In one corner: a well-heeled corporate attorney, who helps big businesses pay less taxes. In the other: a young consumer-affairs advocate for the state.
With the release of the campaign finance reports, Stewart shows a massive advantage, aided largely by his well-connected (and arguably insidious) law firm. But I wouldn't write off Stansell just yet. At least he has the support of the unions who can play a big role in an election like this.
Wait a sec—the unions are supporting the corporate guy? Could the distinction between Stansell and Stewart be more subtle than we think? Or is local labor back to its old gutless self now that Don Driscoll has left the building?
Outside of a few more signs here and there, I don't know that Stansell has a lot going for him. But at the very least, he may force his opponent to whine and squirm on election night. That would be a good thing for everyone involved. Humility in politics is a good thing. A neophyte like Stewart, with questionable Democratic credentials, shouldn't be allowed to coast to an easy election. Right?
Anyhow, on Saturday, July 5, the two of them will debate the core issues facing the state (the insanely rich versus wetlands protection?). And while I don't expect the legacy of Lincoln and Douglas to be threatened, your loyal Pith emissary will be there taking notes.
Go to the jump for more information about the showdown.
You are invited to the Tennessee House District 52 candidate's debate. This is the only scheduled debate.Many important issues will be put before the legislature in the next session on topics such as these:
Tax Reform Immigration Healthcare Environment
Death Penalty Living Wage Constitutional Amendments
Predatory Lending Public Finance of Elections EducationThis is your chance to be heard and hear the candidates.
You can register to vote, meet the candidates, hear their response to the hot questions of the day, and meet other active neighbors.
DEBATE District 52 Representative Seat
(zip codes 37206, 37216, 37204, 37215)
Saturday July 5, 2008
Doors open 9:15, debate to start promptly at 9:30 AM 9:30 AM 11:00 AM
East Police Precinct, 396 East Trinity Lane
For further information call 226-7546 or email soartosuccess@earthlink.net
Comments
Why would a labor union endorse someone who used to lobby for the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce? I can understand the education union because the Chamber and corporations support education. But I doubt seriously you'll see any of the labor unions that have employees in the private sector endorsing Stewart. It is my understanding that most are hedging their bets by endorsing no one because they don't want to endorse Stewart, but are afraid to endorse Stansell for fear Stewart will win. If you aren't aware, Waller can be rather punitive if they don't get their way. I heard the Firefighters have already voted to support both of them.
Posted 07/03/2008 at 04:07:39 PMIt could be that Stansell is being helped by a reporter who never lets the facts interfere with the story he has planned to write.
Posted 07/03/2008 at 06:39:15 PMAll that aside, why in God's name would they have a debate at 9:30 in the morning the day after July 4th? Are they trying to make sure no one shows up to this thing?
Posted 07/03/2008 at 08:12:13 PMYou gotta give props to Mr. Pulle for saying he will be there. I hope several reporters will be there so we can get several objective reports on both of the candidates for those of us who are unable to make make it.
Posted 07/03/2008 at 10:28:34 PMA neophyte like Stewart, with questionable Democratic credentials
Seriously? Matt, you should know better. Mike Stewart, a long-term East Nashvillian himself, has deep roots in local Democratic politics. Let's count the other people who've come close to beating Bill Boner [Mike nearly did in the Democratic primary for this same seat in 1996].
While Mike hasn't run again until this year, he's been heavily involved in several campaigns -- all for Democrats.
You can question what he does for a living if you like, but don't question his Democratic bona fides. He's an upstanding member of this community, responsible for a lot of the good that's happened here in the past few years, and he has a deep understanding of the state's role in our daily life. He'll make a great representative.
Posted 07/05/2008 at 07:06:58 AM