Democratic Talk Radio: Democratic Voices Column

June 30, 2003

Tennessee’s Democratic Party Throws A Party

The Tennessee Democratic Party had the most successful annual Jackson Day fundraising Dinner in history last Saturday raising in excess of $200,000. Over 1,500 Democrats turned-out to network, cheer and raise money at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville. The crowd was nearly twice as large as any in the history of the Tennessee Democratic Party.

A press conference was held by Tennessee Democratic Party Chairman Randy Button and spokesman for each of the Democratic Presidential hopefuls before the dinner and speeches. US Senator Bob Graham (D-FL) personally answered questions and made some dramatic comments that this column will examine. Former Tennessee Congressman Bob Clement spoke eloquently on behalf of Senator John Edwards (D-NC) and answered several questions concerning the electoral appeal of Edwards in what looks to be the first Southern Democratic primary here in Tennessee.

Senator Graham answered questions on the Iraq-WMD issue. He basically gave the Bush White house two more weeks to find WMD’s before he declares the claims used to justify the Iraq Invasion to be overstated. He slammed Bush on the economy and the national debt. Graham announced he would repeal the future tax cuts for the wealthy. In answer to a question from theses writers, he stated the Bush White House had enough information to have been aware of and acted on the terrorist threat before the 9-11 Attacks. Later in the evening Graham was the keynote speaker at the dinner.

State House Speaker Pro Tempore Lois DeBerry (District 91) gave a rousing speech introducing Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen. The Governor’s speech was interrupted by a series of standing ovations. Actor and Tennessee resident, David Keith nearly stole the show with a passionate and witty introduction of Senator Graham.

Freshmen Congressmen Lincoln Davis and Jim Cooper actively worked the crowd the entire evening. Shelby County Democrats had a great reception after dinner hosted by Shelby Democratic Chairwoman and State House Member Kathryn Bowers (District 87) that was attended by Congressman Harold Ford, Jr. and Shelby Mayor A. C. Horton. Many Democrats were pushing for Ford to run for the US Senate. Democrats smell victory.

This column written by Stephen Crockett and Al Lawrence (hosts of Democratic Talk Radio). Confirmation of copy: call 931-438-1500 or write Democratic Talk Radio, 7A Planville Drive, Fayetteville, TN 37334.

Sincerely,
Stephen Crockett
Al Lawrence
Co-hosts: “Current Affair” News Talk Program
WEKR 1240 am radio
(931) 433-3545