For those of you that know anything about politics in the Bible Belt, you know that there is what can only be described as an odd dynamic regarding the role of government. Most – even those who self-identify as Democrats – oppose the encroachment of the Federal government into their daily lives especially in matters that cross into the realm of religious-related content. The odd dynamic comes into play in that many of these same individuals feel very passionately about their state doing just that on a “local” level. Being a states’ rights guy myself, I applaud such efforts to elevate the 10th Amendment into a favorable light. That said, I do believe that many of my fellow South of the Mason-Dixon(ers) overlook two fundamental points.
The first is that while the 10th Amendment did preserve the Right of States to reign sovereign in those areas not directly enumerated to the Federal Government, that preservation if you will, was not solely intended for the States. The People were meant to play a role in those matters as well.
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
The second is that while states have a role to play in social matters in areas beyond that which the Federal government should enter into, there is a fine line between where 10th Amendment rights begin and 1st Amendment rights are violated.
That said, we will save that discussion for another day. I inch close to the edge of the topic only as a point of reference because I have been struggling with my decision regarding who to support in the Tennessee governor’s race. When I choose a candidate hoping to be my next Senator or Representative I go to my well of ideological formulations. I see where the candidate stands and why he/she stands for those things. Finding more agreement than frustration, my choice is simple. I run into a particularly difficult situation however when I apply my typical process to state-level campaigns.
Myself being a bit of a journeyman at this young stage of my life, I have drifted away from and back to and then away from my Tennessee political origins many many times. My philosophy, ideology, methodology have varied little, but my perspective on how they are received and how they differ from my fellow Tennesseans has ebbed and flowed greatly.
If you know anything about my take on conservatism at this point, you probably know the weight I place in the First Amendment. I believe that among the many things it does and was intended to do was to protect religion and protect American citizens from religion. While many see these as opposing forces, I see them as one and the same. I think it is fair to say that the vast majority of my conflicts with my fellow Right-Wingers emanate from our opposing interpretations of this dynamic above all others (save for the occasional Sarah Palin feud).
This matter as it relates to candidates seeking federal positions is cut and dry to me. I will not vote for a candidate that runs a campaign that encroaches on First Amendment liberties from either side of the issue. The problem I face is when that First Amendment analysis blends blends itself with a 10th Amendment discussion. As a fervent supporter of states’ rights, I do believe that there is a fair amount of freedom given to states to create laws and implement policy that protects a certain way of life; to preserve a social/moral code; to promote a public conscience. When I used the word “fair” I did mean fair. I do not mean that this freedom extends to encroaching upon ANY citizen’s First Amendment Rights, but I do believe that there is some wiggle room here.
If you have read any of my previous ramblings on this matter you undoubtedly know that while I put great stock in principle and virtue, I give very little weight in “religiousness” when choosing a political candidate. I think one can be staged, faked, manipulated, and put on for a show while the other is telling of the core of a candidate. This matter as it relates to political candidates is at the heart of my frustration with Tennessee politics. Campaign ads boast of candidate’s participation in bible studies, prayer groups, mission trips, etc, etc to the point of redundancy. While such messages tell me absolutely nothing, they must appeal to my fellow Volunteer State residents or they wouldn’t be out there. As I already stated, they would be grounds for my selecting another candidate in a national election, but given that wonderful interplay between the First and Tenth, I am forced to take them with a fair of amount of deference to my neighbors.
The short of it is this. I struggle greatly with my choice in races at the state level. Every part of me wants a candidate who understands the differing roles of government at the state and federal level and I would love to find a candidate who articulates that point clearly on the campaign trail. Having conceded that such a position would be far too politically volatile in a state like this, I am forced to go along and pick from that which stands before me rather than that which I wish was out there.
Monday night, I was fortunate enough to attend my third Tennessee Gubernatorial forum (debate) at David Lipscomb University. In full disclosure, I had a very small hand in the planning for the event, but was merely a spectator as the candidates took the stage. I have been trying for some time now to come to a decision on which candidate I would support – both with my vote and potentially with my time as a volunteer as we move toward August primaries. Its no secret around here that Mike McWherter (D) was not in the running for either my vote or my time, but I can say with complete sincerity that he has no equal among the candidates in the department of being a great guy. Never in my life have I seen a candidate – for any office – more genuinely attempt to meet every single member of an audience both before and after an event. That said, I will not be voting for Mr. McWherter, but I think we already knew that much. The inclusion of the (D) should have probably tipped you off to that one.
I went into the evening with a open mind – relatively speaking that is. I say relative only because we all have – or at least I know that I do – presuppositions and gut feelings that tend to rule the day even when we are making every effort to remain objective.
Need an example? Here’s one. Every ounce of me would rather die a slow and horrible death than vote for a man that thinks winking at a camera while showing off his redneck boots and uttering the phrase “We’ll just givem the boot” (referring to the federal government) are good ideas or political strategies. (Watch this video… or this one….) That said, I went into the event not ruling out that slow and painful death – not with the notion that the Boot would win me over but that the possibility existed that the other Republican candidates could potentially drive me to THE BOOT and inevitable suffering out of an absolute lack of options pending a horrible performances on their parts. Are we on the same page now? See I can be objective.
Working on the forum I was able to meet the candidates before the event. I do not; did not; and will not let a simple meet and greet impact my vote. I fully understand that all of the candidates have met thousands of people through this process and frankly, they only have so much to give. I was extremely turned off by one candidate through this interaction, but objective I remained as the candidates took the stage.
Having failed to mention this earlier – THE BOOT – worn by Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey was not in attendance. Sadly, he was unable to attend as the Senate was in session across town. I mention that only as a point of reference having already stated that both he and his BOOT could have only hurt their chances through their participation. So his absence could only have worked in his favor. He might have earned a few points in my book if he had sent the boot along in his stead, but failing to do so he remained in the negative column.
In full disclosure, I should probably also mention that I had been looking forward to this forum for some time largely because it would be the first time I would see Haslam in action. He is the presumptive favorite to win the Republican nomination and I was looking forward to meeting the man I am likely going to have to vote for come November – like him or not. Meeting a candidate or seeing him live is not a prerequisite for my vote, but Haslam has been more than reclusive and I wanted to make sure that the guy really existed.
I won’t bore you with the play-by-play of the evening. If you want to see some footage of the event, you can see it here.
I will however share with you my general impressions of the candidates’ performances. McWherter – the Dem – put on a show. As I said earlier, he’s a likable guy – just not enough to get past the fact that he’s a Lefty. Wamp was Wamp. I have seen him live three times now and he is definitely coming into his own on the forum circuit. I have been skeptical about his ability to serve as chief executive for THIS state because I was leery of his position on the role of the federal government in state matters, but he has slowly reassured me that my reservations may have been unwarranted. I have not and will not get over or past his bailout vote in Congress, but I do believe that there will be a dramatic difference in his approach to governance as a governor than that which drove him as a Representative. As I stated earlier, I firmly believe that the nature of Tennessee politics not only allows for such a dichotomy, but actually requires it.
Then there was Haslam. As the presumptive pick of my party, I fully expected to be wowed and amazed by the man spending a fortune on television and print ads across the state. I envisioned a polished speaker with a presence that would reassure me that the majority of my fellow Tennessee Republicans weren’t completely off the grid with this guy. That said, I saw neither of those things in Mayor Haslam and now believe that a large portion of my Republican neighbors must be seeing something in this man that doesn’t even appear on my radar. At no point (NO POINT) in the evening was I even remotely impressed with this candidate. Each and every response to the moderator’s questions was incomplete and lacked even an ounce of conviction. To make the matter worse, having worked on the event, I know/knew he had the questions beforehand. Knowing that made the responses all the more unimpressive. He may be a successful businessman and he may even be a fine mayor, but I fail to see how he has the bones necessary to be our state’s next governor.
Now in fairness, everyone can have a bad night. I understand that and was forced to remind myself of that fact a number of times throughout the evening. I have spent months doing my homework on these candidates trying to make an informed decision and I wasn’t ready to write Haslam off because of a few bad answers or even a bad night. And then we came to the final question.
With Middle Tennessee still recovering from the worst flood in the history of the state, it was fitting that the final question was directed at the catastrophe and asked the candidates for their thoughts on the governor’s role in similar disasters before, during, and after. I thought the wording of the question allowed the candidates a great deal of latitude in giving an appropriate response. Wamp did just that. McWherter did not. Instead he spent his time talking about tadpoles swimming in his office around his desk. Haslam did not. For two minutes he rambled about speaking to the CEO of Gaylord and the owner of a funeral home. He offered nothing in regards to recovery, the role of the governor, or even the relationship between the city and the state. He did however say the words that I prayed no Tennessee Republican would ever utter. FEMA and IMMEDIATELY – stating clearly that he would have turned to FEMA as his first response.
Reuters
When I gave my input regarding the final question to the forum committee I had hoped the language would be drafted in a manner which would allow the candidates to state on record their understanding of the relationship between the state and the federal government – generally and in a moment of crisis. If I couldn’t get them to talk to these points in their campaigns, I would at least get one question before them that would make them address that relationship. Each candidate had spoken to the issue in “good ole boy” fashion by tough talking about driving the federal government out of Tennessee or “giving them the BOOT” if you will, but none had addressed directly the issue as it relates to actual events or circumstances. I thought this topic was the perfect way to get them to speak to the issue. In full disclosure, I should also mention that I told the committee that any candidate (ANY CANDIDATE) who began their answer, incorporated into their answer, or even hinted in their answer at the idea of turning to FEMA or the federal government as the first step would not receive my vote. I never thought that any candidate would be that foolish, that ignorant, or that Left of center, but boy was I wrong.
“The governor’s job here is to figure out what’s happening, what can the state do to help and immediately call on FEMA.”
I have said here and in many other forums that I don’t believe in litmus tests for political candidates. I don’t like them, I don’t believe in them, and frankly I believe they lead to candidates playing to the test(s). I do not believe a Republican candidate should have to align him/herself with any set of positions laid out by me or anyone else. That said, I do believe that a Republican candidate for the governorship of THIS state should understand that the Federal government was never intended to be the first line of defense for any and all state matters – and especially not in a matter such as this. FEMA and Washington have a role to play but it is secondary and in support of the role of the state government. The front runner not understanding that role has forced me to now pull for an underdog.
Sorry Lt. Gov Ramsey. You and your BOOT are a cheap-trick side show and your campaign is making a mockery of Tennessee politics. McWherter I sincerely wish you well. You seem like one hell of a guy. Representative Wamp… I will see you along the campaign trail. We only have a few months to turn this thing around so that I don’t have to vote for a man that doesn’t understand the appropriate role of the position which he seeks. Mr. Haslam. Bone up or bow out. It will pain me to have to vote for you should you win this nomination.
Congressman Zach Wamp for Tennessee Governor 2010.
Great article T. I have had similar misfortunes in choosing state officials here in Mississippi and often feel like an outcast among my Republican friends for sharing my opinion. Their is just too much religion in politics down here. When will they see that that was not meant to be? Very interesting read though. I hope your man wins.
I would hardly call him “my man” but hopefully he will be soon. I do intend to try to contribute in some way to the campaign and would love if that “some way” would be getting some clarity on a few issues and sharing that information with the voting public. I think he’s got it in him… We just need to dig it out.
As to religion in politics down here… I have said it many times many ways. I like my politicians to have a center that is both principled and virtuous. Like sausage. I just don’t care about how its made or what its composed of.
I do not live in the South or the Bible Belt as you call it but I do live in a extremely religiously minded state (UTAH)and can empathize with your situation there. It is extremely difficult to have intelligent conversation with friends and members of either party because they don’t usually see that there is a difference. I think I believe the state has a little more power to deal in these areas than you do but I do respect that you are at least moving in the direction that most are unwilling to travel in.
I appreciate the comment Sarah. I could certainly see how Utah would be very similar to the Bible Belt states with its strong ties to religion. I am sorry that we don’t see eye-to-eye on the Tenth Amendment issues but I am happy that there is some common ground on the greater issue. Thanks again.
The Wamp family sincerely appreciates your open mind and responsible critique of each candidate. Your conclusions on each of these candidates are the same conclusions reached by most Tennesseans who are willing to evaluate the candidates on the same in-depth level that you have. We are encouraged by your support and your analysis.
Thank you Coty for taking the time to read the post and for commenting. It took quite a process for me to come to a conclusion regarding my vote but I am thoroughly convinced that a vote for your father is the only responsible choice for conservative Tennesseans. I wish you and yours nothing but the best and hope to see you somewhere along the campaign trail – a campaign which I sincerely hope continues on through November and carries into a successful term as governor of this great state.
I have been reading you for some time now but was unaware that you were from Tennessee. You could not have made me happier than when I saw your first article about the governor’s race because I have also been torn about who I would vote for. As odd as it may be to say this, I really do appreciate your opinion and your endorsement of Wamp means a lot to me. I can’t say that it will be the only factor in my decision but it is absolutely one of the most important ones. Thank you for commenting on state politics even if they aren’t really your thing. You have done a great deal for making my decision more informed and making me more confident in a decision I thought I would make.
I really appreciate the comment Jayne and your time spent reading my ramblings. You are correct in that Tennessee politics are certainly not “my thing.” I get more than frustrated with some of the issues that we as a state continue to get bogged down in but a proud Tennessean I am nonetheless – wherever life may take me.
I am glad that my commentary has made your decision easier and I am very happy to hear that you will also call upon other factors for making your decision. I would never encourage anyone to follow me off the cliff. I would only encourage them to bring a parachute from time to time if they choose to join me. I think Wamp is the responsible choice for all conservatives in this state and I am proud to say that I support his candidacy. I would certainly stop short of calling it an “endorsement” however as I do believe you need a few more readers than I generate to have the position or power to do such things. I will however call it my humble stamp of approval and a written confirmation of the candidate I will be voting for. Thank you again for you comment and your readership. Both are very much appreciated.
Wow, wow, wow!!! This is the best article/analysis I’ve read in the past year that I’ve been following this campaign. You mention, “At no point (NO POINT) in the evening was I even remotely impressed with this candidate. Each and every response to the moderator’s questions was incomplete and lacked even an ounce of conviction. To make the matter worse, having worked on the event, I know/knew he had the questions beforehand. Knowing that made the responses all the more unimpressive. He may be a successful businessman and he may even be a fine mayor, but I fail to see how he has the bones necessary to be our state’s next governor.” …and that is exactly how I feel walking away from any speaking engagement where I’ve heard Haslam speak. I’ve had the privilege to hear him alone at his own events and also with Wamp + Ramsey in a forum style discussion. EVERY time I walk away feeling almost exactly the way you described.
Regarding the nominee race, I was on the fence with Haslam and Wamp. I think early, Haslam bought my vote with his media ads, but the more and more I hear their (Wamp’s) ideas and lack thereof (Haslam), I feel like Wamp is the guy for the job. He’s the only one with passion, the only one with the knowledge base and local/national connections that I feel can get in there and get the job done. He seems like a visionary, but I think he can actually pull it off. I just hope more voters are like you and me and realize Haslam is just a bunch of money-bought fluff on TV and Wamp is the real deal.
I certainly share in your hopes that many of our fellow Tennesseans will come around on this one. I am very much like you in that I think I began to drink the Kool-Aid a bit with Haslam. After all you can’t go anywhere, watch anything, read anything, or visit any websites without being bombarded with ads for his campaign. To the average voter, it is undoubtedly pretty overwhelming. I am optimistic however that he has finally been flushed from the brush so to speak. His days of hiding and not speaking publicly appear to be behind us – at least in part. He did quickly replace a recent ad that featured him talking with one from a farmer so he may be reverting to his old ways… Who really cares what Joe farmer thinks about Haslam and his wife? I know I don’t, but I digress.
Thanks for the comment Mike. I appreciate the feedback.
Good article. I will support Zach Wamp. I will look at the general election with unbiased realism. I now consider myself an independent. I want to hear more from both candidates after these primaries are over.
Indeed. I would like to hear a great deal more as well. If the Republican frontrunner holds form, I certainly need to hear some clarification on a few of his positions to say the least. Thanks for the comment and hope to see you again as we move to the primaries.
Mr. Christopher
I early on supported Zach Wamp when all I knew about Haslam was that he went door to door in the rain. From the beginning I liked Wamp’s discussion of state sovereignity Which I could not spell, but came to understand that no one else even mentioned it. I came to understand the importance of state sovereignity. Zach Wamp was more than a politician and I was told we needed a businessman. Your in depth analysis has made me believe that my instincts were right from the beginning and for this I am gratful. Thank you.
I sincerely appreciate the comments Peggy and I am certainly glad to hear you are/will support Wamp. As I said in the piece, I do believe he is the only candidate who truly understands the role of BOTH the state and federal governments. Haslam clearly has a broad following, but I do believe it has little to do with the substance that he and his campaign have put forth. If I hear one more ad from a personal acquaintance, I may go bananas.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Stephanie Scioscia, Ben Deming. Ben Deming said: VERY good piece on TN governor's race. Rational, objective conclusions lead to the obvious candidate: http://bit.ly/9EVIHc [...]
Excellent article! Thanks for blogging your experience at the forum.
I will disclose myself: I am fiscally conservative, liberal on social issues, and all around libertarian/independent type. I am wary supporting a Republican candidate, but for governor it’s different. It disgusts me that no one else is being rational regarding Haslam. He comes off to me as being a typical career politician, averting any questions and dumbing his campaign down to the typical Southern Republican “I was raised right” camaraderie. It’s sad really, and Wamp is going to need to rally in July to have a chance according to the latest Rasmussen poll: http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections/election_2010/election_2010_governor_elections/tennessee/election_2010_tennessee_governor
Anyways, this is my first election (18) and I’ll be voting for Wamp in primaries and hopefully the election.
Ben there is no greater Right that we as Americans possess than our Right to head to the polls to vote our conscience. Many times our culture leads young individuals such as yourself to said polls with minds made up – clouded from misinformation and frankly, from a lifetime of being raised as either a Republican or a Democrat. While I am a very proud and outspoken Republican through and through, I believe that casting a vote has to be about more than that. When each of us searches for answers to our most important political questions, we must ask ourselves the “Why’s.” We can never settle for the “What’s.” Haslam has mastered the latter, but pays only lip service to the former. He has mastered the art of telling Tennesseans precisely what they want to hear.
He’s a “strong conservative” “successful businessman” who was “raised right” – “bible study every week.” While those things certainly point to both his character and his personal professional background, they tell me very little about his true positions on the issues. I envision conservatism to be a process – the method or approach that each of us takes to determining our positions on issues. When you ask why you support something, the answer should not simply point an individual in the direction of the conservative playbook. It should turn to Constitutional justifications with a strict adherence to the original intentions of our Founders. You can spot a politician who goes through this process the moment you meet them or speak to them. Typically, they are the men and women at the forefront of issues/debates. The posers – those who aim to coast by riding on the wave of conservative momentum – tend to be the ones running ads and repeating over and over the token talking points. Haslam is this candidate.
All that said, if tides do not turn, I will be casting a vote for Haslam in November. I am less than convinced that McWherter has anything to offer that Haslam – even in his ambiguity – cannot provide. I would however love to see a turn in polls such as the one you linked moving toward Wamp in the days to come.
Ben I am always encouraged when I hear from young, politically active individuals and I hope you continue to frequent the site. If there is one thing that I pride myself on around here it is consistency – and that consistency often leads me to positions which tend to challenge conventional wisdom – even when it arises from “those in the know” on the Right.
Thanks again for you comment and I sincerely applaud you for taking ownership of your most precious Right as an American citizen.
This is the first time I have read your commentary and glad to find it for something I had not given a lot of thought to, ie, voting as a resident of Tenn. for governor as I spend a majority of my time in another state. A conservative, Judeo-Christian values do lead my world view. Finding your blog is timely and I thank you.
I knew there was a negative gut reaction to Congressman Wamp’s vote. Personally, I think we have to admit ALOT of Republicans didn’t think their votes through with reference to the bailout (wonder if we could have done any better?). Most folks are really not tuned in enough to thoughtfully engage. A hard political debate requires a spine, but more importantly, some wisdom, called common sense in the Volunteer state, to understand what can occur in the days after the ink dries. (Sorry I don’t write that well). But, after a mistake, sometimes we only doom ourselves when we sidestep to another.
Because I wasn’t in Tenn. at the time, I suffered no ill effects from the flooding nor did my daughter in Montgomery County. But, to think that Mayor Haslem would consider FEMA to be his first resource point of contact does display a lack of balance in his understanding; would it be unfair for me to assume he has no experience in leading and coodinating his own local/state resources during and after a natural disaster? After reading he had access to the question beforehand, would it not have been to his benefit to have his staff research it a bit and coodinate for a better answer? But, as an aside, that’s what convinces those who don’t know the candidates well. Not a performance but their answers when confronted with issues that best reflect the concerns of thoughtful citizens. Thought to ponder: Beware the marketed candidate! Thanks again!
Thank you for the great comment Jan. I am glad that you stumbled upon the site and you found it enjoyable. As this race narrows toward primary time, I do believe it is crucial for all Republicans in the great state of Tennessee to ask themselves some difficult questions. Should they trust what they see/hear on television and radio? Should they vote for the frontrunner bc they feel pressured not to vote for two different candidates? Who is the real conservative in this race? I would encourage any and all similarly situated to ask but one question? Why am I voting for this candidate? If the answer is that you’ve heard more about him, seen his ads, or simply know that he is the presumptive favorite… then I would suggest that you head straight back to the drawing board.
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