Independent candidate David Hatley is literally putting his money where his mouth is by promising a million-dollar payment to three charities if Marsha Blackburn shows up to debate him and Jerri Green in Nashville on October 8. Hatley says Blackburn is more focused on his past than Tennessee’s future and that she should be able to defend her vision for the state’s future rather than hiding from debates, voters and the media.
Green has responded to Hatley’s challenge by pointing out that she has previously challenged Blackburn to a series of debates. Blackburn rejected Green’s challenge by pointing out that she refuses to debate a “socialist.” (Blackburn also refused to debate John Rose during the Republican primary, so apparently debating “capitalists” is also a bridge too far here debate dance card.)
Green also called on Hatley to write the checks BEFORE Blackburn and Green agree to meet. “As soon as David writes the checks and gives them to these charities, I’m happy to embarrass him and Marsha on October 8th.” One Hatley supporter immediately questioned whether Green intends to match his donations to these charities before or after any prospective debate.
Blackburn did not immediately respond to the Million Dollar Debate offer from Hatley.
NAIFEH GIVES HIS BLESSING TO GREEN.
Former democrat House Speaker and political strongman Jimmy Naifeh has endorsed Jerri Green for Governor. Naifeh led the failed fight to impose a state income tax on Tennessee taxpayers 25 years ago, which was rebuffed thanks largely to the efforts of Green’s GOP opponent Marsha Blackburn and others. Is Naifeh hoping for the issue to arise like a Phoenix under a Governor Green? Unfortunately for income tax hopefuls, Republicans inspired by the “horn honkers” have since permanently blocked that option in the Constitution.
BAILEY-FEST IN SPARTA TURNS OUT OVER 1400 SUPPORTERS.
State Senator Paul Bailey drew a massive crowd of over 1400 to his Fifth Annual Cowboy Cookout over the weekend. The prospective Senate Majority Leader who will likely have to beat out Senator Jack Johnson for the post had a notable array of his colleagues in attendance, including Senators Dawn White, Janice Bowling, Ed Jackson, Richard Briggs, Ferrell Haile, Becky Duncan Massey, Ken Yager and current Lt. Governor Randy McNally. Johnny Garrett, poised to replace Congressman John Rose in the sixth district, was also there, along with a few State House members, including Paul Sherrell.
Steve Gill is editor and Publisher of TriStar Daily.
