tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-300642632024-03-08T13:01:53.788-06:00Christian Political FictionJeromehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08830768613066464143noreply@blogger.comBlogger236125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30064263.post-8602901011187812262008-09-08T08:11:00.003-05:002008-09-08T08:35:11.328-05:00Obama Loosing Appeal to EvangelicalsSteven Waldman (editor of <a href="http://www.beliefnet.com/" target="_blank">Belief Net</a></li>) had an interesting <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/politicalperceptions/2008/09/05/obama-is-losing-support-among-moderate-evangelicals/?mod=googlenews_wsj" target="_blank">article</a></li> in the Wall Street Journal Friday. The premise was that Barack Obama is loosing his appeal to moderate evangelicals. Waldman lists several things to which he attributes this downward trend that include Obama's performance at Saddleback and the nomination of Sarah Palin for VP. But I think Waldman leaves out one very important element from his list.<br /><br />The main reason I believe that Obama fails to gain traction with evangelicals (and particularly conservative evangelicals) is because we've never heard him describe a life changing encounter with Jesus Christ. He gives the mantra that he's a Christian (although some bloggers are posting about this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKGdkqfBICw" target="_blank">gaffe</a></li> over the weekend about his "muslim faith"), but he does so in a universalist way. There has been some writers who have covered this issue previously, and here is a link to an article by <a href="http://www.wnd.com/index.php?pageId=66909" target="_blank">Joseph Farah</a></li> that discusses the subject. Evangelicals know that there is only one way to Heaven, not many as Obama claims. And we know what it means to be a Christian, not just claim the title as Obama does.<br /><br />On a different note, a friend of mine attended the RNC last week. He said that during Sarah Palin's speech Wednesday evening that NBC reporters David Gregory and Chuck Todd were mocking her, off camera. Does anyone seriously doubt that there is any political bias in the MSM?<br /><br />JeromeJeromehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08830768613066464143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30064263.post-75295384378812166932008-09-05T15:28:00.003-05:002008-09-05T15:41:21.116-05:00Keep the Momentum GoingThe McCain-Palin ticket rocketed out of the RNC and into campaign stops in key battleground states. Some reports stated that John McCain and Sarah Palin drew as many as 30,000 people at an event in Cedarburgh, WI. And Neilsen has both the McCain speech and the Palin speech drawing more viewers than Barack Obama did during his acceptance speech.<br /><br />Evangelicals must help maintain this momentum for the McCain-Palin ticket. This election is too important, and America can't afford for Barack Obama to be in the White House. It comes down to simply what Fred Thompson asked during his speech a couple of nights ago: Who do you trust with the presidency?<br /><br />I also received the link below via email today. It is a commercial made by an Iraq war veteran who has ties to West Tennessee. It is a powerful message. I hope you will share it with others.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8" target="_blank">Joe Cook commercial</a></li><br /> <br /><br />JeromeJeromehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08830768613066464143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30064263.post-58928099487505719572008-09-04T08:00:00.003-05:002008-09-04T08:19:30.510-05:00The One We've Been Waiting ForI watched Sarah Palin's speech last night with awe and envy. (The envy part came from the fact that one of my partners was in attendance and witnessed the energy and electricity live). It was an incredible speech and was delivered brillantly.<br /><br />I'm sensing more excitement among Christian conservatives than I've sensed in some time. Many were planning on staying home on election day, but now not only are they planning to vote for the McCain-Palin ticket, they're energized to work for a McCain-Palin victory. Even my wife -- who has absolutely no interest in politics -- watched Palin's speech and cheered often. Her reaction is indicative, I think, of how a lot of evangelicals (men and women) feel about Sarah Palin.<br /><br />But it is far from over. If we thought the last 6 days were tough, just wait til we see what the MSM, liberal bloggers and Obama campaign have in store for Governor Palin over the next 60. They will utterly try to destroy her. Why? Because she represents the values of the heartland. She represents the values of the religious right. And they will stop at nothing to insure that she never holds elected office outside of Alaska.<br /><br />Palin's speech (and Rudy's before her) was simply incredible. Now Americans realize that she is an acceptable candidate for vice president. I hope the backlash against the Obama campaign for the smears against her rises up like a tidal wave. And I hope they continue to say she doesn't have the experience to be vice president. When they raise this argument, it simply demands a comparison of the experience between Obama and McCain. A comparison which McCain will always win. So keep taking the bait, Obama.<br /><br />Another thing I heard someone say earlier today (and something I've said before in an earlier post) is that an important function of the president is to nominate supreme court and federal court judges. If that is the measuring stick by which you intend to decide your vote, then ask yourself: Would you rather have Barack Obama nominating judges or John McCain? I hope your answer is John McCain because our country cannot afford to have Barack Obama selecting federal judges.<br /><br />JeromeJeromehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08830768613066464143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30064263.post-42791454769997766372008-09-03T09:28:00.005-05:002008-09-03T09:57:04.808-05:00Attacks on Palin Blamed on ObamaThe MSM, liberal bloggers and Obama campaign continue to hit Governor Palin hard and tonight we'll see how well she can take a punch. I suspect she can take one quite well ... and will fire off a few of her own.<br /><br />I'm not surprised at how vicious the attacks have been on Governor Palin. And as the days go by it is becoming more and more clear the source of the attacks. It is clearly the work of the Obama campaign surrogates. Did anybody see Campbell Brown's interview with Tucker Bounds Monday night? Brown's bias toward Obama leaped through the television screen into every home that watched. CNN -- and especially Campbell Brown -- are clearly in Obama's corner.<br /><br />Brown asked Tucker Bounds to name an accomplishment of Governor Palin. Has Brown ever asked the Obama campaign to name one of his accomplishments? I'm sure she hasn't because she knows that Obama can't name one accomplishment of his "experience" in the Illinois state lesgilature or during his short tenure in the U.S. Senate. The MSM -- including CNN and Campbell Brown -- will never ask the tough questions of Obama.<br /><br />Last night I watched Fred Thompson's speech on Fox and then switched over to see the coverage on other networks. MSNBC wasn't even broadcasting Fred's speech! That speaks volumes about the media bias in this election. Despite this overt attempt to keep Fred out of many Americans' living rooms, I do hope millions of Americans heard Fred's question: Who can we trust with the presidency? The events of the last week make the answer to that question abundantly clear.<br /><br />While Governor Palin is the frontline of the attacks, the target really is mine and your values. The Obama campaign -- with the help of the MSM and liberal bloggers -- are attacking heartland values. And I think this attempt to assasinate Governor Palin's character in this first week after she was announced will backfire on the Obama campaign.<br /><br />All across America there are millions of families who either have dealt with a teenage pregnancy, have relatives who have dealt with one or know friends who have dealt with one. Those families -- and voters -- will not appreciate what the Obama campaign is trying to do to Governor Palin and her family. It will turn them off, and at the same time will feed the energy of the conservative, religious base of the republican party. In the last 5 days I've seen more energy and excitement from friends and family about the election than I have since the primaries began. They're mad about these attacks on Governor Palin and her family, and their anger is directed at the Obama campaign.<br /><br />There's nothing new about the MSM being in the tank for the Obama campaign, but it certainly has taken on a new dimension in recent days. And the result will be an uprising by the conservative grassroots that the Obama campaign cannot withstand.<br /><br />JeromeJeromehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08830768613066464143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30064263.post-12796007828405131932008-09-02T07:53:00.005-05:002008-09-02T08:20:35.919-05:00Time for Evangelicals to RallyI've been astounded at the attacks by the democrats, the liberal media and the Obama campaign on Governor Palin. It has been overly distasteful but quite revealing. They have sunk to a new low. I trust the American people will see their efforts for what they are -- attacks on family values and the character of a truly great woman. Why are they attacking Governor Palin so viciously? Because they are scared of her.<br /><br />Governor Palin was announced as John McCain's running mate Friday and in the span of three days the democrats, liberal MSM and Obama campaign have jumped on Governor Palin with both feet with: (1) a claim that her down syndrome child (Trig) is not hers but her daughter's; (2) her husband received a DUI 22 years ago; (3) Governor Palin committed a misdemeanor some years ago by fishing with a gillnet without a license or permit; (4) her daughter is pregnant out of wedlock; and (5) she lacks the experience to be vice president.<br /><br />Come on! Is this the best they can do? Oh the horror if this woman becomes vice president!<br /><br />This is laughable. Is there anybody out there who really believes that Governor Palin faked a pregnancy to cover for her daughter's pregnancy? Seriously. And those of you with medical backgrounds help me out. Isn't it more likely that an older woman will have a downs baby than a teenager?<br /><br />Does the Obama campaign really want to debate the experience issue? I wish the McCain campaign would challenge the Obama campaign to have Governor Palin debate Joe Biden more than once and for her to debate Barack Obama. I suspect she'd eat Obama's lunch. And while they're at it, how about Governor Palin against Obama and/or Biden in a marksmanship contest, a fishing contest, basketball one-on-one and a bible drill!<br /><br />The liberal media doesn't care to report about Obama's connections with Bill Ayers, ACORN and many other fringe organizations. Or the fact that Joe Biden spends more money on AmTrak tickets than most people earn in a year. If you get a chance, pick up a copy of David Freddeso's book, The Case Against Barack Obama. Freddeso really covers ground that the MSM refuses to cover.<br /><br />What I like about Governor Palin is that she appears genuine and authentic. Her family faces the same problems and issues that I see regular, every day people face. There is no pretense with her. Unlike the Obama campaign which is just one big shell game.<br /><br />It is time for evangelicals to rally to the McCain campaign and Governor Palin. They deserve and need our support. It is time for evangelicals to get excited about the prospects of a McCain - Palin administration rather than fearing an Obama - Biden one. So let's get going.<br /><br />JeromeJeromehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08830768613066464143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30064263.post-74968845641635223542008-08-29T14:01:00.004-05:002008-08-29T15:23:05.224-05:00Sarah Palin for VPI haven't been interested in posting to this blog in quite some time because the presidential race hadn't been exciting. With the most liberal senator in the senate running against a moderate republican, there wasn't much about which evangelicals could be excited. But the selection today by John McCain of Sarah Palin as his running mate changed that.<br /><br />We are living in very historic times. We are watching history unfold before our eyes. Sure Geraldine Ferraro ran on Walter Mondale's ticket in 1984, but they had no chance of winning. Mondale's selection of Ferraro was viewed by many as a "hail mary". But in less than 24 hours we have seen two historical events. Barack Obama's nomination was historic but also is McCain's selection of Sarah Palin. In November we will either have the first African American as president or the first woman as vice president. Hopefully the latter.<br /><br />And if you follow that out over the next 4 or 8 years, Sarah Palin could very well be the republican nominee for president in either 2012 (if John McCain only serves one term) or 2016. Wouldn't it be great for the first woman president to be a republican?<br /><br />By all accounts, Sarah Palin should excite the social conservative base of the republican party. Already many religious leaders like Richard Land, James Dobson, Tony Perkins and Mat Staver are <a href="http://www.lifenews.com/nat4234.html" target="_blank">singing her praises</a>.<br /><br />McCain Palin 2008!! Time for evangelicals to get on board!<br /><br />JeromeJeromehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08830768613066464143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30064263.post-81537291433277403022008-02-07T09:59:00.001-06:002008-02-07T10:10:00.570-06:00Recovering From Tornado -- Union UniversityIt has been a trying couple of days. A tornado struck Madison County Tuesday night, the fourth one in the last 9 years. This one decimated my alma mater, <a href="http://www.uu.edu/" target="_blank">Union Univeristy</a></li>. Most of the student housing was completely destroyed and other buildings on campus sustained significant damage. Dr. Dockery, President of Union University, estimates the damage to be in excess of $40,000,000.00. Miraculously no one was killed on campus. There were two deaths in another part of the county. And there are two Union students still in critical care at a local hospital. This morning's <a href="http://www.jacksonsun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage" target="_blank">newspaper</a></li> has numerous pictures of the damage. Local TV stations from Memphis and Nashville have been on the scene as has national reporters with NBC, FOX and others.<br /><br />After the tornado struck Tuesday night, all of the kids had to go somewhere. My family and I hosted 7 traumatized girls; the last 2 left this morning. People in the community opened their homes to the 1200 students who suddenly became homeless. Many of them have now returned to their homes, waiting on what will happen next. Classes will not resume until at least February 18. The academic facilities may be operational to some extent by then but only about 20% of student housing will be habitable by then. The univeristy leadership has numerous, difficult decisions in front of them. If you would like to keep track of posting about this emergency you can follow this <a href="http://uuemergency.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">link</a></li>.<br /><br />It has been a trying time. Please keep Union University, its leadership, faculty, staff and students in your prayers. They will need it for a long time to come.<br /><br />JeromeJeromehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08830768613066464143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30064263.post-87441863796396002352008-01-12T20:55:00.000-06:002008-01-12T21:16:18.858-06:00The Rise of a New Christian Conservative MovementThis <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/13/us/politics/13huckabee.html?pagewanted=2&hp" target="_blank">article</a></li> in the New York Times highlights what I see happening among evangelicals. There is a new generation of leadership emerging among Christian conservatives. Guys like Joel Hunter, Rick Warren, Tony Campolo and Randy Brinson are creating a Christian political movement that is different from the Pat Robertson/Jerry Falwell evangelical movement. I have not decided where James Dobson falls. He has certainly been a leader among evangelicals for a long time but to this point in the presidential campaign he hasn't endorsed a candidate. I believe his silence is telling. He may not be sure where the Christian conservative movement is headed.<br /><br />Rising up as the leader of this movement is Mike Huckabee. Like him or not, he's here to stay. Fred Thompson tried to put Huckabee in his place regarding the Reagan Coalition during the last presidential debate. And while I understand what he was doing, I think it only served to drive more of a wedge between the republican party and Christian conservatives.<br /><br />Huckabee may become president, vice president, or neither. But one thing's for sure. He will emerge from the presidential race as the new face of Christian conservatives. Just look at the network of grassroots organizations that he now has access to. Look at the media exposure, his media savvy and his likeability. Fellow republicans may not agree with Huckabee's positions on a number of issues, but one thing is for sure. He has been able to rally this "new religious right" of the republican party like nobody else. No doubt about it. Huckabee is here to stay.<br /><br />JeromeJeromehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08830768613066464143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30064263.post-8614841767236867872008-01-10T11:10:00.000-06:002008-01-10T12:29:14.837-06:00Social Conservatives and the Republican PartyWhere do social conservatives fit in the Republican Party? I ask this because many, many conservative pundits don't like Mike Huckabee or his brand of politics. The pundits take the position that the republican party has been successfull because of the coalition between social conservatives, fiscal conservatives and those to whom national security is the upmost important. The old three legs of the stool analogy.<br /><br />The knock against Huckabee is that he only represents one leg of the stool and the other two legs don't like him. The pundits claim that Huckabee can't hold together the republican coalition and will loose to whoever the democratic candidate is. For example, the <a href="http://www.clubforgrowth.org/2007/11/updated_huckabee_white_paper.php" target="_blank">Club for Growth</a></li> (Pat Toomey's organization) can't stand Huckabee. They claim he raised taxes as governor of Arkansas. Huckabee disputes the claim and rebuts it with <a href="http://www.mikehuckabee.com/?FuseAction=Issues.View&Issue_id=5" target="_blank">this</a></li>. Also, Grover Norquist of Americans for Tax Reform seems to have taken a <a href="http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/279824.aspx" target="_blank">softer view</a></li> toward Huckabee than has the Club for Growth.<br /><br />The ational security wing of the party has chastised Huckabee for his "arrogant bunker mentality" statement when referring to President Bush's foreign policy. They also point out that Bush's foreign policy has been successful since we haven't been attacked again since 9/11.<br /><br />Yesterday Governor Huckabee issued this <a href="http://www.mikehuckabee.com/?FuseAction=Issues.View&Issue_id=28" target="_blank">statement</a></li> regarding the types of judges he would appoint if president. I like his position on this. Appointing conservative judges to the federal courts is very important.<br /><br />So, if Huckabee can't satisfy all parts of the republican coalition, who can? Romney seems to have shifted positions in recent years to make himself more acceptable to all legs of the stool. Giuliani is strong in national security, okay fiscally, but the social conservatives can't stand him (dispite Pat Robertson's endorsement). McCain is strong in the national security issue, strong in cutting expenses, but opposed President Bush's tax cuts in 2001 and 2003. And the social conservatives are queasy about him after what he said during the 2000 presidential campaign. Fred Thompson appeals to all three legs of the coalition but can't gain any traction. Fred said earlier this week that South Carolina is his "firewall" which means that if he doesn't when there, he'll probably get out of the race.<br /><br />So of McCain, Romney, Giuliani and Huckabee, who will get the nomination? Only Huckabee is appealing to social conservatives. If one of the others gets the nomination, what does that say to social conservatives? And if Huckabee is the nominee, will the FisCons and national security elements of the party stay home on election day? It is a very interesting and trying time for the republican party. Only Fred Thompson has the ability to appeal to all branches of the coalition and if he drops out of the race we may see the coalition falling apart.<br /><br />On a slightly different front, I ran across a website I didn't even know existed: <a href="http://www.godtube.com/" target="_blank">God Tube</a></li>. It is a Christian version of You Tube. There is a presidential poll on the front page of the website if you'd like to participate. Huckabee is, to no one's surprise, currently leading the voting.<br /><br />There is also a website that has a <a href="http://www.vajoe.com/candidate_calculator.html?src=adw&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=PPC&utm_campaign=VaJoe&gclid=COj47PSd7JACFQlnsgodZxSaXQ" target="_blank">candidate calculator</a></li> that let's you see which candidate most closely aligns with your beliefs. Try it. You may find the response interesting.<br /><br />And lastly, the <a href="http://christianfictionblogalliance.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</a></li> is introducing <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0373785984" target="_blank">Happily Ever After</a></li> by Marilyn Griffith. I hope you get a chance to pick up a copy.<br /><br />UPDATE: Republicans like Hugh Hewitt and Rick Santorum <a href="http://hughhewitt.townhall.com/blog/g/9e163793-59da-4b2c-88ae-be7f8f4ec09d" target="_blank">don't think highly</a></li> of John McCain either. Hugh Hewitt is pushing Mitt Romney -- who keeps finishing second.<br /><br />JeromeJeromehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08830768613066464143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30064263.post-61551135068339125372007-12-16T20:17:00.000-06:002007-12-16T20:26:53.680-06:00Classic FredHere is a <a href="http://www.redstate.com/stories/elections/2008/not_a_pander_bear" target="_blank">link</a></li> to a post on RedState about some "yearbook" questions the AP sent to all of the candidates and Fred Thompson's responses. Its classic Fred like the Michael Moore cigar video and the "no hands show" at the DMR debate last week.<br /><br />Fred needs a lot of buzz over the next couple of weeks and stuff like this may get him some. You have to give it Fred, win or loose, he's certainly having fun.<br /><br />JeromeJeromehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08830768613066464143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30064263.post-46553843464231611662007-12-14T13:14:00.000-06:002007-12-14T13:47:35.022-06:00Fred Surge?I've pointed out before that political campaigns are all about momentum. About a month ago I posted about whether Fred Thompson was waiting for just the right time to peak. It may be happening -- right on time for Thompson's campaign.<br /><br />The rave in the last couple of weeks has been about Mike Huckabee. There were even headlines that read "Huck-a-boom" as he surged ahead in polls in Iowa and South Carolina. But since Tuesday, Fred Thompson has captured the headlines.<br /><br />Fred's <a href="http://fredfile.fred08.com/blog/2007/video-no-hand-shows/" target="_blank">rebellion</a></li> toward the <em>Des Moines Register</em> editor who moderated the debate on Tuesday has been the sound bite from that debate. Fred has been the talk of the town since Tuesday. The American Spectator declared that <a href="http://www.spectator.org/dsp_article.asp?art_id=12439" target="_blank">Fred isn't dead</a></li>. There is even talk of whether <a href="http://nationaljournal.com/mercurio.htm" target="_blank">Fred can surge</a></li> in Iowa. And with Huckabee apologizing to Romney and Hillary apologizing to Obama, Fred decided he should <a href="http://fredfile.fred08.com/blog/2007/fred-thompson-campaign-apologies/" target="_blank">apologize too</a></li>. Fred's been on his A game this week.<br /><br />The polls have Thompson running <a href="http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/ia/iowa_republican_caucus-207.html" target="_blank">third in Iowa</a></li> behind Huckabee and Romney. But in South Carolina he has moved back into <a href="http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/sc/south_carolina_republican_primary-233.html" target="_blank">second place</a></li>. Although he is a distant third in Iowa, he could really gain some momentum if he closes that gap. Even if he finishes third in Iowa, he could snatch the momentum away by coming in a close third -- much closer than he's polling at now. That momentum could catapult him into either a South Carolina win or a strong second place finish there. Either one would keep his momentum going into the Super Tuesday primaries on February 5. And who knows what could happen then? He may not win enough delegate votes to take the nomination but he might get enough to be a player in a <a href="http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=NDFiODVmNmRjNTc3ZTk3MjE5ZGMwODMyOTc4YjQ3MzE=" target="_blank">brokered convention</a></li>.<br /><br />On a different note, the <a href="http://christianfictionblogalliance.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</a></li> is introducing <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1590524152" target="_blank">What Lies Within</a></li> by <a href="http://www.karenballbooks.com/contact.html" target="_blank">Karen Ball</a></li>. I hope you get a chance to pick-up a copy of this book.<br /><br />JeromeJeromehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08830768613066464143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30064263.post-56159941078318120822007-12-14T08:16:00.000-06:002007-12-14T08:22:53.447-06:00History Made in Madison CountyWe're watching history being made in Madison County. The filing deadline was yesterday for the county mayor's race and only Jimmy Harris and Don McLeary <a href="http://www.jacksonsun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071214/NEWS01/712140307/1002" target="_blank">filed petitions</a></li>. Both men are running in the republican primary in February. Jimmy Harris was appointed mayor effective July 1, 2007, making him the first republican to ever hold the office. But with Harris and McLeary running in the republican primary, and no other candidates, one of these men will be the first republican <strong>elected</strong> to hold the office of Madison County Mayor. That will be history.<br /><br />JeromeJeromehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08830768613066464143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30064263.post-11771806320141555432007-12-10T14:31:00.001-06:002007-12-10T14:55:03.677-06:00Madison County Mayor Campaign KickoffMayor Jimmy Harris has scheduled a campaign kickoff for tomorrow evening at the Old English Inn in Jackson. Mayor Harris is campaigning to retain the office to which he was appointed earlier this year when the former county mayor was elected mayor of the City of Jackson. His only opponent so far (filing deadline is December 13) is former senator Don McLeary. McLeary has announced his intentions of running for the seat and has begun to campaign, but hasn't yet filed his petition with the election commission.<br /><br />Harris' invitation boast several local and state dignitaries. These "hosts" of the party are: Republican Caucus Chairman Mark Norris; State Senator Bill Ketron; State Senator Paul Stanley; State Representative Jimmy Eldridge; Madison County Sheriff David Woolfork; Madison County Tax Assessor Frances Hunley; Madison County Register of Deeds Linda Waldon; and Madison County Circuit Court Clerk Judy Barnhill. Also, eleven of the Madison County Commissioners have signed on as supporting Harris.<br /><br />The special guest at the event will be Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey.<br /><br />A non-exhaustive list of others who are identified as hosts on the invitation are: Jim Ayers; Scooter Clippard; Carl Kirkland; and Jimmy Wallace. There are even some local democrats who are supporting Harris such as former City of Jackson Mayor Charles Farmer.<br /><br />Harris has certainly brought out the big guns. I'm not sure where Don McLeary will find his support within the local republican party when it is obvious that the local and state republican leaders are lining up against him. McLeary has announced his plan to run in the republican primary on February 5, 2008. But he hasn't filed his petition yet. Is it possible he will file to run as an independent instead? Although he was one time a democrat, he can't win an election as a democrat again. The local democrats are still livid about him switching paties before the last election. So if he doesn't file to run as a republican, his only alternative is to run as an independent. But would there be any credibility in that? Once a democrat, then a republican and then an independent? I can't see it working.<br /><br />Perhaps McLeary knows more about local politics than I do, but I still can't figure out his strategy. Particularly in light of this impressive list of supports for his opponent.<br /><br />JeromeJeromehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08830768613066464143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30064263.post-56297990926084413642007-12-06T15:23:00.001-06:002007-12-06T15:33:52.086-06:00Basis For Huckabee SurgeThis <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSQNSlUUoOc" target="_blank">link</a></li> is to a video of Mike Huckabee explaining his surge in the presidential primary contest.<br /><br />I also ran across this position paper called <a href="http://www.third-way.com/products/107" target="_blank">Come Let Us Reason Together</a></li> (click on download PDF) that was put out by a combined group of progressives and Evangelicals. I think you'll find the mix interesting as well as the discussion points. Be sure to read the supporting statements. One is from Dr. David Gushee who was a professor at <a href="http://www.uu.edu/" target="_blank">Union University</a></li> and is now at Mercer in Atlanta.<br /><br />JeromeJeromehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08830768613066464143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30064263.post-12341297270463616562007-12-05T14:53:00.000-06:002007-12-05T15:22:05.680-06:00All Huckabee All The TimeAll the buzz the last few days has been about Mike Huckabee . . . and virtually only Mike Huckabee. Here is a <a href="http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video_log/2007/12/huckabee_profile_on_nightline.html" target="_blank">video</a></li> from a Nightline segment on Huckabee. An <a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-poll5dec05,0,4991085.story?coll=la-home-center" target="_blank">article</a></li> in the L.A. Times. Clarence Page has a <a href="http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/12/huckabees_surge_has_a_sting.html" target="_blank">piece today</a></li> as well.<br /><br />And there is always the bad coverage like this <a href="http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=NTcyMTM5YzRiMzVjMjA3MGEwMjUwM2Y3NGJiMzM1YWY=" target="_blank">column</a></li> by Byron York.<br /><br />The knock against Huckabee -- at least from the Club for Growth crowd -- has been Huckabee's record on taxes in Arkansas. Yesterday Joe Carter <a href="http://www.evangelicaloutpost.com/archives/004113.html" target="_blank">addressed</a></li> some of those issues head-on.<br /><br />Huckabee is routinely asked religious questions like creationism v. evolution; whether Mormonism is a cult; etc. And I think his answers have been splendid like this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-BFEhkIujA" target="_blank">response</a></li> he gave to Wolf Blitzer at the debate and this one about Mitt Romney's <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,315106,00.html" target="_blank">faith</a></li>.<br /><br />What does Huckabee's rise mean to the other campaigns? It must be negatively affecting Romney and Thompson because each have attacked Huckabee recently. But who does he help? Could it be <a href="http://time-blog.com/real_clear_politics/2007/12/huck_mccain_rise_as_rudy_mitt.html" target="_blank">McCain</a></li>? There has been talk recently about a Giuliani-Huckabee ticket. But what about McCain-Huckabee or even Huckabee-McCain?<br /><br />Huckabee is kicking up a lot of dust and is currently the man with all the attention. But Dick Morris is convinced that when the dust settles it will still be <a href="http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/12/hillary_rudy_may_know_life_aft.html" target="_blank">Giuliani v. Clinton</a></li>. We'll see.<br /><br />On a different note, the <a href="http://christianfictionblogalliance.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</a></li> is introducing <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0373442726" target="_blank">Bluegrass Peril</a></li> by <a href="http://www.virginiasmith.org/" target="_blank">Virginia Smith</a></li>. I hope you get a chance to pick up a copy of this book.<br /><br />JeromeJeromehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08830768613066464143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30064263.post-50842135104553530092007-12-04T09:03:00.000-06:002007-12-04T09:37:26.481-06:00What is Driving the Huckabee Surge?The short answer is "social conservatives". But is there a longer answer? <a href="http://www.mikehuckabee.com/" target="_blank">Mike Huckabee</a></li> has little if any money and certainly doesn't have the infrastructure in Iowa that Mitt Romney has. So how is he getting his message out?<br /><br />This Washington Post <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/03/AR2007120301856.html?hpid=topnews" target="_blank">article</a></li> implies that there is a grassroots network of "pastors, parents who home-school their children, and other Christian conservatives." It appears that there is a broad based support among social conservatives in Iowa for Huckabee. Even Tim LeHaye, co-author of the popular <em>Left Behind</em> series of books is making campaign appearances with Huckabee.<br /><br />Huckabee has also tapped into the network of Christians that was compiled by <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/01/AR2007120101569.html?nav=hcmodule" target="_blank">Redeem The Vote</a></li>. <a href="http://www.redeemthevote.com/" target="_blank">RTV</a></li> has an impressive list of 71,000,000 names and e-mail addresses of Christian voters. 71,000,000! And even though RTV offered access to the list to all candidates -- democrat and republican alike -- only Huckabee took them up on it. And it appears to be paying off for him in Iowa.<br /><br />Huckabee has recently condemned the push polling by an organization called <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/03/AR2007120301769.html" target="_blank">Trust Huckabee</a></li>, stating that it doesn't represent what his campaign is about. And the <em>Weekly Standard's</em> Dean Barnett admits that he <a href="http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/014/439htlxc.asp" target="_blank">underestimated</a></li> Huckabee. Even Grover Norquist of Americans for Tax Reform seems to have <a href="http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/279824.aspx" target="_blank">softened</a></li> to Huckabee.<br /><br />But can Huckabee's momentum last? Assuming he performs well in Iowa (finishes first or second), New Hampshire is a much bigger test. And Huckabee's position on social issues important to evangelical voters won't play as well there as it has in Iowa. Then there is Michigan and Nevada. But after that is South Carolina and Florida. If Huckabee looses his footing in New Hampshire, he very well could regain it in South Carolina before the Super Tuesday primaries on February 5.<br /><br />A few days ago we were talking about a Giuliani-Huckabee ticket. But will there soon be talk of a ticket with Huckabee on top?<br /><br />JeromeJeromehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08830768613066464143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30064263.post-27355374788941212492007-11-29T22:31:00.000-06:002007-11-29T22:48:17.165-06:00Polling Started in Madison County Mayor's RaceI received a call tonight from a polling company that asked questions about the Madison County Mayor's race. I was interested to learn that one of the candidates is spending money on polling. My best guess -- and after talking to a reliable source -- is that the Jimmy Harris campaign may be the one polling. My source doubts that Don McLeary's campaign has enough money to be spending on polling. The pollster even mixed in a few presidential campaign questions for good measure.<br /><br />The Madison County Mayor's race is an important one and will likely be decided in the republican primary. The qualifying deadline for all candidates for the mayor's office is December 13. So far only McLeary and Harris have picked up petitions. No democrats and no independents. If that holds true, then we will know who the next mayor will be in February even though the general election isn't until August.<br /><br />I haven't found anyone -- republican or democrat -- who understands Don McLeary's thought process or strategy for jumping into this race. Earlier I opined that McLeary's strategy could only be for democrats and independents to vote in the republican primary in February. After talking to some democrat friends I'm convinced that this scenario won't happen. Most local democrats are mad at McLeary for switching parties and won't lift a finger to help him. In fact, I heard from a reliable source that some democrat lawyers in town called a republican lawyer and asked what they could do to help Harris beat McLeary. Interesting.<br /><br />So if the crossover vote isn't going to happen, what is McLeary's strategy? Could he be hanging his hat on name recognition only? Is he hoping that republicans who aren't hard core party members will vote in the republican presidential primary; then see his name on the ballot for mayor and pull the lever for him because they recognize his name? Surely that isn't his strategy but what else could it be?<br /><br />And what will McLeary do if he looses? There is no way the leadership of the local republican party will get behind him in any other race in the future after he's challenged Jimmy Harris. If he looses this race, then I suspect McLeary will be finished in local republican politics.<br /><br />JeromeJeromehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08830768613066464143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30064263.post-49513066391080695462007-11-29T09:10:00.000-06:002007-11-29T09:14:42.040-06:00Auralia's Colors by Jeffrey OverstreetThis week the <a href="http://christianfictionblogalliance.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</a></li> is introducing <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400072522" target="_blank">Auralia's Colors</a></li> by <a href="http://lookingcloser.org/default.htm" target="_blank">Jeffrey Overstreet</a></li>. I hope you get a chance to pick up a copy of this book.<br /><br />JeromeJeromehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08830768613066464143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30064263.post-44229057701270805962007-11-27T11:10:00.000-06:002007-11-27T11:15:10.649-06:00Giuliani - Huckabee?There is more talk of a potential <a href="http://www.nysun.com/article/67003" target="_blank">Giuliani-Huckabee ticket</a></li>. The strategy does make sense. Giuliani has the ability to carry New York -- which the democrats must desperately hang on to -- but will alienate evangelical conservatives. Social conservatives are Huckabee's strong suit. So he would easily balance the ticket with Giuliani.<br /><br />Also, Joe Carter at <a href="http://www.evangelicaloutpost.com/" target="_blank">evangelical outpost</a></li> announced on his blog today that he has relocated to Little Rock, AR, to work on the Huckabee campaign team.<br /><br />JeromeJeromehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08830768613066464143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30064263.post-91989743379711688302007-11-26T10:14:00.001-06:002007-11-26T16:19:32.832-06:00Madison County Mayor Primary ContestAn interesting development has occurred in Madison County regarding the county mayor's office. Earlier this year Jimmy Harris was appointed county mayor when the previous mayor was elected mayor of the City of Jackson. Harris became the first republican to hold the office of Madison County Mayor in the history of the county. Harris has been business partners with the grandfather of the Madison County republican party, Jimmy Wallace.<br /><br />Now comes word that Don McLeary will <a href="http://www.jacksonsun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007711240308" target="_blank">challenge</a></li> Harris in the republican primary on February 5, 2008, which coincides with the presidential primary. You remember Don McLeary, right? He ran as a democrat and defeated long time republican state senator Bobby Carter. Then he switched parties and ran as a republican in 2006, losing to the democratic challenger, Lowe Finney.<br /><br />What is McLeary's strategy for running against Jimmy Harris for this seat? Harris will certainly have the backing of Jimmy Wallace (close personal friend of Fred Thompson, by the way) and the republican establishment. Harris says that Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey will be in town in December to campaign for him. So if McLeary can't expect the backing of the republican base, who does he expect will vote for him? The only possible scenario I see is that he hopes for a lot of democrats and independents to vote in the presidential primary election, pick up a republican presidential ballot rather than a democratic one and vote for him. (Word on the street is that some democrats/independents have solicited McLeary to run but no concrete proof of this has surfaced yet.) If that is the strategy, I'm not sure I follow the logic. If the democratic presidential primary is still close after Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, won't the local democrats want to vote in the democratic presidential primary? If they do, then they can't vote in the local republican mayoral primary. And with Fred Thompson on the republican presidential primary ballot, won't a lot of republicans go to the polls to vote for him -- and vote for Jimmy Harris? It would not surprise me in the least that if Fred Thompson makes a campaign stop in Jackson between now and the primary that he has Jimmy Harris on the stage with him and encourages voters to support Harris.<br /><br />Certainly McLeary can't run as a democrat or independent in the August, 2008, general election because he will loose all credibility having already switched parties one time.<br /><br />It is an intriguing development in the local mayor's race and it will be interesting to see how the dynamics play out. And if McLeary looses I suspect he won't find the backing of the local republican establishment in any future races.<br /><br /><strong>UPDATE</strong>: After I posted on this subject, an anonymous source told me that republican state senator Bobby Carter tried to recruit Don McLeary to run as a republican in 2002 for the state senate and that Bobby Carter would have stepped aside and supported McLeary. Instead, McLeary opted to run as a democrat. So the chronology of McLeary's involvement with the local republican party since 2002 is: (1) Refused Bobby Carter's overture to run for state senate as a republican; (2) ran as a democrat for state senate and defeated an ailing Bobby Carter; (3) switched parties and ran as a republican in his re-election campaign, loosing to Lowe Finney; and (4) Is now running in republican primary for county mayor against Jimmy Harris who supported McLeary in 2006 in his state senate re-election campaign. Also, there are some who believe that unless and until McLeary actual files his petition to run in the republican primary that he may actually file to run as an independent or democrat. This theory is based on who is recruiting McLeary to run, per my source.<br /><br />JeromeJeromehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08830768613066464143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30064263.post-58894926731423126262007-11-21T09:46:00.000-06:002007-11-21T10:25:23.642-06:00Stem Cell ResearchBig news yesterday regarding stem cell research. It seems that despite all the protestations from liberal groups about President Bush's veto of federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, that the same -- if not better -- cures can be obtained without the destruction of human life. <a href="http://www.nationalreview.com/" target="_blank">National Review Online</a></li> has several stories today on this subject but none more succinct than this one by <a href="http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=ZGVlNjZjNjFiY2Q0NWJkODhiY2E3Y2NjYjVhYjIzMGI=" target="_blank">Wesley J. Smith</a></li>. President Bush did what was morally right and science has now vindicated that decision. This issue will certainly <a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/article/20071121/NATION/111210049/1028/election" target="_blank">have an impact</a></li> on the 2008 presidential election. The democratic candidates have been placating to the liberal interest groups by promising federal funding for embryonic stem cell research (a/k/a the destruction of life for scientific purposes) and will now be called on it. The debate on this topic now <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/21/washington/21bush.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin" target="_blank">shifts in favor</a></li> of those who are and were opposed to federal funding -- and the research in general -- of embryonic stem cell research.<br /><br />Fred Thompson has consistently been opposed to embryonic stem cell research and in favor of adult stem cell research. He issued this <a href="http://fredfile.fred08.com/blog/2007/adult-stem-cells-provide-scientific-breakthrough/" target="_blank">statement</a></li> yesterday. I applaud Fred for his unwavering stance on this important issue.<br /><br />I haven't seen a public statement on this issue from Mike Huckabee since the news yesterday but here is a <a href="http://www.mikehuckabee.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Issues.View&Issue_id=11" target="_blank">link</a></li> to his website page on this issue.<br /><br />This <a href="http://pewforum.org/religion08/compare.php?Issue=Stem_Cell_Research" target="_blank">Pew Forum</a></li> web page summarizes all of the candidates positions and indicates that Romney supports using embryos left over from fertility treatments but prior to 2005 broadly supported embryonic stem cell research. McCain and Giuliani both support increased federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.<br /><br />So Thompson and Huckabee have both consistently been opposed to embryonic stem cell research. To me that speaks volumes of both candidates. Perhaps with this new break through in science the other candidates will change their positions. Preserving human life is important and no life should be expended for the purpose of scientific research.<br /><br />JeromeJeromehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08830768613066464143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30064263.post-7581209660411309102007-11-20T09:39:00.000-06:002007-11-20T10:11:53.780-06:00Fred Thompson -- Picking The Right Time To PeakMuch has been made since Fred Thompson entered the presidential race about Fred being lazy, not having the heart for the job, disappointing, etc. But perhaps that's all part of Fred's plan. Keeping expectations low and then exceeding them would generate a tremendous amount of momentum. Before he formally entered the race, Fred was viewed as the saviour of the conservatives. Everybody was hyped up and Fred was the buzz everywhere. And then he formally entered and by everyone's account he fell flat. His poll numbers have slowly drifted <a href="http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/charts/?poll_id=192" target="_blank">down</a></li>. But it may all be by design.<br /><br />Fred must pick the right time to peak. If he peaks too early, then there will be others who have time to pass him. Peak to late and the momentum will have passed him by. But keep expectations low; let everyone talk about him being lazy, not wanting the job, etc.; and then pick up steam at just the right time might just be the game plan for Fred.<br /><br />Larry Kudlow likes Fred. He interviewed Fred recently and wrote about the <a href="http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/11/the_new_fire_in_freds_belly.html" target="_blank">fire in Fred's belly</a></li> that is beginning to show.<br /><br />In the <a href="http://time-blog.com/real_clear_politics/2007/11/is_fred_dead.html" target="_blank">Real Clear Politics Blog</a></li> this morning Tom Bevan asked whether Fred is dead or just resting. I suspect the latter. I know some of Fred's campaign people. They've got a strategy. And just when everyone has pushed Fred to the curb he'll do something to gain the momentum. And could that something be an <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2007/11/17/politics/horserace/entry3517438.shtml" target="_blank">endorsement</a></li> from James Dobson? If you recall, earlier this year Dobson said that Fred Thompson was not a Christian and that he didn't have the "want to" to be president. Could that position be <a href="http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/11/18/472308.aspx" target="_blank">changing</a></li>? Fred picked up the National Right to Life Committee's endorsement last week. Could other conservative Christian leaders' endorsements be far behind? I think there is a lot of wisdom in Fred reaching out to evangelical Christians.<br /><br />I don't think Fred is being lazy. I think Fred is doing things the way he wants to. And I think he's lying in wait for just the right time to peak and steal the momentum away from the other candidates.<br /><br />JeromeJeromehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08830768613066464143noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30064263.post-22251105566557313582007-11-19T12:50:00.000-06:002007-11-19T13:02:11.795-06:00Mike Huckabee & Chuck NorrisMike Huckabee has a new television ad out that stars <a href="http://www.mikehuckabee.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Blogs.View&Blog_id=724" target="_blank">Chuck Norris</a></li>. It is brilliant in its simplicity. There are a lot of Walker, Texas Ranger fans out there who might vote for Mike Huckabee because of Chuck Norris. But the real brilliance in the ad is that it has created a buzz about Mike Huckabee on the internet. It is similar to Fred Thompson's admonishment to Michael Moore while chomping on a Cuban cigar. Thompson's YouTube clip was one of the most played videos for a few days after its release. Huckabee's will be too. At this point in the campaign it is all about name recognition and getting media exposure. Huckabee will win that battle for the next few days with this ad.<br /><br />JeromeJeromehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08830768613066464143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30064263.post-63164451579545420252007-11-16T22:02:00.001-06:002007-11-16T22:25:01.098-06:00How Divided Is The Religious Right?There has been much made in recent days about the division among religious right leaders over endorsements for the 2008 presidential election. I've even talked about it on these pages. But is there really a division?<br /><br />Here is a <a href="http://www.nysun.com/article/66530?page_no=1" target="_blank">link</a></li> to an article in the New York Sun that discussed this issue. It takes the concept of the "Evangelical Crackup" to task. I think the points are valid. During the primary season voters -- whether they are leaders or just common people like you and me -- have the only real opportunity to support and vote for who they really want to. You'll find people who will support Mike Huckabee in the primary election because he more closely mirrors their beliefs than other candidates in the republican field but will support the primary winner in the national election even if it is not Huckabee. Some may support Giuliani in the primary season even though he doesn't match their social beliefs because they feel that he is more electable in the general election than other candidates. I think either way is fine but it doesn't reveal some alleged "crackup" in the religious right as some have pronounced. I'd rather the conservative Christian leadership all support the same candidate because I believe when united the religious right will be difficult to defeat. But such uniformity is hard to achieve during the primary season.<br /><br />There is also some murmuring about a <a href="http://kevinmccullough.townhall.com/blog/g/e67b5dbf-ab93-4575-9399-8c624adc0343" target="_blank">Giuliani - Huckabee ticket</a></li>. It is an interesting concept. Giuliani who can attract more moderate/liberal voters in blue states coupled with a socially conservative Huckabee. Giuliani would certainly put New York State in play and the democrats must win New York to accumulate enough electoral votes to win the White House. Here is another link to the <a href="http://www.redstate.com/blogs/st_louis_conservative/2007/nov/14/did_giuliani_huckabee_strike_a_deal_in_iowa" target="_blank">Red State blog</a></li> that discusses the same concept.<br /><br />On a different note, I had the opportunity to go on a quail hunting trip at <a href="http://www.thetumblingcreeklodge.com/site/default.aspx" target="_blank">Tumbling Creek</a></li> this week. It is a first rate hunting lodge and if you like quail hunting you should certainly check it out.<br /><br />JeromeJeromehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08830768613066464143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30064263.post-1061026699676067752007-11-13T22:55:00.000-06:002007-11-13T23:02:24.492-06:00Try Dying by James Scott BellThis week the <a href="http://christianfictionblogalliance.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</a></li> is introducing <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1599956845" target="_blank">Try Dying</a></li> by <a href="http://www.jamesscottbell.com/Site/Welcome.html" target="_blank">James Scott Bell</a></li>. Bell is one of the true leaders in Christian fiction and has crafted an intriguing story. I hope you get a chance to pick up a copy.<br /><br />JeromeJeromehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08830768613066464143noreply@blogger.com0