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Monday, August 31, 2009

AC for Memphis Mayor!

here's his first TV ad...

Select Oversight Committee on Education

Meets Tuesday and Wednesday.

Here's the agenda.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Dr. Dan is on the move

Kentucky's next U.S. Senator sent me this email:

Dear Andy,
We just got some exciting news.
According to a new
WHAS/SurveyUSA poll released Tuesday, Daniel holds an eight point lead (39-31) over Attorney General Jack Conway in the Democratic primary and Daniel has replaced Conway as the strongest Democratic candidate against Trey Grayson.
Daniel Leads Across Board: Men, Women, Young, Old, East, West
The breakdown of the numbers is proof that Daniel is the candidate Kentucky families want to stand up for them in Washington. Daniel leads Conway among:
Men and Women (12 pt lead)
All ages: 18-34, 50+, with particular strength among 65+ (+21 pt. lead).
Conservative, Moderate and Liberal Democrats
College and Non-College Graduates
Those making over and under $50K a year
Western, Northern/Central and Eastern Kentucky. In Western Kentucky Daniel is favored 2 to 1! In Eastern Kentucky voters support Daniel 4 to 1!
Voters understand Daniel is the only candidate with a record of fighting for working families---who supports healthcare reform, developing clean Kentucky coal, and opposes the cap and trade bill supported by Jack Conway which will cause electric rates to soar and cost thousands of Kentucky jobs.
With strong support from women, seniors, and young adults, as well as conservative, moderate, and liberal voters from every region of the state, Daniel is putting together a winning coalition to not just win a primary, but to elect a Democratic Senator from Kentucky.
Read further analysis of the poll
here.
Daniel Replaces Conway As Strongest Dem Against Grayson
By a narrow margin, Daniel has replaced Conway as the strongest Democrat against Grayson, with Daniel getting 40% of the vote to Grayson's 46%, while Conway gets 37% of the vote to Grayson's 44%.
Since April, Conway has lost 11 pts. and his lead over Grayson. In a poll conducted by Public Policy Polling in April, Conway held a 4 pt. lead over Grayson (37-33); now Conway trails Grayson by 7 pts. (37-44).
This new poll makes clear Jack Conway's support is limited to Louisville and non-gun owners---hardly a winning scenario in a statewide race against a Republican. In contrast, Daniel has strong support amongst all Democratic groups and can strongly compete in regions of Kentucky where Republicans traditionally do well.
But We Still Need Your Support
With these new poll numbers, it is becoming ever more clear that this election cannot be won with just one region, one kind of supporter or one source of money. It will be won with the support of people like you - the hardworking people of Kentucky from all across the commonwealth. We have consistently raised more money from small donors within Kentucky than our opponent and with your generous donation of $35, $50, $100 or whatever you can contribute we can keep on doing so!
We hope you'll continue standing up with Daniel for jobs, healthcare reform, and developing clean Kentucky coal. Visit our website
www.DrDan2010.com to find out how you can get involved or contribute today!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Charles Ihrig on Health Care Reform

Here's his post.

Even though as a State Rep. he won't have much impact on federal policy, Charles is going out of his way to provide helpful information. As a practioner, he presents a useful perspective on this important issue.

Gates Foundation to invest in Memphis

here's the story! Memphis is one of 5 finalists and will receive a BIG influx of cash to experiment with research-based ways to improve teacher quality and student achievement.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Aubrey Givens for State Senate -- District 17

Here is the full text of Givens' press release issued today:

A Wilson County native, Aubrey Givens, recently announced his intentions to seek the Democratic nomination for State Senate District 17.
The 17th Senate district, composed of Wilson, Cannon, Dekalb, Trousdale, Smith, Macon, Clay, and parts of Sumner County, is currently represented by Republican Mae Beavers, who is not seeking re-election.
Givens, in a prepared statement making his announcement, said, "I am excited about the opportunity to serve as a voice for the whole community, but first, I am going to do a lot of listening in Mount Juliet, Woodbury, Lebanon, Smithville, Hartsville, Lafayette, Celina and all points in between." Givens believes he can be effective in the Tennessee Senate delivering "big results for the entire district."
Givens' supporters are impressed by his common sense leadership approach and have encouraged him to pursue a senate seat. "I am humbled by the warm wishes of so many who have helped me to embark on this campaign," said Givens. "I appreciate their trust and support…and I really do need their help to deliver a better Tennessee."
Givens's community involvement is extensive. Born and reared in Lebanon, Givens, an attorney, is an active member of the Wilson County, Robertson County, and Nashville Bar Associations. He has served as an alumni class chair for the Nashville School of Law Recognition Dinner and Silent Auction. A former Wilson county 4-Her and member of FFA, Givens devotes much of his spare time to mentoring young people.
A relative novice in politics, Givens brings his real-life experience as a student, employee, farmer, small business owner, and attorney to the race. He adds, "I have made a career out of helping everyday Tennesseans, now I hope to take this step and simply continue my mission as a legislator affecting change for a better Tennessee. "

Givens’ top priorities include:Education; building a better future for Tennessee students and the teachers who instruct them.
Economic growth; creating and keeping jobs in Tennessee; giving the working families an opportunity to advance themselves and better their future by engaging industry and technology in Tennessee.

Healthcare; assuring quality healthcare for Tennessee's working families, seniors, and for every child fortunate enough to be a Tennessean.
Fiscal responsibility; making our tax dollars work harder so Tennesseans will never bear a state income tax.

Tennessee should work to improve Teacher Quality

so says Assistant U.S. Secretary of Education.

And Bredesen adds that supporting teachers who are falling behind is important.

Race to the Top incentive pay funds -- that's one way to do it.

What he doesn't mention is comprehensive teacher and principal mentoring. I'm sure that's on his radar screen, and it costs $, but Race to the Top or other funds could pay for that as well.

Roy Herron Quote of the Day

"Too many people think Jesus never rode on a donkey and instead rode only on an elephant" - Roy Herron

Monday, August 3, 2009

The Order of Worship

or, U2's set list from their 3rd show in Dublin last week:
note the altar call of Moment of Surrender ... sure beats 7 verses of "Just as I am"


Breathe
No Line On The Horizon
Get On Your Boots
Magnificent
Beautiful Day
New Year's Day
I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
Stay
Unknown Caller
Unforgettable Fire
City of Blinding Lights
Vertigo
I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight (Remix)
Sunday Bloody Sunday
Pride (In The Name of Love)
MLK
Walk On
Where The Streets Have No Name
One
Bad
--------
Ultraviolet
With Or Without You
Moment of Surrender