The Christians won in Thursday’s Tennessee state primaries.
For one, self-described “Christian conservative” David Davis, currently a state senator from Johnson City, squeaked out a 570-vote victory in the Republican primary for the First District U.S. House seat. In this area, the GOP primary is a virtual lock on the general outcome. (If the Democratic candidate wins Tennessee’s First District in November, make sure you’re all prayed up, because it IS the end of the world as we know it.)
I suppose there’s some sense in the outcome: The big field of GOP contenders were all playing heavy to the conservative agenda: all pro-life, anti-gun control, strict immigration control, English-language requirements, etc. Except for the names, ads were virtually interchangeable. (One candidate, a local physician who’s currently the vice mayor of Johnson City, did talk about health care and the needs of elderly people, important topics in this region, which attracts retirees and has a large medical presence. He finished back in the pack, however — fourth, I think.) So, lacking any real differences in actual policy, voters were left to choose on the basis of (a) looks, (b) personality, (c) anything that gives a clue about how someone makes his or her decisions, (d) rhetoric that pushes more of the right buttons. In an area that still sees itself as Bible belt, it shouldn’t be surprising that the explicit and unrelentingly Christian candidate won. But for some reason, I’m mildly surprised. Now I’d like to know specifically what voting like a Christian means to the probable Rep. Davis.
Over in the Republican Senate race, former Chattanooga mayor Bob Corker – who said his commitment to public service began with a church mission trip to Haiti 20 years ag0 — whumped his two closest rivals in the Republican primary. He’ll face Democrat Harold Ford Jr., a Memphis Democrat, in November. Ford is heavy on faith too, posting a long essay on his Web site. Since Tennessee hasn’t elected a Democrat to the Senate in 16 years, it’s a long shot for Ford, who’s already scheduled a Saturday campaign stop in Johnson City. But Ford’s Web site also reports on a recent Zogby poll putting him slightly ahead of Corker. With the Senate perhaps up for grabs this year, Tennessee could be an interesting race to watch — including the upfront, wearing-on-the-sleeve religion from both candidates. Praise God and pass the voter registration cards!
Interesting. As I started to read I was wondering about the Corker/Ford race and you addressed it. I just watched a Fox News report on it and how Ford could be the first black senator if elected.
Comment by Alex — August 5, 2006 @ 10:12 am |
The voter’s dilemma is well-depicted. Drawn and quartered by your sharp pen. Good insight into the voting populace. Cynicism does not accumulate on this piece. Rather, it leaves a shiny gleam on the surface, in which the reader can find their own face. Well done.
Comment by Ernest Slyman — August 7, 2006 @ 8:47 pm |
What about if I win the 1st District?
Comment by Mahmood (Michael) Sabri — August 22, 2006 @ 10:41 pm |
What if I win the 1st District?
Comment by Mahmood (Michael) Sabri — August 22, 2006 @ 10:42 pm |
I would hope that thinking people exclude such things as “looks” from their checklist, as looks have nothing to do balancing the economy or thoughts on foreign policy. I am appalled at the superficial mindset of the writer and conservatives as a whole if they truly believe the government should be ruled by a religious prejudice, let alone a beauty contestant.
Comment by Susan Bond — September 17, 2006 @ 10:27 am |
Michael if you win the 1st I will consider becoming Muslim…ain’t gonna happen.
Comment by Steve — October 22, 2006 @ 10:02 pm |