More of the same - Bredesen in East Tennessee for fundraiser

[TornadoTN]

Bredesen is in East Tennessee today visiting wealthy business owners for a $2,000 per plate brunch at a local Republican businessman's company. I don't have all of the details yet, but this comes from a well-placed source that is close to the situation. As soon as I find out the details of the people he is visiting, I will be sure to post them here.

Now, I know that fundraisers such as this aren't uncommon on either side of the aisle, but Bredesen is not facing any meaningful opposition in the upcoming election. $2,000 per plate for business owners that back only Republican candidates seems to fly in the face of many of us Democrats that wish that Phil would support the party and party candidates by campaigning and fundraising for them.

Perhaps I am off-base here a bit, but why do I get the sinking feeling that Phil is not really a Democrat at all? I have been less than impressed with his record here in the state (other than TennCare, which was a disaster to begin with) and his total abandonment of the party is truly frightening. In 2004, he virtually distanced himself as far as he could from the Democratic party when a leader was needed in this state desparately. These "fundraisers" are seen by many moderates and democrats as being the problem with the political system today and a big reason why many in East Tennessee won't vote for a Democrat - simply because they feel that the two parties are two sides of the same coin. At this point, I can't blame them for feeling this way. It does seem like the Neocons that host these fundraisers are simply trying to buy favor, while working in every way possible to thwart any Democratic initiatives here in the state. If Phil is going to take their money, at least try to use some of it to support candidates that can advance a moderate, yet Democratic agenda!

Regardless of what many preconcieved notions may be, Tennessee is a decidely "purple" state and has a proud tradition of electing Democratic candidates and supporting democratic ideals. I don't feel that this year is any exception, in fact, this may be the turning point for the Democratic Party here in the Volunteer State. Phil needs to decide whether he is a Democrat or simply a tool of the Republican party with a *D* beside his name. I want to give the guy the benefit of the doubt, but people are itching for change here in Tennessee with regards to "business as usual" politicians and this certainly doesn't help.

[SharonAnn]

1. I'm disappointed that he seems to be "for Phil" not "for Democrats"

[foxeyes2]

2. Phil is a DINO

From everything I have seen Phil is a Democrat In Name Only. I really do not see anything that would identify him as a Democrat or a Liberal even a moderate liberal.