D.D. 12/20/05

Not all state legislators are busy filling their Christmas stockings with lobbyist tidings of cheer -- some are already roving into action by responding directly to the news. Rep. Judd Matheny (R-Tullahoma) has asked Deputy Governor Dave Cooley, who the Tennessean found deeply involved in the Tennessee Department of Safety scandal that played out this and last week, to resign. Equally bold, Rep. Paul Stanley (R-Germantown) has sent to a letter to the TBI encouraging them to tell Harold Ford, Sr. to stop interrogating witnesses in connection with the dead voters who voted in Memphis. Never fear, though- Democrat's favorite Republican Sen. Michael Williams is in charge of the Senate investigation into the matter- and he's moving cautiously: "I don't know that two fraudulent votes constitutes a widespread pattern [of election fraud]," Williams said.

Speaking of the Ford family, the Memphis Commercial Appeal profiles how the infamous Ford family legacy might affect Harold Ford, Jr's chances in the U.S. Senate race in 2006. State GOP Chair Bob Davis is quoted: "Congressman Ford (senior) has a history of making irresponsible statements...What I do know is that every time he opens his mouth is 100 less votes for his son...What we're going to be doing (in the campaign) is talking about the congressman's record, but you can't help but think about it. At the end of the day, people are going to be thinking about whether Harold Ford Jr. is like his father or (uncle and convicted tax evader) Emmitt or Ophelia."