Infernal Pastimes of a Sunspot Mind

No surprises here, but it seems that Rep. Debra Maggart’s work with business owners to prevent the so-called “guns in parking lots” bill (or Safe Commute Act, depending) from passing earned her a volley from the firearms lobby. The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund this week endorsed Maggart’s Republican primary opponent, Lt. Col. Courtney Rogers.

The pertinent part of their press release follows:

Fairfax, Va. – The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) is announcing its endorsement of Courtney Rogers for the Tennessee House of Representatives in District 45 in the August 2 Republican primary election.

“Courtney Rogers is a staunch supporter of our right to keep and bear arms,” said Chris W. Cox, chairman of NRA-PVF. “Serving our country in the U.S. military for 28 years on sensitive and important missions, Lt. Colonel Rogers has demonstrated her leadership abilities which the state of Tennessee so badly needs today. Because of her outspoken support of our Second Amendment freedoms, Courtney Rogers has earned an “AQ” rating and endorsement from the NRA-PVF.”

In contrast, her opponent, Representative Debra Maggart, has undermined our Second Amendment rights. Just this past session, Rep. Maggart tried to kill life-saving legislation known as the Safe Commute Act through procedural maneuvering behind closed doors. The Safe Commute Act would have ensured that Tennessee’s 350,000 handgun carry permit holders would have been able to defend themselves against violence as they commuted away from home. NRA members throughout the state can rest assured that Lt. Colonel Rogers, once elected to office, will see that this wrong is righted.

Rep. Maggart has been contacted for a response.

The 45th District covers a portion of Sumner County, including Goodlettsville and Hendersonville. The winner of the August 2 primary will face Democratic Party candidate Jeanette Jackson in the November general election.

Original Article

The 18th District of the Tennessee Senate comprises Robertson and Sumner Counties, both of which border Kentucky and both of which, of more political importance, help to form the “collar” of counties surrounding the state capital. The district has been represented by Sen. Diane Black of Gallatin, but as she won the November 2010 election to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon, a special election will be held.

A lone Democrat on March 8 will face one of six Republicans who qualified for the January 20 primary election. They are:

• Bryan Bondurant, a veterinarian and deacon at First Baptist Church of Hendersonville
• Fred Congdon, Executive Director of the Association of County Mayors of Tennessee; a former county clerk and county executive
• Joe Warren Jones, a CPA
• Kerry Roberts, a CPA who ran against Black in the TN-06 primary last year. Here’s his Facebook page.
• William Slater, headmaster of Hendersonville Christian Academy. Here’s his Facebook page.
• Jeff Stromatt, a small business owner

Slater seems to be the frontrunner, and has received some brand-name endorsements (Sen. Brian Kelsey, Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, and Black’s husband), but it is likely that Congdon has a number of favors to call in as well. Roberts may have some political organization left from his congressional bid.

Voters will choose between the Republican primary winner and Democrat Ken Wilber, who is currently mayor of Portland, Tenn.

Early voting in the primary begins tomorrow (Tuesday, 4 January 2010) and continues through the 15th. A GOP candidate forum moderated by House Republican Caucus Chair Debra Maggart will be held at St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church in Hendersonville on Saturday, 8 January at 9:00 a.m.

Original Article