After you read this post the first time through, you may think the whole story is a joke. But I am sad to say, it is not and that everything reported is true.The story I am referring to is a blog entry Jeff Ward, of TeamGOP fame, made Monday telling of how Van Hilleary and Bob Corker got into a "combative argument" at an event this past weekend.
The report of the disgraceful series of events is below:
While the high-point of the 2006 Ed Bryant campaign was likely reached this past Saturday night in Memphis, the two leading challengers to fill Bill Frist's senate seat, Van Hilleary and Bob Corker, almost went at it...literally.
I witnessed only the end of a combative argument, I spoke to three others who saw and/or heard the heated discussion. Early Saturday night as attendees were making their way intol the building, Both Hilleary and Corker were strategically standing to shake hands and ask for votes. Corker was first in line and then roughly six feet away was Hilleary then speaking to those people Corker had been schmoozing seconds before.
Bob Corker's new television ads were a main stay of the subject matter discussed. Mr. Corker claims to have "saved" Chattanooga and lowered taxes...a stretch for even the kool-aid drinking Corkerites. As I was standing outside passing out Hilleary stickers, evidently Bob Corker took offense to Van Hilleary telling voters that Bob Corker's ad were untrue or, best, a more likely political lie.
As Corker confronted Van Hilleary on his campaign tactics of calling Corker on his untruthful ads, as even the Tennessean seems to think Corker ads are full of B-S, The argument was on with Bob Corker accusing Van Hilleary of "never doing anything with his life" (US Congressman? Gulf War veteran?) and Van Hilleary firing back that Corker should have the guts to tell the truth about Corker raising taxes. Mr. Corker reportedly said that he "had" to raise taxes in order to help Chattanooga. Van advised Mr. Corker that the more "lies" that the Corker Campaign told, the more times Bob Corker would be exposed as a fraud. The two grew angrier and a high level Shelby County Republican supporting Ed Bryant said after Corker's initial volley, Van Hilleary was "barking back" down in Corker's face. He also said that he though Van might "slap the taste of out [Corker's] mouth."
After a couple of minutes, someone came outside to tell me that "Van and Corker are getting into it." I saw an angry Van and a timid Bob Corker who went outside and chatted with me and several others for a few minutes. Surprisingly Mr. Corker said he completely agreed with my recent assessment of the senate race, except the likely winner. (I am still humbled and surprised by who and how many read our little newsletter and Blog.)
Several people told me later they thought the two were going to have to be separated and it was clear from the witnesses that Bob Corker's reaction shows his infamous thin skin and that he may have to grow up a little this summer if he wants to stand up and fight for a senate seat. This ain't beanbag. This is not the same race or even the same Party it was in 1994.
For me, Heck I'm from West Tennessee, we have settled a lot of problems and disagreements in politics with our fists and a ball bat or two. It may be wrong, immature and unprofessional, but it is very decisive.
Mr. Corker should stick to cutting slick TV ads and stay away from possible physical confrontations with men.
Van Hilleary and Bob Corker should be ashamed. At a time when a majority in our nation have a negative view of politicians and government in general, things like this do nothing but feed to that negative image.
Not to mention, right now millions of people in our state and nation are struggling and looking for help and all these two jokes can do is fight like school girls?
Tennessee deserves better than these two clowns in their next U.S. Senator. Bill Frist has already embarrassed our great state enough during his tenure in the Senate.
Ever since he was elected back in 1996, Harold Ford Jr. has been nothing but a shining reflection on the 9th district. Democrats and Republicans can both tell you, even though they may disagree with the Congressman on a certain issue, he has always been respectful and carried himself in the highest regards.
And during this campaign, Ford has carried himself with dignity and grace every step of the way, sticking to the issues and concentrating on getting things done for the people.
That is the type person I want as my next U.S. Senator.
If you are tired of these clowns punking the people of Tennessee, send a new generation of leadership to the Senate this year.
139 Days
Days of Congressional Inaction on Ethics
Above is the number of days that have passed since Jack Abramoff pleaded guilty to bribing Congressman.
It is also the number of days in which Congress has failed to pass an ethics reform bill that would limit private travel, ski and golf junkets, and would call for a full disclosure of expenses by lobbyists on members of Congress.
It is time for Congress to step up and pass an ethics reform bill that would do all of the above. In addition, it is time to end the pork barrel spending system as we know it and establish an independent ethics commission that would review ethics complaints against members of Congress.
I am proud Congressman Harold Ford Jr. is fighting for that reform!
Read Congressman Ford's call for reform of the House rules here!
