From the TNDP...
THE REPUBLICAN FAULT LINE
The Tennessee Republican Party has been throwing accusations at some of their own. TNGOP called the 2007-2008 budget a "folly" and "reckless" after forty-seven Republicans voted in favor of the plan including Senate Speaker Sen. Ron Ramsey (R-Blountville) and House Minority Leader Rep. Jason Mumpower (R-Bristol). Rep. Glen Casada (R-College Grove) piled on the acrimony claiming out-of-session spending (which is approved by Senate Finance Chairman Sen. Raymond Finney (R-Maryville) and passed with the same 47 Republican legislators in the FY07-08 budget) contributed to "exorbitant spending" in the state.
The disarray Republicans find themselves in is only buoyed by SJR 127, a perennial resolution to add language in the Tennessee Constitution eliminating a woman's right to an abortion in the hypothetical situation that Roe v. Wade is overturned. Senate Speaker Sen. Ramsey previously indicated the purpose of the legislation "was to limit abortions."
But even this resolution indicates confusion within the Republican Party and their values. A Democratic-sponsored amendment to protect a woman's right to an abortion in the case of rape, incest or when the life of the mother is at stake was opposed by Sens. Diane Black (R-Gallatin) and Mae Beavers (R-Mt. Juliet). Both Senators state in a 2002 Project VoteSmart survey that they would vote in favor of legislation protecting abortion in the case of at least one of the exemptions highlighting a change of heart during an election year when their party is struggling.
Finally with Thompson's exit, two Tennessee Senators, four Congressmen, two ex-Governor's, two ex-Senator's, three ex-Congressmen, and virtually all of the Republicans in the state legislature are left without a White House aspirant to support.
This includes my dear friend, Marsha. I'm guessing she'll ask for Romney's forgiveness.
