Monday, September 21, 2009
Politics / Woods Straw Poll Casts New Doubt on Mike McWherter's Strength as Candidate
Posted by Jeff Woods on Mon, Sep 21, 2009 at 7:08 AM
"I think the election results reflect our hard work. I am humbled, grateful, and inspired to work harder than ever. This strong victory shows we can win."
Thanks to Jonathan Fagan, Rutherford County chair, the event probably will gain more importance than it deserves among donors and insiders, the only ones paying attention at the moment. Fagan said:
"The candidate that wins this straw poll will send a strong message to the party, press and donors for weeks to come that they are a serious candidate to move our state forward."
Herron won with 119 votes, 38 percent in a five-candidate contest. The results:
1. Sen. Roy Herron - 119
2. Sen. Jim Kyle - 81
3. Kim McMillan - 58
4. Mike McWherter - 32
5. Ward Cammack - 13
6. Undecided - 12
Republicans are beginning to worry about their frontrunner, Bill Haslam, because even nine months into his campaign he still sounds befuddled at times when asked about big state issues. Now, because of this straw poll, Democrats have to wonder a little bit about McWherter too.
Update: Sean Braisted's already dumping on McWherter, saying he "has failed entirely to inspire passion in his party activists." Plus, a report from Ilissa Gold.
Comments (13)
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"McWherter finished behind even Kim McMillan" or "behind even Jim Kyle" or "behind even Roy Herron". What's your problem with McMillan? Is it that she can wear skirts and pants in public without being ridiculed by the other half of the population? She is more experienced as a leader in the legislative and executive branch than any of the other candidates! Just close your eyes and imagine she's a he: then you can be for her. We could even call her Kent McMillan if that would help you.
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I think the validity of the straw poll was very evident when it was published that there were only 340 tickets sold and that they sold out in one day. Enough said.
If you change her name to Kent McMillan will he suddenly be able to raise more money? McMillan's problem is that she barely, and even that's arguable, raised enough money last quarter to be considered a viable candidate. That measure also puts aside the fact that all the Dems are going be at a severe fundraising disadvantage after Haslam emerges from the GOP primary.
With McMillan, it's not a gender thing, she just hasn't done anything as a candidate to merit anything more than passing mention.
Hey bill, if all crap you just spouted was published, then surely you can provide a link to it in this digital age. Yeah, didn't think so. Excuses don't win races.
Hey bill, if all that crap you just spouted about the validity of the straw poll was actually published like you say, then you can surely provide a link to it for us to see. Yeah, didn't think so...
excuses don't win races.
Bobo: your name is indicative of your knowledge base. Kim McMillan was elected 12 years to the Legislature with four years as House Majority leader from 2002 to 2006 and then senior advisor to Bredesen but she hasn't gotten anything accomplished, right?
She has brokered significant compromises in legislation and was the Majority Leader. Then moved over and helped the Governor with health care issues, particularly related to Children's health. She's taken some courageous and progressive positions looking to the future, not the past.
And please tell me what the other candidates have done other than slap each other on the back, smoke cigars in the coatcloset and talk out of both sides of their mouths!
I was also went to the straw poll. My thoughts here:
http://www.tomoveanation.com/2009/09/rcdp-straw-poll.html
SheWhoShallNotBeNamed might think about renaming to SheWhoDoesNotHaveHerFactsCorrect. Herron has been in the legislature over two decades.
It is not at all surprising that Herron won this poll. I can't think of many who would be better at connecting with local party chairs in this state. I'm more surprised that Jim Kyle came in second (over McMillian, not McWherter).
Remember, even though McWherter is aire to the throne etc Herron is the guy who got Mc Wherter's seat when he became governor. I think Roy's got mad chits stored away.
I think anyone who assumed they have the nomination locked up before deciding against organizing ahead of Saturday's straw poll miscalculated the desire of Middle Tennessee voters to see candidates demonstrate how bad they want it.
I've had my strong doubts about Sen. Herron, but this early straw poll has me looking at him with fresh eyes and an open mind while I now wonder why it is McWherter projects a sense of entitlement he has to overcome to have me even consider him.
RCDP did let the candidates and voters know they plan to make certain the winner emerges with wind in their sails. Some candidates took that seriously, and some ignored it at their peril.
Where does Woods get the idea that "most people" think McWherter is the Dems strongest candidate? Few insiders think that. Are people really telling you otherwise? The name confusion gives him some advantages initially, but that dissapates quickly. Indeed, I know of very few folks who think that Mike is a particularly strong candidate. Herron, on the other hand, for all his quirks, is quite capable, has a wide network, is a relentless worker, and connects with folks. No surprise he's done well. The real surprise in this straw poll is Kyle. Don't think his strong showing this early was anticipated by anyone.
Didn't Howard Dean win the first straw poll of the 2004 presidential race?
Didn't Zach Wamp win the first straw poll of the GOP primary?
All this means is that Herron bought more tickets than the other candidates.
Good for him, but it doesn't translate into popular support.
Mr. Fact Checker: Didn't say the others had not served a long time. If you've ever been on the hill, you know some of these guys have been in the halls a long time. Merely said she had served in leadership in the legislature AND in senior leadership in the Executive branch.
Mr. Fact Checker: Didn't say the others had not served a long time. If you've ever been on the hill, you know some of these guys have been in the halls a long time. Merely said she had served in leadership in the legislature AND in senior leadership in the Executive branch.
