Wednesday, February 01, 2006
That's why they call him Fast Eddie
I must say Ol' Rusty is certainly eating some crow on this day. I, too, foolishly bought into the logic that since Ed Bryant was taking so long to announce his fundraising numbers for the 4th quarter of 2005, it meant he had a dismal quarter.
Heck, I even dedicated a post to Ed's poor fundraising history and even argued that the conservative movement was moving toward Van Hilleary. I was simply wrong. I'm man enough to admit it. Ed Bryant is doing such fine. No need to start writing that political obiturary yet. In fact, his strong quarter and excellent debate performance last night (rumor is Van Hilleary sounded a little whack-o extreme) gives Ed Bryant the momentum.
So what happened? Why did Ol Rusty bite? I foolishly listened to Jeff Ward and believed he had some insider info. I should have know better. I have learned my lesson. Remember this post? http://www.teamgop.org/blog/archives/2006/01/tn_senate_money.html#comments
Tonight, I play the fool!
Heck, I even dedicated a post to Ed's poor fundraising history and even argued that the conservative movement was moving toward Van Hilleary. I was simply wrong. I'm man enough to admit it. Ed Bryant is doing such fine. No need to start writing that political obiturary yet. In fact, his strong quarter and excellent debate performance last night (rumor is Van Hilleary sounded a little whack-o extreme) gives Ed Bryant the momentum.
So what happened? Why did Ol Rusty bite? I foolishly listened to Jeff Ward and believed he had some insider info. I should have know better. I have learned my lesson. Remember this post? http://www.teamgop.org/blog/archives/2006/01/tn_senate_money.html#comments
Tonight, I play the fool!
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Hilleary's Netroots Growing!!!
In the battle of the blogsphere, I must say I have been impressed by the recent growth of the Pro-Hilleary bloggers. Just a month ago, the only man defending Van's honor on the blogs was Charles Badger and his http://vanwagon.blogspot.com site. Recently, though, Van secured the endorsement of Team GOP's Jeff Ward and Rick Patterson started a pro-Van blog called VanFans http://vanfans.blogspot.com. He also has another friend, although she claims to be unaffiliated with any candidate, in Ashley's new http://oneconservativenow.blogspot.com space.
No candidate running for US Senate in Tennessee has more blogs dedicated to seeing their election than Van Hilleary.
The next logical question is why? Why did this happen? Why are the TN conservative Netroots starting to coalesce around the candiacy of Van Hilleary? Does Jeff Ward's endoresment have this much pull? Or are the conservatives in Tennessee beginning to realize if they have any hope of keeping the nomination out of the hands of Bob Corker and has pro-choice/higher taxes/bigger government record than the most get behind Van Hilleary?
They must get behind Van, because despite the hardwork of Ed Bryant and his dutiful blogger Jay Bush, the fact remains that Ed Bryant is in a fundraising rut and maintains very mediocre name ID? Word is that this all may hit a head this week when Ed Bryant releases his Year-End numbers. If it is as bad as some expect, people are talking about the possibility of members of Tennessee Right to Life putting pressure on Brian Harris to withdrawl their endorsement of Ed Bryant. That would be a dagger to their campaign?
No matter how you slice. It's been a bad couple weeks for Ed, but Van has felt the positive residual effects of Bryant's slide.
No candidate running for US Senate in Tennessee has more blogs dedicated to seeing their election than Van Hilleary.
The next logical question is why? Why did this happen? Why are the TN conservative Netroots starting to coalesce around the candiacy of Van Hilleary? Does Jeff Ward's endoresment have this much pull? Or are the conservatives in Tennessee beginning to realize if they have any hope of keeping the nomination out of the hands of Bob Corker and has pro-choice/higher taxes/bigger government record than the most get behind Van Hilleary?
They must get behind Van, because despite the hardwork of Ed Bryant and his dutiful blogger Jay Bush, the fact remains that Ed Bryant is in a fundraising rut and maintains very mediocre name ID? Word is that this all may hit a head this week when Ed Bryant releases his Year-End numbers. If it is as bad as some expect, people are talking about the possibility of members of Tennessee Right to Life putting pressure on Brian Harris to withdrawl their endorsement of Ed Bryant. That would be a dagger to their campaign?
No matter how you slice. It's been a bad couple weeks for Ed, but Van has felt the positive residual effects of Bryant's slide.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
So Fast Eddie Bryant: How much money did you raise?
So the Tennessee blogsphere is chalk full of people guesstimating just how bad of a fundraising quarter Ed Bryant had to close 2005. Heck, even Roz “I’ve been fined by the FEC for filing late financial reports in the past” Kurita, released her report before Ed Bryant. That is never a good sign.
All this got me thinking. Should the fact that Ed Bryant is having problems raising money surprise anyone? The guy has never been good at it. History tells us that tale.
Bryant was forced to lower his fundraising target in 1994, because of his inability to raise money: “Bryant, former U.S. attorney, said he originally called for $250,000 to be budgeted for the campaign, but was forced to lower his target to $150,000. He said he has raised between $75,000 and $80,000.”
“"You always hear about these rich Republicans, but look at the money that has been raised," Bryant said, in an obvious reference to former Democratic state representative Harold Byrd. "I expect the candidate on the other side to be well-funded." Memphis Commercial-Appeal 3/15/94
Is 2006 Déjà vu for Fast Eddie? In 2002, Ed did not have the time or money to neutralize Lamar's exhaustive fund-raising network: “Bryant desperately needs money to build name recognition and get his message out, particularly in East Tennessee. Bryant, a native of West Tennessee, is little known east of the Cumberland Plateau. He doesn't have enough time or money to neutralize Alexander's exhaustive fund-raising network. Bryant's best hope is to keep attacking Alexander from the right and hope his strategy catches on.” Memphis Commercial Appeal, 07/07/02
Bryant must continue to find ways to draw attention to his campaign, which seems to have little chance of raising the money it needs to mount a serious and sustained offensive against Alexander. When it comes to raising money, Alexander can run circles around Bryant. As a former two-term governor and twice a presidential candidate, Alexander still claims an impressive amount of statewide popularity. Memphis Commercial Appeal, 03/27/02
All this got me thinking. Should the fact that Ed Bryant is having problems raising money surprise anyone? The guy has never been good at it. History tells us that tale.
Bryant was forced to lower his fundraising target in 1994, because of his inability to raise money: “Bryant, former U.S. attorney, said he originally called for $250,000 to be budgeted for the campaign, but was forced to lower his target to $150,000. He said he has raised between $75,000 and $80,000.”
“"You always hear about these rich Republicans, but look at the money that has been raised," Bryant said, in an obvious reference to former Democratic state representative Harold Byrd. "I expect the candidate on the other side to be well-funded." Memphis Commercial-Appeal 3/15/94
Is 2006 Déjà vu for Fast Eddie? In 2002, Ed did not have the time or money to neutralize Lamar's exhaustive fund-raising network: “Bryant desperately needs money to build name recognition and get his message out, particularly in East Tennessee. Bryant, a native of West Tennessee, is little known east of the Cumberland Plateau. He doesn't have enough time or money to neutralize Alexander's exhaustive fund-raising network. Bryant's best hope is to keep attacking Alexander from the right and hope his strategy catches on.” Memphis Commercial Appeal, 07/07/02
Bryant must continue to find ways to draw attention to his campaign, which seems to have little chance of raising the money it needs to mount a serious and sustained offensive against Alexander. When it comes to raising money, Alexander can run circles around Bryant. As a former two-term governor and twice a presidential candidate, Alexander still claims an impressive amount of statewide popularity. Memphis Commercial Appeal, 03/27/02
Monday, January 23, 2006
Who is Mickey White?
OK. So I discovered this new blog the otherday: http://mickeywhite.blogspot.com/
After checking it out, I have a few questions I hope folks can help me with?
1) Who is Mickey White?
2) And why does he have so much disdain for Ed Bryant?
3) I do not think he is tied to Hilleary, because on several of the votes mentioned as anti-conservative Bryant votes, Van voted the same way. My guess...he's a Corker plant. Put in the blogsphere to drive JB and friends totally batty.
After checking it out, I have a few questions I hope folks can help me with?
1) Who is Mickey White?
2) And why does he have so much disdain for Ed Bryant?
3) I do not think he is tied to Hilleary, because on several of the votes mentioned as anti-conservative Bryant votes, Van voted the same way. My guess...he's a Corker plant. Put in the blogsphere to drive JB and friends totally batty.
Saturday, January 21, 2006
A Newly Creature Created: The Corker
Q: What happens when you breed a chicken with a hypocrite?
A: Bob Corker is born
History of the Chicken: Much to everyone's surprise, Bob Corker decided to skip the first Republican U.S. Senate primary debate of the 2006. Heck, at first the guy did not even provide an excuse as to why he was not going to debate. But we later discovered the reason (keep reading).
History of the Hypocrite: Throughout the past month or so, Former Mayor Corker was blasting Congressman Harold Ford for his ability to raise money outside of the State of Tennessee. A fair attack, of course.
But not so much now that we have learned the real reason Bob is skipping the first debate. He is going out of town to raise money.
Newly Discovered Invitation Shows Corker Plans To Host Washington, D.C. Fundraiser Instead Of Participating In Memphis Debate. “[M]eet Tennessee Senate Candidate Bob Corker Wednesday, February 1 * … Washington, D.C.” (Corker Fundraising Email, 1/19/06)
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History of the Chicken: Much to everyone's surprise, Bob Corker decided to skip the first Republican U.S. Senate primary debate of the 2006. Heck, at first the guy did not even provide an excuse as to why he was not going to debate. But we later discovered the reason (keep reading).
History of the Hypocrite: Throughout the past month or so, Former Mayor Corker was blasting Congressman Harold Ford for his ability to raise money outside of the State of Tennessee. A fair attack, of course.
But not so much now that we have learned the real reason Bob is skipping the first debate. He is going out of town to raise money.
Newly Discovered Invitation Shows Corker Plans To Host Washington, D.C. Fundraiser Instead Of Participating In Memphis Debate. “[M]eet Tennessee Senate Candidate Bob Corker Wednesday, February 1 * … Washington, D.C.” (Corker Fundraising Email, 1/19/06)
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Thursday, January 19, 2006
Latest Zogby Interactive Numbers: TN US Senate
Read it here, first. Ol Rusty has the full numbers!
Kurita 32.9
Bryant 48.6
Kurita 33.9
Hilleary 48.6
Kurita 33.7
Corker 39.9
Ford, Jr. 40.7
Bryant 48.8
Ford, Jr. 41.8
Hilleary 47.3
Ford, Jr. 41.4
Corker 41.7
As my readers know, I'm not a huge fan of the Zogby Interactive, but the numbers are interesting nonetheless. Enjoy this exclusive!
Kurita 32.9
Bryant 48.6
Kurita 33.9
Hilleary 48.6
Kurita 33.7
Corker 39.9
Ford, Jr. 40.7
Bryant 48.8
Ford, Jr. 41.8
Hilleary 47.3
Ford, Jr. 41.4
Corker 41.7
As my readers know, I'm not a huge fan of the Zogby Interactive, but the numbers are interesting nonetheless. Enjoy this exclusive!
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Hey look at me! I can be a Conservative, too. I really, really can! Let me prove it!
I noticed recently that US Senate candidate Bob Corker issued a release calling for the confirmation of Judge Samuel Alito. "For Immediate Release January 16th, 2006: Corker Urges Confirmation of Samuel Alito, Jr." ID=146http://www.bobcorkerforsenate.com/news/Read.aspx?ID=146
Why did Candidate Corker feel the need to issue a release on the subject? The very fact that Bob Corker issued a release calling for Alito's confirmation, in my opinion, says a lot.
Neither Ed Bryant or Van Hilleary have issued releases calling for his confirmation. Why? Because if Ed or Van were in the US Senate, the people of Tennessee would have no doubt that they would be voting to confirm. With Bob Corker that is not case. So like the Arlen Specter's, Lincoln Chaffee's, Olympia Snowe's, Susan Collins of the Republican party, Bob Corker has to announce it in a release when he does something that will appease conservatives.
This is the first sign that someone is not a true conservative. The truth is if Bob Corker were currently in the US Senate, we would have no idea how he would vote on the matter until he issued a release telling us. Is that a worth risk taking? That is something Tennessee Republicans must ask themselves before voting on August 3rd? Also, why do I get the feeling that Bob Corker is trying to butter conservatives up for that day if elected when he does something that will make them very unhappy---like voting to raise taxes on a budget bill before the US Senate?
Why did Candidate Corker feel the need to issue a release on the subject? The very fact that Bob Corker issued a release calling for Alito's confirmation, in my opinion, says a lot.
Neither Ed Bryant or Van Hilleary have issued releases calling for his confirmation. Why? Because if Ed or Van were in the US Senate, the people of Tennessee would have no doubt that they would be voting to confirm. With Bob Corker that is not case. So like the Arlen Specter's, Lincoln Chaffee's, Olympia Snowe's, Susan Collins of the Republican party, Bob Corker has to announce it in a release when he does something that will appease conservatives.
This is the first sign that someone is not a true conservative. The truth is if Bob Corker were currently in the US Senate, we would have no idea how he would vote on the matter until he issued a release telling us. Is that a worth risk taking? That is something Tennessee Republicans must ask themselves before voting on August 3rd? Also, why do I get the feeling that Bob Corker is trying to butter conservatives up for that day if elected when he does something that will make them very unhappy---like voting to raise taxes on a budget bill before the US Senate?
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Contradiction of sorts? You be the judge
Kurita for Senate email dated 01/14/06: "We showed broad-based support from all over our great state. Our campaign’s message is resonating with the voters of Tennessee and it shows. Our August 3 Democratic Primary opponent Harold Ford, Jr. released preliminary reports about how much he raised too, but lots of his support came from outside Tennessee.
Kurita for Senate email dated 08/12/05: "Kurita Internet Campaign Called "Clever" and "Masterful". Donors from 22 states."
In August, Roz is touting the fact that she is raising a diversified amount of money from folks outside of Tennessee and now she is blasting Congressman Ford for his ability to do the same? Hey Roz, how is the weather in Dresden? I hear it's beautiful this time of year.
Kurita for Senate email dated 08/12/05: "Kurita Internet Campaign Called "Clever" and "Masterful". Donors from 22 states."
In August, Roz is touting the fact that she is raising a diversified amount of money from folks outside of Tennessee and now she is blasting Congressman Ford for his ability to do the same? Hey Roz, how is the weather in Dresden? I hear it's beautiful this time of year.
Friday, November 04, 2005
Bryant defended them as their attorney, took their money, now they admit guilt...
So King Pharmaceutical Company (at that time under the leadership of John Gregory and family) finally admitted they fleeced the federal TaxPayers and Tennessee TaxPayers specifically by fleecing the federal government and even TennCare! Putting more of the expensive burden of TennCare on us taxpayers by RIPPING OFF THE PROGRAM!
So what does this mean (in addition to the HUGE fines these guys agreed to pay) for the TN political sphere? These guys got busted and had to go before the election registry for stepping over campaign finance law in scuddling money to former legislative candidate Mark Goins.
Who was the attorney that defended these bad guys and their peddling of dirty political money?
.... ED BRYANT!
And good ol' Ed was waiting at the table to be rewarded with his scraps from the table, taking campaign contributions from the Gregories with the riches they earned ripping off TennCare and fleecing the federal government.
If there has ever been an impetus for Ed Bryant to get out of the way of a true conservative like Van, it is right now!
UPDATE:
FROM THE TN JOURNAL:
King settles. Resolving a federal investigation into itsprescription drug charges to government agencies, KingPharmaceuticals agreed to pay $124 million plus interestto 48 states and the federal government. King admittedthe Justice Department’s assertion that it had “systematicand widespread misreporting of its drug prices” from1994 to 2003 and underpaid mandated rebates, but thecompany said the errors were unintentional. It owesTennCare $5.37 million under the settlement, with about$1.9 million due the state, the rest the federal government.King is an international concern that employs about600 people at its Bristol, Tenn., headquarters.Because King founder and retired CEO John Gregoryis a major donor to Tennessee Republican candidates andcauses, Democrats last year cited the investigation of Kingto charge that Republicans were using “dirty money.”The issue has been revived during the present ethicsdebate. Last week, when Senate Republican LeaderRamsey defended Gregory as “a good Christian, probusinessman,” [Was it Christian to rip-off TN TaxPayers in the form of TennCare? Or Christian to fleece the federal government and all taxpayers? Can someone tell me where in the New Testamen that is suggested?]
So what does this mean (in addition to the HUGE fines these guys agreed to pay) for the TN political sphere? These guys got busted and had to go before the election registry for stepping over campaign finance law in scuddling money to former legislative candidate Mark Goins.
Who was the attorney that defended these bad guys and their peddling of dirty political money?
.... ED BRYANT!
And good ol' Ed was waiting at the table to be rewarded with his scraps from the table, taking campaign contributions from the Gregories with the riches they earned ripping off TennCare and fleecing the federal government.
If there has ever been an impetus for Ed Bryant to get out of the way of a true conservative like Van, it is right now!
UPDATE:
FROM THE TN JOURNAL:
King settles. Resolving a federal investigation into itsprescription drug charges to government agencies, KingPharmaceuticals agreed to pay $124 million plus interestto 48 states and the federal government. King admittedthe Justice Department’s assertion that it had “systematicand widespread misreporting of its drug prices” from1994 to 2003 and underpaid mandated rebates, but thecompany said the errors were unintentional. It owesTennCare $5.37 million under the settlement, with about$1.9 million due the state, the rest the federal government.King is an international concern that employs about600 people at its Bristol, Tenn., headquarters.Because King founder and retired CEO John Gregoryis a major donor to Tennessee Republican candidates andcauses, Democrats last year cited the investigation of Kingto charge that Republicans were using “dirty money.”The issue has been revived during the present ethicsdebate. Last week, when Senate Republican LeaderRamsey defended Gregory as “a good Christian, probusinessman,” [Was it Christian to rip-off TN TaxPayers in the form of TennCare? Or Christian to fleece the federal government and all taxpayers? Can someone tell me where in the New Testamen that is suggested?]
Why is Ford the only one in the Senate race campaigning?
According to this week's TN Journal, Ford sent out a huge mailer recently in addition to having already run $1.4 million in TV ads. Some have said this is because he is weak and had to "make up" for lack of name recognition. But, for whatever reason, his poll last week showed this kind of stuff is making a difference. How will it be overcome in the general election by a true conservative, not just the flip-flopin' king Bob Corker.
From the Journal:
Democratic senatorial candidate Harold Ford Jr. lastweek sent out 300,000 mail pieces to Democratic voterscontaining a five-point “Covenant with Tennesseans.”Item 4: “Pass a campaign ethics law that gives ordinarypeople equal say with special interests in Washington.”
From the Journal:
Democratic senatorial candidate Harold Ford Jr. lastweek sent out 300,000 mail pieces to Democratic voterscontaining a five-point “Covenant with Tennesseans.”Item 4: “Pass a campaign ethics law that gives ordinarypeople equal say with special interests in Washington.”
Henry out... Bredesen goes unchallenged
Well, it looks like Jim Henry is NOT going to announce for Governor. Senator Ron Ramsey has gotten cold feet and now it is a waiting game... who will challenge Bredesen?
From the Tennessean:
Henry won't seek GOP nomination for governor Associated Press
Jim Henry, a former Republican state lawmaker and gubernatorial candidate, said he will not run for governor next year, while the state GOP's top official said the party's lone declared candidate, former independent Carl "Two Feathers" Whitaker, can't win.
http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051103/NEWS0201/511030388/1009/NEWS
From the Tennessean:
Henry won't seek GOP nomination for governor Associated Press
Jim Henry, a former Republican state lawmaker and gubernatorial candidate, said he will not run for governor next year, while the state GOP's top official said the party's lone declared candidate, former independent Carl "Two Feathers" Whitaker, can't win.
http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051103/NEWS0201/511030388/1009/NEWS
Andy Rooney said WHAT?
Only because it was a TN candidate (Jr.) that was the topic of discussion when this conversation precipitated on IMUS, I just had to post this. From NewsBusters: http://newsbusters.org/comment/reply/2679
On Friday morning’s Imus in the Morning program on MSNBC, Andy Rooney, from CBS, interrupted the I-Man’s positive description of Democratic Congressman Harold Ford, Jr., to state that he doesn’t like the term "African-American" and considered "Negro" to be "a perfectly good word."
Imus described Ford as an "African-American" prompting Rooney to interject, "I object every time I hear the word, words ‘African-American.’ You know? I don’t know why we have gotten caught with that." After saying he doesn’t want to be called an ‘Irish-American,’ Rooney went on to state his preference for another term, "The word ‘Negro’ is a perfectly good word, it’s a strong word and a good word. I don’t see anything wrong with that."
To see the clip: http://newsbusters.org/media/2005-11-04-IMUS.wmv
On Friday morning’s Imus in the Morning program on MSNBC, Andy Rooney, from CBS, interrupted the I-Man’s positive description of Democratic Congressman Harold Ford, Jr., to state that he doesn’t like the term "African-American" and considered "Negro" to be "a perfectly good word."
Imus described Ford as an "African-American" prompting Rooney to interject, "I object every time I hear the word, words ‘African-American.’ You know? I don’t know why we have gotten caught with that." After saying he doesn’t want to be called an ‘Irish-American,’ Rooney went on to state his preference for another term, "The word ‘Negro’ is a perfectly good word, it’s a strong word and a good word. I don’t see anything wrong with that."
To see the clip: http://newsbusters.org/media/2005-11-04-IMUS.wmv
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Ford Releases His Own Poll
http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_75146.asp
The latest poll for Tennessee's upcoming U.S. Senate race shows Congressman Harold Ford, Jr. leading all rivals in the campaign, the Forc campaign said. According to the survey taken by Global Strategy Group, Ford leads each of his possible Republican opponents for the November 2006 election. Ford leads Republican Ed Bryant 38 percent - 37 percent, Republican Van Hilleary 40 percent - 38 percent and Republican Bob Corker 39 percent - 36 percent.
Again, isn't this "lead" in the margin of error?
The latest poll for Tennessee's upcoming U.S. Senate race shows Congressman Harold Ford, Jr. leading all rivals in the campaign, the Forc campaign said. According to the survey taken by Global Strategy Group, Ford leads each of his possible Republican opponents for the November 2006 election. Ford leads Republican Ed Bryant 38 percent - 37 percent, Republican Van Hilleary 40 percent - 38 percent and Republican Bob Corker 39 percent - 36 percent.
Again, isn't this "lead" in the margin of error?
Not Just Rumor Anymore, Corker's Campaign Falling Apart
After some speculation, it looks like it's confirmed, Corker's campaign is coming apart at...
The Fixby Chris Cillezza
Senate GOP Notes: Tenn., Mich., Majority Project
Tennessee
In the race for the Senate seat being given up by Majority Leader Bill Frist, former Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker has parted ways with Scott Howell -- a much sought-after Republican media consultant -– in favor of Paul Curcio, a partner with Stevens Reed Curcio & Potholm. A source familiar with the move say that Howell never had an official contract with Corker. Corker's campaign did not return a call seeking comment.
Corker is embroiled in a three-way Republican primary against former Reps. Van Hilleary and Ed Bryant. He holds a huge fundraising edge over his two opponents but trails in polls since he is not as well known as Hilleary and Bryant, both of whom ran unsuccessfully for statewide office in 2002.
Even after losing Corker as a client, Howell still has an impressive roster of candidates. He is currently handling the television strategy for Virginia Attorney General Jerry Kilgore in that state's 2005 gubernatorial race and has 2006 gubernatorial candidates in Florida and Arkansas. Howell will also handle the media for Sens. Jim Talent (R-Mo.) and Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) as well as for Senate candidates in Minnesota and Michigan.
The Fixby Chris Cillezza
Senate GOP Notes: Tenn., Mich., Majority Project
Tennessee
In the race for the Senate seat being given up by Majority Leader Bill Frist, former Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker has parted ways with Scott Howell -- a much sought-after Republican media consultant -– in favor of Paul Curcio, a partner with Stevens Reed Curcio & Potholm. A source familiar with the move say that Howell never had an official contract with Corker. Corker's campaign did not return a call seeking comment.
Corker is embroiled in a three-way Republican primary against former Reps. Van Hilleary and Ed Bryant. He holds a huge fundraising edge over his two opponents but trails in polls since he is not as well known as Hilleary and Bryant, both of whom ran unsuccessfully for statewide office in 2002.
Even after losing Corker as a client, Howell still has an impressive roster of candidates. He is currently handling the television strategy for Virginia Attorney General Jerry Kilgore in that state's 2005 gubernatorial race and has 2006 gubernatorial candidates in Florida and Arkansas. Howell will also handle the media for Sens. Jim Talent (R-Mo.) and Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) as well as for Senate candidates in Minnesota and Michigan.
