On Politics

Trunk Waving – The Sevier County Republicans held their annual Lincoln Day Dinner Friday night at the Pigeon Forge Holiday Inn. Guest speaker Hallerin Hilton Hill, WNOX morning show personality and inspirational speaker, entertained the crowd of 150 that included U.S. Representatives John Duncan Jr. and Bill Jenkins. Speaking on the value of community ties and the problems of disconnection, Hill kept the crowd’s attention after his introduction by local party Vice-Chairman Rob Ailey. Annual awards were handed out with the Pless R. Newman Lifetime Service award going to County Executive Larry Waters and Volunteer of the Year going to Rhonda Milliam.

What’s in a name? – On being introduced to do an introduction Republican Executive Committee officer Rob Ailey was introduced as “the husband of Janice Ailey.” Janice Ailey works in Majority Leader Bill Frist’s East Tennessee office and was representing the absent Senator along with Director Carolyn Jensen. Ailey quipped, “If I have to be known by something else, I can’t think of anything better than that.”

Eenie, meenie, miny. . . – The latest amendment to the committee strapped lottery bill is the distribution of unclaimed winnings. The $10-$15 million per year in unclaimed prize money the Tennessee lottery is expected to generate has found a new home. Instead of being put back into the lottery it will be divided up among the 132 state representatives, (99 house, 33 senate) and will be distributed by them to be spent on pre-K and K-12 programs in their legislative district. Promoted as a means to give direct influence to local educators, the possibilities for favoritism over need are being trumpeted by critics.

Quote of the Week – “I’ve been in politics long enough that I have a big enough mouth. I’m sure you all can hear me without this thing.” County Executive Larry Waters, announcing dinner after microphone troubles temporarily silenced the P.A. system.