November 15, 2005

Bredesen and the New Spoils System

by Adam Groves
Governor Phil Bredesen has been dubbed the 'new' Old Hickory for hosting a common-man's fundraiser in Nashville yesterday. The fundraiser cost just $50 a person with some of the folks getting in free. But Bredesen, who has called for greater regulation of lobbyists' influence on Capitol Hill, allowed a lobbyist to be chairman of his fundraiser and placed another on the steering committee. Again- how's that for appraising the current political environment in Tennessee. Matthew White, one of my fellow guest-bloggers, who is quoted in the article, has the best take on Bredesen's new nickname:

"President Jackson was a great Tennessean who did many great things," White said. "But people should remember that he created the 'spoils system.' I wonder if common state troopers went to this fundraiser in order to get ahead with Phil Bredesen."

When the Tennessee Legislature is finally wrestled away from Democrats- partisanship itself as Sen. Ron Ramsey has said before- will lead to clearer air in Nashville. One of the great benefits of divided government and a free media is ending cronyism. Norris' comments are only further evidence of this principle. Elect Republicans to the State Legislature and they will clear up the ethics cesspool - not only because their reform package is better, but because they will finally be able to challenge the Democratic power-structure.