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Post by el Gusano on Apr 11, 2007 21:17:38 GMT -5
Whatever happened to Rep?
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Post by Gary on Apr 12, 2007 9:25:46 GMT -5
He's still here - he's using the name of "Traveler" now, as that much better describes what he does all the time these days.
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Post by traveler on Apr 12, 2007 10:11:37 GMT -5
Sorry for the confusion, Gus. My role in life has changed considerably in recent years so, as Gary said, Traveler is a better fit for me these days.
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Post by el Gusano on Apr 12, 2007 12:17:28 GMT -5
Well, I knew I liked Traveler...
Now, I know why!
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Post by voxpopuli on Apr 12, 2007 12:40:36 GMT -5
Ken, when did you serve in the state legislature?
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Post by traveler on Apr 12, 2007 19:49:19 GMT -5
I served from 1990 to 1994, two terms. Defeated Paul Starnes to win the seat and then, due to legislative redistricting, I defeated David Copeland in the primary in 1992. In 1990 I was the first new member of the local delegation to be elected in almost ten years so it created quite a stir and I ended up getting a lot of media attention. Interestingly, in 1992 I then defeated the dem challenger in the General election, Gerald Mccormick. Gerald, of course, later switched parties and then won a seat in the legislature as a Republican in 2002, I think. I like to think I had something to do with Geralds switch as the first thing I told him when we met in a debate was that he seemed more like a business leaning Republican than a big government democrat. I left the legislature in 94 to make a run for the U.S. Congress when Marilyn Lloyd retired, Zach had run in 92 against Lloyd and had a good base already built so he beat me in the primary.
Serving in the legislature was a tremendous experience which I recommend to anyone who has an interest in government and public policy. It is an incredible education.
I still may write a book one day. I have some great stories to tell.
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Post by augie47 on Apr 12, 2007 20:01:57 GMT -5
"a rose by any other name..................." your knowledge and input is still appreciated under any name(speaking for myself, but I'm sure others also)
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Post by traveler on Apr 13, 2007 8:41:29 GMT -5
Well, Augie, that is very kind and I appreciate the comment. I have said this before and I sincerely mean it when I say that this forum has been great and is filled (mostly) with very bright and thoughtful minds. Some I agree with and others I do not, but that is the strength of a venue such as this and I learn a lot from participating. Since I am not in Chattanooga very much right now it also allows me a very good way to stay in touch with what is going on without relying solely on news outlets, etc.
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Post by el Gusano on Apr 13, 2007 13:32:59 GMT -5
It's time for me to announce my candidacy for city council and start seeking campaign donations, it think.
Rep sounded to be sincere when he issued his imperative to run for office. (I'm not up for the state stuff yet.)
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Post by traveler on Apr 13, 2007 14:38:02 GMT -5
Well, Gus, I think you should....and dont rule out running for the legislature in AK at some point. Juneau is not a bad little town to spend some time. I got socked in there one time for a couple of days when the weather moved in unexpectedly and there were no flights in or out.
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Post by el Gusano on Apr 13, 2007 16:20:37 GMT -5
The only real problem with Juneau is that it is chock full o' politicians.
You'll not find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy.
Well, except for the UN headquarters.
And DC.
Oh, I guess it's not really that bad, come to think of it.
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Post by traveler on Apr 13, 2007 16:48:49 GMT -5
So true, Gus. But, on the other hand, it can be great fun. When I ran in 1990, it was really for one reason only, and that was just to prove the system worked. I wanted to defeat a long term incumbent just to shake things up. I never had any intention of spending too much time there. That gave me great license to try to shake things up once I got there....and I did just that. I remember getting into a shouting match in the legislative plaza with then state Senator Ray Albright who was chair of the Sen. Ed Committee and deeply in the pockets of the teachers union. Even though he served as a Republican, he was one of those who would be labeled as a RINO. When I presented Charter School legislation, he went ballistic. He was a true defender of the status quo and mediocrity. And he did the union's bidding. He will barely say hello to me to this day. His arrogance, though, is what defeated him in 1994 by David Fowler. He has been a lobbyist in Nashville since then. I also upset the Governor pretty well on several occasions when his legislative bills would come through. So, Gus, my point is go for it. Get in there and shake things up a bit. It is great fun and is ultimately very good for the process, in my opinion.
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Post by el Gusano on Apr 13, 2007 21:09:51 GMT -5
I could have fun with some of those reps from the bush...
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