As the Tennessee Republican Party continues into 2006 without a satisfactory gubernatorial candidate, the commotion and unrest builds. Of the current picks, Carl “Two Feathers” Whitaker has drawn the most attention; Jackson Baker of The Memphis Flyer takes a look at Whitaker’s campaign strategy and the state of the GOP in his latest column.

Meanwhile, there are continued calls for one of the three Senate candidates to make the switch and face Gov. Phil Bredesen instead, along with persistent rumors about one or the other’s intentions of doing just that (followed by strong denials and counter-theories).

This calls to mind a scene from O Brother, Where Art Thou?, but perhaps in reverse — with each man saying “not me” instead:

Pete: Wait a minute. Who elected you leader of this outfit?

Ulysses Everett McGill: Well Pete, I figured it should be the one with the capacity for abstract thought. But if that ain’t the consensus view, then hell, let’s put it to a vote.

Pete: Suits me. I’m voting for yours truly.

Ulysses Everett McGill: Well I’m voting for yours truly too.

[Everett and Pete look at Delmar for the deciding vote]

Delmar O’Donnell: Okay… I’m with you fellas.

The following article is an excerpt from our March issue. Have you subscribed yet to the leading conservative magazine in West Tennessee? Subscribe online, its safe and easy.

By State Rep. Paul Stanley

In 2004 the Tennessee General Assembly passed a law granting Drivers Certificates to those operating motor vehicles in Tennessee. This act modified an earlier law that granted drivers license to non-citizens. Many, including myself, question why illegal immigrants are in our country in the first place, however, that issue is for another article.

I remember the driver’s license bill, since I was on the House Transportation Committee when it was first considered. The logic behind the 2001 bill was simple. If an individual was operating a motor vehicle on Tennessee roads, they needed to understand our laws and the rules of the road. The intention was not to give these individuals rights and privileges associated with our standard license, but rather a certificate stating they had passed an examination on driving rules. Language was included in the bill stating these certificates could in no way be used as a valid form of identification. Driving certificates would also give the Department of Safety an idea how many of these individuals were in Tennessee and where they resided. Never in our wildest dreams did we imagine our state would become an oasis for illegal immigrants from other states. (more…)