thetennesseestar--2020-12-17--Commentary: Forgiving Student Loans Fails Econ 101

If Joe Biden sticks to his campaign promises , student loan forgiveness will be part of his plan as president to combat our shutdown in economic activity .
Forgiving student loans would be ill-advised during normal times .
It is downright irresponsible pandering during our current situation .
Forgiving student loans fails the basic test of elementary economics .
It would primarily benefit the wealthy and be ineffective at stimulating the economy .
This isn ’ t just the musings of a pro-capitalism zealot ( guilty as charged , I happen to be in favor of the human well-being , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come with economic freedom , especially for minorities and the poor ) .
There is a wide consensus on this issue among experts .
Let ’ s break it down into simple terms for politicians seeking a crash course in macroeconomics .
Only a third of Americans hold a college degree .
And they tend to be the wealthiest Americans .
Once they graduate with their degrees they can expect to earn $ 1 million more than Americans with just a high school diploma over the course of their careers .
Furthermore , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ graduates hold the vast majority of student loans .
A full 56 percent of student loan debt is held by Americans with graduate degrees .
Furthermore , twenty percent of student loan debt is held by those with doctorate or professional degrees , who enjoy median earnings of $ 106,000 .
Thus , student loan forgiveness is what economists call a “ regressive ” policy – it disproportionately benefits the wealthy .
It is also unfair to those who exhibited the financial discipline to pay back the loans they agreed to .
Certainly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out there struggling to make student loan payments .
This is not the right policy to address that problem .
Universities can , and should , do a better job of advising students about career prospects and actively shutter programs where graduates fail to obtain gainful employment .
If we bail out these students , however , we will only encourage more poor decision-making in degree selection as students come to expect these bailouts every time there is a downturn .
When it comes to the argument that student loan forgiveness would stimulate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in mind that the economic justification for a stimulus is that it will spark spending .
To assess the COVID downturn in econ-speak , there was a fall in aggregate supply caused by shutdowns .
Lost income due to layoffs , firings , and general uncertainty spilled over into a fall in aggregate demand .
The thing is , most well-to-do college graduates were able to retain their jobs by working from home .
They also were more likely to have the savings and access to credit to weather the downturn without a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why paying off their student loans would be a very ineffective and expensive way to attempt to boost aggregate demand .
If student loan forgiveness fails a basic test of economics , why is it on President-Elect Biden ’ s agenda ?
Indebted college graduates have been lobbying for quite some time to relieve themselves of the financial obligations they voluntarily incurred , with the intention , of course , of continuing to reap the financial benefits of their education .
The 42 million Americans with student loans , primarily young voters , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential election .
Politicians know where their bread is buttered and they often deliver on their campaign promises to key voter blocs even to the determinant of the financial health of our nation .
Daniel J. Smith is the Director of the Political Economy Research Institute at MTSU and an Associate Professor of Economics in the Jones College of Business .
He is also the Senior Fellow for Fiscal and Regulatory Policy at the Beacon Center of Tennessee .
Follow him on Twitter : @ smithdanj1


thetennesseestar--2020-12-17--Made in China: Crom Carmichael Discusses the Changes of China in 20 Years Time

Live from Music Row Wednesday morning on The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy – broadcast on Nashville ’ s Talk Radio 98.3 and 1510 WLAC weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. – host Leahy welcomed the original all-star panelist Crom Carmichael to the studio who discussed the changes of growth and advancement in China since the 1980s .
Leahy : We are joined in studio by our good friend .
The original all-star panelist who has been on the airwaves here on and off in Nashville , Tennessee since the 1980s when he was a young man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apparently , Crom Carmichael .
Good morning Crom .
Carmichael : Good morning , Michael .
Your math skills are not good .
Leahy : Not good at all are they ?
Carmichael : Not good at all .
Leahy : Well Crom you ’ ve seen a lot of change in Nashville since he ’ s been on the air 1980s .
a lot of change in this country .
Attitudes towards China have changed and dealings with China have changed during that period of time .
Carmichael : Well Kathy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leahy : I did not know that .
Is this when you had a distribution deal for some sneakers ?
Carmichael : This was just pure tourism .
And back in back in 1989 , The number of Americans going to China was a pretty small number .
Leahy : Very small .
Now put this in context .
What year were the Tiananmen Square protests ?
Leahy : Were you there before ?
Carmichael : So Kathy was quite young and the people would look at her .
The Chinese would look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as unusual .
A young American woman was so unusual over there .
But when I was there just to give you an idea of they stood economically .
We were required to have a guide .
Now that guide was a government employee .
And so in every city that we went to we had a guide full-time .
The tallest building in Shanghai was the Sheraton Hotel .
It was 40 stories .
And it stood out as by Far and Away the tallest building in Shanghai .
And when we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A to point B for tourism , there were tens of thousands of bicycles .
There were virtually no cars in 1989 in China .
And the streets that were being repaired you had like a thousand Chinese with picks .
And they would pick at the pavement .
Carmichael : Manually .
Then you would have thousands of Chinese who would come along with these little almost look like pooper scoopers .
And they would and they would clean up the debris .
And then you had thousands of Chinese coming along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pounding it in by hand .
Carmichael : Yes .
And we ran into a Caterpillar tractor dealer over there .
and I asked him I said boy , this is a gold mine over here because one or two pieces of equipment can replace thousands of workers .
And he said well , you ’ d think that except they haven ’ t figured out yet what they ’ re going to do with the thousands of workers .
Carmichael : And so so China was still a very very backward country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And then I ’ ve been going over there since then .
Leahy : You have ?
I didn ’ t know that .
Carmichael : Oh , yeah .
About every three or four years .
I haven ’ t been there in three or four years .
And the changes every time I go are amazing from just the last time that I went .
Leahy : And so they are making significant economic and technological progress .
Carmichael : Well , the difference is that I see is more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growth in the new buildings and new interstates and things like that .
So that ’ s more about what I see than the other things .
I ’ m going to compare this now to Russia where I also went to in the ’ 80s .
Russia has improved but not that much .
Economically Russia and just so that everybody understands Russia ’ s economy is smaller than that of Italy ’ s .
So if anybody were to say that Italy is trying to dominate the world they would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I wouldn ’ t I would if there are any Democrat friends out there listening to our show like Karl .
Leahy : Karl .
I don ’ t think he ’ d call himself a Democrat .
He goes for the most competent .
Carmichael : Well , that ’ s fine .
Then Karl won ’ t be challenged by this because he ’ ll recognize it to be true .
Nobody can name a consumer product that comes out of Russia .
I mean have you ever picked up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the bottom of it and it says Made in Russia ?
Carmichael : Made in Russia .
No , you haven ’ t .
Carmichael : They have oil and they do have programming .
You can get Russian programming .
And in fact , part of the problem that Russia has is when Stalin took over he murdered millions of people .
And the people that he murdered were the intelligent Russians .
And so he wiped out many of the people who had education and brains .
And then what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a city whose name escapes me right now , but it ’ s over in the eastern part of Russia way away from everything else .
Carmichael : I don ’ t know if it ’ s near Japan but it ’ s way away from Moscow and it was isolated on purpose .
and that ’ s where they put all their intellectual people .
and so now have one city in Russia out in the middle of nowhere that has a whole lot of high-tech people living in that city .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you want technology and to strike a technology deal .
Leahy : That ’ s the city that you ’ d go to .
Carmichael : That ’ s the city that you ’ d go to .
Today Mao Zedong took over China from Chiang Kai-shek , they were not from the Civil War .
And the Ming Dynasty had been taken over by the , and I ’ m going to mess up the pronunciation here , but the Qin Dynasty which was the dynasty in the movie called The Last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That young person .
And China had expanded dramatically under the Ming Dynasty and then the Qin Dynasty also .
So China is not just one monolithic country .
It is a country that has half of its country that is not friendly to the core of Chinese culture .
But when Mao took over he put in the harshest communist policies ever .
And he wrecked the country .
And there were tens of millions of people .
Carmichael : Yes economically .
And then and then toward the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wasn ’ t going to work and so he ’ s the one who met with Nixon for the very first time .
He ’ s the one who met with a U.S. President toward the end of his life .
And then Deng Xiaoping took over after him .
And then Xiaoping set up a government in China that was still a communist-controlled central party .
But it had lots of different cabinet members for lack of a better term .
And it had provincial heads kind of like our governors and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ somewhat dispersed within the Communist Party .
And that ’ s the way it remained until Xi took over .
Carmichael : Yes .
Xi took over around 2010 or 2012 .
I don ’ t know exactly the year , but when he took over he is now consolidated power and so it ’ s now back to more of a Maoist type of China which is a much more dangerous type of China .
Not only to the Chinese people themselves , but to the world at large because he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has done is and there ’ s a book that I ’ ve mentioned before called The 100 Year Marathon by Michael Pillsbury that shows the road map that China has been on for more than 50 years where they would be the most powerful country in the world .
And so if you look at the way that Xi manages things around China , he intimidates all of his neighbor ’ s .
In fact , most recently he intimidated Australia .
Carmichael : Emperors have always been bullies .
But is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mao was except he has a lot of economic power behind him .
He has a huge military behind him .
And so what they ’ ve been doing in the United States is they have been studying us and they have been taking over with influence in our most powerful institutions .
Leahy : And now with the way the presidential election appears to be headed .
Carmichael : And the elections are one of those .
Listen to the full second hour here : Tune in weekdays from 5:00 – 8:00 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michael Patrick Leahy on Talk Radio 98.3 FM WLAC 1510 .
Listen online at iHeart Radio .

by Eric Lendrum
On April 7th, an amicus brief was filed in favor of Florida’s current ban on using state funds to support “transgender” treatments, with 17 state attorneys general voicing their support for the law.
According to the Daily Caller, the brief’s filing was part of an ongoing legal battle in the state of Florida, where far-left, pro-transgender activists have teamed up with several pseudo-medical organizations to file a lawsuit against the law. The groups involved include the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), the Endocrine Society, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The law in question states that Medicaid funds cannot be used to cover any transgender operations, including sex change surgery, cross-sex hormones, and puberty blockers.
The 17 states that have filed in support of Florida are: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Virginia. In their filing, the AGs argue that the organizations involved in the lawsuit have “prioritized politics over science.”
“The amici States submit this brief in support of Florida’s right to regulate medicine and determine appropriate treatments for Medicaid coverage,” the brief states. “Moreover, there is particular reason to be suspicious of the interest groups in this case.”
Their brief goes on to point out that several European countries, including the United Kingdom, Finland, Norway, and Sweden have taken similar steps to crack down on transgender treatments, declaring that “transitioning treatments for minors are experimental.”
The case has already seen a judge order the three organizations to comply with subpoenas ordering them to turn over documents related to their guidance for children suffering from gender dysphoria, the official name for the condition of transgenderism. In addition, Florida’s Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA) submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the Biden Administration demanding access to similar internal documents related to the administration’s gender transition policies.
– – –
Eric Lendrum graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he was the Secretary of the College Republicans and the founding chairman of the school’s Young Americans for Freedom chapter.


thetennesseestar--2020-12-17--AFC’s Shaka Mitchell Joins the Tennessee Star Report to Discuss the Pending Lawsuit Regarding Gov. L

AFC’s Shaka Mitchell Joins the Tennessee Star Report to Discuss the Pending Lawsuit Regarding Gov. Lee’s ESA Program

Live from Music Row Wednesday morning on The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy – broadcast on Nashville ’ s Talk Radio 98.3 and 1510 WLAC weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. – host Leahy welcomed Tennessee Director of the American Federation for Children Shaka Mitchell to the newsmakers line .
During the third hour , Mitchell outlined the current lawsuit regarding Governor Lee ’ s education savings account pilot program that would enable parents and their students to attend the school of their choice in Davidson and Shelby counties .
He informed that two weeks ago Lee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Supreme Court and are expecting hearings to commence soon after the new year per the courts discretion .
Leahy : We are joined in the studio with the original all-star panelist Crom Carmichael .
And on our newsmaker line our good friend Shaka Mitchell who is the Tennessee State Director for the American Federation for Children .
There ’ s a lawsuit that you folks are involved in .
Tell us about it Shaka .
Mitchell : Hey , good morning Michael Patrick .
Thanks for having me .
Yeah , this lawsuit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about before .
It ’ s all about Governor Lee ’ s new education savings account pilot program .
And this is a program that would give eventually 15,000 low-income students in the Nashville and Memphis areas a chance to go to the school of their parents ’ choice .
Whether that ’ s a private school or a religious school or what have you .
It would let those dollars follow the scholars .
Leahy : So walk us through this .
The General Assembly passed this law back in early 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Very controversial but it passed .
It was signed by the governor .
Tell us what the law would have done .
Mitchell : Sure .
So the law passed back in May 2019. and what it would do is if you qualify for this program and it ’ s based on you know the household size and income .
And then you have to be primarily zoned for one of the areas where you get the highest number of low-performing public schools .
So this is really targeted for families who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school option where they live .
And if you qualify you can get the state dollars that follow your student and you can take them and they go into an account .
You could go to a private school with them .
You can use them for tutoring and expensive technology .
And that works out to be about $ 7,000 .
per student per year .
Leahy : One of the criticisms of this law was that it was apparently , and tell me if I got this right , only applied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Davidson County .
Do I have that right ?
Mitchell : You got that right .
Yeah .
And this is a place where you know , the opponents of the law kind they are talking out of both sides of their mouth little bit because they say , on the one hand , well , they ’ ve asked the court to invalidate this program because it doesn ’ t apply to everybody .
But if you say to them hey , so do you want to go ahead where this was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you want to go ahead and just do it statewide tomorrow ?
And they ’ d say oh no , we don ’ t want to do that because that would expose , you know , the existing public school system and it would kind of uncover all of the warts that are there .
Carmichael : So the compromise in order to get it passed was to restrict it to students who are going to low-performing schools in just Davidson County and Shelby County now .
And it ’ s because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the law is unconstitutional .
Is that correct ?
Mitchell : That ’ s essentially right .
The lower courts said that because in the lower courts view , because this only applies to a “ particular county ” that this new program can ’ t stand .
Now , you know , here ’ s the thing .
The Tennessee General Assembly obviously didn ’ t know that a global pandemic was on its way .
But this was amazing timing because just think about how many students could be helped right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kids in Nashville and in Memphis have been remote and have been you know on computers since March .
They have not been in public schools .
At least 5,000 of them right now could be in you know in school buildings getting an education that works for them .
So we think you know , this is much more about hey , how do we help kids right now ?
We ’ re not talking about the definition of the word particular .
Leahy : Has the Tennessee Supreme Court decided to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state of Tennessee and the governor is the one appealing this ?
And you ’ ve joined as the Amicus brief on it ?
Mitchell : That ’ s exactly right .
So the governor has appealed to the Tennessee Supreme Court about two weeks ago .
We joined that and we filed a brief .
Our good friends at the Beacon Center are also representing some families in this lawsuit .
There are other few firms that are representing families and schools that want to participate .
Because you know at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other side this case is all about how do we keep control ?
How do we keep money in these brick and mortar schools ?
For our side , I would say this is all about kids .
How do we make sure schools are working for kids .
And by the way here ’ s a stat for you .
I don ’ t want to bore you with these but less than 17 percent of the kids who were targeted for this program were on grade level before the pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a pretty bad situation out there for a lot of kids .
Carmichael : Now I understand the argument for the judge ’ s ruling in terms of well , it only applies to children in two counties therefore it ’ s unequal .
But are there precedents in other states where vouchers were targeted and not made available to everybody ?
Because that ’ s really what this is about .
Mitchell : Yeah .
Yeah .
That ’ s a great question .
And so there absolutely are programs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first voucher programs in the country only targeted one city .
So you ’ ve got Milwaukee with one of the best-known programs .
You have programs that target specific counties .
You ’ ve got programs in Arizona that are designed for students in military families .
You know , there are lots of ways that you can flip this .
We have one in Tennessee already that ’ s only for students who have special needs .
So if you ’ re talking about the number of students across the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a much smaller number of kids than the number of kids in Nashville and Memphis .
So yeah , we think there ’ s a lot of precedents .
Leahy : When will the Supreme Court of Tennessee decide if they ’ ll take up the appeal ?
Mitchell : Boy , you know Michael Patrick my 2020 magic ball has not been very good .
( Leahy chuckles ) Leahy : None of us have been very good at predictions in 2020 I would say .
Mitchell : That ’ s right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year .
But I do believe and even the lower courts acknowledge that there is a lot at stake .
Because you ’ ve got kids who had already signed up to use this program .
So there ’ s a lot at stake .
We ’ re hopeful that the courts will take the case quickly because if there ’ s a favorable ruling we got a lot of work to do to tell parents so that they can get signed up .
Because honestly , we don ’ t know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to normal.
’ And we want to make sure that whenever they go back it is not just back to normal that it ’ s better than normal .
Leahy : So the litigation will have an outcome one way or the other .
It ’ s there any effort in the next session of the Tennessee General Assembly to bring up an additional bill that would expand the educational savings account program beyond the two pilot counties ?
Mitchell : Yeah .
Well , I don ’ t want to certainly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is some talk about this .
I mean , you know that there are many legislators who feel really passionately .
And who frankly spent a lot of political capital making sure this got past the first time .
They believe in it .
They are student-centric lawmakers and policymakers .
And we ’ re so thankful for them .
I ’ ve heard Governor Lee say this was the thing that made him the proudest in his first two years .
So I think there ’ s a desire to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see how it plays out in the courts .
But ultimately we just want to do what ’ s best for students .
Carmichael : Now the supreme court of Tennessee will tell you whether they ’ re going to hear the case at some time in the relatively near future because they have to do that don ’ t they ?
You all have appealed or the governor has appealed to the state supreme court .
They can ’ t just rope-a-doping say nothing .
So it has to either say we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say we ’ re not going to take it fairly soon , correct ?
Mitchell : That ’ s correct .
I anticipate that they would make a decision about whether or not they ’ ll take the case .
Who knows .
It could get that decision even before the calendar year before the months over .
And then it would be a matter of them setting argument dates and hearing dates kind of early in the new year .
But it could all happen pretty quickly .
But again , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Carmichael : Well , I can ’ t imagine a court case that matters more especially to families that are trapped in school districts where the schools are vastly underperforming .
So it certainly is my hope that the state supreme court not only takes up the case but also rules in favor of the law and to let at least 5,000 kids have a chance at a quality education .
Mitchell : I totally agree with you .
I think it would make for a great Christmas present .
Absolutely .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ state director for the American Federation for Children .
Thanks so much for joining us and come back again soon and give us a report on how that case goes before the Tennessee Supreme Court .
Leahy : Merry Christmas !
We get to say that here .
Listen to the third hour here : Tune in weekdays from 5:00 – 8:00 a.m. to the Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy on Talk Radio 98.3 FM WLAC 1510 .
Listen online at iHeart Radio .
Photo “ Shaka Mitchell ” by Shaka @ @


thetennesseestar--2020-12-17--Georgia’s Ossoff Says Feds Should Ensure Illegal Immigrants Aren’t Paid ‘Less Than Minimum Wage’

Democratic Georgia Senate candidate Jon Ossoff in a Monday campaign video called on federal immigration authorities to ensure illegal aliens aren ’ t being paid “ less than minimum wage.
” “ In Georgia ’ s agricultural sector , the campesinos ( farm workers ) who work in the fields , enduring some of the most brutal conditions of labor anywhere in this country to keep America fed , paid less than the minimum wage , [ are ] often subject to abuse by employers , ” Ossoff told a group of supporters on the video call .
“ When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ farms it should be to make sure people are being paid the minimum wage , working in humane conditions , ” he added .
The Democratic senate candidate also addressed a supporter who asked a question and identified herself as a “ Dreamer ” fearful of President Donald Trump ’ s administration ’ s policies .
“ Dreamers , DACA recipients are every bit as American as any of us , and I will have your back in the U.S. Senate , and I will protect Dreamers in the U.S. Senate , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to establish a path to legal status for those who are here without proper documentation and otherwise follow the law.
” “ We need to pass comprehensive immigration reform , ” he continued in a statement to the crowd .
“ We need to recognize that we can ’ t go on like this.
” Ossoff will face Republican Sen. David Perdue in the Georgia runoffs that will determine which party controls the Senate .
Votes will be tallied on Jan. 5 , and Ossoff leads Purdue by .3 % , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler will face Democratic Senate candidate Raphael Warnock in another important senate battle of the state .
Jake Dima is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-17--Poll: Perdue, Loeffler Could Score in Opposing Atlanta Braves Name Change

A runoff election may very well be the closest thing in politics to extra innings in baseball , and with control of the Senate at stake , the GOP in Georgia hopes an appeal to America ’ s pastime will help keep the majority Republican .
This would explain why Sens .
Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue are talking baseball in December .
“ We adamantly oppose any effort to rename the Atlanta Braves , one of our state ’ s most storied and successful sports franchises .
Not only are the Braves a Georgia institution — with a history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re an American institution , ” the incumbents wrote this week in a joint statement .
“ The Braves ’ name honors our nation ’ s Native American heritage , which should not be erased — and under no circumstances should one of the most celebrated teams in sports cave to the demands of the cancel culture and the radical left , ” the Republicans added .
Not mentioned but very much implied : an announcement the day before by the owner of the Cleveland Indians , the American League team that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more politically correct one to be determined later .
This makes the Braves the last team in baseball with a name referencing Native Americans , and even though the club says there are no plans to alter its identity , the statement by Loeffler and Perdue could be a smart play .
Braves fans have long opposed any kind of name change , and according to new polling by the Republican-aligned Trafalgar Group , so do an overwhelming majority of likely Georgia voters .
When asked if the team needs a new name @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % said yes , and 8.5 % reported not having an opinion .
Voters who plan to support Loeffler and Perdue were , unsurprisingly , opposed to the idea by nearly 90 % in both candidates ’ cases .
Perhaps somewhat surprisingly , a majority of voters who back Democratic challengers Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock also want to keep the name .
Likely Ossoff voters oppose a change by a 54.4 % -39.4 % margin ; among Warnock voters , it ’ s 55.7 % -36.6 % .
“ It is easy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ culture , ” explained chief Trafalgar pollster Robert Cahaly , “ when what is being canceled isn ’ t something you care about.
” The polling and the preemptive Loeffler-Perdue defense of the Braves name comes as other sports organizations have succumbed to increased pressure to change their identities deemed offensive by Native Americans and others .
Before the Cleveland decision , the NFL ’ s Washington Redskins dropped its name , long regarded as a slur .
Simply put , the issue has become an opportunity to spark a culture skirmish , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While the Braves organization has promised to end its “ tomahawk chop ” cheer at home games , the team insists that a name change is not even under consideration .
In a recent statement , the club said that its name “ honors , supports and values the Native Americana community.
” Team Chairman Terry McGuirk added in a July interview with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that “ we are so proud of our team ’ s name , and our expectation is that we will always be the Atlanta Braves.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Braves fan , Cahaly told RCP that “ those feelings run deep , and they cross all lines.
” Loeffler and Perdue are not the first to run this play .
President Trump has often railed against so-called cancel culture , complaining that his opponents were attempting not just to rewrite history but to fundamentally change the nation .
This , as he has expressed repeatedly , includes those who kneel for the national anthem ahead of sporting events in protest of systemic racism and police brutality .
Trump told RCP in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a culture war ” and tried making the presidential election a referendum on that conflict by targeting , among others , those who toppled statues of long-dead Founding Fathers and other prominent figures in U.S. history .
He lost to Joe Biden by more than 7 million votes .
Republicans in Georgia hope such a divide produces a different result .
They have tried to label both challengers as out-of-touch democratic socialists , highlighting their controversial past statements and even mocking Ossoff for preferring veggie burgers .
Whether that strategy will work is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ runoffs as both races remain a dead heat , according to the RealClearPolitics average .
Rooting for the home team , even if the Braves insists that they aren ’ t changing and no senator has authority over naming rights in sports , could have more impact than attacks against the Green New Deal or “ Medicare for All.
” “ One of the biggest mistakes to make is to assume that people decide who they ’ re voting for based on how the issues personally affect them — i.e.
, a rational @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how they feel about a candidate , ” Cahaly said .
“ But in fact , it is emotion that is more dominant.
” Philip Wegmann is an investigative reporter for RealClearInvestigations .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-17--Commentary: Taxing Workers for Staying Home Is a Policy Rooted in Envy

Ever since the beginning of the pandemic , working from home is the new normal .
In 2018 , just 5.4 percent of the US ’ s working population worked remotely .
By mid-2020 , it had turned into reality for 56 percent of the workforce .
While not all workers forced to stay home were quick to welcome the change , many learned to enjoy it over time .
With state governments beginning another round of lockdowns , it isn ’ t shocking to see many companies choosing to carry on with remote work .
In early November , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from home was a privilege and one that should not be taken lightly .
According to the bank ’ s assessment , remote workers don ’ t contribute enough and must be dealt with accordingly .
While their report failed to back these claims with real data , lackadaisical assumptions regarding remote work were far from the only bad idea spewed by the scandal-ridden bank .
Instead of simply encouraging companies to lure workers back to the office on their own accord , the multinational conglomerate decided to propose a new tax .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cubicle , they advise .
But would it work ?
Research carried out by the German multinational investment bank found that more than half of workers wanted to continue to work from home after the pandemic .
Noticing that remote workers have higher incomes than the average worker , the bank concluded that if some are allowed to work from home and spend less on gas , eating out , and other work-related expenses , charging them a 5 percent tax wouldn ’ t be such a bad idea .
Indeed , Deutsche @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced , remote working taxes had been needed for years — “ Covid has just made it obvious.
” If workers and employers choose to continue with the system , Templeman said , a post-pandemic tax should be put in place “ in order to smooth the transition process for those who have suddenly been displaced ” in the pandemic-fueled crisis .
In other words , those whose professional contributions can be carried out completely or at least partially from their home offices must pay for the damage caused by lockdowns .
Adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help people who were struggling , Templeman estimated that the US could raise an average of $ 48 billion a year by taxing remote workers .
That would be enough to pay for $ 1,500 grants for 29 million workers who make less than $ 30,000 a year .
But where does he propose the money come from ?
Employers are overwhelmed as it is thanks to the lockdowns .
Many are hanging by a thread , having to lay off a number of employees just to stay afloat , and yet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The tax will only apply outside the times when the government advises people to work from home , ” Templeman explained in his report .
And whereas those who are self-employed or who have low incomes wouldn ’ t be taxed , those with high incomes would .
Instead of charging the actual workers , Templeman envisioned a system that would force employers to foot the bill .
Unless , of course , workers insist on staying home : To Deutsche Bank , that may sound easy enough .
After all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of money and it can implement these policies without much ado .
Smaller companies , however , aren ’ t so lucky .
What ’ s worse , this type of penalty would not only hurt smaller firms , it would hurt the women who sustain them , explained Rev .
Ben Johnson of the Acton Institute .
“ The government has no compelling interest in punishing telecommuters or funding brick-and-mortar employees , ” Johnson wrote .
But making it harder to work from home puts many workers in a difficult position , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to prefer flexible schedules and work arrangements to better accommodate their family ’ s needs .
If women are more likely to prefer such arrangements and a new tax is imposed , asking employers to continue working from home becomes a difficult decision .
As explained by Johnson , “ working from home , without paying $ 10 a day for the ‘ privilege , ’ gives employers another tool to empower female employees.
” While it is easy to claim that the work-from-home tax could benefit the unemployed , what this tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a wealth transfer promoted and enforced by the government .
In addition , it would do nothing to alleviate the pain of the under or unemployed .
A handout designed to benefit low-wage workers will actually cause more harm as employers might simply slash their wages once they realize the government is sending them checks .
Furthermore , encouraging this type of thinking through public policy is dangerous .
It encourages envy by telling the working poor they should resent the wealthier for their prosperity and teaches Americans they have the right to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in government action alone .
Why set ourselves up for failure by further dividing Americans in such a delicate time as this ?
Chloe Anagnos is a professional writer , digital strategist , and marketer .
Although a millennial , she ’ s never accepted a participation trophy .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-17--‘Vindictive’ Americans for Prosperity Foundation FOIA Lawsuit Targets Conservatives Working to Repea

‘Vindictive’ Americans for Prosperity Foundation FOIA Lawsuit Targets Conservatives Working to Repeal Section 230

The Koch-backed Americans for Prosperity Foundation ( AFPF ) has filed a Freedom of Information Act ( FOIA ) against the U.S. Department of Commerce seeking access to communication records of conservative individuals and groups that are fighting to repeal Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act .
Their FOIA request with Department of Commerce sub-agency , the National Telecommunications and Information Administration ( NTIA ) targets “ emails , text messages , and other communications from NTIA Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce Adam Candeub , who was recently named to a senior position at the Department of Justice , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information the agency has provided , it is already clear that Mr. Candeub has been using his personal email to conduct government business , ” the Complaint states .
The following list of conservatives are among the “ keywords or phrases ” sought in AFPF ’ s fishing expedition : Section 230 ; AT & T , Federal Communications Commission or FCC ; FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr ; founder and CEO of Iggy Ventures Rick Lane , founder of the conservative Internet Accountability Project Mike Davis , public affairs consulting firm DCI Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , MRC founder Brent Bozell , Conservative Partnership Institute ’ s Rachael ( sic ) Bovard , vice president for TechWatch Dan Gainor , and DCI Vice President Emily Covington .
Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act protects powerful tech companies from being sued for the content users post on their sites .
The provision also allows Big Tech to “ restrict access to or availability of material that the provider or user considers to be … objectionable , whether or not such material is constitutionally protected.
” In an oped this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , one of the individuals targeted in the FOIA request , argued that nation ’ s largest tech companies have exploited Section 230 to chip away at the free speech of conservatives .
When Google decides to suppress or amplify content , it does so for 90 % of the global marketplace .
Twitter ’ s choices to cut off circulation of certain content — as they did when they banned circulation of a story critical of the Biden family , a month before the November election — very much shapes the national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own admission , has the power to swing elections — which is troubling , as some of the platform ’ s “ fact checkers ” are partially bankrolled by a Chinese company .
The downstream impact these companies have on shaping independent thought , market access , consumer behavior , election integrity and speech are undeniable .
In a very real way , these platforms are transforming the nature of what it means to be “ free ” in a free society .
The AFPF lawsuit was roundly decried by conservatives on Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Claremont Institute Jon Schweppe , Director of Government Affairs for American Principles Project .
“ These are supposedly our allies ?
Really ?
FFS.
” “ AFP [ Americans for Prosperity ] and CKI [ Charles Koch Industries ] are literally handing over conservatives to the Biden administration to feast upon , ” tweeted Bovard .
“ Trump is leaving office , and so is Adam Candeub .
This lawsuit will be settled by the Biden admin , who will harass the hell out of us.
” American Greatness publisher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Koch ’ s lawsuit is really about harassing people working on the repeal of Section 230 , or “ protecting TechnoFeudalism.
” Debra Heine reports for American Greatness .
Photo “ Americans for Prosperity ” by Americans for Prosperity .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-17--Pandemic Lockdown Closed 32 Percent of Michigan Businesses, Highest of All States in U.S.

Pandemic restrictions forced 32 % of Michigan businesses to close at least temporarily , the most of all 50 states in the nation , federal data show .
Only Puerto Rico , a U.S. territory where 50 % of businesses closed , ranked higher .
Nationally , government-enforced lockdowns closed 19 % of businesses , as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics based on private-sector data compiled between July 20 and Sept. 30 .
The BLS notes Michigan was followed closely by Pennsylvania ( 30 % ) ; Washington ( 27 % ) ; Vermont , Hawaii and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The BLS reports only six states – South Dakota , Arkansas , North Dakota , Utah , Wyoming , and Nebraska – saw fewer than 10 % of businesses closed in response to government mandated restrictions .
Nationwide , 62 % of businesses received a loan or grant to help make payroll , with Michigan ( 63 % ) trailing the nation ’ s highest percentage state in the same category : Alabama and Hawaii ( 67 % ) .
By contrast , the District of Columbia ( 55 % ) , Montana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mexico ( 57 % ) had the lowest percentage of businesses that received a loan or grant .
Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer has unsuccessfully appealed to the state legislature to draft a bill that would appropriate $ 100 million in relief funds for Michigan businesses and residents as well as permanently extend unemployment benefits in the state .
In the meantime , the state continues its latest lockdown , which began in mid-November .
Michigan ’ s Department of Health and Human Services instituted the three-week prohibition on indoor gatherings of 10 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extended those rules until Dec. 20 .
Businesses caught violating DHHS rules may be subjected to fines of $ 1,000 a day .
Amy Heikkinen , for example , is a single mother of six children and owner of Café Rosetta in Ahmeek .
“ As a single mom , newly divorced with six kids that only knew welfare , Café Rosetta gave me a place to focus my energy , ” she said .
Heikkenen said she ’ s facing a $ 1,000 fine for each day she opens her restaurant .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ support her family .
“ It is my responsibility to take care of my family , ” she said .
“ We want to celebrate Christmas and just pay our bills .
That is all we are asking for here.
” Bruce Walker is a regional editor at The Center Square .
He previously worked as editor at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy ’ s MichiganScience magazine and The Heartland Institute ’ s InfoTech & Telecom News .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-17--The Tennessee Star National Correspondent Neil W. McCabe Weighs in on Bill Barr Resignation and Cult

The Tennessee Star National Correspondent Neil W. McCabe Weighs in on Bill Barr Resignation and Culture of the Trump Administration

Live from Music Row Wednesday morning on The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy – broadcast on Nashville ’ s Talk Radio 98.3 and 1510 WLAC weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. – host Leahy welcomed Tennessee Star National Correspondent Neil W. McCabe to the newsmakers line .
During the third hour , McCabe weighed in on the current resignation of Attorney General Bill Barr while giving a synopsis of the culture within the Trump administration citing a lack of relationship between cabinet officers and the White House .
Towards the end of the segment , he seemed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promises not yet kept but believed the President would be beginning his second term in office on January 20 , 2021 .
Leahy : In the studio with us the original all-star panelist Crom Carmichael .
On the newsmaker our Washington correspondent for the Tennessee Star and The Star News Network Neil W. McCabe .
Good morning , Neil .
McCabe : Michael so glad to be with you , sir .
Leahy : Well Neil , lots going on in Washington yesterday .
Mitch McConnell stepped up on the floor of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president-elect .
That ’ s one thing .
Bill Barr has announced he ’ s resigning on December 23 , and Crom has something for you too .
McCabe : The problem that you have is that in a normal administration you would have someone in the White House who handles cabinet officers and these kinds of relationships .
But because of the situation where you have acting and permanent chiefs of staff who do not actually fill in that role and the relationship between the White House so then the cabinet never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the de facto chief of staff , but the nominal chief of staff was always someone else .
And so Wednesday morning Jared Kushner and Ivanka took off for New York and Florida where else that they ’ re going .
And so basically you have this vacuum when no one is actively managing the cabinet officers the way it should be done .
And so Trump is having to do it in himself .
And in these flood circumstances , you know , that ’ s a dangerous thing to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is perfectly willing to hand off something a portfolio and say handle it .
For instance Senator Marco Rubio from Florida .
He said whatever Marco Rubio says about Venezuela is a go .
And I think that bore fruit when you saw the way they were tough on the Maduro regime .
And certainly , the people in Florida responded to that positively .
So it ’ s not that Trump is a control freak it ’ s just that when there ’ s a vacuum he feels like he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as chief of staff never really had the portfolio that he should have had because of Jared Kushner .
And now Kushner is you know off looking for houses in Florida or something .
Carmichael : I have a bit of a different take and I want to get your opinion on it .
I don ’ t disagree with what you ’ re saying , but I ’ m going to be a little more specific than what you have just said .
I think Trump wanted Barr to do something that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barr said Mr. President if you want me to do that , I ’ m not going to do it .
I ’ ll be happy to give you my letter of resignation .
Because I think it has something to do with the special counsel for Hunter Biden or something .
something .
I don ’ t know what it is that Trump wanted .
Because if you think about what Trump has been through and I think it was Barr who appointed Durham .
And Durham has accomplished virtually nothing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s going to skate .
And so I think Trump is enormously frustrated by the lack of equality in the way that he has been treated and the Democrat Party members , especially the Bidens have been treated .
So I think he demanded something that Barr refused to do and he handed in his resignation .
McCabe : All of that could have been massaged .
all of that could have been handled .
There could have been a meeting .
It ’ s like something could have been done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relationship between the cabinet officers and the White House .
And so what happens is it ’ s like you ’ re at a dinner party or cocktail party and someone spills a drink on your suit and the only choice you have is either walk away or ( Inaudible talk ) .
And this is the problem .
It ’ s like , you know , people are having conversations .
The White House staff under Trump was broken from the beginning because of the machinations of his daughter and his son-in-law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fruit , but you see it all the time .
There are people in the White House even today as we come to the end of Trump ’ s first term who are working to make Puerto Rico a state .
McCabe : Yes .
There ’ s the White House organization and Michael , you know this because of what our friend Stephen K. Bannon went through .
McCabe : The White House was never set up properly .
And you know , it ’ s like Jared Kushner said hey , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then everything that spills out of that .
Then Bannon says , hey , let ’ s bring in Kelly to replace Reince Priebus , and Kelly goes into the office for the oval officers first meeting with the president and says I ’ ll take this job if you fire Bannon .
And Trump is like , okay .
Like this is insane .
( Leahy chuckles ) Wednesday morning I think Ivanka and Jerry had their picture taken in New York shopping for their new home .
Right now I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Florida .
These two people won the fight .
There were battles in the White House and Jared and Ivanka would win those battles over regular people and over Trump people and so this is where we ’ re at .
And so Barr has been a disappointment .
But you know out of all the cabinet officers , who besides Barr and Pompeo were catching bullets for the president ?
No one .
Barr was upfront a lot .
So the idea that Barr was not sticking up for the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president is absurd .
Carmichael : I ’ m not saying that .
I ’ m just saying that I think he was asked to do something that he didn ’ t want to do and he just said then I ’ ll resign .
but I have a question for you .
I have another based on what you said .
Why would there still be people in the White House who are pushing for a Puerto Rican statehouse ?
Why would they still be there ?
McCabe : Well , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy , right ?
We learned that in the Reagan administration .
Carmichael : Yeah , but why didn ’ t when Trump come in , why didn ’ t all the White House staff leave ?
Why didn ’ t he simply replace all of them ?
McCabe : Crom , these are Trump people .
These people who were appointed by Trump .
It ’ s the same crowd led by Brooke Rollins that said to the president , do not confront the protesters in the streets .
Let the cities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us .
Leahy : So your point Neil is that the president ’ s administration from its very beginning has been more than a tad chaotic ?
McCabe : Right , and I think that unfortunately , he trusted people and he didn ’ t know when to fire people and he tried he trusted people .
And there are people who had an emotional hold on him and they exploited that emotional hold to the detriment of his administration .
Leahy : Crom has two questions for you .
Carmichael : Do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his four years ?
McCabe : I don ’ t know .
Where is my wall ?
Where is my concealed carry ?
Leahy : Neil , we ’ re about to run out of time .
I have two questions for you .
Where will Donald Trump be at 12:01 p.m. eastern time on January 20 ?
McCabe : He ’ ll be beginning his second term .
Leahy : Okay .
And how is that going to happen ?
McCabe : Well , I think what ’ s going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of information about how this election was stolen and rigged .
And people are waiting to rather than waste their time while it will be revealed in time for the Electoral College to make their decision on January 6 .
Leahy : Well , that would be Congress making the decision to accept the results in the Electoral College .
McCabe : Congress has to approve those results .
Leahy : On that note Neil , I think a lot is going to come out between now and then .
I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happen between now and January 6 .
Listen to the full third hour here : Tune in weekdays from 5:00 – 8:00 a.m. to the Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy on Talk Radio 98.3 FM WLAC 1510 .
Listen online at iHeart Radio .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-17--Here’s Everything We Know About the Hunter Biden Investigation

Hunter Biden , the son of President-elect Joe Biden , is the subject of a probe into possible connections to a prominent Chinese energy firm as well as an investigation into his tax affairs .
The President-elect ’ s son announced on Dec. 9 that federal authorities in his home state of Delaware were conducting an inquiry into his finances .
Hunter Biden ’ s business dealings with China remains the primary focus of the investigation , which began in 2018 , CNN ’ s Shimon Prokupecz reported .
The probe was put on hold during Joe Biden ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I learned yesterday for the first time that the U.S. Attorney ’ s Office in Delaware advised my legal counsel , also yesterday , that they are investigating my tax affairs , ” Hunter Biden said in the statement .
“ I take this matter very seriously but I am confident that a professional and objective review of these matters will demonstrate that I handled my affairs legally and appropriately , including with the benefit of professional tax advisors.
” Days later , federal investigators announced Hunter Biden was the subject @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with one of China ’ s largest energy companies , CEFC .
The corporation , which holds possible ties to the country ’ s communist regime , wired approximately $ 6 million dollars to accounts and firms controlled by the President-elect ’ s son between 2017 and 2018 .
Some of the wire transfers were flagged for criminal activity in a report released by Senate Republicans , the DCNF found .
Another transfer from a Russian billionaire in 2014 , which amounted to $ 3.5 million , was also flagged in the GOP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by federal authorities to release his foreign business records with more than two dozen companies , according to the Associated Press .
Ukranian energy company Burisma , where the President-elect ’ s son held a senior role , and multiple Chinese firms were named in the report , AP reported .
Hunter Biden gained national attention in October when he reportedly dropped his computer hard drive at a Delaware repair shop and never picked it up , according to the New York Post .
The hard drive contained lewd images of the President-elect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ picture of his business dealings with the Ukrainian firm , where he served in a high-level role for a salary of $ 50,000 per month , the Post reported .
The founder of the cybersecurity firm Errata Security Robert Graham told the Daily Caller News Foundation that one email in the drive , which was obtained by the DCNF for review , was “ unquestionably authentic.
” The email possibly linked both Joe and Hunter Biden to the Ukrainian business .
In the 2015 message , Vadym Pozharsky , an advisor to Burisma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hunter Biden for “ inviting me to DC and giving an opportunity to meet your father and spent [ sic ] some time together.
” The email purportedly contradicts a claim from Joe Biden that he “ had never spoken ” to his “ son about his overseas business dealings , ” the Post reported .
Moreover , Hunter Biden ’ s ex-business partner Tony Bobulinski in late October suggested that the President-elect was well aware of his son ’ s foreign relationships .
Bobulinski said in a press conference that he , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussed financial relationships in 2017 when the trio discussed a joint venture deal between Oneida Holdings and CEFC .
“ I have heard Joe Biden say he ’ s never discussed business with Hunter , ” said Bobulinski .
“ That is false.
” “ I was introduced to Joe Biden by Jim Biden and Hunter Biden , ” Bobulinski said .
“ In my approximately hour-long meeting with Joe that night we discussed Biden ’ s history , the Biden family business plans with the Chinese , with which he was plainly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level.
” Further analysis of the hard-drive by the DCNF showed that Joe Biden offered his son financial assistance at least four times between November of 2018 and March of 2019 .
“ Dad can you please cash app me $ 2,000 , ” Hunter Biden texted Joe Biden on March 15 , 2019 .
“ I ’ m again overdrawn in my account for bills that can ’ t be left unpaid.
” “ I ’ ll have it all paid back next week I hope , ” Hunter Biden texted his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the transfer went through .
Multiple emails and text messages appeared to paint a picture of financial distress for Hunter Biden .
The President-elect ’ s son in one message exchange asks a business partner for a $ 50,000 wire transfer while he ’ s stuck at a gas pump with no money in his account .
“ Buddy do you have cash app to send me … $ 100 until wire goes , ” Hunter Biden emailed his business partner Jeff Cooper .
“ I have no I have no money for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rest stop on 95 on my way from Boston to DC.
” Political figures have raised concerns about the investigation carrying over past Joe Biden ’ s inauguration .
“ That should not be investigated by someone appointed by the president any more than if one of his cabinet members is accused of something or his national security adviser , ” former ethics counsel to President George W. Bush Richard Painter told the New York Times .
“ This is the opportunity for the incoming president and attorney general , whoever he chooses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we need an office of special counsel , ” he continued .
Jake Dima is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Photo “ Hunter Biden ” by ABC News .
Photo “ Joe Biden ” by Gage Skidmore .
CC BY-SA 2.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-17--Texas Electors Pass Resolution Condemning Supreme Court Ruling as GOP Electors Cast Votes for Trump

Texas Electors Pass Resolution Condemning Supreme Court Ruling as GOP Electors Cast Votes for Trump in Five Swing States

Presidential electors met across the U.S. Monday to cast their vote for president and vice president .
In Austin , while Texas electors cast their vote for President Donald Trump , they also approved a resolution to “ condemn the lack of action by the United State Supreme Court ” for refusing to hear a lawsuit brought against four states by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton .
Mark Ramsey , of Spring and Texas ’ 10th Congressional District , introduced “ Defending the Integrity of Our Constitution , Our Elections and These United States.
” The resolution calls on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state legislatures of Pennsylvania , Wisconsin , Georgia and Michigan to “ convene and appoint their electors in accordance with the true constitutional vote of the people , or if undeterminable by appointing their electors directly.
” It passed by a vote of 34 to 4 .
As Texans cast their votes , Republican electors in five states ( Arizona , Georgia , Pennsylvania , Michigan and Nevada ) cast procedural votes for President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence , while their states formally appointed Democratic electors who voted for Democrat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ D-California .
Arizona ’ s Republican electors voted for Trump and Pence , according to the state ’ s Republican party .
Senator-elect Kelly Townsend published a three-page joint resolution of the 57th Legislature to the 116th Congress on Twitter , which “ calls on Congress to accept the alternative slate of electors and abstain from accepting the Biden electoral votes until investigations are completed.
” It is signed by 22 legislators and eight legislators-elect .
GOP electors in Georgia also voted for Trump and Pence .
David Shafer , chairman of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they did so because the “ President ’ s lawsuit contesting the Georgia election is still pending.
” “ The Republican nominees for Presidential Elector met today at noon at the State Capitol today and cast their votes for President and Vice President , ” Shafer tweeted Monday .
“ Had we not met today and cast our votes , the President ’ s pending election contest would have been effectively mooted .
Our action today preserves his rights under Georgia law.
” In Michigan , two separate slates of electors were cast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden .
Meshawn Maddock , Michigan Republican at-large national elector , said in a statement , “ Sending more than one slate of electors is not unheard of .
It ’ s our duty to the people of Michigan and to the U.S. Constitution to send another slate of electors if the election is in controversy or dispute – and clearly it is.
” The Pennsylvania GOP said in a news release that electors met in Harrisburg to “ cast a conditional vote ” for Trump and Pence “ at the request of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ BREAKING : Republican electors cast procedural vote , seek to preserve Trump campaign legal challenge.
” They did so as Democratic electors cast their Electoral College votes for Biden and Harris .
The Pennsylvania GOP cite the 1960 presidential election between Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy as the reason behind their procedural vote .
“ We took this procedural vote to preserve any legal claims that may be preserved going forward , ” Pennsylvania Trump Campaign Chairman Bernie Comfort in a statement .
Nevadan Republican electors also voted for Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ History made today in Carson City , Nevada , as @ McDonaldNV leads our electors in casting Nevada ’ s 6 electoral votes for the winner of Nevada , Donald Trump and Mike Pence !
” White House adviser Stephen Miller told Fox News that alternate groups of electors were being chosen in several states in case Trump wins his legal challenges .
“ The only date in the Constitution is Jan. 20 .
So we have more than enough time to right the wrong of this fraudulent election result and certify Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Miller said , referring to Inauguration Day .
In these five states , dueling electoral votes could be submitted to Congress by state legislatures that compete with those certified by the governor .
The last time dueling electors were submitted during a presidential election was in 1876 .
Bethany Blankley is a contributor to The Center Square .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-17--Tennessee Comptroller Justin Wilson Announces He is Leaving Office, Names Preferred Successor

Tennessee Comptroller Justin Wilson announced Wednesday that he is stepping down from his position , but he also said he has a successor in mind .
Wilson , in a letter to members of the Tennessee General Assembly , suggested that Deputy Comptroller Jason Mumpower replace him .
“ As I have contemplated my own future , I have determined that now is the time for me to step aside .
Although it has been my wonderful privilege to serve as your Comptroller , I will not seek a seventh term , ” Wilson wrote .
“ The General Assembly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in January .
I have encouraged Deputy Comptroller Jason Mumpower to seek election to the Office .
While the decision is yours , I am pleased to offer Jason my full and wholehearted endorsement to serve as Tennessee ’ s 35th Comptroller of the Treasury.
” Members of the Tennessee General Assembly elect the state comptroller , who serves a two-year term .
Wilson ’ s position is up for election in January .
The winner must receive a simple majority of 132 votes .
Comptroller spokesman John Dunn said Wednesday that Wilson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elections .
The Tennessee Journal published an article Wednesday that worried whether anyone other than Mumpower would run to replace Wilson .
“ While Wilson ’ s support for Mumpower is unsurprising — the two often parade around the legislative office complex in matching costumes — the last-minute timing is causing some gnashing of teeth in the Cordell Hull Building , ” The Tennessee Journal reported .
“ With the holiday season upon us and the ongoing pandemic wreaking havoc on government activities , the deck will be stacked against any other candidate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rival bid.
” Dunn told The Tennessee Star that Wilson is leaving for a reason .
“ I will say that Comptroller Wilson only recently made up his mind to not seek reelection , ” Dunn said .
“ He had heart surgery last week , which helped to solidify his thinking.
” Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-12-17--Top Silicon Valley Company Leaves California for Nashville

Revance Therapeutics ( Revance ) , a premiere biotechnology company , announced its plans to relocate its headquarters from Newark , California to Nashville .
It is the fourth prominent company to depart from Silicon Valley this month .
Governor Bill Lee and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe shared the news in a joint press release with Revance .
According to them , the company will invest over $ 10 million and create approximately 150 jobs .
“ We are pleased to welcome another West Coast , California-based company to Tennessee .
Revance Therapeutics is on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be an asset to Nashville ’ s business landscape , ” stated Rolfe .
Revance specializes in offerings ranging from aesthetic treatments for wrinkles to therapeutic treatments for restoring muscular movement inhibited by strokes or brain injuries .
The company ’ s net worth is an estimated $ 1.76 billion .
In the press release , Revance President and CEO Mark J. Foley recognized Tennessee as “ one of the top business growth areas in the U.S. ” for its “ favorable tax and policy environment.
” The company is one of many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a trend dubbed “ The California Exodus.
” Oracle , Tesla , and Hewlett Packard Enterprise moved their headquarters to Texas .
& WHY Residents are leaving as well .
Many were prompted by the economic strain of COVID-19 shutdowns , regulations , and restrictions , a majority opting for states boasting lower taxes and increased buying power like Texas and Florida .
California hasn ’ t been alone in losing more residents than it ’ s gained – New York has been facing the same problem .
The trend , expedited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for over a decade now .
The state of Tennessee provided economic incentives to Revance , but the TECD did not provide details , the Center Square reported .
The Tennessee Star reached out to Revance spokespersons for clarification on how taxes and policies in Tennessee proved better than those in California .
Revance stated that they couldn ’ t comment on specifics , but shared that their decision was driven in terms of compared policy and tax impacts on their business and employees .
Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Tennessee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Follow her latest on Twitter , or email tips to [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-12-17--Acclaimed Director and Producer Robby Starbuck to Run Against Representative Jim Cooper in 2022

Robby Starbuck intends to become 2022 ’ s leading Republican candidate , challenging Congressman Jim Cooper ( D-TN-05 ) for his long-held seat .
Starbuck is the son of Cuban refugees , husband to musical artist and anti-human trafficking activist Landon Newsom Starbuck , and father of three young children .
Starbuck was the first to announce a campaign run for the 2022 election , just two days after Election Day .
This year , no Republican candidates contested Representative Cooper during the election .
In an interview with The Tennessee Star , Starbuck explained that he ’ s running @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policies , preserve individual freedoms , and improve Tennessee ’ s educational system .
“ I understand the challenges that people face , and the dynamics at play .
I ’ ve owned a small business .
I ’ ve dealt with the nights where you lay in bed , thinking about how your decisions affect your workers and their families and their dinner table , ” said Starbuck .
“ I ’ ve always said this : the best politicians are reluctant politicians .
I didn ’ t grow up wanting to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my goals was building a healthy , happy family and doing a creative job .
But growing up and looking at my country from the vantage point of what the country would look like for my kids as adults , I realized I had to do something.
” Starbuck also explained to The Star that his approach to campaigning and representing constituents will differ greatly from Cooper and past Republican candidates .
He attributed his unique approach to his background .
“ Being Latino , I ’ m going to reach out to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nashville in a way that others haven ’ t previously done in this district .
I don ’ t think it was for any reason but for the idea that it ’ s hard to win those votes .
I think they ’ re worth fighting for – Trump showed us that this year , ” explained Starbuck .
“ All of my fellow Cubans are rabid political creatures , and we fight as hard as we can against socialism .
I bet you by the end of this , every Latino household @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or a door knock from us.
” Latino voters for President Donald Trump increased during this election compared to the last , and Black voters turned out for the President in historic numbers not seen since 1960 .
Starbuck likened his approach to two other men that put individual freedom and the working class first : Senators Josh Hawley ( R-MO ) and Rand Paul ( R-KY ) .
Starbuck also stated that his focus would be to serve the interests of working families in education .
He explained that he supports school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families to choose according to their needs .
“ They need to be empowered to take their children to schools they believe are best for them .
The person that is going to make the best decision is not the government , it ’ s not the schools – it ’ s the parents .
Everybody ’ s seen how teachers unions have behaved during this pandemic , ” stated Starbuck .
“ Chicago Teachers Union called it ‘ misogynistic ’ and ‘ racist ’ to return to school .
They ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answer to that is competition .
When you have to compete with other institutions , you have to make yourself attractive to parents .
You can ’ t be a propagandist for the right or left , you have to be politically neutral if you want to give kids the best education.
” Most importantly , Starbuck told The Star , his objective as a representative is direct communication with his constituents .
“ I will be the most transparent representative that anyone in the U.S. has had , ” asserted Starbuck .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to talk to their congressman .
It ’ s supposed to be a government by the people and for the people .
That goes for both sides .
Whatever your ideology is , I want to hear your opinion .
That is how we sharpen ourselves to be the best we can be – especially on things we [ representatives ] may not have considered the first go-around.
” To make his point , Starbuck shared stories of his visits to business-owners throughout the district .
Of all the constituents he met , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receiving any personal responses or meetings from Cooper .
“ I ’ ve yet to meet any small business owners throughout this pandemic that said they received a real response from him .
I just did an event with small business owners in Davidson and Dickson counties , ” stated Starbuck .
“ There were a lot of people there .
Not one person got an actual response from him or meeting with him .
Being a pragmatic individual , I understand you have to make decisions that people don ’ t understand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those decisions .
If I ever do anything [ as representative ] , they not only have a right to , but they have a moral obligation to meet with me – and I have a moral obligation to meet with them and discuss everything about my decision with them.
” Starbuck added that Cooper hasn ’ t challenged his brother , Nashville Mayor John Cooper , on the pandemic regulations that have put communities in financial straits .
“ Nobody ’ s gotten onto Cooper for those totally destructive policies that his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” stated Starbuck .
“ That ’ s going to be a very clear , dividing line between myself and [ Representative ] Cooper : I won ’ t be silent on those issues , like the tax hikes in Davidson , the lockdowns and destructions of small businesses .
I ’ ll serve as a check and balance rather than being an apologist , like him.
” Recently , Starbuck found himself in the midst of a Black Lives Matter ( BLM ) rally in Franklin .
Instead of leaving , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the timing as an opportunity to connect with the protestors .
“ We have a unique opportunity to introduce some emotional intelligence into policy explanations , ” said Starbuck .
“ I listened [ to the protestors ] , and at the end , I talked to some people and asked some questions .
I explained my reservations about some elements of the Marxist elements [ to BLM ] .
A woman I talked to , I played her the video of the [ BLM ] founders saying that they were trained Marxists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are dividing people by race in movements is more destructive because we ’ re teaching people to look at each other as skin color first .
She not only apologized for not knowing – which she didn ’ t need to do – she decided she was going to leave [ the rally ] and was embarrassed for being there.
” According to Starbuck , the woman said that Starbuck would be the first Republican she ’ d ever vote for .
The interaction took place prior to Starbuck announcing his run for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to meet with the Davidson County Republican Party .
Starbuck projected that his campaign will have solidified their team members and first wave of promotional material by the end of February .
Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and the Star News Network .
Follow her latest on Twitter , or email tips to [ email protected ] .
Photo “ Robby Starbuck ” by Garrett Richardson .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-17--DeKalb County Fails to Produce Drop Box Absentee Ballot Transfer Forms Required by State Election Bo

DeKalb County Fails to Produce Drop Box Absentee Ballot Transfer Forms Required by State Election Board Emergency Rule

With the January 5 run-off election for two U.S. Senate seats underway and election practices in Georgia for the November 3 presidential election remaining under intense scrutiny , DeKalb County has failed to produce the drop box absentee ballot transfer forms that are required under a State Election Board emergency rule .
Absentee ballot transfer forms are a critical piece in the chain of custody for votes deposited into the approximately 300 drop boxes deployed throughout the state of Georgia for the November election .
DeKalb County , with its 34 drop box locations , accounted for more than 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drop boxes .
DeKalb County received a $ 4.8 million grant from the Mark Zuckerberg-funded Center for Technology and Civic Life ( CTCL ) “ Safe Election ” project for the November election and is slated to receive another $ 4.6 million , The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Tuesday , as the January run-off is already underway .
Those funds were used for a number of election procedures in the county , including absentee ballot processing , counting , and collection of absentee ballots from drop boxes .
All told , Facebook founder and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CTCL “ Safe Elections ” project with $ 350 million .
Without the required approval from Georgia ’ s legislature , The Georgia Star News reported , the State Election Board established Rule 183-1-14-0.8-.14 “ Secure Absentee Ballot Drop Boxes ” at their July 1 , 2020 , meeting , The Board ’ s Rule provides a number of very prescriptive details regarding the drop boxes as well as how the absentee ballots deposited there are to be handled , which includes among other things that the two-person drop box ballot collection team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballot transfer form upon removing the ballots from the drop box , which shall include the date , time , location and number of ballots • Immediately transport those ballots to the county registrar , where they will be processed and stored in the same manner as absentee ballots returned by mail are processed and stored Upon receipt of the ballots from the collection team , the county registrar or a designee thereof shall sign the ballot transfer form upon receipt of the ballots from the collection team .
As The Star News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s U.S. runoff election just three weeks from now , there are still no publicly available chain of custody documents 465,000 drop box absentee ballots counted six weeks ago in the state ’ s November 3 general election .
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger certified that Democrat Joe Biden received slightly less than 12,000 more votes than Donald Trump in that election .
As a result of that certification , Biden received all 16 votes cast by Democrat electors when the Electoral College convened in the 50 state capitals on Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Star News reported that no chain of custody documents were publicly available for 500,000 drop box absentee ballots counted in the November 3 general election , the 159 counties in the state have made little progress in narrowing that statewide drop box absentee ballot chain of custody gap , and the Secretary of State has shown no interest in providing any assistance in narrowing that gap .
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From December 1 to December 13 , The Star News sent Open Records Requests for ballot transfer forms to all of Georgia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responded with records of the ballot transfer forms .
• 25 counties – Appling , Atkinson , Burke , Candler , Charlton , Chattooga , Dade , Effingham , Emanual , Glascock , Haralson , Heard , Jenkins , Macon , Meriwether , Miller , Randolph , Stewart , Talliaferro , Treutlen , Twiggs , Warren , Webster , Wilcox and Wilkinson – responded and said they do not have any drop box locations .
• 3 counties–Fulton , Gwinnett , and DeKalb–have responded by saying they don ’ t know if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Request , but will provide an answer to that question at some time in the near future .
In the case of Fulton County , that time in the near future could be as late as January 19 , 2021 .
• 109 counties have not responded to the request .
With 22 counties out of 159 in the state responding to The Star News Open Records Requests , chain of custody documents are now publicly available for just 134,471 of the 600,000 absentee ballots placed in drop boxes during the November 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A total of 78 percent of these absentee ballots , or 465,529 , have no publicly available chain of custody documents .
On December 1 , The Star News filed an open records request to DeKalb County , among other Georgia counties , for “ all ballot transfer forms ” from the November 3 general election .
The Star News reported that the initial response from DeKalb County came on December 4 from Assistant County Attorney Dexter Q .
Bond , Jr. who stated “ it has not yet been determined if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DeKalb County ’ s Department of Voting , Registration and Elections expected to make the determination if the chain of custody records exist within 30 business days , advised Bond .
Eleven days later , on December 15 , Bond sent an email to The Star News as a supplement to his December 4 email and attached records provided by DeKalb County ’ s Department of Voting , Registration and Elections that Bond described as being “ responsive to your request.
” The PDF attached to Bond ’ s supplemental email , titled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” unlike the PDF documents provided to The Star News by the 22 counties that complied with our information request for ballot transfer forms from the November 3 election , contained none of the information required on those ballot transfer forms .
Specifically , DeKalb County failed to a provide a chain of custody for the transport of absentee ballots from any of the 34 drop boxes used prior to the November 3 election to the registrar or designee at the county office .
You can see that PDF here : The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DeKalb County ’ s “ Official and Complete ” Election Summary Report for the November 3 , 2020 , general election for “ all contests , all districts , all tabulators , all counting groups dated November 19 showed that there were 129,036 ballots – nearly 35 percent of the 373,439 total – cast absentee by mail .
The Summary , however , does not distinguish between absentee ballots cast by mail or drop box , even though Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger ’ s office told Breitbart News that it did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absentee ballots cast statewide in the November 3 general election were delivered by mail versus drop box , but the counties should know .
What DeKalb County provided to document a portion of the chain of custody for absentee ballots is titled “ Early Processing Transfer of Absentee Ballots ” for the November 3 , 2020 , election .
The form has two sections to it , with one relating to the “ pre-tabulation area ” and the other for the “ tabulation area , ” and appears to have no relevance to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 34 drop boxes and transfer to the registrar .
Analysis of the documents that were provided by DeKalb County ’ s Department of Voting , Registration and Elections reveals a number of additional issues : • 4 of the 9 forms were dated after election day , November 3 • In one case , a person signing as a member of the two-person “ surrender team ” also signed as a member of the two-person “ acceptance team ” • In two instances , only one person signed on behalf of the two-person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instance , only one person signed on behalf of the two-person “ acceptance team ” • In three cases , the time was not documented by the pre-tabulation area “ surrender team ” • There were two instances when the time was not documented by the tabulation area “ acceptance team ” • There were two instances when the box was not checked to indicate that there was a match in the seal number • Two of the transfers were documented on plain paper , versus the standardized form But , most notably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forms documented the number of ballots transferred .
Comparatively and to the credit of the Director of Registration and Elections in that county , Cobb County responded to The Star News Open Record Request by providing documentation of over 460 ballots transfers on 253 forms contained in five separate files .
Analysis of Cobb County documentation revealed that there were a number of issues with drop box absentee ballot transfers , including violating the State Board of Election Rule relative to absentee ballots being “ immediately transported ” from drop boxes to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 89,000 absentee ballots taking more than one hour to be transferred from drop boxes to the registrar , Star News reported .
However , Cobb County at least sought to follow the State Board of Election Rule by employing a form that complied with the specifics of the Rule about documenting the transfer of absentee ballots from drop boxes to the registrar .
It remains unclear whether DeKalb County ’ s Department of Voting , Registration and Elections and the Assistant County Attorney did not understand the open records request for “ all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election ” – although Star News was not asked for any clarification of the request – or if the drop box absentee ballot transfer forms don ’ t exist for DeKalb County .
Laura Baigert is a senior reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network .
Photo “ Absentee Ballot Drop Off ” by Jeff Knezovich .
CC BY-SA 2.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-17--Ohio Attorney General Warns Against COVID-19 Vaccination Scams

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is warning residents to watch out for scams related to the coronavirus vaccine distribution that began this week .
Yost has said scammers could potentially impersonate distributors or other health officials to mine for personal information such as a Social Security number with promise of putting them on a list to get vaccinated .
“ A single dose of information can vaccinate you against fraud , ” Yost said in a statement this week .
Yost also said that scammers may also ask for advance payment to secure consumers ’ place in line and warned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , phone call , post mail , text message or social media accounts .
Scammers have been attempting to con consumers since the first week of COIVD-19 lockdown in March , according to data from Yost ’ s Constituent Services Section .
The attorney general ’ s office said it has seen 39 complaints of potential COVID-19-related scams .
Some of the scams asked people to pay for advice on how to treat COVID-19 , pay for access to care and to give personal information in order to get medication or prevent catching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier this week , with healthcare workers being among the first to be innoculated .
Nearly 1,000 doses were delivered to the Ohio State University ’ s Wexner Medical Center and the University of Cincinnati Medical Center on Monday .
To avoid scams , Yost recommended to verify vaccine-related information with news reports and be wary of being asked to pay money or give out personal information like a Social Security number .
The attorney general said consumers who suspect an unfair business practice or want support addressing a consumer problem can contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ www.OhioProtects.org or 800-282-0515 .
Jordyn Pair is a reporter with The Ohio Star .
Follow her on Twitter at @ JordynPair .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-17--The Selection Process for Virginia GOP Delegates, Explained

To vote in the Republican Party of Virginia ’ s ( RPV ) nomination of its 2021 candidates , citizens will have to be delegates to the nomination convention .
Selecting delegates is a process controlled by local branches of the GOP , called units .
Former Chair of the Republican Party of Norfolk Pam Brown said the easiest way to start the process is to contact the local unit chairman .
She said , “ You can find that on the RPV site , they have linked email addresses to all the local unit chair members , and there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Would-be delegates have to file paperwork with their unit , which will then select the delegates at a mass meeting .
Delegates can attend the meeting , but it is not required .
Those who want to file should visit their local unit ’ s website , according to Prince William County GOP Vice-Chairman Willie Deutsch .
“ They ’ re going to have a form there , that form will have a deadline and a place to mail it to .
[ The applicant ] will submit it by that deadline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t been a Democrat in the past , he will be approved.
” Deutsch said there are caps on how many delegates a unit can send , but that it is rare to hit that limit .
If someone with a history as a Democrat wants to be a delegate , they also have to swear not to engage in Democratic activities .
After delegates are confirmed at the mass meeting , the list of delegates will be turned over to the campaigns , who will lobby the delegates for votes .
Each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but the local call for delegates can ’ t come out until the RPV governing body , the State Central Committee ( SCC ) , issues its own call specifying the exact format and timing of the convention .
The convention is expected to be unassembled , meaning that delegates will be able to drop off their ranked-choice ballots at nearby locations instead of having to drive to one location with thousands of other delegates .
“ The process has yet to be established , but I hope and expect it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” SCC member Mauricio Tamargo said .
Delegates do not have to pay to vote for a candidate for public office , according to RPV Chair Rich Anderson .
“ RPV often asks for payment of a voluntary fee , but no one has to pay as a condition for voting , ” Anderson said .
Deutsch said , “ It is illegal to require someone to pay a fee to vote for public office .
The courts ruled it a poll tax in the ’ 90s.
” However , delegates who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be required to pay a fee .
For example , the 2020 RPV call for delegates mandated a $ 35 fee for delegates voting on party officials .
“ To assist the operations of the Republican Party of Virginia in supporting unit mass meetings and conventions , and the administration of the state Convention , a Delegate Registration Fee of Thirty-Five Dollars ( $ 35.00 ) is requested of each person standing for election as a delegate or alternate delegate to the state Convention , ” the call states .
Brown and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delegates to pay fees .
After the SCC issues its call , campaigns will reach out to voters across the state trying to line up delegates who will vote for their candidate .
Delegates are under no obligation to vote for any specific person , but typically they will vote for the campaign that helped them register to be a delegate .
Different regions of the state are assigned a different amount of votes , using a formula based off Republican party turnout in the previous general election .
Then , those votes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ register to represent that unit .
For example , Richmond City was allocated 111 votes in 2020 .
No matter how many delegates attended the convention , those votes were split across those delegates .
In rare cases , that can lead to a small amount of delegates being worth a lot of votes .
As a result , a major strategic element of the campaign involves registering delegates .
Campaigns need to start contacting lists of likely delegates , and need to have a strong presence at local party meetings .
Those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lists from previous years .
That ’ s why campaigns need experience with the convention process ; Brown said that a campaign without that experience should hire a strategist with a database of previous delegates and other Republican supporters .
“ As we get into the turn of the new year , every campaign running statewide will be building the list of which unit has deadlines when , and have the forms to push people to file , ” Deutsch said .
“ I would go after the big units first , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s running for governor would probably [ start ] with the Fairfax , northern Virginia units , those huge units.
” Although it changes every year , in 2020 Fairfax County had 1,099 votes .
Virginia Beach had 633 , Chesterfield County had 573 , Prince William County had 473 , and Loudoun County had 465 .
Many other units had less than 100 votes .
Brown continued , “ Then I would go after the Virginia Beach and Chesapeake units next .
And then I would go after the larger Richmond units @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extra hurdle for campaigns trying to sign up delegates , since normally statewide campaigns would pay staff or have volunteers at local unit meetings to recruit delegates for their candidate .
Brown said the key this year will be who can leverage platforms like Facebook Live and Zoom .
“ It ’ s going to require a lot of thought and a lot of creativity to try campaigning in this kind of environment , ” she said .
“ Somebody has got to really know their stuff from a virtual perspective , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ norm.
” Eric Burk is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .
Photo “ Virginia Capitol ” by Skip Plitt – C ’ ville Photography .
CC BY-SA 3.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-17--Fulton County Whistleblower Barred by Officials from Serving as Poll Management or Worker for Georgi

Fulton County Whistleblower Barred by Officials from Serving as Poll Management or Worker for Georgia Runoff Election

The Fulton County whistleblower who alleged improper ballot processing in an affidavit was removed from working as a poll manager or in any polling positions for the runoff election .
It is unclear whether this decision will extend to future elections .
The affiant , Bridget Thorne , appeared on Fox News earlier this month to discuss her allegations of improper vote processing .
Thorne worked the election as a Dominion Voting Systems ( Dominion ) certified technician .
In the preceding paragraphs notifying her of the officials ’ decision , the letter thanked and commended Thorne for her service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to consistently provide professional and quality election services to the citizen voters located throughout Fulton County Georgia .
Your participation and support as a poll manager has enabled our department to collectively accomplish this end , ” read the letter .
However , the letter continued to state that the superintendent didn ’ t opt to reappoint her .
The letter didn ’ t offer any specific reason as to why .
“ There are many factors ( management skills , performance , actions , behavior , etc . )
considered prior to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Unfortunately , the decision has been made to not reappoint you in a poll management or other poll positions in Fulton County , ” stated the letter .
The letter gave Thorne the option to contact their elections office for additional information .
Fulton County Elections Consultant Dwight Brower signed off on the letter .
On election night last month , Brower was one of the officials that told reporters that a hours-long counting delay was due to a burst water pipe .
“ There was a pipe that burst in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thank goodness that none of those ballots were damaged , ” Brower told The Atlanta Journal Constitution .
Subsequent reports from other officials discovered that a pipe hadn ’ t burst , as election officials originally claimed .
Thorne ’ s affidavit alleged that test ballots used for testing and calibration were handled “ in a haphazard and careless way.
” She described test ballots left unsupervised across the facility , and batches were ultimately lost .
Thorne also alleged that she ’ d witnessed another worker generating random , live ballots rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alleged that live ballots were disorganized , left unsupervised , and improperly transported .
Thorne also testified that her regional supervisor green-lighted American Civil Liberties Union ( ACLU ) personnel to work as absentee ballot “ clerks.
” According to her , these clerks had access to the voter database via personal laptops .
The Georgia Star News reached out to Thorne regarding the letter ; Thorne didn ’ t respond with comment by press time .
Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Georgia Star News and the Star News Network .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ email tips to [ email protected ] .
Photo “ Poll Worker ” by Phil Roeder .
CC BY 2.0 .