Tennessee Democratic Party Chairman Chip Forrester today released the following statement on the two year anniversary of President Obama’s signing of the Affordable Care Act – which to date has helped millions of middle class families, seniors, and young people receive quality affordable health care:
“Two years ago with the stroke of a pen, [...]
TNDP News
Following Tuesday’s vote by House Republicans to reject an extension of the payroll tax cut for the middle class passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in the Senate, Tennessee Democratic Party Chairman Chip Forrester issued the following statement:
“In less than two weeks, 160 million Americans will be hit with a tax hike in the middle of the holiday season because House Republicans turned their backs on America’s working families and voted against extending a payroll tax cut for the middle class.
“Their inaction comes just days after Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. Senate, including Sen. Lamar Alexander, worked together in the name of compromise to pass a two-month extension of the payroll tax cut and unemployment insurance benefits that provide a vital lifeline to millions of Americans who have lost their jobs as a result of the economic downturn.
“That bipartisan bill passed the Senate 89-10 – with the support of many conservative Republicans – and after this critical compromise, for House Republicans to say no and vote to raise taxes on 160 million hardworking Americans is simply extremism at its worst.
“It’s more and more clear that Tennessee’s Republican Congressmen are terrified of disappointing Tea Party extremists, even if the consequence is a tax increase on millions of working and middle-class families.
“This is a Republican-inflicted wound to our economic recovery.
“Republicans pay lip service to the middle class. But, when push comes to shove they will move heaven and earth to pass tax breaks for millionaires, billionaires and big corporations while raising taxes on 160 million middle class Americans.
“That’s a position for which they will pay a price with the American people.”
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“General Motors’ expansion in Spring Hill is great news for Tennesseans and a huge credit is owed to the United Auto Workers, who made the deal that got this plant fully reopened. Over the coming months, we will see more than 1,700 new GM jobs and countless jobs created through the parts supply chain. This announcement boosts Tennessee’s economy and strengthens our communities.
“But this announcement would not be possible without President Obama’s successful loan to the auto industry, which gave automakers a pathway to profitability and saved hundreds of thousands of American jobs.
“It’s upsetting that some politicians said Spring Hill auto workers weren’t worth the time and fixing the American auto industry wasn’t worth the money, but today’s announcement shows the President’s investment paid off.
“What’s more upsetting is that some politicians are taking credit for these new jobs when they’ve opposed similar investments or sat silent when these deals were negotiated. If politicians like Sen. Corker, Rep. DesJarlais and Gov. Haslam’s friend Mitt Romney had been in charge, there would be no American auto industry and Spring Hill would be a ghost town.
“Industry experts have been clear: our auto companies would have faced liquidation under the extreme right-wing plan and more than 1 million Americans would have lost their jobs permanently.
“If not for the auto industry investment, no amount of tax breaks or credits would have brought General Motors or Chrysler back from the brink of ruin. If not for that investment, these new Spring Hill jobs would not be possible.
“This announcement is a perfect reminder of how crucial investments in our infrastructure, our schools and our workforce are for creating a robust economy that works to grow opportunity for working and middle class Tennesseans.”
BACKGROUND
Auto Workers’ Deal with GM Reopened Spring Hill Plant. “The basis that we went into the agreement with was jobs, jobs, jobs, and I think that is what we came out of this agreement with,” UAW Vice President Joe Ashton said at a news conference revealing details of the GM deal. Since emerging from bankruptcy with a billion federal aid package two years ago, GM has added thousands of jobs in the U.S., and the new agreement could open up another 6,400 slots. The automaker is promising to launch new products at plants in Spring Hill, Tenn., the former home of its now-abandoned Saturn division, as well as at factories in Michigan and Missouri.” [MSNBC, 9/21/11]
FLASHBACK: Republicans Bob Corker, Lamar Alexander, Marsha Blackburn Applaud Jobs From GM Loan They Opposed. [Washington Monthly, 9/20/11]
NASHVILLE — Tennessee Democratic Party Chairman Chip Forrester issued a statement in support of state Senator Roy Herron’s lawsuit against the Federal Election Commission filed last Friday.
In a recent investigation, six FEC commissioners unanimously agreed U.S. Rep. Stephen Fincher had broken the law in reporting a 0,000 loan used during his political campaign. However, three Republican commissioners successfully voted to block the FEC from punishing Fincher — despite the FEC counsel’s recommendation to hold Fincher accountable for his violations.
That essentially gave Fincher a “get out of jail free” card, Forrester said.
“It is wrong to find Mr. Stephen Fincher guilty of breaking the law, and then refuse to hold him accountable. Our elections must have integrity, and if Washington politicians like Stephen Fincher won’t follow the law and are not held accountable by the FEC, we are glad a statesman like Roy Herron is willing to take on the corruption.”
The FEC has 60 days to respond to the lawsuit.
“A year ago, Mr. Fincher lied when he told everyone who would listen that the FEC approved the shady 0,000 bank loan he used to finance his political campaign,” Forrester said. “Since then we have learned the truth. The FEC has found him guilty of breaking the law, but due to Washington politics, won’t hold him accountable.
“Mr. Fincher has adamantly refused to admit any wrongdoing and has clearly failed the most critical tests of leadership: telling the truth and leading by example,” Forrester said. “Mr. Fincher and Washington, D.C. politicians sadly appear to share a common goal in their willful disregard for accountability.
“Handing out ‘get out of jail free’ cards to Washington, D.C. politicians who break the law is not justice. Tennesseans deserve better, and if Roy Herron has to take on the entire Federal Election Commission to make Washington work for Tennesseans again, we will support him all the way.”
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BACKGROUND: LIES FINCHER TOLD ABOUT THE LOAN TO MEDIA LAST YEAR
Decision 2010: FEC investigating 0K bank loan made to Fincher
WMC TV, October 21 http://www.wmctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=13367582#
Fincher: “The FEC said it’s OK. The bank said it’s OK. The bank’s lawyer said it’s OK, and I say it’s OK. It’s a legal loan.”
Fincher refuses to release tax returns: Republican blasts ‘witch hunt’; Herron spokesman says ‘sketchy finances are legitimate issue
The Jackson Sun, October 1
http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20101001/NEWS01/10010310/Fincher-refuses-to-release-tax-returns
Stephen Fincher said Thursday he will not release his tax returns, saying he has not done anything illegal and the allegations his Democratic opponent Roy Herron has made against him are a “witch hunt.” …
Fincher said the bank, the bank’s attorney, and the FEC have all cleared the loan…
Speaking in an interview after his address in Martin, Fincher said the loan is legitimate in every sense.
Biggest controversy in the 8th District race, a loan taken out by Republican Fincher
WKNO, NPR Memphis, October 22
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wkno/news.newsmain/article/0/0/1716467/Mid-South.News/Biggest.Controversy.In.8th.District.Race.A.Loan.Taken.Out.By.Republican.Fincher
When questioned directly about the loan at a public forum at Union University Fincher said, “The FEC said the loan is okay.” The FEC hasn’t explicitly okayed the loan. Fincher also restated his refusal to disclose the terms of the loan, or his tax returns…
This week the FEC responded. The Commercial Appeal reported Wednesday that the Gates Bank and Trust and Fincher’s campaign treasurer had received letters from the FEC, but it is unclear when more action may happen.
Ciaramitaro said Fincher’s campaign might not respond to all the FEC’s requests until after the election.
Rulings needed on Fincher finances
Editorial – The Jackson Sun, October 19
http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20101019/OPINION01/10190303
Fincher has said he filled out the forms in good faith. “Nothing has been done that is unethical or intentionally inaccurate,” he said in an interview last month. Read those comments carefully. Fincher leaves the door wide open to the forms being wrong.
After he spoke, his handlers quickly added that any mistakes on the forms would be corrected after the campaign. That’s not soon enough. If Fincher made a mistake, he should admit it now. The people he seeks to represent deserve no less.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Chip Forrester, the chairman of the Tennessee Democratic Party, accepted a larger role in the national Democratic Party Friday with his election to a governing body with national influence.
Forrester will serve a term on the Democratic National Committee’s Executive Committee, the policy-making arm and governing body of the national party.
Forrester was elected unanimously to the DNC Executive Committee at a meeting of the Association of State Democratic Chairs. He will serve as that group’s Southern Chair on the DNC Executive Committee and will work as a representative for the region.
The new role will give Tennessee a more powerful voice in national affairs and policy decisions, particularly during the upcoming 2012 election.
“I am honored to have the unanimous support of my colleagues, other state chairs and vice chairs, who have expressed their confidence in me by electing me to this important national position on our party’s Executive Committee,” Forrester said. “I have promised them that I will faithfully ensure that state parties are heard and their needs addressed at DNC Executive Committee meetings.”
Media Contact: Brandon Puttbrese – 615-327-9779
Wilson Forrester, the 19-year-old son of Tennessee Democratic Party Chairmen Chip Forrester, passed away unexpectedly Saturday.
Wilson Forrester died in Tucson, Ariz., where he was a sophomore at the University of Arizona studying business finance.
Wilson leaves behind his father Chip, mother Alice Forrester, brother Evan Forrester and stepmother Gabrielle Mittelstaedt as well as scores of friends.
“Our family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of support during this trying time. Your thoughts and prayers give us strength,” Forrester said. “While Wilson’s death is tragic, his life was not. Wilson had an absolute passion for life and he adventured through each day with a sense of purpose and an open mind.”
A Celebration of Wilson’s Life will be held at Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet High School, 700 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203 on Saturday, April 9.
The family will receive friends between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the school.
A Celebration of Life service will follow from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
At this time, the cause of death is not known, but foul play is not suspected. While results of the death investigation are forthcoming, the family asks for respectful consideration of their privacy.
A Facebook page, “In Memory of Wilson Waters Forrester,” has been set up for friends and family to offer remembrances.
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to the Wilson Waters Forrester Celebration of Life Fund, Acct: 183717507 at any First Tennessee bank branch or by sending a check to “Wilson Waters Forrester Celebration of Life Fund,” P.O. Box 198107, Nashville, TN 37219.
Several people have asked for a way to contribute to the Celebration of Life Fund online. We have set up a PayPal site so you can make a donation to the fund using a PayPal account or credit card. To give online visit: http://bit.ly/WilsonFund.
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Bill strips Tennessee teachers’ ability to negotiate contracts
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Democratic Party chair denounced Thursday the anti-teacher bill approved by House Republicans on the Education Committee this week.
The “so-called compromise” bill continues a misguided effort to strip teachers of their current right to negotiate classroom improvements for students, better working conditions and fair wages.
“To call this a compromise is nothing short of ridiculous,” said Chip Forrester, chair of the Tennessee Democratic Party. “You don’t make compromises with yourself. This was a back room deal cut in secret between Republicans, Republicans and presumably their public relations people.”
The anti-teacher bill makes it illegal for teachers to effectively negotiate a contract covering their salary, benefits, working conditions, school safety, class size, planning time, time to teach, length of the school day, scheduling and other priorities. The measure passed the House Education Committee Tuesday on a 12-6 party-line vote.
“This is nothing more than a Republican PR stunt,” Forrester said. “It is not a compromise — it is a blatant power play to strip teachers of their right to effectively negotiate with their employer.”
“With state unemployment rising and Tennesseans clamoring for work, the majority party and the administration should be pursuing an aggressive jobs package, but once again, all we are seeing is a concerted effort to shred the rights of working people,” Forrester said. “Meanwhile Democrats are standing by their pledge to get people working again and will introduce proposals in the coming weeks that would bring more jobs to Tennessee and preserve quality jobs and rights for our teachers and all working families across the state.”
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Media Contact: Brandon Puttbrese at 615-327-9779
NASHVILLE – Tennessee Democratic Party Chairman Chip Forrester vowed he would continue to hold
Republicans’ feet to the fire on behalf of Tennesseans who struggle to provide a better life for their
families during his next two-year term at the party’s helm.
He also promised to unify Tennessee Democrats for the hard work ahead to regain majorities in the
state’s General Assembly and its congressional delegation. Forrester won re-election as party chairman
on Saturday after a spirited campaign among two other candidates, whom he said he looks forward
working with in unifying and moving the party forward.
“Each one of them should be thanked by all Tennessee Democrats for their desire to help this party
and this state,” Forrester said of Matt Kuhn and Wade Munday. “We have much to do in the next two
years to ensure we elect Democrats who will work tirelessly to ensure our communities have good jobs,
effective schools and a quality of life each of us deserve.
“Tennessee Democrats care about our communities and the people who live in them. Too often we
overlook the less fortunate among us. We cannot forget those who get left behind in the progress of
today’s society.
“It’s our job as Democrats to ensure everyone has an opportunity to succeed, and we can only do that
if we fight for our principles and have selfless leaders and elected officials who fight for those same
principles. Matt and Wade have shown they are Democrats who will go to the mat for their principles,”
he said.
Forrester received 38 votes from then party’s executive committee, which selects the chairman every
two years. Kuhn received 17 votes, and Munday received 10. Forrester said he was committed to
involving all interested Democrats in the electoral process.
“I am honored and humbled by the support that I received from the state executive committee in my
bid for re-election as chair of the Tennessee Democratic Party,” he said. “But I am also pleased that, in
this race for chair, we had challengers who brought energy, enthusiasm and new ideas to be discussed.
Young Democrats are the future of our party, and I am pleased these challengers stepped up to offer
themselves for service to our party.
“My number one objective is to unify our party. I honor and respect those on the executive committee
who did not support me and will work to make them an integral part of moving this party and our state
forward,” Forrester added.
