Senator Corker’s campaign released a new TV ad entitled “No More!” I encourage you to watch it and hear his goals and plans for Senate service in the days ahead.
I think it encapsulates Corker’s approach over the last 6 years. It’s the reason I will vote for Bob Corker in August and November. It’s the reason I encourage you to do the same.
I’ve heard many people address Corker’s record, including the Senator himself. Senator Corker claims he is a Conservative and that his votes reflect that. His detractors call him a RINO and email lists of his votes and email lists of his votes they say prove it. Others claim Corker votes with Obama 61% of the time. What is the truth about Corker’s voting record?
Election years are all about embellishment, spin and selective presentation from both sides. My decision to support Senator Corker was made less by listening to campaign rhetoric and more by looking at Corker’s record – across all six years of his service – as evaluated by those who have shown, over time, they are fair and independent advocates for the goals and principles I hold dear.
You can check my statements at VoteSmart’s Ratings page for Senator Corker. If I list a group as rating Senator Corker, I list all their ratings since 2007. If only one or two entries appear it’s because the group only issued one or two, not because I left any out. My list below is not exhaustive. Corker has been rated on a wide range of issues. Click through to see them. I listed ratings recognized as benchmarks for Conservatives. Groups like NTU, ACU and Eagle Forum. I included a couple of ratings from “the dark side,” too. Groups like the ACLU, SEIU and the NEA.
On Abortion, Senator Corker has a 100% rating from the National Right to Life Committee. Every year since 2007. The pro-abortion group NARAL has given him a 0% rating. Every year since 2007.
On Budget items, the National Taxpayers Union (NTU) rated him at 83% in 2009, 99% in 2010 and 90% in 2011. Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) scored Corker at 66% in 2007, 70% in 2008, 88% in 2009 and 97% in 2010. Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) rated him at 90% for 2007.
Small Business leaders agree that Corker is good for business. The National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) rated Senator Corker at 100% in 2011 and 91% for 2007-2008.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) rated Corker at 14% in 2007-2008 and just 7% in 2009-2010.
The American Conservative Union (ACU) rated Bob Corker at 83% in 2007 and 2008, 84% in 2009, 92% in 2010 and 85% in 2011. He holds a Lifetime rating from them of 85%. The Club for Growth rated him at 60% in 2007, 73% in 2008, 84% in 2009, 94% in 2010 and 93% in 2011. Eagle Forum ranked Corker at 94% in 2007, 87% in 2008 and 2009, 100% in 2010 and 53% in 2011. The National Journal’s Conservative Composite score for Corker was 76% in 2007, 78% in 2008, 66% in 2009, 77% in 2010 and 79% in 2011.
The National Education Association (NEA) gave Corker a “D” in 2007 and 2008 and an “F” in 2009, 2010 and 2011.
On Family issues, The Family Research Council rated Corker at 100% in 2007 and 2008 while the American Family Association (AFA) gave him 100% every year from 2007 to 2010.
On Immigration Issues, 2007′s English First ranked Corker at 100% and the Federation for American Immigration Reform ranked him at 93% for 2009-2010.
Unions ranked Corker as follows. The AFL-CIO ranked him at 26% in 2007, 10% in 2008, 23% in 2009, 11% in 2010 and 2011. The SEIU ranked him at 25% in 2007, 0% in 2008, 25% in 2009, and 3% in 2010.
Clearly, Bob Corker is no RINO and he doesn’t vote with Obama 61% of the time. Clearly he can be trusted by Conservatives. Not that there is no room for improvement. No incumbent scores perfect on all the issues. But Corker started with a solid foundation in Conservatism in position and policy as evidenced by his votes. He has improved that foundation over time. There is no reason to believe that will change in the future.
Senator Corker has been a strong voice for Conservatives. That voice grows stronger daily. There is no need to change this political horse in the middle of the stream. In fact, there is every reason to care for and feed this particular mount. He’s strong, he’s consistent and he’s delivered for Tennessee and for the nation.
I’m proud to support and endorse Bob Corker for re-election. As a consistent, concerned Conservative, I’ll be voting for him in August and November. I hope you’ll join me. America needs the leadership for her next six years that Bob Corker has demonstrated for the last six years.
#1 by Matt Collins on 07/09/2012 - 14:49
Ken Marrero, the supposed tea party leader, is NOT to be trusted; he is a shill for the establishment and he has just proven it!
“Bailout Bob” Corker’s voting record is completely against the principles that Ken allegedly purported to represent some time ago.
Another sellout, no surprise, although I’ve known it for quite some time but it’s nice that he’s finally showing his true colors to everyone else.
Here is Corker’s voting record in case anyone cares, apparently Ken supports all of this unconstitutional leviathan:
http://mickeywhite.blogspot.com/2010/12/senator-bob-corker-voted-poorly.html
#2 by Mark Rogers on 07/11/2012 - 01:36
Matt,
One of the first signs of a would-be despot is the desire to treat opposing opinions are treason. It is easier to deal with traitors than debate critics.
With Senator Corker, I would never worry about him doing that. You, on the other hand, are just the type, if given the chance, to purge those who disagree with you.
#3 by Matt Collins on 07/11/2012 - 20:44
Opinions are one thing, actions are another.
Bob Corker has sold the country down the river and has taken both money and liberty from me, and my family. I don’t take too kindly to that.
#4 by Kendra Tilley on 07/15/2012 - 15:06
Then be sure to vote for Zach Poskevich. He is one of us. I can personally guarantee that!!!
#5 by Jim Brown on 07/09/2012 - 14:53
Bailout Bob is a conservative only by liberal standards. Corker is big government big spender. Have you seen the video of him sucking up to JPM CEO Dimon? His non-support of auditing the FED is just another reason not to vote for him. If you support Corker there’s no way you can be a conservative, but you must be a big government republican.
#6 by Blue Collar Muse on 07/09/2012 - 15:18
Matt (and Jim to the extent it applies) -
I am well aware of your opinions and expected your responses.
Sad to see you make it personal. It’s not possible that I can be just wrong. I have to be a sellout and a shill and whatever …
Such disagreement by disparagement is an eventual zero sum game for you. Because eventually, everyone will make it on to your “list” of shills and you’ll drive them away as well, one by one.
You’ll have your kingdom and it will be perfect and it will be very lonely with a population of one. But that is your choice.
For the record, I have never claimed to be a “Tea Party Leader.” Others have portrayed me as such. I am a writer and an activist and an individual with opinions that are mine and mine alone. I don’t claim they are representative of the Tea Party or that Tea Party folks should share them.
I do consider myself a member of the Tea Party. I believe in and support their goals, principles and values. I believe that Senator Corker does as well. Thus my support for him.
However, as I wrote, this does not mean I believe that Senator Corker has been perfect. He has not. It means I believe what I have told anyone and everyone who I have interacted with for the last 5 years, “The man who is with me 80% of the time is not my enemy, he is my natural ally!”
It’s why I took the time, not to defend a specific vote of Corker’s or to take exception with it, but to demonstrate that his record is clearly Conservative and on our side of things the vast majority of the time.
You didn’t address that. You pulled out the same, dreary and worn out list of votes, presented out of context, that we’ve all seen and that all the Conservatives around the country are aware of and despite which the Senator still scores well in demonstrated Conservative group evaluations.
Your mistake is believing that anyone, including yourself, would vote correctly 100% of the time. You also are mistaken to believe that you will have any opportunity to influence Senator Corker to move in your direction. As we have discussed, you and I agree on probably 95% of things. But you will never be able to influence Corker. I will.
Why? Because you denigrate and damage and try to destroy those you disagree with to even the slightest degree and suggest that makes you a principled Conservative. It just makes you rude, thuggish and a bully wannabe. This is not the way to practice politics or any other activity that requires the participation of someone other than yourself.
But it’s your tactic and strategy of choice. I leave you to it. We’ll see how it works out for you …
#7 by Matt Collins on 07/11/2012 - 21:48
If the shoe fits…
And if you think Corker gives a damn about what you think or say, you are delusional. You have fallen into the “activist access trap” meaning you sell out principle for access. What you don’t realize is that you have now become an establishment mouthpiece; or maybe you do realize it?
You want to be friends with the politicians and have them take your calls. I want them to do what I tell them to do. Power |= access. I’m here to bring back liberty, not to win a popularity contest.
The good news is that your blog doesn’t hold any influence over anyone either. In fact, judging by the comments below, you seem to have irritated the majority of the readers that are here. In fact you have pretty much painted yourself into the corner of irrelevance. The political class doesn’t care what the grassroots thinks, and the activists don’t pay attention to shills for very long. Therefore the more nonsense you spew the more politically impotent you become which I am happy about because it means that those of us who are principled, dedicated, unwavering, and won’t sell out, can push forward with less resistance since you hare relegated yourself to the sidelines.
#8 by Ipostle on 10/18/2012 - 16:06
People who know Corker have to raise their voice to be heard.This doesn’t make them extremists.We’ve had enough of you.Blogger or columnist doesn’t make you an expert on what’s conservative.If Corker listened to the Bankers & not the taxpayers during TARP that makes him an enemy of the “Tea Party”.You know not of what you speak.
#9 by Bill Hobbs on 07/09/2012 - 16:07
Haven’t always agreed with you, Ken, and haven’t always agreed with Corker, either, but I’m with you on this. On balance, Corker deserves a second term. Do I like every vote he has cast? No, but I didn’t like everything Ronald Reagan did, either, yet revere Reagan. America would be far better off if we had had 60 senators like Corker in the U.S. Senate the last four years.
#10 by Mark Rogers on 07/11/2012 - 01:19
Bill,
Well said.
#11 by Mike on 07/15/2012 - 23:19
I must be missing something , RINO Bob deserves a second term ? Why ? A man that was on video stating he doesn’t know how he’s going to vote on the LOST Treaty , apparently because he hasn’t read it yet . The Treaty has been around in different wording for quite sometime and yet he doesn’t know. Or let’s see the other bad votes he’s made, ya know the ones that require that he come back to TN and take a tour to explain and try to calm down the citizens he’s pissed off . How many of those tours has Bob had to make? Too damn many ! BlueCollar since you now have access tell the little man he better follow The Constituion or hire a tutor to explain it to him word for word . The Tea Party has been too nice to him and other politicians , It’s Time for that to Change . They want Respect then prepare to Earn It.
#12 by Eric Holcombe on 07/09/2012 - 16:10
“Clearly, Bob Corker is no RINO and he doesn’t vote with Obama 61% of the time.”
Actually, none of his votes were shown, just a bunch of ratings by mostly single-issue organizations. For example, if the pro-life thing is going so good, why are $1M of our federal tax dollars going to the abortophiles at Planned Parenthood Memphis when clearly the people of TN have refused that at the state level? Where are our federal representatives on this? Who cares, when they have a “100% pro-life rating”. By the way, Eagle Forum has Bob at 53% and trending down every year since elected, but basically TN is a race of “my ‘F’ is higher than yours” except for Jimmy Duncan.
We have a $26 BILLION LOSS on the bailout money Bob brokered to go to UAW/GM. That is just the loss on the money that wasn’t his to give to GM in the first place. As an additional reward for Bob brokering our money, GM is now taking work to China. This is the company Bob helped steal from the bond-holders at $0.10 on the dollar and “we the people” still have 25% ownership of.
Bob voted for all the trillions in bailouts: TARP, cash for clunkers parts 1 and 2, trillions in Bernanke chaired loans to foreign banks. ALL of them. I have to think Harold Ford Jr. would have voted about the same.
Bob and Lamar tell us that Congress should not “interfere with monetary policy” by actually auditing the Federal Reserve (that they approved giving trillions of our dollars to with ZERO OVERSIGHT). Now Bob wants me to believe his radio/TV ads that we should send HIM back to control the reckless spending of Congress! This money issue is gigantic (not even addressing the total fraud that is fractional reserve banking with fiat currency). It isn’t just one issue or one screwed up vote. The massive doubling/tripling inflation of the money supply with these bailouts is just beginning to be felt in everything we purchase. It will get worse.
As a reward, Goldman Sachs is Bob’s largest campaign contributor – just like Mitt Romney.
Bob approved of the appointments of Ben Bernanke and Eric Holder. I can give him credit for voting against Sotomayor and Kagan. As the only body capable of removing corrupt justices, I would like to see some action from our representatives on some of the current justices.
He voted for NDAA. Indefinite (or definite for that matter) imprisonment of U.S. citizens in a foreign country without trial on the whim of one man. This is insane. Since Bob “will listen to you”, how about asking him to take a look at the U.S. Constitution some time? Look, I’ve tried corresponding with his web-contact-form in a civil manner. All you get is a robo-email response in a couple of days that may or may not actually address the issue you wrote about.
Tennessee’s senatorial representation is absolutely bankrupt. I can only hope that the TN Republican party can find someone within their ranks that actually believes their stated platform to replace Lamar when he retires. I’ll be voting for Zach Poskevich in the primary. I don’t agree with everything Zach has to say, but no way could I support Corker. Telling myself he has voted significantly different than Harold Ford Jr. would have isn’t much consolation.
But, Tennesseans will likely re-elect Bob. Because Goldman Sachs is his largest contributor. And our votes get counted in Spain. By Goldman Sachs. Maybe we’ll get to hear the U of M fight song as we push the button.
#13 by Kendra Tilley on 07/11/2012 - 09:29
Excellent truthful not slanted evaluation of Corker’s performance.
#14 by Eric Holcombe on 07/13/2012 - 08:14
I want to add one more to Bailout Bob’s resume: He also voted for the confirmation of fellow Council on Foreign Relations member Tax Cheat Tim Geithner as Treasury Secretary. From a January 2009 email response from Bob to a fellow constituent who wrote Bob on the matter:
“While, like you my preference would be that we were not in the situation to even have to discuss tax issues with a Treasury Secretary nominee, I also think it is important to give fairly wide latitude to presidents regarding their cabinet selections. At the end of the day while the issues surrounding Secretary Geithner’s confirmation are very important, after spending a great deal of time exploring the merits of his confirmation, I believe he does pass the test of being qualified to be the Treasury Secretary.”
Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan are rewarding Bailout Bob today for all his help…#1 and #3 donors.
I would say that’s just like Mitt Romney, but Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan are his #1 and #2 donors. #3 is Fake Linda Green at Bank of America. That’s entirely different…
#15 by Mark Snider on 07/09/2012 - 16:25
Bob has been talking the conservative talk of late but regarding financial reform legislation and protecting the 1st, 4th, and 10th amendments of the Constitution he walks with the progressives. Is there a reason you neglected these two critical areas in your article?
Mark
#16 by Mike Warner on 07/09/2012 - 16:46
I respect someone who stands up for small government and conservative values. I can’t say that about Bob Corker. I am not alone in my opinion. Just Google “Mark Levin: Bob Corker is a coward”
http://www.therightscoop.com/mark-levin-bob-corker-is-a-damn-weasel-hes-a-coward/
#17 by John A. Thomas on 07/09/2012 - 17:53
I too am no fan of Senator Corker and will in all likelihood vote against him in the primary although I fully expect him to carry the day. I will however agree with Ken as to the nature of one of his initial attackers. The “absolutist” nature of those who call themselves Ron Paul supporters, both conservative and the many leftists who profess the same employ the same tactics against anyone who disagrees with them on anything…they attack and belittle, the name call and generally resort to the tactic of the mob on the street by making a lot of noise and only managing to irritate many. It is sadly a tactic utilized primarily by those those who have little to no foundation for their positions and find it virtually impossible to clearly and succinctly offer anything resembling a rational, reasoned statement as to why those who disagree with them are wrong. I used to care about such folks for as Ken stated, I probably agree with most of their agenda (I’m not sure about the 95%) but to put it plainly, they are so damned irritatingly sanctimonious that it’s not worth the time or energy.
Thanks for a thoughtful article Ken. Keep up the good work.
#18 by kert blackwood on 07/09/2012 - 19:08
But for the fact that I have no time now I would elaborate on why “not” to vote for Bob Corker. I am busy preparing to spend the next three days campaigning with Zach Poskevich. When that is finished I will post my rebuttal.
#19 by ron8072 (@ron8072) on 07/09/2012 - 19:57
I wish I could be there with you, Kert. Even though I am not a resident of Tennessee, I am a resident of nearby North Georgia, and get all my local news from Chattanooga. I have been watching BailOutBob for years, since before he was Mayor in Chattanooga. He is a deal maker and as such would deal away every inalienable right with Progressives. He even states that in some of his TV ads. He is not right for Tennessee or the United States Senate. He will make lame deals with Progressives just so he can look like a compromiser. Zack Poskevich would be my choice if I could vote in Tennessee election. Maybe Holder would allow me to vote there? I could cry voter intimidation. Just saying…..
#20 by Jay on 07/09/2012 - 21:24
It’s interesting that some people who have posted here express their distrust for Corker yet pick up the flag for Poskevich. Aren’t you aware that these two individuals are from the same corrupt, principally bankrupt political party? How can you trust Poskevich and not Corker?
#21 by Mark Snider on 07/09/2012 - 21:50
Interesting. You are proposing that there isn’t any difference between Republicans; such as Ron Paul and Mitt Romney? Seriously? Does that hold true for Charles Rangle, Dennis Kucinich, Hank Johnson, Maxine Walters, Barbara Boxer and their fellow Democrats?
#22 by kert blackwood on 07/10/2012 - 07:10
Jay,
For starters Zach is not a politician. He is am American Veteran and businessman who is fed up with status quo and is trying to do what he can to help change that. Zach is in the camp of Jim Demint and the other constitutional conservatives.
BTW, Jay, you must be a democrat/progressive/liberal etc. etc.
#23 by EvaGirl on 07/10/2012 - 10:32
I am going to guess jay is a Libertarian. Not all Republicans are cut from the same cloth. Would you compare Lamar Alexander to Allen West. No contest in my book.
#24 by Jay on 07/10/2012 - 11:00
Nice job EvaGirl! I am a libertarian. Full disclosure: until 2008 I supported and voted for Republicans. They were the veterans and the small businessmen who are standing up to the status quo and were going to tackle the establishment and return power to the people. So I believed them. And nothing would change. Then the next election cycle would come around and they would say that “this time” things would be different. So I believed them. And nothing would change. So now I’m supposed to believe that “this time” Republicans are trustworthy?
Mr. Poskevich may be a great guy (and so, too, Mr. Corker), but they have chosen to join themselves to a group that is partially responsible for violating our God-given Liberties. It’s like the saying goes, “When you dance with the Devil, the Devil doesn’t change. The Devil changes you.”
I have fellow libertarians that are running for office under the Republican banner if only to gain media attention. I wish them well. However from what I know of Mr. Poskevich, he is no libertarian and neither is Mr. Corker.
We’re beyond the point of “good enough” being good enough. Our economy is tanking and our Liberties are being threatened and suppressed. I choose to stand with a political party that has always promoted Freedom for all.
And Ron Paul has admitted that though he is the most independent Republican there is, that the Republican Party essentially still controls him. And it’s pretty clear to anyone paying attention that the Republican Party is no friend of Liberty.
#25 by EvaGirl on 07/10/2012 - 20:20
Now that you have completed your dissertation, all you need to do is get your PhD credits, and we can all start calling you Dr Jay.
#26 by Jay on 07/10/2012 - 21:07
I might just start referring to myself as that anyway. I believe my body of work in this field is qualification enough
#27 by Mark Rogers on 07/11/2012 - 01:29
Jay,
Being a libertarian is nothing to be proud of. Libertarians reject the most fundamental principles of Western Political Though, thereby moving themselves away from Conservatism.
For example, libertarians tend to believe that they exist with no responsibility to their larger society, as if they alone are responsible for their position in life.
Second, libertarians tend to deny that societies require a degree of shared values which unify the members even if they restrict individual freedom.
Finally, libertarians in America forget that the desire to achieve progress in everything from spirituality to science to economics is a vital part of our national character and an invaluable asset in our success as a nation.
#28 by Jay on 07/11/2012 - 11:00
Mr. Rogers.
“Libertarians reject…fundamental principles of Western Though[t]”
*citation needed
“…libertarians tend to believe they exist with no responsibility to their larger society…”
*citation needed
“…libertarians tend to deny that societies require a degree of shared values…”
*citation needed
And I don’t even understand what you mean by your last statement.
Please educate yourself about libertarianism before posting in ignorance. You can find our platform here http://www.lp.org.
You can also read a very short book called The Law by French philosopher Frederic Bastiat (it’s also my favorite). You can read it for free here: http://bastiat.org/en/the_law.html.
Liberty brings about peace. Relying on one’s neighbors instead of the government brings communities closer and strengthens values. Only libertarians and the Libertarian Party promote Liberty. All other philosophies use coercion to achieve their social and political goals. This is not acceptable in a free society.
#29 by Jim Egan on 07/09/2012 - 21:37
Ken, I enjoyed your well thought out post, but I’m afraid I can’t agree. As pointed out in previous responses, there are plenty of questionable votes and positions taken by Senator Corker, but the one that was the biggest disappointment to me was his vote to ratify the New Start Treaty. It seems to me that Senator Corker was willing to put the defense of our nation at risk in the naive belief that the Obama Administration would follow through on its assurances that our nuclear stockpile would be updated and overhauled. Why would he do that? Because obviously most, if not all of that work would be done in Oak Ridge. I don’t mind that he wanted to bring jobs and money to Tennessee, but at what cost! And of course he would gain politically by claiming he had brought jobs to Tennessee and have political support from the companies involved. None of this has come to fruition, of course, except that we are stuck with a treaty which puts our defenses needlessly at a disadvantage to Putin’s Russia, not to mention Iran and North Korea. Vote for Bob Corker? I think that’s a bridge too far!
#30 by Dave Vance on 07/09/2012 - 23:06
Ken,
You can’t really believe that Bob Corker supports Tea Party values! C’mon nobody is buying that!
Eric stole most of my thunder and some other good points have already been made so I’ll try and be brief.
I just got through looking at Corker’s website and noticed some comments about politicians in DC needing courage to do the right thing. Then there was more discussion about the debt. The same Bob Corker that you think deserves another 6 years went alll around the state pushing a deficit reduction plan and stressing how important it was that we get our spending under control and how vital it was to the future of our country while he was helping raise the deficit. By this time he had already voted for the first TARP and cash for clunkers and I believe the GM bailout as well. Yet he has the gall to lecture people on cutting spending! To top it off he then votes to raise the debt ceiling by another trillion plus! So much for that courage he mentioned. Now he wants to talk about reducing the debt again! How can you take somebody like that serious?
He talks the talk in an election year but has proven he won’t walk it!
Last I heard he hadn’t made up his mind on the LOST Treaty. Given his vote on the START treaty we can’t trust him on those type of issues either.
What about the confirmations? How can you trust a man that voted to confirm Eric Holder who was already a known slimebag from the Clinton days. That’s pure idiocy on his part.
Ratings by organizations don’t tell the whole story and this is not a case of looking for perfection but the bad on Corker can’t be overlooked. These are not normal times. We need people who have some real convictions and will stand on principle rather than just stand for reelection.
When you mention Bob Corker around most conservatives the only good thing you’ll hear them say is “well he’s not as bad as Alexander”. Well Bob Corker may not be as bad as Alexander yet but he is L.A.I.T, Lamar Alexander in Training and if we give him another 6 years he will be just as bad.
Zach Poskevich has strong moral and constitutional convictions and will stand on principle. His whole campaign has been focused on upholding the Constitution. What evidence have we seen from Corker that even acknowledges the importace of it? What has he done to defend it as a Senator? When has he used his power to delay or filibusteer the unconstitutional insanity that comes from Obama and Reid.
At this point in our history we don’t need another politician that just stands for reelection we need one that stands for principle. That ain’t Bob Corker.
Now I know Corker doesn’t have any desire to debate Zach but if that could be arranged it would be a whole new ball game. Go Zach!
#31 by Dave Vance on 07/10/2012 - 06:27
Ken,
One more thing although I could countinue to add a string of bad votes and confirmations by Corker my point has more to do with restoring our country and actually limiting government. Admittedly Zach winning this race is a long shot that has less to do with his message than it does money and name recognition going up against an incumbent. So from that prospective I’m voting for a long shot candidate. But the real long shot in this race is Bob Corker. He is not a long shot in reference to winning the race. But he is a long shot if you expect him to actually reduce the size and scope of government to the intended Constituional limits. Something he has shown no propensity for doing yet.
#32 by Daniel Lewis on 07/10/2012 - 06:59
Bob Corker is a statist. His rating on individual liberties show that he makes no efforts to support individual freedom. Individual freedom is the most important issue facing America today. The Declaration of Independence give the only legitimate reason for government as protecting individual rights. Corker ignores individual right.
On his economic views he ignores basics such as the Austrian Business cycle. His CAP plan bases Federal spending on the GDP. That is wrong in so many ways. Government needs to spend less. Corker ignores getting rid of departments we should not have in the first place.
I will be voting for Shaun Crowell http://www.shauncrowell.com/ for US Senate and Gary Johnson for http://www.garyjohnson2012.com/ for President. Johnson will balance the budget in 2013 and cut Federal spending by 43%. That is what Corker should be talking about. Instead he is showing the major flaw of conservative, they try to conserve or slow the growth of government. We need to slash government. Yes Ken you got this one wrong.
#33 by EvaGirl on 07/10/2012 - 10:42
Dr Crowell will not be running in the Republican Primary so unless you want Bob Corker to win you could still vote for Zach Poskevich and then Crowell, Poskevich and probably Overall can duke it out in November.
#34 by Daniel Lewis on 07/10/2012 - 17:27
That is a a good point, and I am considering voting for Zach in the primary. From what I have seen he is better than Corker. I also knew Corker when he was mayor in Chattanooga. I lived in Chattanooga at the time. I did not like his policies as mayor. He was all big government and destroy individual rights. Nothing has changed.
#35 by KM on 07/10/2012 - 07:03
I will vote for Corker too. I see no better alternative.
#36 by kert blackwood on 07/10/2012 - 07:39
All those rankings by various organizations are somewhat like polls, they are “adjustable” by the people doing the rankings. A voting record judged solely by comparing the number of “good” or “bad” votes does not reflect to over all effect of one “bad” vote stacked up against multiple “good” votes.
Case on point, the Eric Holder confirmation. Bob Corker voted FOR the confirmation of Holder. The impact of that is enormous! That goes in the same bag as the idea of a vote for a man named Barack Hussein Obama for president.
Think about it!
#37 by EvaGirl on 07/10/2012 - 11:02
We could talk about Bob Corkers record as mayor of Chattanooga but then there is the fact that all his records from 2001-2005 as mayor were lost Here is a little sample In 2003, Corker’s real estate company sold protected wetlands near South Chickamauga Creek in Chattanooga to Wal-Mart for $4.6 million while he was mayor of Chattanooga. According to Joe Prochaska, an attorney representing the Tennessee Environmental Council, “What they did was outrageous. They just ran roughshod over this public property for private gain.”[14] Environmental educator Sandy Kurtz filed suit in 2003 to stop the land deal, but the lawsuit was dismissed.
On September 18, 2006 a Memphis, Tennesse newspaper, The Commercial Appeal, reported that Corker’s attorneys acquired city authorization to cut a road through the protected property owned by Corker in July 2003 while Corker was mayor.[1] City records show that Corker’s attorneys won concessions from the city as details of the deal were worked out, much of which was done in private.[2]
Corker’s campaign manager has said that a blind trust kept Corker from the details of the project.[3]
On October 13, 2006, lawyers involved in the case announced a settlement agreement. Details of the settlement were not announced, but court records indicate that a portion of the settlement involved a 45 day option for the Tennessee Environmental Council to purchase over thirteen acres of the land in dispute that the Council hopes to dedicate for public use.[4]
#38 by Kendra Tilley on 07/11/2012 - 09:26
Ever heard of UN Agenda 21……..well Chattanooga and anyone that has served in Chattanooga government knows it well. Chattanooga was one of the first 19 cities in America to jump on the money train called Sustainable Development. Many have gotten really rich off of this scam to destroy our country. Google an article called HOW ICLEI WAS CREATED. It is an interview with Jeb Brughmann (founder of ICLEI……ICLEI is a registered and sanctioned NGO with the UN. They were created to implement Local Agenda 21…….UN policy at the local level where unsuspecting local governments are sucked in by the millions our government puts in front of their face……..EPA-HUD-DOT promotes Agenda 21 due to the Presidents Council on Sustainable Development – Clinton/Gore. This can all be proven folks) The interview was conducted by Joan Veon. Chattanooga/Hamilton Co both pay dues and fully support ICLEI. This interview clearly states what ICLEI is and it also mentions Chattanooga as one of the original cities to implement Local Agenda 21. This article is from the mid 90′s folks. Personally I would NEVER EVER vote for anybody running for office that comes from Chattanooga politics.
#39 by Tricia Stickel on 07/10/2012 - 11:09
What I am interested in is Bob Corkers position and plan for those things important to me currently including: Eminent Domain, UN infringement of our country as it relates to Agenda 21 and gun rights. Regulation authority of Education, EPA, FDA, USDA and the assorted alphabet soup agencies, and the ability of the House and the Senate to recognize the authorities of the three branches and uphold the rule of law based on our constitution. I am concerned about the infiltration of Islam in our nation and government yielding to polical correctness over our own rule of law in the name of tolerance. I am concerned about the local, state, and national infiltration of every form of Agenda 21. I am also concerned about the inability of the current House and Senate to address the direction of our nation into communism. I am also deeply concerned about States rights and what it really will mean to be an independant and soveriegn state without being a slave to the Federal government. All of these issues are real to me. I would like to be able to have real conversations about these issues. While these topics are politically sensitive they still must be addressed. Those who have the courage to address this out in the open will have my vote. What I do not need to know is how wealthy he might have become over the last six years or who his corporate sponsors are or who will benefit financially by his win. I just need to know how the State of Tennessee will benefit
and maintain its independence and economic health.
#40 by EvaGirl on 07/10/2012 - 20:07
Tricia
Good luck with pinning Bob Corker down on how he is going to vote on anything. You will have to wait till he votes to see what it is going to be.
#41 by Steve on 07/10/2012 - 20:17
Corker is a candy ass reach across the aisle wannabe President some day big government chamber dude. But, he’s light years better than RINO first class what’s in it for me Lamar Alexander. Tennessee could certainly do better. We are the Volunteer state… so why is our representation so milktoast? Maybe Corker will get better with time, after this reach across the aisle act fails for the umpteenth time.
Anyway,this discussion is a waste of time–no one will unseat him. Better to discuss Bergman’s chances of beating Steve Cohen. That is a race that could matter.
#42 by Kendra Tilley on 07/11/2012 - 09:18
You are so wrong. To take that kind of attitude is what got this country in trouble. WE THE PEOPLE have the power to put someone in office and take someone out. Sitting back and doing nothing, sitting in front of your TV instead of getting out and working for good candidates will get us more of the same corruption. IT IS UP TO US. Do nothing and nothing is what you will get. We allow these people to do bad work because we make stupid statements like……..well most of the time he cast bad votes but they weren’t all bad…..people there is only 1 RIGHT vote. IS THE BILL within the confines of the constitution and the powers extended to the federal government? If NO then the vote is NO. If YES then the vote is YES. This is how Zach Poskevich will vote.
#43 by Mike on 07/11/2012 - 08:02
Why won’t Corker commit to a position on the LOST and Small Arms U.N. Treaties? His answers are so vague and the usually means he plans to vote in a way his constituents won’t appreciate.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/larrybell/2012/07/10/the-u-n-arms-trade-treaty-are-our-2nd-amendment-rights-part-of-the-deal/2/
#44 by Matt Collins on 07/11/2012 - 21:36
Here is what Corker said when someone asked him that question directly:
http://tncampaignforliberty.org/wordpress/2012/06/senator-corker-might-vote-to-give-u-n-more-power/
#45 by Kat Marquardt on 07/11/2012 - 08:28
Regretfully Corker has become a Republicrat which is no different than a Demican except it begins with R instead of D. If you look at his record you will see that he is fully taken in by those who would replace the US Constitution with the UN Declaration of Human Rights. What we need is a person who will not be taken in, who truly believes the words of the Declaration of Independence and loves the United States as our forefathers built it. I think that person in this race is Zach. He won’t let greed and ego conquer his patriotism.
#46 by Kendra Tilley on 07/11/2012 - 09:13
Corker is a RINO and that is that. You can spout all the facts you want but the TRUTH is that he is not a conservative. He is the establishment. Remember he was the Mayor of Chattanooga and Chattanooga was one of the original 19 cities to implement Agenda 21 Sustainable Development and Corker is a Globalist. He considers himself amongst the elite and better than the common man. He has lost touch with real people. When was the last time Corker had to worry about paying the bills. Bottom line is this: WE MUST ELECT PEOPLE THAT SUPPORT THE CONSTITUTION 100% and that is not Corker. BUT IT IS ZACH POSKEVICH. Zach is working man, a father, a devout Christian, a veteran that feels the oath he took as a soldier to protect and defend the constitution is an oath he holds in his heart forever. We must get rid of the establishment and start putting everyday people in DC. It is very obvious the Republican party in Tennessee is backing Corker. In my opinion anybody the Republican party supports is a person we Americans should stay far away from. In my opinion the party supports the candidate that brings the most money to party not the candidate that brings integrity, morals, honesty, values, patriotism honor to the party. Romney is a good example of just what I said. Ken Merrero is the probably one of the last people I would listen to when it comes to electing the RIGHT candidate for any office. Listen to your heart. All statements above are my own personal opinions. But I have done my research on Bob Corker and I do not believe he is right for Tennessee or for America. He might be a nice guy but he is bad for American and bad for Tennessee. He needs to get out of politics all together. PLEASE lets no continue to vote the wrong people. Give Zach a chance. If he doesn’t do a good job for us we will vote him out. REMEMBER this Senate seat is for 6 YEARS. Can we afford Corker for another 6 YEARS. I don’t think so. Corker voted for Holder, he voted to put a person on the bench that is TOTALLY anti-2nd amendment. He voted for bills that are devastating to America and are not constitutional. He refuses to commit one way or the other for the LOST Treaty. He voted for TARP, bail outs, Cash for Clunkers. He voted to ratify the START Treaty with Russia.
#47 by RP on 07/11/2012 - 09:15
Every time I call Corker’s office to express my views and to obtain where he plans to vote on an issue, the response I ALWAYS HEAR is: He hasn’t made a decision yet. What? How can this be? If you are a committed Constitutional Conservative, you should already KNOW where you stand and how you will vote. Come on People, Wake UP!! If you look at where our country is headed, and the states are being pulled there also, we MUST ELECT CONSTITUTIONAL CONSERVATIVES if we are to restore our country to its original intent of a Representative Republic, not a Democracy as the Communists would have you believe. Period, end of discussion. Bob Corker is NOT a Constitutional Conservative. Zach Poskevich is and he has my vote. Look at Zach’s website, he tells you where he stands (http://www.zachforsenate.com). If you have had the pleasure of speaking to Zach personally, and I have on many occasions in the past 2 years, you will walk away from that conversation and KNOW he’s the guy we need in D.C..
#48 by RP on 07/11/2012 - 09:23
Oh, one other thing that some of you should know about Zach:
1. He’s an ex-military patriot.
2. He’s a conservative Christian family man.
3. He’s an educated person that is VERY knowledgeable on the issues (ie: Sharia Law, Agenda 21, Unconstitutional activities by some in public office, etc. etc. etc.). These are issues VERY IMPORTANT to members of the Liberty Groups in Tennessee and all other States as well.
I could go on and on and on, but you now see what I’m trying to convey. Zach has firm stances on all issues that are critical to our State and Country. You need to take a long, hard look at Zach before casting a vote for Corker.
#49 by David Nance on 07/11/2012 - 10:12
Ken, Is this the Senator you want. TARP, CASH for CLUNKERS, GAY MILITARY, MORE DEBT, and now THIS (see below). Why would you pay any attention at all to what (Bailout Bob) Corker says when it’s completly contrary to what he does.
The junior senator from Tennessee told the gathering of donors not to worry about the incoming class of “crazier Republicans” because the majority of Senate Republicans, especially minority leader Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), had no intention of repealing the president’s health care bill. They instead planned to fix only the “bad parts” of the law, Corker reportedly told the group.
http://spectator.org/blog/2010/10/20/corker-mcconnell-to-sabotage-o
#50 by Linda Z on 07/11/2012 - 14:06
It is time to STOP playing political games with the lives of Tennesseans. As a true conservative, I know that Bob Corker does NOT represent me most of the time. He continually panders to the left putting on a charade (Definition: a blatant pretense or deception, especially something so full of pretense as to be a travesty), as if he were a conservative.
Why do we put up with this when it is within our power to change it? As for me, I will be voting for ZACH POSKEVICH, a true conservative just like me.
#51 by Kendra Tilley on 07/15/2012 - 15:11
You go GIRL!!!! Zach Poskevich. A vote for Zach is a vote for Freedom. A vote for Corker is vote for Obama politics.
#52 by Sally Absher on 07/11/2012 - 14:27
Ken, I agree with you 95% of the time – well, OK, at LEAST 90% of the time, which is pretty good, IMHO, but I do not share your enthusiasm for Bob Corker. He has an OK record on financial issues, but frankly, he lost me on the treaties. His vote for the START treaty was irresponsible, and his refusal to take a stand (by signing Senator Imhofe’s letter) against the Law of the Sea Treaty (LOST) is beyond comprehension!! His office just told be he has “not made up his mind” on the Small Arms Treaty. He and his RINO partner in crime Lamar Alexander have ceeded huge swaths of Tennessee land to the Cherokee National Forest – in short, he is doing everything he can to usher in Agenda 21 and a one world government. What does Bob Corker not understand about the Constitution?? I don’t think we can afford another 6 years of Bob Corker in the senate. I have endorsed Zach Poskevich.
#53 by Dave Vance on 07/11/2012 - 19:28
Those of us who see no reason to trust Bob Corker are probably just the type of people he had in mind when he told a group of donors in 2010 not to worry about those “crazier Republicans” that actually want to repeal Obamacare. He assured the crowd that that wouldn’t happen.I’m willing to bet that there are a lot more “crazier republicans in Tennessee than Corker realizes. That story and Mark Levin’s accurate description of Corker can be found on a new site dedicated to laying out his record and statements. Go to http://www.bailoutbob.net Signed
A Proud Crazier Republican
Now that’s a bumper sticker or maybe a T shirt!
#54 by Matt Collins on 07/11/2012 - 20:30
Aren’t you directly violating Davidson County Republican Party rules? It’s my understanding that no officer is allowed to endorse in a primary.
Pingback: Bob Corker Misrepresented by Detractors on ObamaCare Repeal | Blue Collar Muse
#55 by Bnjamin Cole on 02/28/2013 - 04:03
Corker’s questioning of Ben Bernanke clearly showed a deficient intellect on the part of Corker.
Inflation is not the threat—indeed, as of now, seven of the last nine CPI monthly readings have been down or flat. We are facing a Japan-sty;e situation.
I realize that no candidate will share exactly my views on every topic. That’s democracy.
But Corker’s views on monetary policy make him a menace to prosperity—something every one of us wants.