For Additional Information Contact:

Gene Lewis, Chair
MCDP Executive Committee
931 645-9159 home
931 801-6209 cell

Gubernatorial Candidate Kim McMillan addresses well-wishers, as host Tim Harvey looks on.

Amid a modest but vocal crowd of fifty-some well-wishers and admirers, former state house majority leader Kim McMillan was the guest of honor at a picnic held to acknowledge her run for the office of governor. Introduced by Attorney Timothy Harvey, McMillan spoken briefly from the upper level of the split-level rear patio of the Harvey & Silvus Law Firm. Cheers went up as she declared her desire to capture the governor office in 2010.

Guests signed up for mailing list notifications and fund pledges. Donations were accepted on site and bumper stickers were available for those wishing to give to the campaign that evening. Pledge envelopes were also on hand for mail-in donations. Many known names of the Montgomery County Democratic Party were on hand to celebrate McMillan’s quest to become Tennessee’s first woman governor. Among those in attendance were State Senator Tim Barnes, who was joined by his wife Linda. Also in attendance were Wade Monday, Adam Hayes, Kim Smith, Delina Starr, Gene and Robert Lewis, Charles Moreland, Deborah Brown, John Ferguson, attorney Hugh Poland, Dr. Howard Winn and APSU political science professor Dr. David Kanervo.

[Uncredit photos by Turner McCullough JR.]

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Gene Lewis and John Ferguson with their awards

John Ferguson was presented with the Nathanial Carter Award for his work during the 2008 election campaign. Ferguson, who was intricately involved in the operation of headquarters and the organizing of numerous political events, said he was honored to be receiving the award and said “others were more deserving, and that many individuals who were not present at the gathering had contributed as much as he had.”

MCDP Chairman Gene Lewis was presented the Alice Byard Award, which he accepted on behalf of the party’s executive committee.

John Ferguson, standing beside Senator Tim Barnes, after receiving the Nathaniel Carter Award

Senator Tim Barnes addressed the crowd, stating that he was “looking forward to January” (2009), when he officially takes office. Barnes talked briefly about the importance of building party support from the grassroots bottom up, taking issues and campaigns to the people of the county. With the right leaders at the state level, (the people) will see a difference,” he said. He also gave kudos to the constant support of his wife, Linda, and to the “best campaign manager ever, Kim Smith.”

State Representative Joe Pitts addresses the crowd at the Smith Trahern Mansion as State Senator Elect Tim Barnes looks on

State Representative Joe Pitts voiced his pleasure in welcoming Barnes to the legislature in Nashville, and said he, and Barnes would continue their work “against the assault on the working families.” Pitts encouraged people to look beyond themselves and their own needs and work for the greater good of the community.

Gene Lewis after receiving his award

Local party members listen to the speeches

Sixty people gathered at the intersection of North 2nd St. and Riverside Drive to rally for the Obama/Biden election ticket

Staking out the corner of Kraft and North 2nd Street Saturday morning, some 60 campaigners chanted slogans, waved to passers by, and stumped to get the message out that Obama is their candidate of choice. To the rhythm of drum, and cheers ringing out over a speaker system, Clarkville for Obama teams moved from corner to corner over a two hour period.

The MCDP and Clarksville for Obama will gather Election Night (Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m.), at the Riverview Inn  in downtown Clarksville to await election results.

Here are more images of Saturday’s event:

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Barack Obama for President Celebration!

The Montgomery County Democratic Party will hold its Election 2008 (November 4) celebration at the Riverview Inn Ballroom, 50 College Street, in downtown Clarksville beginning at 7 p.m. The event is open to the public and is being staged with the expectation of a presidential win by the Obama/Biden team. All Democratic candidates are expected to attend and wait for the final tally.

Given the number of candidates and campaign staff involved in both Clarksville for Obama and the MCDP, the Dem headquarters on Madison Street was too small for the expected crowd on Tuesday evening.

Attendees can watch the returns on a large screen TV with additional internet access to results as they happen.

Clarksville For Obama in partnership with the Montgomery County Democratic Party will host a Honk for Barack Obama rally on Saturday, November 1, in front of McDonald’s at the intersection of Riverside Drive and N. 2nd Street, Clarksville, starting at 10:00a.m.

Senator Rosalind Kurita

Democratic Party executive committee member Rickey Wallace has accused state Sen. Rosalind Kurita  of misusing thousands of dollars in political action monies,a charge which which Kurita reportedly acknowledged with the addendum that the errors had be corrected.

This information comes on the heels of the dismissal and subsequent appeal of incumbent Kurita’s lawsuit and in tandem with a write-in campaign for her Senate District 22 seat.

Kurita maintains she won the tri-county (Montgomery, Cheatham and Houston) primary race with a 19-vote margin, though the state Democratic Executive Committee overturned that election and place the decision on a Senate nominee in the hands of the counties’ executive committees. They in turn voted 61-4 for challenger Atty. Tim Barnes.

“Rosalind Kurita has committed and is likely continuing to commit numerous serious breaches of Tennessee campaign finance law,” Montgomery County Democratic Party executive committee member Rickey Wallace wrote in his complaint to the state Registry of Election Finance. Kurita, after responding to the charges of financial misuse, immediately rectified the alleged “discrepancy.”

“Of course, it is our desire to comply with all rules, and that is what we are doing. There was a discrepancy, we got the paperwork, we contacted election finance, and we have fixed it.” ~~ Rosalind Kurita

Kurita, in voting for Republican Senate speaker, Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, in early 200, created a rift within the party. In the wake of the Barnes nomination, Kurita has launched a strong write-in campaign that has gained Republican support; Kurita write-in materials are available at both her campaign headquarters and the nearby Republican Party headquarters as well.

Kurita filed a federal lawsuit to regain the nomination. The suit was dismissed; her appeal is pending.

Consultant Paid

Wallace’s complaint  accuses Kurita of using more than $25,000 from her Kurita Majority PAC for primary campaign purposes, including more than $7,000 paid to one of her attorneys. The PAC’s records show a payment of  $14,557 to a campaign consultant. Under state law, PACs can give no more than $7,500 per election to a campaign.

Tennessee Democratic Party Chairman Gray Sasser, in a press statement, said Kurita is “so power-hungry that she’s flagrantly violating Tennessee’s campaign finance law.”

Kurita  believes she can beat Barnes as a write-in candidate and said she expects negative campaigning for the balance of the ewlection period, discounting the negative “attack” ads against Barnes in the primary. Those adds were misleading in terms of Barnes legal practice.

Amid a multitude of signs for city council seats, state legislature seats and presidential candidates, Veterans Plaza was a beehive of activity Saturday morning. The crisp autumn air did not deter voters from turning out for the Early Voting Rally. The line was already out the door at the Election Commission by 10 a.m., yet people continued filling the parking lot to take their places in line and wait their turn at the ballot machines inside.

The Early Voting Rally was sponsored by the Montgomery County Democratic Party. MCDP chairman Gene Lewis greeted the assembly and thanked them for coming out to the rally and to vote. He led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance,  then introduced State Rep. Joe Pitts, who also commended the crowd for coming out and thanked the voters for supporting him in his past election effort. He urged voters to take this election seriously and encourage everyone they know to vote. He then introduced Senator Thelma Harper.

Harper thanked the crowd for coming out and urged them to support candidates who value their word, who are committed to the promises and pledges they make. She said her support for Tim Barnes was not about one man not getting to keep a title in the Senate. She told them that the state Democratic Party had a plan of action which would benefit the working class citizens of this state but had been blocked from implementing it because one member had comprised her party integrity and supported the opposing party. She urged the crowd to keep that in mind when they vote. Personal integrity is important in the Tennessee Senate, she said,  urging voters to give Tim Barnes their support and move Tennessee forward in these troubled times.

Senator Beverly Marrero, of Memphis, also stumped the crowd for Tim Barnes. She spoke to the matter of personal integrity in a state senator’s commitment to keep their word. She reiterated that because of a single vote change the state Democratic Party program of legislation in the Senate had ground to a halt. All efforts were blocked by the opposing party with the support of that one party vote and that had hurt the working class people of Tennessee. She asked that voters give their support to Tim Barnes so that the party could once again, go to work for the people of Tennessee.

Introduced by Rep. Pitts as “The Man of the Hour,” Tim Barnes addressed the rally. Signs and cheers erupted as he took the stage. He thanked the crowd for their enthusiastic welcome and said he was both grateful for and humbled by it. He stated that his was not a campaign of dirty tricks, deception, misinformation nor lies. His desire to serve the people of the 22nd District was an honest one, without an agenda of higher office. He told his listeners he would be proud to be “Your Senator.”

“The people of District 22 need someone who will fight for them, their concerns and their party.”Barnes  pledged to work in a bi-partisan spirit but that does not mean betraying the party of the people who elected him.

MCDP chairman Lewis encouraged voters to support the Democratic Party ticket, vote for City Council candidates, vote for Joe Pitts, State Representative District 67; Tim Barnes for State Senate District 22; Randy Morris for US House District 7; Bob Tuke for US Senate and Barack Obama for President of the United States. Asking the crowd if they were ready to vote, he  received a strong response: “Ready to Go!”

With that, the crowd proceeded to the Election Commission and joined the line snaking around the plaza. Through out the rally members of the Women Veterans Association served refreshments to the crowd. In less than twenty-five minutes, a line of voters that had stretched past the Veterans Service Office, on towards the County Trustee’s Office, had been processed and new arrivals had taken their place. The voting process itself is fairly quick and the waiting period goes swiftly. Many rally attendants, after having voted, took up signs, gave cheers and beat the Caribbean drums set up to encourage campaign workers and the waiting crowd.

Early voting continues til October 30, including next weekend as well. All registered voters are encouraged to exercise this most special of American rights. Vote. Early Vote.

It’s what REAL patriots do.

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Your vote is your voice

I know you’ve all been volunteering tons of time for a long, long time now.  But, I just read something from Barack Obama that I think we should all take to heart!

“Don’t underestimate the capacity of Democrats to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory …  I want everybody running scared. Over the next 18 days, other than your family and your job, I want you to make a decision that there is nothing more important than bringing about this change that we need.” — Barack ObamaNow it is the time!   Only 18 days left for you to volunteer.  We must stay focused and fight as hard as we can until every vote is counted!  The next four years depend on whether we will stand up and demand change!  Can we afford four more years of more of the same?

Get Involved Today!

Please click on the following links today and get a list of people in your neighborhood who you can visit or make phone calls to and help get Barack Obama elected! The power of technology which has been the main staple of this campaign has allow everyday people like you and me the power to be involved in helping take back our country!

Please click on the following links today and get a list of people in your neighborhood who you can visit or make phone calls to and help get Barack Obama elected!

The power of technology which has been the main staple of this campaign has allow everyday people like you and me the power to be involved in helping take back our country!Barack Obama has even designed a video showing how you can help in the campaign right from the comfort of your home. It’s just that easy to get involved today. Just click on the following links to connect:

Volunteer. Knock on Doors. Make Calls. Find events to attend or support. Log in to My Barack Obama.

The Montgomery County Democratic Party needs your help; to volunteer, call 931-552-5523.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Montgomery County Democratic Party

The Montgomery County Democratic Party will host a “get out the vote” rally Saturday at 10 a.m. at Veteran’s Plaza. State legislators  and local candidates will join the event in an effort to energize and encourage early voting, which if the first day of early voting is any indicator, will be encouragement falling on willing ears.

After the rally, the group plans to enter the Election Commission as a group and vote for the candidates of their choice.

On Wednesday, the early voting line extended out the door and down the covered walkway, with as many as 60-80 people in line at any given time.

For more information on this MCDP event, call  931-552-5523

Senator Thelma Harper and Senator Beverly Marrero will join Atty. Tim Barnes the Democratic Party nominee for State Senate District 22 as special guest speakers at the Early Vote Rally with the Montgomery County Democratic Party this Saturday, October 18, starting at 10:00 a.m. at the Montgomery County Election Commission.

State Senator Thelma Harper is considered one of the most powerful senators to represent the state of Tennessee. Senator Harper has for many years been a prominent and highly influential figure in the political, social, and civic lives of many.

State Senator Beverly Marrero is also scheduled to attend along with several prominent democratic elected officials and Democratic Party leaders.

After the rally party members will be going inside the election commission to vote as a group. The group will then canvass designated areas.

For more information please call (931) 801-4821 or (931) 273-7927

Here are images from the Saturday rally (photos by Bill Larson)

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Fabian Bedne, Middle Tennessee Hispanic Democratic Party Chairman

Fabian Bedne, Middle Tennessee Hispanic Democratic Party Chairman, will be the guest speaker at a House Party for Barack Obama on Tuesday, October 7 at the Montgomery County Democratic Party Headquarters, 534 Madison St., Clarksville, TN, starting at 6:00 p.m.

Fabian Bedne has been featured various times in news print, television and recently spoke to Latino Democrats from around the country as an Obama delegate to the Democratic National Convention.

Bedne is a board member of Habitat for Humanity, founding member of the Middle Tennessee Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, the Tennessee Hispanic Voters Coalition PAC, founding member and President of the Middle Tennessee Hispanic Democrats, candidate for Metro Council, and member of the Executive Committee of the Davidson County Democratic Party.

Mr. Bedne is also a founding member of Metro schools’ Comité de Padres Latinos (COPLA) Committee of Latino Parents, member of the Community Relations Committee of the Nashville Jewish Federation, and member of the Tennessee Delegate Selection Plan Committee of the Tennessee Democratic Party. Mr. Bedne has also mentored students in the YMCA Hispanic Achievers program.

We encourage all to attend this event and fellowship with our Latino Obama supporters, whose votes are very vital to the outcome of this election.

For more information, contact

BBC radio's Rowan Bridge interviews Clarksville for Obama chairman Terry McMoore at MCDP headquarters

When the BBC Election Bus pulled into Clarksville, its first news stop was the Montgomery County Democratic Party headquarters on Madison Street, where a steady stream of area resident surged in and out, registering to vote and picking up Obama/Biden signs from a rapidly depleting stockpile (more signs due in Tuesday, October 7).

The BBC Election bus originated its trip in Los Angeles, and is working its way across middle America, talking to everyday Americans and catching the Presidential and Vice-presidential debates along the way. The bus trips end on Long Island, but the teams will continue to feed political news through the election on November 4.

MCDP Chairman Gene Lewis, State Senate Candidate Tim Barnes and Clarksville for Obama Chairman Terry McMoore welcomed the BBC team to Clarksville.

BBC newsman Allan Little poses a question to military wife Lisa Jackson

BBC television crews took the time to speak with several residents, including Lisa Jackson, whose husband is about to deploy to the Afghanistan war zone. Lisa, a first time campaign volunteer who renounced her Republican ties, explained to BBC broadcaster Allan Little why she is so sure Senator Barack Obama “needs” to be the next president.

“The Republicans are out of touch, they have a selfish approach to government. I did my homework, and in my opinion, Obama is brilliant, prepared and capable, he’s the type of leader we need. I am talking aboutt he state of the country, not my own needs. Obama just has the better plan.” ~~ Lisa Jackson

Retired Army Chaplain Rev. Charles Moreland speaks to BBC newsman Allan Little

Vietnam veteran and retired chaplain Rev. Charles Moreland spoke of his two tours as an Army chaplain in Vietnam, from 1966-68. “I trust Obama to the right thing,” Moreland said, indicating that war is not the answer. Moreland, who is quietly active on many fronts in Clarksville, had high praise for the Obama/Biden ticket, and said of Republican vice-presidential pick Sarah Palin, “I’m glad she’s on McCain’s ticket.”

BBC Radio Reporter Rowan Bridge spoke with a number of Democratic volunteers before heading to Republican Party headquarters at 1820 Madison Street, where a similar bustle of voters seeking yard signs, bumper stickers and T-Shirts were politicking through the day. Beside the McCain/Palin promotional materials were write-in vote materials for Senator Rosalind Kurita.

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35 days and counting until Election Day!

The Montgomery County Democratic Party and Clarksville for Obama encourage everyone age 18 and up to register to vote and to encourage their friends to register, by either going to the Election Commission of on Pageant Lane or by registering online  at www.ClarksvilleForObama.com .

The last day to register to be eligible to vote in the general election is OCT. 6^th.

The MCDP and Clarksville for Obama are also seeking volunteers to work in the Madison Street office. if you are interested, please call 552-5523.

Join Obama eGroup: http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/ClarksvilleforObama

The following is a list of upcoming events:

Mass Voter Registration Drive and Rally will be held October 4 at Montgomery County Democratic Party Headquarters at 534 Madison St. from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We will have plenty of food and guest speakers at this event. This will be our last push to register people before the last day to register to vote Oct 6^th.

RSVP: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/voterregistrationdrive/gshf75

Latinos for Obama House Party will be held October 7 at Montgomery County Democratic Party Headquarters at  534 Madison St. at 6:00 p.m.  Guest speaker for the event Fabian Bedne, chairman of the Middle Tennessee Hispanic Democratics. Join Latino Leaders, Pastors, Community Leaders and concerned citizens for a get together of Barack Obama supporters.

RSVP: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/meeting/gs78dj

2^nd Presidential Debate Watch Party will be held October 7 at 8 p.m. at Montgomery County Democratic Party Headquarters 534 Madison St.. The debate will be broadcast live from Belmont University Nashville TN.

RSVP: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/debatewatchparty/gsh884

An Early Voting Rally will be held October 18 at Veterans Plaza Parking Lot (located near the Public Library) at 10 a.m.. Join all Democrat candidates at a rally setup to encourage early voting and to energize all Democratic Party members. After the rally we will all go inside the Election Commission to vote as a group!

We encourage you to come out and participate in all the election season campaign events. RSVP not required to attend events but all eGroup members should RSVP online to these events.

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