DFT candidates win in Nashville, Knoxville, Tennessee

Three DFT school board candidates won in the August 7, 2008, election in Nashville. They included Ed Kindall, Mark North and Gracie Porter. In Knoxville, Amy Broyles won her race for County Commission. Bob Tuke won the Democratic endorsement for U.S. Senate and will head into the November elections to battle Lamar Alexander.

DFT boots GOP

The power of the DFT grassroots has sent the head of Tennessee's Republican Party packing! Gov. Phil Bredesen has appointed a new person to serve on the state's Human Rights Commission following a campaign by DFT members to see her replaced.

Thanks to Gov. Bredesen and also to Bob Tuke, former head of Tennessee's Democratic Party and a candidate for U.S. Senate, who pledged his support to DFT's campaign and offered to lobby the governor's office about the appointment.

You'll remember that GOP party chair Robin Smith stood behind the party's efforts to appeal to prejudice and fear in its promotion of Barack Obama's middle name: Hussein. Even GOP loyalists couldn't stomach that move and pressured Smith to stop the practice.

The Nashville Post did an excellent follow-up to the booting of Smith with a memo she wrote to Bredesen defending her actions. DFT's blog is credited with helping bring pressure for her dismissal.

DFT voices like made the real difference. By coming together and speaking out, DFT members helped drive out those who would promote fear and made the Human Rights Commission a place where people can expect to get a fair hearing.

Nashville Metro Council 2007

DFA Nashville and Democracy for Tennessee are proud to announce the endorsement of the "Nashville New Wave" slate of candidates running for Metro Council!

These six candidates, running for office for the first time, promise to bring a diverse, new, progressive vision to Nashville that will allow our city to prosper and give hope to the next generation. Representing areas all across the county and campaigning using grassroots tactics, the New Wave slate is ready to take our county back.

Election victory 2006

In Nashville, GRACIE PORTER's election to the Metro School Board was a major victory as local Republicans tried to install a radical conservative home-schooling advocate in office. Progressives responded in overwhelming force, delivering a major victory for Gracie, who got 55 percent of the vote in a four-way race.

Meanwhile, across town, DFT-endorsed candidate KAREN JOHNSON knocked off the incumbent school board candidate in District 6. Two landslide victories for these candidates will help re-shape public education in Music City. Also in Nashville, two State House Representatives who have received past support from Democracy for America and the local DFA chapter - SHERRY JONES and JANIS SONTANY - cruised to re-election.

Harmon wins in Knoxville

In Knoxville, MARK HARMON surprised local politicos by beating an incumbent and winning a seat on the Knox County Commission. Mark is a communications professor at the University of Tennessee and an outspoken voice in the community as the host of one of the only liberal talk radio shows in the state. Harmon's progressive voice and values will be much-needed on the county's dysfunctional commission.

Clark wins in Coffee County

DAVID CLARK, DFT Steering Committee member from Coffee County, won his primary battle for the state House of Representatives and squared off against the terminally corrupt Republican Judd Matheny in November.