TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2012 Haslam Wants Federal Officials to Create Healthcare Waivers (W PLN-Radio Nash.

)
Tennessee Republican Governor Bill Haslam spent the weekend in Washington where he and other governors asked the president and cabinet officials for more freedom from federal mandates. In a question and answer session, the president told governors he wants to give states more autonomy, which many Republicans say is just lip service. But Governor Haslam praised the president for allowing states to have more flexibility under the rigid requirements of No Child Left Behind. Now Haslam says hed like that freedom when it comes to implementing the nations new health care law, which hes highly critical of. Lets set the criteria. Lets set the performance standards were going to have. Lets show how were going to measure improvement, and then let us run it just like youre doing with No Child Left Behind. I think theres a great corollary there. Tennessee is one of a handful of states that won waivers to the No Child Left Behind law by suggesting its own reform model. http://wpln.org/?p=34537

Governors' talks with Obama 'encouraging,' Haslam says (Tennessean/Bewley)

Gov. Bill Haslam called Mondays meeting between the nations governors and President Barack Obama encouraging, saying the president expressed a willingness to give states more flexibility in enacting certain federal programs. Mondays session at the White House marked the end of the annual winter meeting of the National Governors Association. The Obamas hosted a black-tie dinner for the governors on Sunday night. Topics included education and high gas prices, but the governors biggest concern is the high cost of Medicaid, Haslam said. He said governors pushed Obama to give states more control over Medicaid spending. Some governors have sought waivers that would allow their states to enact cuts to Medicaid, the federal-state health insurance program known as TennCare in Tennessee. If you ask every governor here what is the pressure point, its all about Medicaid spending, Haslam said in a brief interview on the north lawn of the White House. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120228/NEWS0201/302270059/Governors-talks-Obama-encouragingHaslam-says?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

Haslam attends White House meeting with Obama, governors (Nooga)

Wrapping up a four-day trip to W ashington D.C., Gov. Bill Haslam is scheduled to join his fellow governors to discuss policies in a meeting with President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden at the White House Monday. The meeting comes a day after Haslam attended a black-tie dinner with Obama and the first lady at the White House. The governor made the trip to the capital to attend the annual winter meeting of the National Governor's Association, which allows top executives of states to share ideas on policies and practices. News coverage of the meeting has focused on the group's views regarding the upcoming presidential race, with a number of Republican governors lamenting the amount of time and money being spent by their party's candidates on attacking one another. A Washington Post report quoted a handful of governors, not including Haslam, who said resources would be better aimed at targeting the president. http://www.nooga.com/153955/haslam-attends-white-house-meeting-with-obama-governors/

HCA Invests $200 million on IT Data Centers, Creating 155 Jobs (Area Development)
Nashville-based HCA, the nations leading provider of healthcare services with 163 hospitals and 111 surgery centers in 20 states, plans to build a new data center in Antioch, Tennessee and expand its existing IT locations in the Nashville region. The construction and expansion plans represent a total investment in excess of $200 million and the creation of approximately 155 IT jobs during a five-year period, an HCA official said"HCA played a key role in establishing middle Tennessee as the national healthcare hub it is today," Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam said. "We appreciate the company's continued investment in our state."

http://www.areadevelopment.com/newsitems/2-27-2012/hca-healthcare-data-center-expansion-282888.shtml

Three arrested for TennCare fraud (W VLT-TV Knoxville)

Three people in Trousdale County were arrested for TennCare fraud, bringing the total number of arrests to 1,601 since the Office of Inspector General (OIG) was formed and given authority to pursue fraud cases. Agents arrested: Melissa Wright, 40, of Lebanon, charged with one count of TennCare fraud for willfully making a false statement regarding her medical condition in order to obtain medical assistance benefits she was not entitled to; Jessica N. Scruggs, 26, of Hartsville, charged with two counts of TennCare fraud for using TennCare benefits on two separate occasions to obtain the painkiller Hydrocodone while planning to sell a portion of the drugs; Elizabeth A. Graves, 23, of Lafayette, charged with two counts of TennCare fraud for using TennCare on two separate occasions to obtain the painkiller Hydrocodone while secretly planning to sell a portion of the drugs. Many people are now using prescription drugs instead of street drugs, making our efforts more critical to keep fraud out of the TennCare program, Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. The Special Agents of the OIG are working throughout the Tennessee pursuing people who abuse TennCare. http://www.volunteertv.com/news/headlines/Three_arrested_for_TennCare_fraud_140602393.html

1,600th Arrest Made In TennCare Fraud (WTVF-TV Nashville)

The Office of Inspector General hit a new milestone when it comes to TennCare Fraud on Monday. The arrest of 3 people in one mid-state county pushed the total number of arrests to 1,600. Melissa Wright of Lebanon, Jessica Scruggs of Hartsville and Elizabeth Graves of Lafayette are all charged with TennCare Fraud. Officials said each woman were involved in prescription drug fraud with TennCare benefits used as payment. "Many people are now using prescription drugs instead of street drugs,' making our efforts more critical to keep fraud out of the TennCare program," Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. "The Special Agents of the OIG are working throughout Tennessee pursuing people who abuse TennCare." All three women were charged with class E felonies and could be sentenced to up to two years in prison. Their court dates had not been set. http://www.newschannel5.com/story/17028608/1600th-arrest-made-in-tenncare-fradu

Roane County woman charged with TennCare fraud (Knoxville News-Sentinel)

A Roane County woman has been charged in Rhea County with TennCare fraud for allegedly filling prescriptions and using her son's TennCare benefits to pay for it. The state Office of Inspector General, Rhea County Sheriff's Office and Rockwood Police Department today announced Amanda C. Roberts, 33, of Rockwood has been arrested and charged with six counts of TennCare fraud. She is accused of obtaining the drug Adderall prescribed for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy by willfully giving false statements, using impersonation and concealment of material facts, according to authorities. Illegally obtaining TennCare medical benefits is a Class E felony that carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison per charge. Tennesseans can get cash rewards for TennCare fraud tips that lead to convictions. Report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1800-433-3982 or by logging on to http://www.tn.gov/tnoig and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/feb/27/roane-county-woman-charged-with-tenncare-fraud/

State Auditors Hit Lauderdale County Bookkeeping (Associated Press)

An audit by the state comptroller's office has turned up deficiencies that auditors say Lauderdale County has had before. The report was released Monday on the fiscal year that ended in June. Auditors faulted the county for having no centralized accounting system and for not correcting practices found faulty in earlier examinations. The report noted a sheriff's office incident that led to the firing and indictment of a former deputy. Auditors said that led to a cash shortage of about $4,000, but the total could be higher. The school system spent $150,000 more than budgeted on renovations, and auditors found the county didn't keep its records secure enough. Lauderdale County Mayor Rod Schue said Monday he was told by auditors that problems they found were misunderstandings that needed attention. http://www.newschannel5.com/story/17027910/state-auditors-hitlauderdale-county-bookkeeping

Rabies confirmed in Rutherford County horse (Daily News Journal)

The Tennessee Departments of Health and Agriculture have confirmed that rabies has been diagnosed in two Middle Tennessee horses, including one in Rutherford County. One horse, submitted for testing in January, died in rural Rutherford County, and the other was submitted this month from Marshall County, according to a state news release. Both horses had a type of rabies virus found in skunks in Tennessee, although it is not known how 2

they were infected. The deaths of these animals serve as a somber reminder of the importance of rabies vaccination. Our pets, often including horses, are more likely to come into contact with wild animals than people are. Protecting pets with rabies vaccination can provide a barrier against rabies from wild animals, said Health Commissioner John Dreyzehner. Keeping our pets rabies vaccinations up to date is an effective and important way to protect both them and our human loved ones. The best protection against rabies in household pets, horses and some other farm animals is rabies vaccination. Vaccination of dogs and cats is required by Tennessee law. Having companion animals vaccinated against rabies helps protect people from rabies, too. http://www.dnj.com/article/20120228/NEW S01/302280022/Rabies-confirmed-Rutherford-County-horse

TN Supreme Court: Catholic abuse lawsuit can go forward (Associated Press)

The Tennessee Supreme Court has ruled that a man who claims to have been sexually abused by a Catholic priest in the 1970s may proceed with his lawsuit against the Diocese of Memphis. It's not clear how significant the ruling could be for some older victims of sexual abuse. Normally victims have until one year after their 18th birthday to file a lawsuit. Norman Redwing filed a lawsuit against the diocese in 2008 claiming that he was abused as a teenager by now-deceased priest Milton Guthrie and that church officials knew the priest was a "dangerous sexual predator." A lower court dismissed Redwing's suit, saying he waited too long to file and was barred by the statute of limitations. http://www.wsmv.com/story/17028427/tenn-supreme-court-abuse-lawsuitcan-go-forward

Tenn. Supreme Court: Abuse Case Can Proceed (Memphis Daily News)
The Tennessee Supreme Court ruled Monday, Feb. 27, that allegations of child sexual abuse 40 years ago involving the Catholic Diocese of Memphis can go forward. The ruling in the case of Norman Redwing vs. The Memphis Catholic Diocese reverses a state appeals court ruling and upholds the original ruling by Circuit Court Judge DArmy Bailey. Bailey ruled and the Tennessee Supreme Court unanimously upheld the decision that Redwings claims were not barred by the statute of limitations at least at this point. The diocese argued Redwing and other victims making such allegations had a year after they turned 18 to inquire about a pattern of child sexual abuse. Redwing alleged the late priest Milton Guthrie sexually abused him in the early to mid 1970s. His lawsuit is against the Catholic Diocese and claims church leaders knew or should have known Guthrie was a sexual predator and would have misled Redwing had he inquired. Redwings attorneys now have an opportunity to inquire further about the allegations against the diocese. http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/feb/28/tenn-supreme-court-abuse-case-can-proceed/

Moncier wins fight over scrutiny of his state law practice (N-S/Satterfield)
An embattled Knoxville defense lawyer has won some vindication albeit measured in the battle over his ability to practice law. A three-member hearing panel rejected a move by state Board of Professional Responsibility Chief Disciplinary Counsel Nancy Jones to revoke a probationary sentence meted out to veteran defense attorney Herbert S. Moncier in what has become a years-long battle over his ability to practice both federal and state law. The key bone of contention in the latest round in this war was whether Moncier should fork out hefty fees to pay a pricey law firm selected solely by Jones to "monitor" Moncier's legal practice and just how much access that monitor should have. Moncier argued he already has suffered a 45-day suspension of his ability to practice state law, probationary status through June and a five-year suspension of his ability to practice federal law for what amounts to courtroom clashes with various judges. "It is imperative to emphasize that (Moncier) has never been accused, charged or convicted of any transgressions relating to the handling of clients' funds," the panel wrote in a ruling in which it limited the scope of Moncier's monitoring and replaced the pricey law firm with local attorneys. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/feb/28/moncier-wins-fight-over-scrutiny-of-his-state/

Ownership Information Still a Sticking Point in ECD Transparency Bill (TN Report)
Tennessee lawmakers spent nearly an hour during a committee budget hearing last week praising the states business development agency for refocusing on homegrown companies. But no one acknowledged the departments ongoing disagreement with the Legislature: The Department of Economic and Community Development wants to collect the names of owners behind companies applying for millions of dollars in taxpayerfunded business grants but the agency doesnt want to share the information with the public. The move is drawing criticism from legislators who say there needs to be less secrecy in government, not more. Supporters of the Haslam administration-backed bill argue all they are trying to do is add more oversight and scrutiny to the states system of handing out subsidies than what has been in place under past administrations or whats 3

currently in place in other states. In fact, no other state asks for the names of business owners, the department told The Associated Press, but ECD Commissioner Bill Hagerty told lawmakers in a House Finance Committee budget hearing Thursday the state is so far fairing well against its neighbors in attracting business investors. http://tnreport.com/blog/2012/02/27/ownership-information-still-sticking-point-in-ecd-transparency-bill/

Amendments Readied for Governors Civil Service Restructuring (WPLN-Radio)

Tennessee lawmakers say theyll file a number of changes this week to Governor Bill Haslams sweeping revamp of civil service rules for state employees. Last week, Republican leaders handed out a thirty-five page rewrite to the governors bill to remove civil service protections from state employees. W ithin hours though, lawmakers reported they had already begun making changes to that draft, in private meetings between senators and state representatives. Some of those changes will define what performance standards state workers will be held to. Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey says he met a week ago with 120 or more state employees in his East Tennessee district and as many as half of them favored making job decisions based on a workers performance, not his seniority. I promised the state employees association that when we set up these performance criteria, that well work closely with them, to make sure its understandable, that people know what is expected of them, and I think that in the end, well run the state of Tennessee better. Ramsey says the Tennessee State Employees Association has accepted that some change to civil service is going to pass, and is cooperating in drafting amendments. http://wpln.org/?p=34427

Capitol Hill Conversation Republicans Pipe Up on Closing ECD Records (WPLN)

An effort by the Haslam Administration to close records regarding cash grants to private companies is being reworked after hitting a snag in the state senate last week. Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey repeated what started as an argument from a few Democrats, that the state should at least make public who owns a company seeking state incentives. Capitol hill reporter Joe White joins WPLNs Blake Farmer to discuss. http://wpln.org/?p=34481

Occupy Nashville bill headed to governor (Associated Press)

A proposal designed to evict Occupy Nashville protesters is headed to the governor for his consideration. The legislation passed the House 68-21 on Monday evening after lawmakers agreed to a change by the Senate, which approved the bill 20-10 last week. The measure makes it a crime to camp on any state-owned land that is not specifically designated for camping. Those violating the proposed law could have their belongings seized and be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by nearly a year in jail or a fine of up to $2,500 or both. The bill comes at the same time Gov. Bill Haslam's administration is seeking to break up the Occupy Nashville encampment by establishing rules for the use of the War Memorial Plaza. http://www.wkrn.com/story/17030641/occupy-nashville-bill-headed-to-governor

Occupy Nashville (Tennessean/Sisk)

bill

outlawing

group's

camp

is

sent

to

Haslam

Bill bans camping on public grounds without approval State lawmakers sent a bill authorizing removal of the Occupy Nashville encampment to Gov. Bill Haslam for his signature Monday, despite questions about the severity of its penalties. The House of Representatives voted 68-21 to concur with the Senate version of a bill that outlaws unauthorized camping on public grounds. The measure had already cleared the House once before, but a second vote was needed because the Senate added wording last week to protect the bill from a court challenge. Debate was short. State Rep. Gary Odom, D-Nashville, questioned whether the bills penalties up to 11 months, 29 days in jail or a fine of $2,500 were excessive, and he wondered whether they would hold up in court. W e spent a lot of time on this issue, and even now there are serious questions about the constitutionality of what were doing, he said. W e needed some more time to think out how we could better police the public property. The vote sends the bill to Haslam, who has 10 days to sign it or it becomes law automatically. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120228/NEWS0201/302280065/Occupy-Nashville-bill-outlawing-group-scamp-sent-Haslam?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

Memphis, Shelby Co. officials criticize bill to

end

local wage controls

4

(CA/Connolly)
A group of Democratic-leaning Memphis elected officials and labor organizations are fighting a bill in the Republican-controlled Tennessee legislature that would end local prevailing wage and living wage laws. Opponents say it will harm workers, while sponsors of the bill say it could create jobs. A state House subcommittee is scheduled to review the bill later this week. At a news conference outside the county building Monday, Shelby County Commission member Steve Mulroy, who pushed for the county's living wage ordinance, charged that "Nashville overlords" already have interfered in local affairs, citing the school merger, collective bargaining rights for teachers and Memphis annexation rules. "This issue here today is about local control," he said. Prevailing wage and living wage laws are measures that aim to boost pay for workers beyond minimum wage standards. For instance, Shelby County in 2009 approved a prevailing wage law that requires companies handling big construction projects to pay workers according to a scale based on a state survey of contractors. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/feb/28/bucks-stop-here/ (SUBSCRIPTION)

Andy Berke won't seek re-election to Tennessee Senate (Times Free-Press/Sher)

State Sen. Andy Berke, D-Chattanooga, announced Monday he will not seek re-election to his Senate District 10 seat, but the lawmaker isn't ready to drop the other political shoe just yet. That would be whether Berke will run to become Chattanooga's next mayor. "I'm not running for re-election" to the Senate, Berke told the Chattanooga Times Free Press during an interview in his Senate office in Nashville. "I've enjoyed my time in the state Senate. I think there are other challenges that await me, and I look forward to working on jobs and education in other capacities as time goes by." Asked if he has made any decision about running for mayor, Berke, 43, said, "I'm seriously considering it. Public service is important to me and my family. I care deeply about the issues that affect my neighbors like jobs and crime. "I certainly don't expect my career is over." Berke said he has "been thinking about this decision for a long time. I love this job, but it also requires me to be in Nashville as one voice in the Senate. I think that I can continue to work on issues that I care about in other ways." http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/feb/28/tn-andy-berke-wont-seek-re-election-to-senate/?local

Maury County Votes on Metro Government (WPLN-Radio Nashville)

Along with next weeks Presidential primary, voters in Maury County will be deciding on consolidating into a Metro Government similar to Nashville. Under the proposal, the city of Columbia and Maury County would combine into a single government. The towns of Spring Hill and Mount Pleasant would remain separate. Its a big dealdepartments merging, creating a single county commissionbut Michael Chester says some residents are unaware of the vote. Hes with SOCM-Statewide Organizing for Community Empowerment. Just this week I brought up in a conversation with someone and they had no idea. Never heard of it. SOCM hasnt taken a side on the Metro issue, but it will be hosting a forum Tuesday night, where residents can ask questions of both sides. Supporters say Metro government will save money and make Maury County more attractive for businesses. Opponents say the claims of savings are nebulous and property taxes will go up. http://wpln.org/?p=34505

Commission to revisit discretionary funds, tables resolution (NS/Donila)

Some Knox County commissioners want to reinstate the group's discretionary account, a fund that members for years used to dole out money to the community. "We should think about putting that back in our budget," Commissioner Mike Brown said during Monday's commission luncheon. "There's some things in our district that need to be done, and I think we should be able to do them. There's a lot of small things going on, and I think $200 to $300 would help tremendously." For years, commissioners each received $6,000 to spend on projects and initiatives that helped residents and neighborhoods in their districts. In the summer of 2010, however, commissioners agreed to shrink their accounts to $3,000 a year as a new commission took over and the overall body dropped from 19 members to 11. Last year, county Mayor Tim Buchett cut them out entirely in the current budget. On Monday, however, commissioners Brown and Amy Broyles briefly resurrected discussions. "I feel like some of the less affluent districts some of the organizations and some of the groups in them are having a hard time," said Broyles. "It's put them at a disadvantage, and it's something I'd like us to consider." http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/feb/28/commission-to-revisit-discretionary-funds-tables/

Law Director: It's not Knox County's job to regulate guns (WBIR-TV Knoxville)
Knox County Law Director Joe Jarret told commissioners this afternoon it is not witin the county's power to regulate firearms in the unincorporated areas. That's after several constituents recently approached commissioners with concerns over gunfire in their neighborhoods. Commissioners discussed the idea during a meeting Monday afternoon. Jarret told the group that state law does not permit Knox County to regulate the 5

discharge, transfer, or ownership of guns. Commissioners say they've received several complaints from county residents about neighbors firing guns too close to their homes. Commissioner Ed Shouse says the issue will likely get bigger as the county becomes more populated. After the meeting on Monday, Shouse says he plans to continue to investigate the issue. "I guess my next step is to discuss it with the sheriff and the sheriff's attorneys to see if they think it's being followed through properly," says Shouse. http://www.wbir.com/rss/article/208022/2/Law-Director-Its-not-Knox-Countys-job-to-regulate-guns

Alexander endorses Mitt Romney for president (Nooga)

Sen. Lamar Alexander has become the eighth sitting senator to endorse former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney for president. Alexander's endorsement came Friday, when he told reporters in Blount County that Romney was his pick after participating in early voting. The senator, a two-time former presidential candidate, said his decision to choose Romney came down to his executive experience. "We're electing a commander in chief who knows something about creating jobs, not a legislator in chief," Alexander said in a release distributed by the Romney campaign. "For me, Gov. Romney is the right choice. He's led a state, he's led a business, he's led the Olympics and has the executive experience this country needs." Alexander's endorsement came exactly one month after the senator stepped down from his position as chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, making him the third-most powerful Republican in the Senate. Romney said he was "truly honored" to have Alexander's vote. "As a conservative leader in this country for many years, Lamar has been an outspoken advocate for smaller government, a balanced budget and reforming our nation's broke education system," Romney said. "In the months ahead, I look forward to his counsel as we look to restore America's promise." http://www.nooga.com/153949/alexander-endorses-mitt-romney-for-president/

Tennessee Gears Up For Presidential Primary (W TVF-TV Nashville)

Super Tuesday is only a week away, and for Tennessee, it could be an opportunity to steal some of the national political spotlight. For the first time in a long time, the Volunteer state could play a big role in determining who gets the Republican Presidential nomination. Candidates Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum have scheduled campaign appearances in Tennessee this week, and all of the candidates are vying for the state's important delegates. Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Chris DeVaney said the situation has energized voters and the entire party. "I believe Republicans are getting motivated now. I think we will see an uptick in polls," said DeVaney, "The candidates are coming in, we are seeing ads, we are excited about playing a part in nominating process." DeVaney said in most cases, the election was already decided by the time the Tennessee primary occured, but this year is different. "People are concerned about the direction of the country, and this will be the first opportunity for Tennesseans to let nation know how they feel about the job President Obama is doing." http://www.newschannel5.com/story/17028968/tennessee-gears-up-for-presidential-primary

Early voting ends Tuesday, ballots down 10 percent (Associated Press/Schelzig)

Early voting comes to a close Tuesday for Tennessee's presidential primary on March 6. More than 121,500 people had voted through the weekend, with about 80 percent of ballots cast in the hotly contested Republican primary. But without a contested Democratic primary, overall participation has been down 10 percent from the same point in 2008. Republican voting has been highest in Knox County with more than 6,400 votes cast, followed by Hamilton, Rutherford and Shelby counties. Nashville's 1,684 Republican votes ranked 15th in the state, despite being located in Tennessee's second-largest county. Six counties Hancock, Moore, Lake, Perry, Van Buren and Clay had registered fewer than 100 votes in the GOP primary. http://www.tennessean.com/usatoday/article/38681049?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|p

Early voting comes to an end today (Tennessean)

Today is the final day to vote early in Tennessees presidential and local primary elections. Polling places in Davidson County will be open until 7 p.m. at the Election Commissions 2nd Avenue office and at Metro libraries in Bourdeax, Green Hills, Hermitage, Madison and on Edmondson Pike. Election Day will be March 6 http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120228/NEWS01/302280071/Early-voting-comes-an-end-today? odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

County primaries draw few to polling stations (Commercial Appeal/Silence)

Early voters trickled in a few at a time Monday afternoon at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, one of 6

several local voting sites showing low turnout for the Shelby County primaries. Voters waited only briefly in line, holding their state- or federal-issued photo IDs, which for the first time are a requirement to vote. Jean Moss, who voted Monday, is one of only 2 percent of registered county voters (about 610,000) to cast an early ballot in the primaries, which include the race for the Republican presidential nomination. "I've voted ever since Eisenhower," said Moss, 81, on her way out. "I don't think I've ever missed." Early voting, which started Feb. 15, ends today for the March 6 primaries. Races include assessor of property, district attorney general, General Sessions Court clerk and County Commission District 1, Position 3. The county election will cost between $850,000 and $900,000. As of Monday afternoon, about 11,500 voters had cast ballots at 21 early voting locations, said Richard Holden, the Shelby County Election Commission's administrator of elections. Just on Monday, 1,900 people had voted by 2 p.m. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/feb/28/countyprimaries-draw-few-to-polling-stations/ (SUB)

Early Voting in Primary Ends Tuesday (Memphis Daily News)

Early voting could top 10,000 ballots if the voting in advance of the March 6 Election Day continues at last weeks pace. The last day to vote early at 21 locations across Shelby County is Tuesday, Feb. 28. A list of locations and their hours is at www.shelbyvote.com, the website of the Shelby County Election Commission. Voter turnout statistics from the commission through Feb. 24 show 8,115 citizens have cast either absentee or early vote ballots since the early voting period began Feb. 15. The total is 1.3 percent of Shelby Countys 610,920 voters. The largest daily early voter turnout was Friday, Feb. 24, when 2,002 voted. Turnout jumped dramatically Feb. 21, the first day that early voting expanded from election commission headquarters Downtown to the 20 satellite sites across the county. Thats also when the turnout in the Republican primaries on the ballot jumped dramatically as well. Voters in the set of Republican primaries topped by the states Republican presidential primary were 54.1 percent of the early voting turnout through Friday. http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/feb/28/early-voting-in-primary-ends-tuesday/

Gingrich wants 'replacement debate' on health care (Associated Press)

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has called for alternatives to President Barack Obama's health care law, kicking off a day of campaigning in a Southern state key to his struggling presidential campaign. Gingrich said he would repeal Obama's health care law if Republicans win congressional majorities. He said at a health care forum Monday that Republicans should think of this time as "the beginning of the replacement debate rather than just the anti-Obamacare debate." Gingrich hopes to win his home state of Georgia and have a strong showing in Tennessee on contests held on Super Tuesday on March 6. The former Georgia congressman has been courting voters in his home state and in the South, hoping to revitalize his bid. He was holding campaign events in Nashville. http://www.wsmv.com/story/17027981/gingrich-wants-replacement-debate-on-health-care

Gingrich slams Santorum as 'big labor Republican (Associated Press/Thomas)

Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich on Monday slammed rival Rick Santorum as a big labor Republican, accusing him of siding with unions over Memphis-based FedEx when the Senate grappled with a labor dispute in the 1990s. Gingrich, the former Georgia congressman and House Speaker, is hoping to revive his struggling campaign in the South, and he tailored his message Monday to Republican voters in Tennessee. Although polls show a close race between Santorum and Mitt Romney, Gingrich challenged the former Pennsylvania senator and his conservative credentials. I think there are profound reasons that Rick lost the Senate race by the largest margin in Pennsylvania history in 2006, and I think its very hard for him to carry that all the way to the general, Gingrich said. Then he comes South and you take the case right here. He voted for the unions over FedEx. I suspect most folks in the state dont know that. http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20120228/NEWS01/302280043/Gingrich-slams-Santorum-big-laborRepublican-former-House-Speaker-campaigns-Nashville

Newt Gingrich needles Obamacare in Nashville (Nashville Business Journal)

Republican presidential nominee hopeful Newt Gingrich was in town this morning talking health care as part of a panel discussion that took aim at the Affordable Care Act, which has become a key topic this election year. Gingrich was joined by health care executives and physicians at the round table discussion, hosted at the offices of Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz . While he's in stark opposition to Obamacare, Gingrich had some of the more moderate comments on the panel "Think about this as the beginning of the replacement debate, and not just the anti-Obamacare debate," said Gingrich, who is in Nashville today to make multiple appearances as he attempts to stave off competition from other GOP candidates Mitt Romney and Rick 7

Santorum, who is leading in state polls. "A lot of this predates Obama," Gingrich continued, referring to the dynamic problems facing the nation's health care system, including millions in uninsured and underinsured and the lack of a universal medical payment system that revolves around quality and performance. http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/blog/2012/02/newt-in-nashville-needles-obamacare.html

Gingrich uses Nashville visit to slam Obama on gas prices (City Paper/Greenberg)
Despite trailing the rest of the candidates in the Republican primary polls in Tennessee, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich took on President Barack Obama and a handful of Occupy protesters at his campaign stop in Nashville. Gingrich preached mostly about his oil and energy strategy to a crowd of roughly 200 on the east lawn of the State Capitol. Gingrich said he had an identity with the setting, which was near the grave of James K. Polk, the only speaker of the house to be elected president. The 30-minute speech mostly focused on Gingrich's plan to lower gas prices back down to $2.50 which he said could be achieved by creating more opportunities to utilize oil in the U.S. rather than relying on the volatile and unstable Middle East. [The next time you are at the gas pump] ask yourself how much would you save if you used the $2.50 per gallon plan, Gingrich said. His speech touched on the same points as a 30-minute advertisement Gingrich purchased on WSMV-TV which ran Sunday at 12:30 p.m. http://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/gingrich-usesnashville-visit-slam-obama-gas-prices

Gingrich supporters hope TN visit boosts prospects (WKRN-TV Nashville)

Supporters of Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich hope a day of campaigning in Nashville will help boost the candidate's prospects in Tennessee. The former U.S. House speaker kicked off his day with state lawmakers and religious leaders at the legislative office complex on Monday morning. Gingrich was introduced by Rep. Tony Shipley of Kingsport, who heads his state campaign, and Rep. Terri Lynn W eaver of Lancaster, who began the event with a rendition of "Amazing Grace." From there he attended a health care forum where he told New2's Chris Bundgaard that he intends to "win Tennessee," by emphasizing an energy independence program that would 'bring back $2.50 for a gallon of gasoline." Gingrich gave a lunchtime speech at a monthly gathering of Nashville-area Republicans. The remainder of his schedule included a rally on the steps of the state Capitol and a meeting with state House and Senate Republicans. At the rally the former Speaker mentioned that James K. Polk was buried nearby and it was the Columbia, TN native who is the only former Speaker who later became president. http://www.wkrn.com/story/17029141/gingrich-supporters-hope-visit-boosts-prospects

Gingrich Barbs Rivals While Campaigning in Nashville (WPLN-Radio Nashville)

Republican presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich is campaigning in Nashville today ahead of next weeks Super Tuesday primary. Gingrich is hoping to turn around a campaign thats been trailing in recent Tennessee polls. Gingrich sneaked in jabs at his rivals in a string of downtown events. He equated the healthcare plan Mitt Romney backed in Massachusetts to what Gingrich called Obamacare. And he targeted Rick Santorum as a quote big-labor Republican. I suspect when you get to Memphis and you say to people Gee, this is a guy who wanted to guarantee that FedEx gave in to the unions, Santorum wont be quite as popular the following morning. Gingrich says he thinks the Republican primary race could stay competitive all the way to the GOP convention this summer. But before that he says he has to do well in his home state of Georgia next week. He then hopes to rebuild momentum in Alabama and Mississippi. http://wpln.org/?p=34528

Vanderbilt poll shows Santorum with 2-1 lead over Romney in Tennessee (Nooga)
With Super Tuesday rapidly approaching, a new poll of Tennessee voters reveals presidential candidate Rick Santorum leading his Republican rival Mitt Romney by a margin of nearly 2-1. But whether the poll shows Santorum, who campaigned in Chattanooga Saturday, as the current Republican "flavor of the month" or a candidate with staying power remains to be seen. The poll, conducted by Vanderbilt University's Center for Democratic Institutions between Feb. 16 and Feb. 22, shows that 33 percent of "registered and likely" voters say they supported Santorum, placing the former Pennsylvania senator far ahead of Romney, who garnered 17 percent. A total of 1,508 voters were surveyed for the poll, which has a 2.8 percent margin of error. Behind Romney, Rep. Ron Paul came in third with 13 percent. Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who is scheduled to make campaign stops in both Chattanooga and Dalton Tuesday, came in fourth with 10 percent. But respondents who said they didn't plan to vote for any of the GOP candidates, had not yet decided or declined to respond accounted for the remaining 27 percent, indicating that the share of voters who have not yet made up their minds rivals those throwing their support behind Santorum. 8

http://www.nooga.com/153965/vanderbilt-poll-shows-santorum-with-2-1-lead-over-romney-in-tennessee/

Republican excitement in primary is lacking (Tennessean/Cass)

Poll finds general election is what will create turnout Tennessee voters say the Republican presidential race this year has been too negative, and they arent especially fired up about the Grand Old Partys pool of candidates. But, according to a recent Vanderbilt University poll, no matter who their eventual nominee is, Republican voters will coalesce behind him to try to defeat President Barack Obama this fall. In hypothetical matchups between each of the Republican contenders and Obama, there doesnt seem to be any real drop-off depending on who the candidate is, said Josh Clinton, an associate professor of political science at Vanderbilt and co-director of the Vanderbilt Poll. Theres not going to be a whole lot of staying home. Whats driving voters is probably going to be more of a dislike for Obama than an overwhelming like for a particular candidate. The Feb. 16-22 survey of 1,508 registered Tennessee voters found former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania in the lead to win the states Republican primary a week from today, though former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney could still catch up. About one in four Republican voters, however, said they either wouldnt vote for any of the four major remaining candidates, didnt know how they would vote or refused to answer. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120228/NEWS02/302270064/Republican-excitement-primary-lacking? odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

Santorum Leads in Vanderbilt Poll, Headed to Fundraise in Nashville (WPLNRadio)

Republican Presidential candidate Rick Santorum received cheers on Saturday in Chattanooga after calling President Barack Obama a snob for his views that every American child should go to college. Chattanooga Councilman Andrae McGary, who considers himself an independent, was one of the 1,500 people to attend the Tea Party rally. There is this hard move to the right, and a lot of the statements that are being made are only appealing to that particular demographic, which I find very concerning. However, Santorums message does appear to be resonating with Tennessee voters. A poll sponsored by Vanderbilt University was released over the weekend. It shows Santorum with a significant lead over former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. However, even more told pollsters that they believe Romney has the best shot at beating the President in the general election. Political science professor John Geer says the Republican race remains fluid, pointing out that the last Vanderbilt poll had the Tennessee frontrunner as a candidate who is no longer in the race Herman Cain. http://wpln.org/?p=34519

School lunches get federal makeover in obesity fight (Tennessean/DeVille)

New dietary requirements seek to improve children's nutrition Its lunchtime at Rose Park Middle, and students hungrily grab trays filled with hamburgers and french fries, some turning up their noses at the sides of tossed salad and an apple or banana. At the other extreme, some pick their way along the salad bar, using tongs to grab fresh romaine lettuce, bright cherry tomatoes and carrots. For the first group, next fall will bring some unwelcome dietary changes ordered by the federal government. They were adopted to address the nations 25 million children and teens who are obese or overweight 21 percent of kids in Tennessee. As more Tennessee students rely on free or reduced-price school lunches more than 60 percent last year, up from 55 percent in 2007 what they eat in the school lunch becomes more important because they could be getting less-nutritious food at home, those implementing the new guidelines say. Corn and potatoes will be restricted to one cup a week. Dark greens, beans and red vegetables such as tomatoes and beets will become staples. Whole grains, once only recommended, will be required. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120228/NEWS04/302280044/School-lunches-get-federal-makeoverobesity-fight?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

Oxford Diagnostic Labs Brings Jobs to Memphis (Memphis Daily News)

Oxford Diagnostic Laboratories Monday unveiled its new state-of-the-art 35,000-square-foot facility at 5846 Distribution Drive, which is expected to bring a total of roughly 40 new jobs to Memphis within the next year, and as many as 65 new jobs total in the future. Thirteen positions have already been filled, said Dr. Peter WrightonSmith, CEO of parent company Oxford Immunotec Ltd., a medical diagnostics company with headquarters in Abingdon, United Kingdom. The company was founded in 2002 based on research at the University of Oxford. 9

Oxford Diagnostic Laboratories, based in Massachusetts, is a national reference laboratory offering T-SPOT testing for tuberculosis. The Memphis facility will focus exclusively on TB screening. The announcement and ribbon cutting was attended by a mix of company representatives, city, county and state government officials, and leaders from FedEx, the Greater Memphis Chamber, and builders Linkous Construction. http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/feb/28/oxford-diagnostic-labs-brings-jobs-to-memphis/

State of Tenn. intervenes in operations of six Memphis City Schools (CA/Roberts)

The state of Tennessee will run three Memphis City Schools in Frayser next fall. Three more, mostly in North Memphis, will convert to or co-exist with charter schools as part of a strategic effort to concentrate on pockets of town where schools chronically under-perform. Corning Elementary, Frayser Elementary and W estside Middle will open in the state Achievement School District, according to a late-afternoon announcement Monday at Ed Rice Community Center in the heart of Frayser. At the same time, the charter KIPP Memphis will open a middle and high school inside Cypress School. Privately run Cornerstone will convert Lester School in Binghamton to a charter school and Gestalt Community Schools will open a middle school inside Gordon Elementary in North Memphis. "I see what we are doing as community transformation work, making sure that Frayser continues along the lines many of you in this room are working on," Chris Barbic, ASD superintendent told a roomful of parents, school leaders and community activists in the event attended by Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell and Memphis Mayor A C Wharton. "We see this as a collaboration, not a takeover. It's an opportunity to create a brand-new education system focused on the students in the bottom five percent," Barbic said. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/feb/27/three-frayser-schools-be-run-state-tennessee-next/ (SUB)

High scores for Medina school (Jackson Sun)

Medina Elementary ranks in top 5 percent of high performers for state Medina Elementary School was identified in the top 5 percent of high-performing Tennessee schools based on 2011 state test scores. The school will earn the Reward status under the states new evaluation system, which was proposed as an alternative to the federal No Child Left Behind model. Schools receive the status if students achieved high scores or learning gains. Assistant principal Cortnee Wilkes said the status will allow the school to apply for state money to use for instruction and the opportunity to gather best teaching practices from across the state. Our third-grade students scored 76 percent proficient or advanced in math compared to the overall state score of 41 percent, Wilkes said in an e-mail to The Jackson Sun. The students scored 62 percent proficient or advanced in reading and language arts compared to the overall state score of 54 percent. The Jackson-Madison County School System has six schools that would meet the Reward status. The schools are Liberty Technology Magnet High, Lincoln Elementary, North Side High, South Side High, Bemis Montessori and Madison Academic Magnet High. http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20120228/NEWS01/302280041/High-scores-Medina-school

Doctors say bath salt use could affect wait time in emergency rooms (H-C)
Despite a ban on synthetic drugs in Sullivan County the sheriff's office said it receives a call about a drug overdose involving bath salts nearly every day. Since January 2012 the Sullivan County Sheriff's Department reports two deaths attributed to bath salts, they have responded to 13 bath salt related cases and get this: five of those came just this weekend. Trauma doctors at Holston Valley Medical Center said just last week over a three day time period they treated nearly 20 patients who appeared to be high on bath salts. Doctor Tiffany Lasky said treating that many patients is slowing down response time in the emergency room. For example, she said when a patient comes in high on a synthetic drug they aren't like a normal patient. "When the patients come in they have no idea where they're at, said Dr. Tiffany Lasky at Holston Valley Medical Center. They're combative, they're a danger to themselves, and they're a danger to the medical staff." Lasky said she's seen several instances where it takes 20 employees to secure and treat a patient on bath salts. The average trauma patient is seen immediately when they arrive at Holston Valley, but when 20 staff members are treating one patient doctor lasky said sometimes patients in serious conditions have to wait. Has the wait ever impacted a patient's well being? http://www2.tricities.com/news/2012/feb/27/despite-ban-sullivan-county-still-sees-synthetic-d-ar-1720409/

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OPINION Editorial: TN should put skids on repealing helmet law (Daily News Journal)
We cannot afford to repeal the states motorcycle helmet law. The Motorcyclist Liberty Restoration Act currently before the Tennessee Legislature would put an end to the helmet requirement for motorcycle riders 21 and older. While some with more libertarian leanings claim repealing the helmet law is all about individual rights, we strongly disagree. What gives anyone the right to exercise the freedom to stick taxpayers with the bill for what amounts to a self-inflicted traumatic brain injury? Pennsylvania was the last state to repeal the helmet law, doing so in 2003. The fiscal note attached to the Tennessee bill points out that in the two years after Pennsylvania repealed its helmet requirement, the incidence of traumatic brain injury from motorcycle accidents more than doubled from the prior two years. If TennCares expenditures for traumatic brain injury stemming from motorcycle crashes were to increase by 63 percent, the state would spend an additional $1.12 million. That figure does not include long-term care and rehabilitation costs, which would exceed that amount, according to the fiscal note. The National Transportation Safety Board is monitoring the Tennessee legislation. Bill Goffard with the NTSB's office of communications said a repeal would increase motorcycle fatalities. http://www.dnj.com/article/20120228/OPINION/302280025/EDITORIAL-TN-should-put-skids-repealing-helmetlaw

Free-Press Editorial: Corker's steady work as senator merits strong support (TFP)
In 2006, the American electorate took a sharp left turn, handing Democrats control of both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate. That led to Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., becoming speaker of the House and Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., becoming Senate majority leader, and it set the stage for further Democrat congressional gains as well as the ill-advised election of President Barack Obama in 2008. W isely, Tennessee did not go with the flow in the 2006 elections. Former Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker, a Republican, defeated then-U.S. Rep. Harold Ford Jr. in the race for an open Senate seat, and Democrats were denied any additional House seats in this state. Corker has charted a sensible path since he became a senator, being one of the key voices in Washington against the runaway spending that threatens our nation with economic calamity. Yet when possible, he has reached out to Democrats for support for his legislative goals, and he has maintained a constructive, courteous demeanor. So it is not particularly surprising to learn that Corker raised $1 million in campaign contributions during the final three months of 2011 and now has campaign funds totaling $7.4 million -11

even though he so far faces no significant Republican or Democrat opposition in his re-election bid. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/feb/28/tennessee-bob-corkers-strong-support/?opinionfreepress

Free-Press Editorial: Rick Santorum has justifiably big lead in Tennessee poll (TFP)
In a Republican primary season of constant ups and downs, conservative former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum has justifiably charged to a commanding lead in Tennessee and is leading or tied with former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney in nationwide polls. Santorum's strength in the Volunteer State is highlighted by a Vanderbilt University poll of more than 1,500 registered voters. Santorum, who got an enthusiastic reception during a visit to Chattanooga on Saturday, had the support of 33 percent of the respondents. Finishing far back were Romney at 17 percent, Texas Congressman Ron Paul at 13 percent and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich at 10 percent. About a fourth of respondents expressed no preference, though, so a Tennessee victory for Santorum is not certain. Still, he appears to be in the driver's seat here, and his Chattanooga stop may also have been intended to get the attention of voters in nearby, conservative North Georgia. Gingrich leads in Georgia heading toward Super Tuesday, the March 6 primaries and caucuses in Georgia, Tennessee and eight other states. But Georgia offers the most delegates of any of the states where voting will take place on Super Tuesday, and Santorum may yet prevail there if he is seen as the conservative with a better shot than Gingrich at wresting the nomination away from the middle-of-the-road Romney. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/feb/28/rick-santorums-tennessee-lead/?opinionfreepress ###

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