June 6, 2007 @ 6:00 PM
Inside Caucus Hardball: Rumbles of Trouble
During the Democratic House Caucus meeting Tuesday (June 5, 2007), Rep. Nathan Vaughn (D-Kingsport) said voting for the budget would be "political suicide in my district." The 2nd House District which Vaughn represents consists of 2% African-American and 30% Democrat.
Rep. Johnny Shaw (D-Boliver) said, "What good is it it to have a Democrat seat if he can't vote for the Democratic position?"
When asked about Shaw's comment later, Vaughn said he was "very offended by the remarks made by Rep. Johnny Shaw." Vaughn said he was sent to Nashville "to represent the people from the 2nd District of Sullivan County and not vote the Democratic Caucus." Vaughn called Shaw's remarks "very irresponsible and inappropriate."
House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh (D-Covington) said the bill would do much for Shelby County and the entire Shelby County Delegation should meet after the Caucus to discuss the matter.
Rep. Mike Kernell (D-Memphis) said he was hesitant about voting for the bill because money did not go back to health and benefit for the smokers. Kernell said it wasn't fair to bill smokers to support schools. Kernell said smokers will get sick. Part of the money should be used for health care and prevention.
Rep. Barbara Cooper (D-Memphis) spoke adamently with Kernell about the bill and the benefits to Shelby County and West Tennessee. Kernell said Wednesday that he would probably vote for the bill even though he wasn't happy about it.