The Hamilton County Democratic Party

"Cadillac Jim Hammond": A Mugwump who'll flip-flop to win (by Stuart James)

2008-05-13T09:46:38-04:00

Remember when Jim Hammond ran for sheriff--twice as the Democratic nominee against sheriff John Cupp? Remember Jim Hammond's service as Chief Deputy of the Sheriff's Department? Remember when County Mayor Dalton Roberts gave Jim Hammond the nickname "Cadillac Jim" for his extravagant spending while Chief Deputy?

Remember Eddie Newell, who ran against Mr Hammond for the Democratic nomination for Sheriff? Remember what Mr. Newell did after he lost the Democratic nomination? According to a 1994 article in the Chattanooga Times Free Press, Eddie Newell "who fought an unsuccessful battle for his party's nomination in the sheriff race...endorsed Republican candidate John Cupp."

Remember Jim Hammond's response to Mr Newell's endorsement? Jim Hammond, according to the same article said that "he [Hammond] does not believe Newell's endorsement will be a major factor in the upcoming race but added that it probably will hurt Newell's political future." Hammond is quoted as saying, "If he [Newell] is still interested in politics, that's not a very good way to show it--flipping back and forth between parties.... We used to call people like that mugwumps where I come from." Then Jim Hammond switched to the Republican Party.

"Mugwump Jim Hammond" appears no better than Mr. Newell, flipping back and forth between parties...in order to win elected office.

There are other issues surrounding Mr. Hammond, and these are historical issues that need answers--answers only Jim Hammond can give to the voters of Hamilton County Tennessee.

During Hammond's previous runs for sheriff questions surfaced regarding a federal investigation of the Hamilton County Jail. In fact, "16 indictments and nine guilty pleas for charges ranging from extortion and money laundering [to] steroid distribution" were handed down for conduct of members of the department during Hammond's term as Chief Deputy. As Chief Deputy, Hammond was responsible for the day to day operations of the Sheriff's Department.

Sheriff Cupp, while he was lieutenant at the sheriff department, claimed he approached Chief Deputy Hammond about rumors regarding illegal steroid distribution and other problems in the department. Hammond denied Cupp's statement, but Hammond never addressed what he knew or did not know about facts surrounding illegal steroid use, extortion and money laundering in the Department.

The federal investigation resulted in 16 indictments; one indictment was Lonnie Hood, a major political supporter of Mr. Hammond. Isn't it legitimate to ask Mr. Hammond what he knew about Mr. Hood, who pled guilty to the charges against him? Isn't it legitimate to ask Hammond what he knew about the indictments, giving answers he failed to give when he ran twice for Sheriff?

Hammond admits that during his run for Sheriff he appeared corrupt. As everyone in this County knows, Hammond lost to Sheriff John Cupp. John Cupp received 32,509 votes to Hammond's 19,065 votes in the 1998 election for Sheriff. According to an article by the Times Free Press, Hammond "voiced frustration" over his loss. Hammond is quoted as saying "John stomped me. People pretty much accepted that I was part of a corrupt administration and that John could be trusted...my opponent was very effective in making Jim Hammond look corrupt." The problem Mr. Hammond had during that election is that he did appear corrupt because he never answered questions regarding corruption in the department.

Remember Jim Hammond's spending while Chief Deputy? Jim Hammond was known as "Cadillac Jim" for his spending habits while Chief Deputy. In another Times Free Press article the paper reports that phantom campaigners were asking the question: "Why does the sheriff department pay a gym instructor $32,115.20 per year when the average pay for a fitness instructor in this area [at the time] is between 16500 and 18,500 a year?" Mr. Hammond, during the 1994 campaign, never answered the question--County Mayor Dalton Roberts and County Commissioners like Curtis Adams brought up issues surrounding Hammond's management of the department, issues Hammond never adequately addressed. When he was labeled "Cadillac Jim" for his spending habits, it stuck.

Finally there is "Mugwump Jim Hammond," a man guilty of "flipping back and forth between parties" to win public office. Jim Hammond who was twice the Democratic nominee for office apparently feels this flip-flopping is okay, if he does it. He feels he cannot win office as a Democrat, so he flip flops over to the Republican party to win.

Mr Hammond is no better than Eddie Newell who Hammond accused of being a mugwump when Newell, a Democrat, decided to support John Cupp. "Mugwump Jim" now wants his cake so he can eat it too.

"Mugwump Jim" is trying to fool the voters, fool them into believing that he can run the Sheriff's Department, and that he has always been a Republican. History shows that the two-time Democratic nominee is a flip-flopper who is willing to flip and flop to win office. History shows an association with corrupt individuals in the department. History shows an inability to fiscally manage the department.

When deciding who to vote for in the upcoming Sheriff's race, history will reveal the truth about each of the candidates. "Mugwump Jim Hammond," aka "Cadillac Jim," has a history. As Hammond puts it: "[P]eople pretty much accepted that [I] was a part of a corrupt administration."

Maybe the flipping and flopping of Mr. Hammond is a clear indicator of what kind of Sheriff he will be: A flip-flopper who will run the Sheriff's Department into the ground.

Governor Bredesen Demonstrates Resolve & Accountability in Response to Recession

2008-05-13T06:51:40-04:00

Yesterday, Democratic Governor Phil Bredesen told Tennessee legislators and Tennessee voters that the best way to deal with a RECESSION is to follow the Golden Rule of Economics: "To live within our means." This principle is at the heart of fiscal accountability, and it is also at the core of future prosperity. I am proud of our Governor for leading on these difficult issues. Let's face it, these are troubling economic times, made more complicated by rising gas prices and food prices, huge federal debt, and a war seemingly without end.

But as the Governor said yesterday, "We need to act decisively and conservatively. This is not a time for a lack of resolve; this is not a time for wishful thinking." I like Governor Bredesen's "reality principle" and gutsy-ness ~ a leader in whom all Tennesseans can put their trust.

Bredesen is proposing $468 million in cuts from the state budget. Here are some of the effects of budget cuts?

1. Tuition for colleges and universities go up
2. Delay in "medically needy" people signing up for TennCare
3. 2,011 state jobs bought out
4. High health insurance costs for state employees
5. Land conservation purchases delayed
6. Smoking cessation programs dropped

Click HERE for a poll about Bredesen's leadership. For more information about the Governor's leadership through this difficult economy, click HERE for the Chattanooga Times Free Press coverage. The image above is property of the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

"Vote for Change" Registration Drive Drew Over 50 Volunteers to Headquarters

2008-05-12T14:19:05-04:00

I am proud to say that Democrats locally had great success on Saturday, May 10. State Rep. Tommie Brown kicked off the voter registration drive, and Justin Wilkins, an Obama Delegate from our Congressional District 3, coordinated with us at the Hamilton County Democratic Party to stage the drive this past weekend. Here's what Justin had to say about the kickoff:

Over 50 local grassroots volunteers for the Obama campaign participated in Chattanooga's "Vote for Change Kickoff," registering more than 140 new voters in Southeast Tennessee. "Vote for Change" was a kickoff to a six-month voter registration drive aimed at getting millions more Americans registered to vote and involved in the democratic process ahead of the November election. Volunteer groups in Chattanooga, Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville and over 100 other cities across the country (in every state) joined in this unprecedented voter registration and mobilization drive.

The local "Vote for Change" began at 10:30 a.m. with a diverse group of over 50 volunteers at the Hamilton County Democratic Party Headquarters. Representative Tommie Brown delivered a moving introduction. She shared her story about the importance of voting and registering more Americans, regardless of party or candidate along with the power of giving more people a voice in the direction of their country. Following the introduction teams were dispatched to over 30 locations around the city in groups of two to six.

For more information about joining the local Chattanoogans for Obama group visit TN.BarackObama.com or call our Volunteer Headquarters at (423) 285-8828.

Join U.S. Senate Candidate Bob Tuke Monday, May 19, at UTC Patten House

2008-05-12T10:49:22-04:00

A Hamilton County Democratic Party Announcement:
Luncheon for Bob Tuke, Democratic Candidate for U.S. Senate in Tennessee

What: Tuke for Tenneessee Luncheon Reception with Democrat Bob Tuke for U.S. Senate, hosted by Chattanooga Attorney Lee Davis.

When: Monday, May 19 ~ 11:30 - 1:00

Who: All are welcome

Purpose: To meet Bob Tuke, former Tennessee Democratic Party Chairman, because he wants your vote and your help.

Where: UTC Patten House (801 Oak Street in the Fortwood Section ~ click HERE for map).

Contact: Send emails to Jennifer@davis-hoss.com or lee@davis-hoss.com, or call 423-266-0605.

Four BIG Democratic Events To Attend This Week

2008-05-12T10:46:57-04:00

1. BECK FOR SHERIFF Kickoff ~ May 12 ~ Bessie Smith Hall at 5 - 7 p.m.

2. DISCUSSIONS IN DEMOCRACY ~ May 12 ~ Headquarters at 6 - 8 p.m. ~ "Peak Oil. Peak Credit. Peak America." Presented by David White.

3. JFK LUNCHEON ~ May 13 ~ The Cellar at Noon ~ $12 ~ Speaker will be Greg Beck, Democrat for Sheriff.

4. GREATER CHATTANOOGA DEMOCRATIC WOMEN ~ May 13 ~ I.B.E.W. at 6 p.m.

First Marilyn Lloyd Dinner on June 16th

2008-05-07T12:18:27-04:00

You Are Invited to Our
FIRST MARILYN LLOYD DINNER
Hosted by the Hamilton County Democratic Party
On June 16th, 2008 at the Chattanooga Choo-Choo

Join us in celebrating the Honorable Marilyn Lloyd for her public service to Hamilton County as the FIRST female Congressional Member from Tennessee (serving from 1975 to 1995) and her community leadership as a woman.

Keynote Speaker: Congressman Bart Gordon

Special Guest: Congressman Heath Schuler

Tickets may be purchased now from the party (call 266-4125 or email us at hcdp@comcast.net):

Table Sponsor (seats 8) = $1500

Reserved Seat Sponsor = $150

General Ticket = $60

Emeritus or Youth Ticket = $30

Deadline for Reservations is Monday, June 9th, 2008.

Jim Hammond is a "Mugwump" by His Own Definition

2008-05-07T10:22:28-04:00

In 1994 and 1998, Jim Hammond ran for sheriff as a Democrat. According to The Chattanooga Times during his 1994 run for sheriff, Mr. Hammond discredited a fellow Democrat for supporting Republican sheriff candidate John Cupp, calling this fellow Democrat a "mugwump" for "flipping back and forth between [political] parties." But Mr. Hammond is the mugwump who has decided to flip-flop, as he did yesterday at a sheriff's forum.

At the North Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce sheriff's forum, Mr. Hammond defined himself as a "mugwump." When asked to explain why he was running as a Republican now after running for sheriff twice before (and losing) as a Democrat, Mr. Hammond chose to be politically slick rather than to stand on conviction. He flip-flopped.

He said that he ran as a Democrat in 1994 and 1998 because his former boss was a Democrat. But that doesn't sound like conviction. He went on to say that he did not believe he had voted for a Democrat in the last twenty years. But his voting record indicates the opposite.

What Mr. Hammond, in fact, did in 1994 and 1998 was take the support and money of Democrats to run for sheriff. Now he's telling us he was never a Democrat. Now he's telling us he was lying to the voters in 1994 and 1998. But we need a sheriff who can talk straight with us.

By his own definition, Mr. Hammond is a "mugwump." By his own definition, Mr. Hammond is a man who can't decide where he stands. By his own definition, Mr. Hammond has flip-flopped and undermined the public trust.

For now more than ever, we need our next sheriff to know exactly where he stands.

You are Invited to Reception for "Beck for Sheriff" on May 8

2008-05-03T12:38:15-04:00

You are invited to a reception for the Democratic Party's nominee for Hamilton County sheriff Greg Beck. See details below:

DATE: Thursday, May 8, 2008

TIME: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

LOCATION: Valleybrook Golf & Country Club (180 Hixson Pike--click HERE for map)

HOST COMMITTEE: Chris Anderson, Pat Branham, Jacqueline Dowell, Larry Hattley, Martha Lee, Lisa Lemza LTC (R),
Brenda Nunn, Sylvia Phillips, Sandy Smith,, Rodney & Lynn Strong

SUGGESTED DONATION: $50.00 (Please make checks payable to "Beck for Sheriff")

NOTE:If you are not able to attend but want to support Greg Beck please send your check to P.O. Box 16172, Chattanooga TN 37416. For more information please call Brenda Nunn 364-3532 or Sandy Smith 991-8856.

Commissioner Greg Beck Proposes Five-Point Strategic Plan for Sheriff's Department

2008-05-01T06:27:41-04:00

Today, Democratic nominee for sheriff Greg Beck is proposing a "Five-Point Strategic Plan" for the sheriff's department. Mr. Beck, also a County Commissioner, believes the sheriff's department needs a strategy that is cost-effective and progressive in resolving concerns of public trust.

Commissioner Beck's plan is as follows:

I. Restore public confidence in the office of Sheriff in Hamilton County,
II. Team up with the International Brotherhood of Police to address employee concerns,
III. Improve safety and crowded conditions in the Hamilton County Jail through cost-effective solutions,
IV. Define "standards of excellence" for the Sheriff's Department, and
V. Maintain a new direction through ongoing strategic planning, which involve all municipalities.

Commissioner Beck will provide steps to achieve these five objectives during his campaign appearances. Mr. Beck has served as a County Commissioner since 2004 and has experience as an officer in the Hamilton County Corrections Department. He is currently serving as Court Officer for the City of Chattanooga.

Community Vigil Tonight at Chattanooga City Hall

2008-04-29T07:45:08-04:00

If you believe all people deserve to be treated with dignity, you are invited to join Rev. Michael L. Feely for a vigil that will span the state, from Chattanooga to Nashville to Memphis. The Chattanooga Vigil will run from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at City Hall on Lindsay Street. Contact organizers at 423-320-3636, or 706-217-8696 if you are traveling from Dalton, Georgia.

"Hundreds of women and men have been detained after last week's immigration raids in Chattanooga. Families are currently separated in jails across the South. They will wait in detention centers for months while they await deportation.
Few of those detained or released have the money for the legal support needed to help guide them through the complex immigration system. Come stand with us in silence and prayer." ~ Rev. Michael L. Feely

"ALL LABOR THAT UPLIFTS HUMANITY HAS DIGNITY�" ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

How can I help now?
Many families were dependent on the income of those detained, and are not yet prepared to support themselves. Those still held in detentions centers face legal fees and exorbitant bond costs. DONATE: Food, Money for Legal Defense, Tickets, Bail, Basic living expenses, Pro Bono Legal Aid, Support or financial donations to the organizations of Chattanooga aiding the victims. BRING DONATIONS TO THE VIGILS TO BE DELIVERED TO VICTIMS OR Contact 615.833.0384 to find out where donations can be sent. Also, the "Help the Kids" fund was established by La Paz de Dios, a nonprofit organization of Chattanooga. To contribute to this fund send to: La Paz de Dios, P.O. Box 3306, Chattanooga, TN 37404