We all no it comes down to these three. So let me commence with Harold Ford Jr.–albeit I strongly believe that he has no chance in the near future. Moreover, Tennessee voters now know that his uncle is corrupt. Thus Ford should just relinquish his aspirations and pull the plug.
Let’s look at his voting record, nevertheless:
•Rated 30% by NARAL, indicating a pro-life voting record. (Dec 2003)
•Voted YES on Constitutional Amendment banning same-sex marriage. (Sep 2004)
•Rated 48% by the US COC, indicating a mixed business voting record. (Dec 2003)
•Voted NO on more prosecution and sentencing for juvenile crime. (Jun 1999)
•Voted NO on military border patrols to battle drugs & terrorism. (Sep 2001)
•Voted NO on allowing vouchers in DC schools. (Aug 1998)
•Voted NO on vouchers for private & parochial schools. (Nov 1997)
•Rated 91% by the NEA, indicating pro-public education votes. (Dec 2003)
•Voted NO on passage of the Bush Administration national energy policy. (Jun 2004)
•Rated 90% by the LCV, indicating pro-environment votes. (Dec 2003)
•Rated 33% by the Christian Coalition: an anti-family voting record. (Dec 2003)
•Rated 33% by CATO, indicating a mixed record on trade issues. (Dec 2002)
•Voted NO on restricting frivolous lawsuits. (Sep 2004)
•Rated F by the NRA, indicating a pro-gun control voting record. (Dec 2003)
•Voted NO on limiting medical malpractice lawsuits to $250,000 damages. (May 2004)
•Voted NO on limited prescription drug benefit for Medicare recipients. (Nov 2003)
•Voted NO on Prescription Drug Coverage under Medicare. (Jun 2000)
•Voted NO on banning physician-assisted suicide. (Oct 1999)
•Voted NO on establishing tax-exempt Medical Savings Accounts. (Oct 1999)
•Voted NO on reporting illegal aliens who receive hospital treatment. (May 2004)
•Voted YES on extending Immigrant Residency rules. (May 2001)
•Voted YES on more immigrant visas for skilled workers. (Sep 1998)
•Rated 0% by FAIR, indicating a voting record loosening immigration. (Dec 2003)
•Voted NO on making the Bush tax cuts permanent. (Apr 2002)
•Voted NO on $46 billion in tax cuts for small business. (Mar 2000)
•Voted NO on promoting work and marriage among TANF recipients. (Feb 2003)
•Voted NO on treating religious organizations equally for tax breaks. (Jul 2001)
Um, hmm…let me stop here with this guy and briefly touch on the voting differences of both Hilleary and Bryant.
They differ on several important issues. For example, Ed Bryant is, according to his voting record, pro-immigration. In 2001, he “voted YES on extending Immigrant Residency rules” and “voted YES on more immigrant visas for skilled workers.” Hilleary, on the other hand, “voted NO” on the former–I’m not sure about the latter. On free trade, Bryant “Voted NO on withdrawing from the WTO,” whereas Hilleary “Voted YES.” Concerning gun control, in 1991 Bryant “Voted YES on decreasing gun waiting period from 3 days to 1.” Hilleary, however, “Voted No.”
That’s it. They seem to agree on everything else. Notwithstanding their proximity, Hilleary is going to take this one.
Sources: Van Hilleary’s website here and voting record here. Bryant’s campaign site is here and voting record here.
More on Tennessee 2006 Senate Race:
