Youve posted nearly identical comments referencing this mail piece. I can imagine your presence at BMA meetings, or any civic function for that matter must be met with silent agony.

It seems a little ironic to me, that a Lawmaker can be a convicted felon. To me thats like having a sex offender teaching in our public school system. Okay lets be fair about this, most convicted felons can't even find a decent job anymore. Most are fired from their current jobs when they are convicted. Lets give these people a break, sooner or later we all will make at least one mistake. Some will be worst than others. I'm guilty. I make mistakes as you can see in my writing. I'm only human. And so are they. If we can't give these people a break. Ok lets get the felons out of public office.

How do you "simulate opposition" without it being actual opposition? These comments might just be actual, individual thoughts. I completely agree with Tracy White. She gives excellent advice to follow as you evaluate any candidate for this election cycle. Being as educated as you can entering the polls is the key to a successful democracy.

As. Mr. Brown noted in a related article, its becoming a bit obvious that the Shipley campaign is now simulating opposition to Mr. Vaughn in public forums such as this. Recycling tired campaign slogans, along with long-winded, irrelevant "talking points" is a sure fire way to turn off the average voter, though I'm quite certain Mr. Vaughn has the solid support of the majority of those he represents.

I watched the videos, and it is clear that Nathan Vaughn opposed this bill that would have prohibited convicted felon ex-legislators such as John Ford from receiving state-funded health insurance. Nathan spoke out against the bill saying the problem with health care in this country is that we tie health care to insurance. Apparently, this is a reference to Nathan Vaughn's support of socialized health care.

At no time did Nathan Vaughn speak in support of the bill nor did he object to it being killed by the Democrat leadership. Apparently, Nathan Vaughn has been in Nashville too long and is keeping company with the Memphis libera

Mumpower and Ramsey should keep themselves out of other district's campaigns. I understand that they feel a total devotion to a certain party for political gain/campaign fundraising, the constant meddling in all other district's election campaigns is, in the least, distracting. I want to hear what the candidates have to say for themselves, not listen to personal opinions of someone else, which is solely related to a "party" and the hope for future political progress.

Why should we spend $14,400 on health benefits for somebody who didn't have our best interests at heart to begin with? Why would Nathan Vaughn stand in the way of this? I'm puzzled.

I have met both Representative Nathan Vaughn, and Tony Shipley, and I know them both to be very compassionate and caring men. I think voters really need to think about what they want from their Representative, and their government. Do they want more taxes, and a more intrusive government? Do they want transparency? As an American voter, it?s your duty to do the research and connect the dots regarding a person?s voting record. Don?t just vote for the person that says what you want to hear. What if they don?t have a voting record? Then talk to them, but also look at their resume, and history in the community. I know Nathan Vaughn is accessible to his constituents and he is willing to answer questions regarding his voting record. Tony Shipley has a website with his contact information Tony Shipley.com so that you can speak with him 1:1, and evaluate his credentials. It?s your government. It?s your country. It?s your money. Take the time to make your vote count.

Having met both Representative Nathan Vaughn,and Tony Shipley, I know both men to be very compassionate caring men. However, I think at one point all voters need to ask themselves how do they feel regarding the issues of the day? For example, Do you want more taxes? Do you expect Government to solve all of your problems? Are you interested in a Government that's less intrusive? Do you expect your Elected officials to be honest? Do you want a Government that's transparent? Don't just vote for the person that's telling you what you want to hear. Connect the dots by looking at the person's record. Do your duty as an American and take the time to give the candidates a chance by looking more in depth regarding thier views on the issues. Tony Shipley.com provides a wealth of information regarding the current issues of the day and gives you his contact information so that you can speak to Tony 1:1 regarding his feelings on the issues. I know Nathan Vaughn is also very accessible and interested in sharing his views on the issues. Take the time to meet your Representative and the Candidates this election season. Get involved. This is your country, and it's your money Congress is spending.

Just think Nathan Vaughan what they would be saying if it were you that had an affair, instead of the bump in the road down in Rogersville. Thanks to 8 years of Bush and his boss Cheney we will probably be in a 1930's depression by this time next year no matter who gets elected.
Pete Lipps Colonial Heights

Let me try to follow the logic of this: 1. Mr. Vaughn votes for Jimmy Naifeh;
2. Mr. Vaughn speaaks passionately against a bill that Mr. Naifeh wants "killed";
3. Mr. Vaughn does not vote = silence gives consent;
4. NOW Mr. Vaughn wants us to believe that he actually supports the bill? Something doesn't quite add up! This is back-pedaling at its best.
Bottom line: a vote for Jimmy Naifeh is a vote that creates trouble for a representative from Northeast Tennessee.

After taking a few moments, watching the video of Rep. Vaughn's comments (http://www.tonyshipleytn.com/subpages/campaign/vaughonhb2568.wmv), and reading an article about how Jimmy Naifeh backed killing the bill (http://www.nashvillecitypaper.com/news.php?viewStory=59945), it is truly hard for me to believe that Rep. Vaughn was caught off guard as to how his "inaction" would be perceived. Surely it becomes painfully obvious to the reader that Rep. Vaughn was merely trying to cover his tracks after he admittedly found out it was going to be publicized. Our elected officials have to be held to a higher standard. Rep. Vaughn's fellow committee member should be commending for responding to Rep. Vaughn's incessant "death sentence" by trying to get him to see the light. Sadly, Rep. Vaughn fails to see the real issue here - elected officials that violate the public trust should be entitled to no frills, benefits or any other privileges from the people of this state.

Rep. Vaughn's passion that is clearly evident in this video is deeply troubling. He is flat out defending his convicted co-workers and whining about how it's not fair. It's pretty clear: don't break the law and it won't be a problem. It's hard to believe that after that tirade Rep. Vaughn would ask to be recorded as voting no.

Rest assured this one issue alone is enough for him to lose my vote. I am proud of Mr. Shipley and Rep. Mumpower for bringing this very important issue to light in the second district. Watch the video -- it speaks for itself.