Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mike McWherter, son of former Gov. Ned McWherter, was unable to make it to the Hamilton County Democratic Party's Estes Kefauver Dinner on Monday, and at least one of his primary opponents commented on his absence.

"Ladies and gentlemen, there is no place any person who wanted to be governor of Tennessee should be than here tonight," state Sen. Jim Kyle, D-Memphis said early in his remarks to the crowd gathered at the Chattanooga Choo-Choo.

State Sen. Andy Berke, who served as moderator Monday night, said Mr. McWherter could not attend because of a family illness.

The three other Democratic candidates for governor, state Sen. Roy Herron, D-Dresden; former state Rep. Kim McMillan, D-Clarksville; and Nashville businessman Ward Cammack, spoke at the event.

deal seeks id in health bill

In a letter to U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., Sen. Saxby Chambliss, Sen. Johnny Isakson and U.S. Rep. Nathan Deal, all Georgia Republicans, urged inclusion of identity and citizenship verification in the Senate's health care reform bill.

"As you know, the citizens of Georgia and the American people have spoken in firm opposition to allowing those who have illegally entered into our country from receiving taxpayer-funded social welfare benefits," Rep. Deal writes in the letter, dated Wednesday.

Rep. Deal offered a similar amendment to the House health care bill. It failed in a 29-28 vote.

corker hosts 'water for the world'

U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., will be at Belmont University in Nashville on Monday with Christian rock band Jars of Clay and singer-songwriter Dave Barnes to promote worldwide access to clean water.

The "Water for the World Event" also will include Belmont President Bob Fisher and Bill Hearn, president and CEO of EMI Christian Music Group and sponsor of Healing Waters International, a group whose goal is to end water-related illnesses.

Sen. Corker, along with Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., is sponsoring a bill that aims to reach 100 million people with sustainable access to clean water by 2015.

The Monday event starts at 10:30 a.m. CST in the lobby of the Gordon E. Inman Center.

alexander, webb offer nuclear bill

U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., has teamed with Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., for a bill that seeks to invest $20 billion over the next 10 to 20 years on nuclear power development.

"This legislation will create the business and regulatory environment to double our country's nuclear power production within 20 years and to launch five mini-Manhattan projects to make advanced clean energy technologies effective and cost-competitive," Sen. Alexander said in a news release.

Sen. Webb called the bill "a practical approach to move the United States toward providing clean, carbon-free sources of energy."

corker hosting town hall

Sen. Corker will be in Polk County on Tuesday for a town hall meeting on health care and other issues.

The meeting is 8:30 a.m. at Black Bear Cove Resort at 5842 Highway 30 in Benton, Tenn.

For more information, call 423-756-2757.

twitter updates

Twitter is a social networking tool politicians often use to send updates to supporters. Here's what some local and state candidates and officials were saying this week.

* Shelby County District Attorney Bill Gibbons, GOP gubernatorial candidate, Sunday: "HS class event today. Mphs Central helped me esc poverty through education. I've made edu a priority b/c I want that opportunity for all kids."

* Businessman Tommy Crangle, GOP candidate for 3rd Congressional District, Monday: "My twitter account was hacked. I am not trying to trick anyone into buying 'ringtones' or take IQ tests. I am a conservative Republican."

* Chattanooga City Councilman Andraé McGary, Monday: "Chattanooga Monday Nite Jazz @ The new Lindsay Street Hall. The colors ... the textures. If only politics were so harmonious."

* Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, R-Blountville, GOP gubernatorial candidate, Thursday: "All over Middle Tenn. today. Ended evening in Knoxville with architects. Heading home to sleep in my own bed tonight! That will feel good!"