State Rep. Gerald McCormick, R-Chattanooga, said Monday that Tennesseans can expect to see another set of gun bills come through the General Assembly this year.
"I know a lot of you hate to hear that and a lot of you love to hear it," he told the Hamilton County Pachyderm Club. "But it's going to happen."
Rep. McCormick told the Republican group that lawmakers will make changes to one of the most talked-about gun bills from last year, which allows gun owners with concealed carry permits to bring their guns into restaurants that serve alcohol.
"We had a judge say that wasn't specific enough," he said. "I think we'll go back and make it more specific to her liking and probably pursue it through the courts at the same time."
wamp plays coach
At an education forum for Tennessee gubernatorial candidates Thursday night, U.S. Rep Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., talked like a football coach in his closing statement.
"We've been playing defense. The status quo is not acceptable," he said. "Let's throw the ball deep."
Rep. Wamp then listed all the good things about Tennessee, and mentioned the former University of Tennessee football coach.
"We even got rid of Lane Kiffin," he said. "We've got it all."
Corker grills Geithner
U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., asked Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner why Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have been given a "blank check" by the federal government.
The Treasury Department lifted an aid cap on the two housing lenders last month.
"Could you please provide me with the technicalities you referred to regarding the decision to provide unlimited support to the enterprises and their liabilities?" Sen. Corker asked in a letter to the secretary. "Also, please accompany this with the citing of legal authority giving you the ability to take these actions."
Sen. Corker went on to request that the liabilities of the two firms be reflected on the Treasury's balance sheet.
finance reporting periods end
The latest financial reporting period for Tennessee gubernatorial candidates came to an end Friday, but no campaigns were willing to provide preliminary fundraising figures.
Candidates have until Feb. 1 to file campaign finance reports.
Congressional candidates, whose financial reporting period ended Dec. 31, have until Jan. 31 to file reports.
wamp opens local office
Rep. Wamp held an event Friday celebrating the opening of the new Chattanooga office for his gubernatorial campaign.
Rep. Wamp's office at 518 Georgia Ave. is the same office Sen. Corker used in his successful 2006 run for Senate.
Also on Friday, Rep. Wamp hosted a Chattanooga-area fundraiser at which country music star Naomi Judd was scheduled to appear. The event was not open to the media.
twitter updates
Twitter is a social networking tool politicians often use to send updates to supporters. Here's what some state and local candidates and officials were saying this week.
* Bradley County Sheriff Tim Gobble, GOP candidate for Tennessee's 3rd Congressional District, Sunday: "Too many U.S. manufacturing jobs have been lost to other countries and it looks like NAFTA became SHAFTA for the American worker."
* Tennessee state Sen. Jim Kyle, D-Memphis, candidate for governor, Monday: "Last full day I can receive contributions before legislative session begins tomorrow. Help us meet our goal!"
* Former Tennessee Republican Party Chairwoman Robin Smith, candidate for Tennessee's 3rd Congressional District, Wednesday: "Flashy mkting pkg, hype, no personal sweat equity, no results. Lane Kiffin disappoints as do others who have no substance. Lesson Learned?"
* Tommy Crangle, GOP candidate for Tennessee's 3rd Congressional District, Friday: "U.S. should already be in Haiti with rescue and emergency aid to those injured and trapped in rubble."