Gordon BallGordon Ball answers criticism
If U.S. Senate candidate Gordon Ball doesn't beat Lamar Alexander in November, he may have a career in standup.
Ball used much of his time at a Lookout Valley Neighborhood Association candidate forum Thursday to answer criticism from his opponent's campaign. And his answers drew giggles from the audience.
Ball was reportedly given an "F" rating by the National Rifle Association -- a grade he said is preposterous.
"I'm a moonshiner's son from Cocke County, Tennessee. I have a Glock next to my bed, and I have two shotguns," Ball said.
He also said recent reports that his website plagiarized phrases from other politicians were "good ideas he adopted."
Citing his rural, public education, he said he was not aware his staff had done anything wrong.
"I'd be hard-pressed to spell plagiarism," he joked.
But he wasted no time in "adopting some ideas" from Alexander, citing Alexander's own "Little Plaid Book," a book of advice Alexander wrote in 1998 about running for office.
"'Rule 297: Serve two terms and get out.' What a novel thought," Ball said.
Today is last day to register to vote
Today is the last day to register in Tennessee and Georgia to vote in the Nov. 4 election.
Hamilton County Election Administrator Kerry Steelman said Tuesday there are more than 207,000 registered voters in the county, including 2,191 who have registered since the Aug. 7 local election and state primary.
Tennessee voters will cast ballots for governor and for U.S. and state Senate and House races as well as four proposed constitutional amendments and municipal elections.
Early voting is Oct. 15-30.
To register to vote in Hamilton County, you must be a U.S. citizen, a county resident and at least 18 years old. You must not have a felony conviction or, if you have, your voting rights must have been restored.
Georgians with a valid Georgia driver's license can go online and register at: https://registertovote.sos.ga.gov/GAOLVR/#no-back-button.
David FowlerFowler to speak to Pachyderms
David Fowler, president of Family Action Council of Tennessee, will be guest speaker at the Pachyderm Club at noon today.
Fowler will speak on Amendment 1, the proposed constitutional amendment that would allow Tennessee lawmakers to regulate abortions in the state.
The meeting is at Republican headquarters, 1428 Chestnut St. Park in the Finley Stadium lot.
Gov. Deal visits Dalton today
Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal will be in Dalton, Ga., this afternoon.
Deal will attend a meet and greet reception at the Dalton Depot Restaurant, 110 Depot St. The event is scheduled for 4-5 p.m. and is being hosted by the Whitfield County Republican Party.
The public is invited.
Democratic women plan lunch
The Greater Chattanooga Democratic Women's 39th annual Eleanor Roosevelt fundraising luncheon is set for 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Chattanooga Choo Choo.
Dr. Mary Headrick, candidate for U.S. House, District 3, from Maynardsville, Tenn., and Erica Gilmore, councilwoman for Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, will serve as guest speakers.
The theme for this year's luncheon is "Women in Politics -- All Aboard." GCDW President Jacqueline Dowell says "our theme serves as a call to unite all Democratic women to help elect more women to public office. We know that if we are to solve issues of improved education, immigration, minimum wage, access to affordable housing and health care, we will need to elect more Democrats and women."
To purchase a $30 ticket or for more information, contact Dowell at dowellj1@comcast.net or 423-894-4676 or Sylvia Phillips at phillips@epbfi.com or 423-364-4310.
Rosalynn Carteris special guest
Former first lady Rosalynn Carter will be the special guest at the Hamilton County Democratic Party's Kefauver Dinner at 5 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Chattanooga Convention Center.
"This is a wonderful and exciting opportunity for Democrats across Southeast Tennessee to celebrate our heritage as we welcome Mrs. Carter to Chattanooga," county party Chairman Terry Lee said.
Carter will be joined by U.S. House candidates Mary Headrick (3rd Congressional District) and Lenda Sherrell (4th Congressional District); Gordon Ball, candidate for U.S. Senate; JoAnne Favors, incumbent candidate for state House District 28; and Eric McRoy, candidate for state House District 27.
Tickets are $60. Sponsor tables, with priority seating for eight, are $1,000. Tickets may be purchased on the Hamilton County Democratic Party website, www.hcdp.us, or by mailing a check to P.O. Box 4090, Chattanooga TN 37405.
For more information, call the Democratic Party headquarters at 423-266-4125.