Hat Tip to Brian's Blog for this Editorial that appeared in the Times Free Press.

Times Free Press Editorial

From ‘stooges’ to ‘good men’?

Democrat U.S. Rep. Harold Ford, a candidate for the Senate, is trying to have it both ways. Back in June, he insultingly called the Republican contenders for their party’s nomination "the three stooges."

Now, he is running a TV ad in which he calls two of those contenders — former U.S. Reps. Ed Bryant and Van Hilleary — "good men" about whom the ultimate winner of the nomination, former Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker, supposedly told falsehoods during the primary campaign.

We agree that Reps. Bryant and Hilleary are — and were — very good men, as is Mr. Corker.

But no one should view Rep. Ford’s magical turnaround in his opinion of Mr. Bryant and Mr. Hilleary as anything other than raw political calculation. It has one purpose only: to anger and discourage Republicans who voted for Mr. Bryant or Mr. Hilleary in the primary so that they will stay home on Election Day rather than cast a ballot for Mr. Corker.

The ad certainly is no sincere attempt by Rep. Ford to uphold the honor of the two former members of Congress — both of whom showed their good character by promptly endorsing fellow conservative Mr. Corker’s candidacy after he won the primary.

Voters should see through liberal Rep. Ford’s smokescreen and select soundly conservative Bob Corker.

Nashville City Paper
NRA endorses Corker; Ford chair displeased
By John Rodgers
September 13, 2006

The National Rifle Association endorsed Republican U.S. Senate nominee Bob Corker Tuesday, a move that has paid political dividends in Tennessee for past candidates like George W. Bush.
Chris Cox, the chairman of the National Rifle Association’s (NRA) political action committee, said the organization chose Corker over the Democratic nominee, Congressman Harold Ford Jr. (D-Memphis), because of Corker’s entire record of supporting gun ownership rights.

“We should focus any serious discussion on crime policy on criminals who misuse guns and not on law-abiding gun owners,” Cox said. “[Corker] applied that approach successfully as mayor of Chattanooga.”

Cox said Ford, who was first elected in 1996, didn’t support NRA positions early in his Congressional career, pointing to two F ratings from the NRA in 2002 and 2000.
But Cox said Ford has been “supportive, particularly in recent years,” of the NRA.

Congressman Lincoln Davis (D-Pall Mall), who also serves as Ford’s campaign chairman and is a lifetime member of the NRA, listed a series of votes Ford has cast that supported the Second Amendment, including votes to limit civil lawsuits against the gun industry and to lift a ban on handguns in the District of Columbia.

Davis said he was “extremely disappointed” in the NRA’s endorsement and said the Republicans put pressure on the gun rights organization to endorse Corker because Ford is about to “dust their pants.”

“My disappointment with NRA’s endorsement is this: What has Bob Corker done as mayor of Chattanooga that would put him in position where he would be entitled for an endorsement from the National Rifle Association?” Davis said.

Corker said that he is committed to being a “consistent voice” for the second amendment and battle against attempts to weaken constitutional rights.

“Unlike Congressman Ford, I understand that criminals cause crime – and not guns,” Corker said in a statement. “His votes and legislation he introduced in Congress have been hostile to the rights of hunters and law-abiding citizens.”

Corker hopes the NRA’s endorsement can help him the same way it aided George W. Bush defeat former Vice President Al Gore for president in Gore’s home state in 2000.
Pat Nolan, a Dye, Van Mol & Lawrence senior vice president and political analyst who has followed Tennessee politics for 32 years, said many people think the NRA’s endorsement of Bush in 2000 “played a fairly large and significant role in Gore not carrying this state.”
“Gore kind of ignored the state, took it for granted” Nolan said. “By the time his folks realized … it was too late. I don’t think Ford will let that happen. I suspect he’ll be more vigilant.”
The NRA ran advertisements in support of Bush in 2000. Cox said the organization would not release its strategy for Corker, but its resources include radio ads, mailings, billboards and financial contributions.

Davis disagreed that the NRA endorsement helped Bush to defeat Gore in Tennessee in 2000, saying President Bill Clinton’s vetoing partial birth abortion legislation was the “biggest thing that beat Al Gore.”

“And Gore assumed, as many of us did, that he was going to carry Tennessee,” Davis said. “You never assume anything when you get the right wing of the Republican Party working against you. They don’t give up on anything.”

In 2002, the NRA endorsed then-Congressman Van Hilleary in his gubernatorial bid over Phil Bredesen.

Bredesen, however, deflected the effects of that endorsement and went on to defeat Hilleary.
For Corker, Nolan said the NRA endorsement could be effective because it helps reinforce a conservative image for the former Chattanooga mayor. Corker’s conservative credentials were questioned during his Republican primary bid.

FORD’S WASHINGTON ACCOMPLISHMENTS - A LIBERAL VOTING RECORD
Harold Ford Attempts to Mislead Voters with Massive Out-of-State Funding

(Nashville) - Congressman Harold Ford Jr. (D-Memphis) wants Tennesseans to believe he is a moderate and is spending millions of dollars in out-of-state campaign contributions in his effort to mislead the state’s voters.

“We have one candidate, Bob Corker, whose career is one of accomplishments underlined by conservative principles. We have another, in Congressman Harold Ford Jr., whose only accomplishment is a ten year liberal voting record on issues like taxes, 2nd Amendment rights, and national security,” said Bob Davis, chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party.

Congressman Ford has used attacks and misleading television ads throughout this campaign in an attempt to moderate his record. The ads, which have been paid for in a massive out-of-state funding effort, continue to air.

“Congressman Ford has raised the majority of his money out of state from places like Los Angeles, New York, and Washington. The congressman is the darling of the liberal elite and the more folks learn that Ford’s only accomplishment is an atrocious voting record, the less they are going to like about him,” said Davis.

FORD'S LIBERAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

The Truth on Congressman Ford and Taxes
Ford Voted With Democrats Against Tax And Spending Cuts.

Fiscal 2007 Budget Resolution – Adoption. “Adoption of the concurrent resolution that would allow up to $872.8 billion in discretionary spending for fiscal 2007, plus $50 billion for operations in Iraq. It would call for mandatory spending cuts of $6.8 billion over five years and tax cuts totaling $228 billion over five years. Defense spending would increase by 7 percent over fiscal 2006, to $460.2 billion, and non-defense spending would remain at $419.4 billion. It also would allow for a non-defense emergency discretionary reserve fund of $6.5 billion and create a deficit-neutral reserve fund of $3.1 billion for labor, health, education and other domestic programs if offsetting savings can be achieved elsewhere.” (H. Con. Res. 376, CQ Vote #158: Adopted 218-210: R 218-12; D 0-197; I 0-1, May 18, 2006, Ford Voted Nay)

Ford Voted Twice Against The Jobs And Growth Reconciliation Tax Act Of 2003.

Tax Reductions – Conference Report. “Adoption of the conference report on the bill that would provide $350 billion in tax breaks over 11 years. It would provide $20 billion in state aid that consists of $10 billion for Medicaid and $10 billion to be used at states’ discretion. The agreement includes a new top tax rate of 15 percent on capital gains and dividends through 2007 (5 percent for lower-income taxpayers in 2007 and no tax in 2008). Income tax cuts enacted in 2001 and scheduled to take effect in 2006 would be accelerated. The child tax credit would increase to $1,000 through 2004. The standard deduction for married couples would be double that for a single filer through 2004. Tax breaks for businesses would include increasing the deduction that small businesses could take on investments to $100,000 through 2005.” (H.R. 2, CQ Vote #225: Adopted 231-200: R 224-1; D 7-198; I 0-1, May 23, 2003, Ford Voted Nay)

Tax Reductions – Passage. “Passage of the bill that would provide $550 billion in tax breaks over 11 years. The bill includes a new top tax rate of 15 percent on capital gains and dividends through 2003. Lower income taxpayers would pay 5 percent. Income tax cuts enacted in 2001 and scheduled to take effect in 2006 would be accelerated and made retroactive to Jan. 1, and the upper limit of the 10 percent income tax bracket for couples would be increased to $14,000 through 2005. The child tax credit increase also would be accelerated so that the $1,000 credit would be effective through 2005. The tax break for married couples would be accelerated so that their standard income tax deduction would be double the standard deduction for a single filer through 2005. The alternative minimum tax exemption for couples filing jointly would be increased to $64,000 through 2005. The deduction that small businesses could take on investments would be increased to $100,000 through 2005. The bill also would increase to 50 percent the portion of an investment that larger companies can write off in the first year.” (H.R. 2, CQ Vote #182: Passed 222-203: R 218-3; D 4-199; I 0-1, May 9, 2003, Ford Voted Nay)

Ford Voted Twice Against The 2001 Bush Tax Cuts.

Tax Cut Reconciliation - Conference Report. “Adoption of the conference report on the bill that would reduce taxes by $1.35 trillion through fiscal 2011 through income tax rate cuts, relief of the ‘marriage penalty,’ a phaseout of the federal estate tax, doubling the child tax credit, and providing incentives for retirement savings. A new 10 percent tax rate would be created retroactive to Jan. 1, and taxpayers would get rebate checks this summer of $300 for singles and $600 for couples. The bill would double the $500-per-child tax credit by 2010 and make it refundable; raise the estate tax exemption to $1 million in 2002 and repeal the tax in 2010; increase the standard deduction for married couples to double that of singles, beginning in 2005; and increase annual limits on contributions for Individual Retirement Accounts to $5,000.” (H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #149: Adopted 240-154: R 211-0; D 28-153; I 1-1, May 26, 2001, Ford Voted Nay)

Tax Cut Reconciliation – Passage. “Passage of the bill that would cut all income tax rates and make other tax cuts totaling $958.3 billion over 11 years. The bill would covert the five existing tax rate brackets, which range from 15 percent to 39.6 percent, to a system of four brackets with rates of 10 percent, 15 percent, 25 percent and 33 percent.” (H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #118: Passed 230-197: R 216-0; D 13-196; I 1-1, May 16, 2001, Ford Voted Nay)

The Truth on Congressman Ford and the 2nd Amendment

The National Rifle Association Assigned Harold Ford A Lifetime Grade Of ‘F’ As Recently As 2002.

2000: Ford Received A Grade Of “F”
2002: Ford Received A 0%/“F” Rating.
2004: Ford Received A 42% Rating.(Project Vote Smart Website, http://www.vote-smart.org/, Accessed August 23, 2005)

The Truth on Congressman Ford and National Security

In 2005, Ford Voted Against PATRIOT Act Reauthorization. (H.R. 3199, CQ Vote #414, Passed 257-171: R 214-14; D 43-156; I 0-1, July 21, 2005, Ford Voted Nay; H.R 3199, CQ Vote #627: Adopted 251-174: R 207-18; D 44-155; I 0-1, December 14, 2005, Ford Voted Nay)
Ford Said He “Took The Conservative Approach” And Voted Against The PATRIOT Act. “‘It is unnecessarily intrusive to ask Americans to forfeit rights and freedoms indefinitely,’ Ford said. ‘I took the conservative approach and voted against this indefinite and liberal overreach by the federal government into our private lives.’” (Richard Powelson, “3 From State Clarify Patriot Act Votes,” Knoxville News-Sentinel, July 27, 2005)

Ford Suggested The PATRIOT Act Was One Of The Post 9/11 Efforts In Need Of “A New Approach.” “‘Since September 11 [2001], the country and Congress have given the president the benefit of the doubt, from the PATRIOT Act to the efforts in Afghanistan to the resolution on Iraq to now the war and postwar efforts,’ Ford said in a telephone interview. ‘Now many people are realizing that a new approach and some new ideas are needed.’” (Dan Balz, “Unease Over Iraq Becoming An Issue For 2006,” The Washington Post, June 19, 2005)

In 2004, Ford Voted Against Reorganization Of U.S. Intelligence And The Creation Of A National Intelligence Director. “Passage of the bill that would reorganize 15 U.S. intelligence agencies and create a national intelligence director who would give guidance on budgets. It also would create a national intelligence center and allow aliens to be deported without judicial review. The number of border patrol agents would increase from 10,000 to 20,000 over the next five years. The bill, as amended, would make attending a terrorist training camp a deportable offense and toughen penalties for those charged with financially aiding terrorist groups.” (HR 10, CQ Vote #523: Passed 282-134: R 213-8; D 69-125; I 0-1, October 8, 2004, Ford Voted Nay)

THE TRUTH ABOUT CONGRESSMAN HAROLD FORD JR. AND TAXES

(Nashville) - Congressman Harold Ford Jr. (D-Memphis) continues to mislead Tennesseans about his record of voting against tax cuts. The truth is Congressman Ford has voted over 70 times against lowering taxes on hardworking folks in Tennessee.

“Congressman Harold Ford isn't being honest with Tennesseans when it comes to cutting taxes on hardworking folks in our state. The truth is Congressman Ford has one of the worst voting records in Congress when it comes to high taxes,” said Bob Davis, chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party.

THE TRUTH ABOUT CONGRESSMAN FORD AND TAXES
CONGRESSMAN FORD VOTED AGAINST 2001/2003 TAX CUTS THAT BENEFIT TENNESSEE

The 2001 And 2003 Tax Cuts Provided Tax Relief To More Than Two Million Tennesseans. (United States Department Of The Treasury Website, www.treas.gov/press/releases/reports/ty2003.pdf, Accessed August 13, 2006)

The 2001 And 2003 Tax Cuts Provided Marriage Penalty Relief For 636,000 Tennesseans. (United States Department Of The Treasury Website, www.treas.gov/press/releases/reports/ty2003.pdf, Accessed August 13, 2006)

The 2001 And 2003 Tax Cuts Increased Child Tax Credit For 575,000 Tennesseans. (United States Department Of The Treasury Website, www.treas.gov/press/releases/reports/ty2003.pdf, Accessed August 13, 2006)

The 2001 And 2003 Tax Cuts Created New 10% Bracket For 1,814,000 Tennesseans. (United States Department Of The Treasury Website, www.treas.gov/press/releases/reports/ty2003.pdf, Accessed August 13, 2006)

471,000 Businesses In Tennessee Received Tax Relief From President Bush’s Tax Cuts. (United States Department Of The Treasury Website, www.treas.gov/press/releases/reports/ty2003.pdf, Accessed August 13, 2006)

CONGRESSMAN FORD VOTED AGAINST THE 2001/2003 TAX CUTS

Ford Voted At Least Twice Against The 2001 Bush Tax Cuts. (H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #149: Adopted 240-154: R 211-0; D 28-153; I 1-1, May 26, 2001, Ford Voted Nay; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #118: Passed 230-197; R 216-0; D 13-196; I 1-1, May 16, 2001, Ford Voted Nay)

Ford Voted At Least Twice Against The Jobs And Growth Reconciliation Tax Act Of 2003. (H.R. 2, CQ Vote #225: Adopted 231-200: R 224-1; D 7-198; I 0-1, May 23, 2003, Ford Voted Nay; H.R. 2, CQ Vote #182: Passed 222-203: R 218-3; D 4-199; I 0-1, May 9, 2003, Ford Voted Nay)

And As Recently As May, Ford Voted Against Extending The 2001 And 2003 Tax Cuts. (H. Con. Res. 376, CQ Vote #156: Rejected 94-331: R 94-134; D 0-196; I 0-1, May 18, 2006, Ford Voted Nay)

If The Tax Cuts Are Not Made Permanent, A Family Of Four Will See Their Taxes Increase About $2,000. “Without permanent tax relief, millions of Americans will see their taxes go up by billions of dollars in 2011. A Family of Four with Two Children…$50k annual income today ($56,300 in 2011) = $2,092 increase (from $1,583 to $3,675 tax bill) = 132% higher tax bill; or $60k annual income today ($67,600 in 2011) = $1,858 increase (from $3,207 with to $4,275) = 58% higher tax bill.

Tax Increases On Average...
115 million taxpayers – $1,716 increase;
84 million women – $1,970 increase;
48 million married couples – $2,726 increase;
42 million families with children – $2,084 increase;
12 million single women with children – $1,062 increase;
17 million seniors – $2,034 increase; and
26 million small business owners –$3,637 increase.”(United States Department Of The Treasury, “Fact Sheet – 2011 Taxes: Millions Could See Billions In Increases,” http://www.treasury.gov/press/releases/reports/2011taxesmillions.pdf, August 25, 2006)

According To The Heritage Foundation, Expiration Of The 2001 And 2003 Tax Cut Bills Would Lead To A 50% Reduction In The Child Tax Credit As Well As Other Tax Increases. “The central provisions of these landmark tax bills are scheduled to expire over the next five years, which means that taxes will rise dramatically for most taxpayers.
Tax rates will rise substantially in each tax bracket, some by 450 basis points;
Low-income taxpayers will see the 10-percent tax bracket disappear, and they will have to pay taxes at the 15-percent rate;
Married taxpayers will see the marriage penalty return;
Taxpayers with children will lose 50 percent of their child tax credits;
Taxes on dividends will increase beginning on January 1, 2009;
Taxes on capital gains will increase, also beginning on January 1, 2009; and
Federal death taxes will come back to life in 2011, after fading down to nothing in 2010.”(William W. Beach and Rea S. Hederman, Jr., “Make The Bush Tax Cuts Permanent,” The Heritage Foundation, WebMemo #956, http://www.heritage.org/Research/Taxes/wm956.cfm, January 5, 2006)

CONGRESSMAN FORD VOTED AGAINST INCOME TAX REDUCTION

Ford Has Voted At Least Ten Times Against Income Tax Relief That Could Benefit Small Businesses. (H.R. 2, CQ Vote #225: Adopted 231-200: R 224-1; D 7-198; I 0-1, May 23, 2003, Ford Voted Nay; H.R. 2, CQ Vote #182: Passed 222-203: R 218-3; D 4-199; I 0-1, May 9, 2003, Ford Voted Nay; H.R.586, CQ Vote #103: Motion Agreed To 229-198: R 219-1; D 9-196; I 1-1, April 18, 2002, Ford Voted Nay; H.R. 622, CQ Vote #38: Motion Agreed To 225-199: R 214-1; D 10-197; I 1-1, February 14, 2002, Ford Voted Nay; H.R. 3090, CQ Vote #404: Passed 216-214: R 212-7; D 3-206; I 1-1, October 24, 2001,Ford Voted Nay; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #149: Adopted 240-154: R 211-0; D 28-153; I 1-1, May 26, 2001, Ford Voted Nay; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #118: Passed 230-197: R 216-0; D 13-196; I 1-1, May 16, 2001, Ford Voted Nay; H.R. 3, CQ Vote #45: Passed 230-198: R 219-0; D 10-197; I 1-1, March 8, 2001, Ford Voted Nay; H.R. 2488, CQ Vote #379: Adopted 221-206: R 216-4; D 5-201; I 0-1, August 5, 1999, Ford Voted Nay; H.R. 2488, CQ Vote #333: Passed 223-208: R 217-4; D 6-203; I 0-1, July 22, 1999, Ford Voted Nay)

CONGRESSMAN FORD OPPOSES ELIMINATION OF THE DEATH TAX

The National Federation Of Independent Business Supports Death Tax Repeal. “The federal death tax, or ‘estate tax,’ affects all Americans, especially small-business owners. The death tax creates a disincentive to expand a business, create jobs, and far too often, literally taxes family businesses right out of the family. It is important to note that much of the cost of the death tax occurs before the tax itself is levied. The threat of the tax actually forces small-business owners to pay for expensive estate planning if they want to keep their business in the family. . . . President Bush has repeatedly called on Congress to make permanent death-tax repeal and other tax relief from the tax bill of 2001. Until the death tax is permanently repealed, it will continue to kill small businesses.” (National Federation Of Independent Business Website, http://www.nfib.com/page/deathTaxRepeal.html, Accessed August 31, 2006)

Congressman Ford Told MSNBC’s Chris Matthews “Eliminating” The Death Tax “Altogether Is Foolish.” “I think eliminating it altogether is foolish. . . . A lot of democrats believe, the Blue Dogs which I’m a member of, believe you raise the amount you protect and you gotta tax some of it. . . . Don’t take this the wrong way, but people worth $150, $200, $250 million, they’re going to be all right.” (Rep. Harold Ford, Jr., MSNBC’s “Hardball,” March 23, 2006)
And Just Last Year, Ford Voted Against Permanent Repeal Of The Death Tax Contained In The 2001 Tax Cut Law. (H.R. 8, CQ Vote #102: Passed 272-162: R 230-1; D 42-160; I 0-1, April 13, 2005, Ford Voted Nay)

The Chattanooga Times Free Press Called The Death Tax “An Unfair Tax Burden On Tennesseans.” “Furthermore, the death tax is a very unfair tax. Savers pay taxes once when they earn. Then if they invest their savings and earn dividends, they suffer double taxation when earnings are taxed once at the corporate level and then a second time on the personal level. Then if they have saved substantially or invested in a family business or family farm, that same money may be taxed a third time -- confiscated -- at death. . . . It’s sad when political-economic envy and attempts to legislate what is really unconstitutional result in an unfair tax burden on Tennesseans.” (Editorial, “How Envy Taxes Tennesseans,” Chattanooga Times Free Press, August 8, 2006)

But Congressman Ford Has Voted At Least Five Times Against Repeal Or Relief Of The Death Tax. (H.R. 8, CQ Vote #102: Passed 272-162: R 230-1; D 42-160; I 0-1, April 13, 2005, Ford Voted Nay; H.Res. 524, CQ Vote #401: Adopted 242-158: R 200-3; D 42-155; I 0-0, September 19, 2002, Ford Voted Nay; H.R. 2143, CQ Vote #217: Motion Rejected 197-231: R 6-212; D 190-18; I 1-1, June 6, 2002, Ford Voted Yea, Ford Voted Yea; H.R. 3081, CQ Vote #41: Passed 257-169: R 215-1; D 41-167; I 1-1, March 9, 2000, Ford Voted Nay; H.R. 2014, CQ Vote #245: Passed 253-179: R 226-1; D 27-177; I 0-1, June 26, 1997, Ford Voted Nay)

If Not Repealed, Small Businesses And Other Estates Would Be Subject To A Maximum 55% Death Tax Beginning In 2011. “Under current law (pl 107-16), the estate tax is being phased out and will disappear in 2010. But it would revert to pre-2001 levels in 2011 without congressional action, with a maximum levy of 55 percent.” (Rachel Van Dongen, “Estate Tax Package Generates Conservatives’ Support — With a Few Caveats,” CQ Today, June 22, 2006)
“Federal Budget Data Indicate That Estate Taxes Will Raise $28 Billion This Year, Accounting For 1.2 Percent Of Total Federal Revenues. However, If The Estate Tax Were Repealed, Income And Capital Gains Tax Revenues Would Increase To Partly Or Fully Offset The Loss In Estate Tax Revenues.” (Chris Edwards, “Repealing the Federal Estate Tax,” CATO Institute, June 2006)

CONGRESSMAN FORD VOTES AGAINST EASING TAX BURDEN

Ford Voted More Than 70 Times Against Lower Taxes. (H. Con. Res. 284, CQ Vote #208, June 5, 1998; H. Con. Res. 284, CQ Vote #209, June 5, 1998; H. Con. Res. 284, CQ Vote #210, June 5, 1998; H. Con. Res. 376, CQ Vote #155, May 17, 2006; H. Con. Res. 376, CQ Vote #156, May 18, 2006; H. Con. Res. 376, CQ Vote #158, May 18, 2006; H. Con. Res. 393, CQ Vote #89, March 25, 2004; H. Con. Res. 68, CQ Vote #76, March 25, 1999; H. Con. Res. 68, CQ Vote #77, March 25, 1999; H. Con. Res. 68, CQ Vote #80, April 12, 1999; H. Con. Res. 68, CQ Vote #85, April 14, 1999; H. Con. Res. 83, CQ Vote #104, May 9, 2001; H. Con. Res. 83, CQ Vote #67, March 28, 2001; H. Con. Res. 83, CQ Vote #68, March 28, 2001; H. Con. Res. 83, CQ Vote #69, March 28, 2001; H. Con. Res. 83, CQ Vote #70, March 28, 2001; H. Con. Res. 95, CQ Vote #141, April 11, 2003; H. Con. Res. 95, CQ Vote #82, March 21, 2003; H. Con. Res. 95, CQ Vote #88, March 17, 2005; H. Res. 524, CQ Vote #401, September 19, 2002; H. Res. 685, CQ Vote #301, June 24, 2004; H.R. 1817, CQ Vote #184, Adopted 363-65, May 18, 2005; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #117, May 16, 2001; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #118, May 16, 2001; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #149, May 26, 2001; H.R. 2, CQ Vote #180, May 9, 2003; H.R. 2, CQ Vote #181, May 9, 2003; H.R. 2, CQ Vote #182, May 9, 2003; H.R. 2, CQ Vote #225, May 23, 2003; H.R. 2014, CQ Vote #243, June 26, 1997; H.R. 2014, CQ Vote #245, June 26, 1997; H.R. 2143, CQ Vote #218, June 6, 2002; H.R. 2400, CQ Vote #97, April 1, 1998; H.R. 2488, CQ Vote #33, July 22, 1999; H.R. 2488, CQ Vote #332, July 22, 1999; H.R. 2488, CQ Vote #356, August 2, 1999; H.R. 2488, CQ Vote #378, August 5, 1999; H.R. 2488, CQ Vote #379, August 5, 1999; H.R. 2555, CQ Vote #305, June 24, 2003; H.R. 2660, CQ Vote #347, July 10, 2003; H.R. 2660, CQ Vote #348, July 10, 2003; H.R. 3, CQ Vote #44, March 8, 2001; H.R. 3, CQ Vote #45, March 8, 2001; H.R. 3081, CQ Vote #41, March 9, 2000; H.R. 3090, CQ Vote #402, October 24, 2001; H.R. 3090, CQ Vote #403, October 24, 2001; H.R. 3090, CQ Vote #404, October 24, 2001; H.R. 4019, CQ Vote #228, June 13, 2002; H.R. 4181, CQ Vote #136, April 28, 2004; H.R. 4275, CQ Vote #169, May 13, 2004; H.R. 4297, CQ Vote #121, May 3, 2006; H.R. 4297, CQ Vote #134, May 10, 2006; H.R. 4297, CQ Vote #619, December 8, 2005; H.R. 4297, CQ Vote #620, December 8, 2005; H.R. 4297, CQ Vote #621, December 8, 2005; H.R. 4297, CQ Vote #7, February 8, 2006; H.R. 4297, CQ Vote #74, March 29, 2006; H.R. 4579, CQ Vote #468, September 26, 1998; H.R. 4579, CQ Vote #469, September 26, 1998; H.R. 4810, CQ Vote #390, July 12, 2000; H.R. 4810, CQ Vote #391, July 12, 2000; H.R. 4810, CQ Vote #392, July 12, 2000; H.R. 4810, CQ Vote #408, July 18, 2000; H.R. 4810, CQ Vote #418, July 20, 2000; H.R. 4810, CQ Vote #466, September 13, 2000; H.R. 4865, CQ Vote #450, July 27, 2000; H.R. 586, CQ Vote #103, April 18, 2002; H.R. 6, CQ Vote #14, February 10, 2000; H.R. 6, CQ Vote #15, February 10, 2000; H.R. 6, CQ Vote #73, March 29, 2001; H.R. 6, CQ Vote #74, March 29, 2001; H.R. 622, CQ Vote #38, February 14, 2002; H.R. 8, CQ Vote #101, April 13, 2005; H.R. 8, CQ Vote #102, April 13, 2005; H.R. 8, CQ Vote #252, June 9, 2000; H.R. 8, CQ Vote #287, June 18, 2003; H.R. 8, CQ Vote #82, April 4, 2001; H.R. 8, CQ Vote #83, April 4, 2001; H.R.586, CQ Vote #103, April 18, 2002)

CONGRESSMAN FORD BAD FOR BUSINESS

Ford's Record on Taxes Hurt Business – Cost Tennesseans Jobs

(Nashville) - Congressman Harold Ford Jr. (D-Memphis) has been a long time foe of business in Tennessee. A review of the congressman’s voting record shows Ford has consistently voted against tax cuts that aid small businesses and benefit the economy in our state.

“Harold Ford’s reckless record on taxes is a failure for Tennessee’s economy. Congressman Ford’s votes against lowering taxes could have hurt the state’s small business owners and stifle economic growth. No thanks to Congressman Ford – lower taxes have given our country 35 straight months of job growth, 5.5 million new jobs and a very low unemployment rate,” said Bob Davis, chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party.

Harold Ford has repeatedly voted against lowering taxes, including votes against Death Tax repeal and the tax cuts of 2001 and 2003. According to Congressional Quarterly, Congressman Ford has cast over 70 votes against lowering the tax burden on working Tennesseans and Americans.

THE TRUTH ON HAROLD FORD JR. AND BUSINESS
TENNESSEANS BENEFITED FROM THE 2001/2003 TAX CUTS

471,000 Businesses In Tennessee Received Tax Relief From President Bush’s Tax Cuts. Based on the number of returns filed in 2005 that would have benefited the 2001 and 2003 Bush tax cuts provided 471,000 Tennessee businesses with tax relief. (United States Department Of The Treasury Website, www.treasury.gov/offices/tax-policy/fact-sheet/tax-day-relief-pack.pdf, Accessed August 23, 2006)

The 2001 And 2003 Tax Cuts Provided Tax Relief To More Than Two Million Tennesseans. Based on the number of returns filed in 2005 that would have benefited the 2001 and 2003 Bush tax cuts provided 2,075,000 Tennesseans tax relief. (United States Department Of The Treasury Website, www.treasury.gov/offices/tax-policy/fact-sheet/tax-day-relief-pack.pdf, Accessed August 23, 2006)

BUT CONGRESSMAN FORD VOTED AGAINST THE 2001/2003 TAX CUTS

Ford Voted At Least Twice Against The 2001 Bush Tax Cuts. (H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #149: Adopted 240-154: R 211-0; D 28-153; I 1-1, May 26, 2001, Ford Voted Nay; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #118: Passed 230-197; R 216-0; D 13-196; I 1-1, May 16, 2001, Ford Voted Nay)
Ford Voted At Least Twice Against The Jobs And Growth Reconciliation Tax Act Of 2003. (H.R. 2, CQ Vote #225: Adopted 231-200: R 224-1; D 7-198; I 0-1, May 23, 2003, Ford Voted Nay; H.R. 2, CQ Vote #182: Passed 222-203: R 218-3; D 4-199; I 0-1, May 9, 2003, Ford Voted Nay)

And Ford Voted Against Making The Tax Relief Permanent. (H.R.586, CQ Vote #103: Motion Agreed To 229-198: R 219-1; D 9-196; I 1-1, April 18, 2002, Ford Voted Nay; H. Con. Res. 376, CQ Vote #156: Rejected 94-331: R 94-134; D 0-196; I 0-1, May 18, 2006, Ford Voted Nay)
If The Tax Cuts Are Not Made Permanent, Small Businesses Will See An Average $3,637 Tax Increase. (United States Department Of The Treasury, “Fact Sheet – 2011 Taxes: Millions Could See Billions In Increases,” http://www.treasury.gov/press/releases/reports/2011taxesmillions.pdf, August 25, 2006)

AND CONGRESSMAN FORD OPPOSES ELIMINATION OF THE DEATH TAX

Just Last Year, Ford Voted Against Permanent Repeal of the Death Tax Contained In the 2001 Tax Cut Law. (H.R. 8, CQ Vote #102: Passed 272-162: R 230-1; D 42-160; I 0-1, April 13, 2005, Ford Voted Nay)

And Congressman Ford Has Voted At Least Five Times Against Repeal Or Relief Of The Death Tax. (H.R. 8, CQ Vote #102: Passed 272-162: R 230-1; D 42-160; I 0-1, April 13, 2005, Ford Voted Nay; H.Res. 524, CQ Vote #401: Adopted 242-158: R 200-3; D 42-155; I 0-0, September 19, 2002, Ford Voted Nay; H.R. 2143, CQ Vote #217: Motion Rejected 197-231: R 6-212; D 190-18; I 1-1, June 6, 2002, Ford Voted Yea, Ford Voted Yea; H.R. 3081, CQ Vote #41: Passed 257-169: R 215-1; D 41-167; I 1-1, March 9, 2000, Ford Voted Nay; H.R. 2014, CQ Vote #245: Passed 253-179: R 226-1; D 27-177; I 0-1, June 26, 1997, Ford Voted Nay)

If Not Repealed, Small Businesses And Other Estates Would Be Subject To A Maximum 55% Death Tax Beginning In 2011. “Under current law (pl 107-16), the estate tax is being phased out and will disappear in 2010. But it would revert to pre-2001 levels in 2011 without congressional action, with a maximum levy of 55 percent.” (Rachel Van Dongen, “Estate Tax Package Generates Conservatives’ Support — With a Few Caveats,” CQ Today, June 22, 2006)

CONGRESSMAN FORD IS WRONG ON BUSINESS ISSUES

The U.S. Chamber Of Commerce Gives Ford An Average 57.6% Rating For His Votes Over The Last 5 Years. (Project Vote Smart Website, www.vote-smart.org, Accessed July 10, 2006)

National Federation Of Independent Business Gives Ford An Average 25.7% Rating For His Votes Since 1999. (Project Vote Smart Website, www.vote-smart.org, Accessed July 10, 2006)

Ford Voted Against Legislation That Would Make It Easier For Employers To Determine Whether Employees Are Exempt From Overtime Pay. (HR 2660, CQ Vote #351: Rejected 210-213: R 14-210; D 195-3; I 1-0, July 10, 2003, Ford Voted Yea; HR 2660, CQ Vote #531: Motion agreed to 221-203: R 21-201; D 199-2; I 1-0, October 2, 2003, Ford Voted Yea)

Ford Even Skipped Several Votes On Small Business Paperwork Reduction, Including House Passage, In 1998. (HR 3310, CQ Vote #72: Rejected 183-221: R 7-209; D 175-12; I 1-0. March 26, 1998, Ford Did Not Vote; HR 3310, CQ Vote #73: Adopted 224-179: R 203-12; D 21-167; I 0-0. March 26, 1998, Ford Did Not Vote; HR 3310, CQ Vote #74: Passed 267-140: R 213-4; D 54-135; I 0-1. March 26, 1998, Ford Did Not Vote)

CONGRESSMAN FORD VOTES AGAINST EASING TAX BURDEN

Ford Voted More Than 70 Times In Favor Of Higher Taxes. (H. Con. Res. 284, CQ Vote #208, June 5, 1998; H. Con. Res. 284, CQ Vote #209, June 5, 1998; H. Con. Res. 284, CQ Vote #210, June 5, 1998; H. Con. Res. 376, CQ Vote #155, May 17, 2006; H. Con. Res. 376, CQ Vote #156, May 18, 2006; H. Con. Res. 376, CQ Vote #158, May 18, 2006; H. Con. Res. 393, CQ Vote #89, March 25, 2004; H. Con. Res. 68, CQ Vote #76, March 25, 1999; H. Con. Res. 68, CQ Vote #77, March 25, 1999; H. Con. Res. 68, CQ Vote #80, April 12, 1999; H. Con. Res. 68, CQ Vote #85, April 14, 1999; H. Con. Res. 83, CQ Vote #104, May 9, 2001; H. Con. Res. 83, CQ Vote #67, March 28, 2001; H. Con. Res. 83, CQ Vote #68, March 28, 2001; H. Con. Res. 83, CQ Vote #69, March 28, 2001; H. Con. Res. 83, CQ Vote #70, March 28, 2001; H. Con. Res. 95, CQ Vote #141, April 11, 2003; H. Con. Res. 95, CQ Vote #82, March 21, 2003; H. Con. Res. 95, CQ Vote #88, March 17, 2005; H. Res. 524, CQ Vote #401, September 19, 2002; H. Res. 685, CQ Vote #301, June 24, 2004; H.R. 1817, CQ Vote #184, Adopted 363-65, May 18, 2005; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #117, May 16, 2001; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #118, May 16, 2001; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #149, May 26, 2001; H.R. 2, CQ Vote #180, May 9, 2003; H.R. 2, CQ Vote #181, May 9, 2003; H.R. 2, CQ Vote #182, May 9, 2003; H.R. 2, CQ Vote #225, May 23, 2003; H.R. 2014, CQ Vote #243, June 26, 1997; H.R. 2014, CQ Vote #245, June 26, 1997; H.R. 2143, CQ Vote #218, June 6, 2002; H.R. 2400, CQ Vote #97, April 1, 1998; H.R. 2488, CQ Vote #33, July 22, 1999; H.R. 2488, CQ Vote #332, July 22, 1999; H.R. 2488, CQ Vote #356, August 2, 1999; H.R. 2488, CQ Vote #378, August 5, 1999; H.R. 2488, CQ Vote #379, August 5, 1999; H.R. 2555, CQ Vote #305, June 24, 2003; H.R. 2660, CQ Vote #347, July 10, 2003; H.R. 2660, CQ Vote #348, July 10, 2003; H.R. 3, CQ Vote #44, March 8, 2001; H.R. 3, CQ Vote #45, March 8, 2001; H.R. 3081, CQ Vote #41, March 9, 2000; H.R. 3090, CQ Vote #402, October 24, 2001; H.R. 3090, CQ Vote #403, October 24, 2001; H.R. 3090, CQ Vote #404, October 24, 2001; H.R. 4019, CQ Vote #228, June 13, 2002; H.R. 4181, CQ Vote #136, April 28, 2004; H.R. 4275, CQ Vote #169, May 13, 2004; H.R. 4297, CQ Vote #121, May 3, 2006; H.R. 4297, CQ Vote #134, May 10, 2006; H.R. 4297, CQ Vote #619, December 8, 2005; H.R. 4297, CQ Vote #620, December 8, 2005; H.R. 4297, CQ Vote #621, December 8, 2005; H.R. 4297, CQ Vote #7, February 8, 2006; H.R. 4297, CQ Vote #74, March 29, 2006; H.R. 4579, CQ Vote #468, September 26, 1998; H.R. 4579, CQ Vote #469, September 26, 1998; H.R. 4810, CQ Vote #390, July 12, 2000; H.R. 4810, CQ Vote #391, July 12, 2000; H.R. 4810, CQ Vote #392, July 12, 2000; H.R. 4810, CQ Vote #408, July 18, 2000; H.R. 4810, CQ Vote #418, July 20, 2000; H.R. 4810, CQ Vote #466, September 13, 2000; H.R. 4865, CQ Vote #450, July 27, 2000; H.R. 586, CQ Vote #103, April 18, 2002; H.R. 6, CQ Vote #14, February 10, 2000; H.R. 6, CQ Vote #15, February 10, 2000; H.R. 6, CQ Vote #73, March 29, 2001; H.R. 6, CQ Vote #74, March 29, 2001; H.R. 622, CQ Vote #38, February 14, 2002; H.R. 8, CQ Vote #101, April 13, 2005; H.R. 8, CQ Vote #102, April 13, 2005; H.R. 8, CQ Vote #252, June 9, 2000; H.R. 8, CQ Vote #287, June 18, 2003; H.R. 8, CQ Vote #82, April 4, 2001; H.R. 8, CQ Vote #83, April 4, 2001; H.R.586, CQ Vote #103, April 18, 2002)

Ford Has Voted At Least Ten Times Against Income Tax Relief That Could Benefit Small Businesses.

(H.R. 2, CQ Vote #225: Adopted 231-200: R 224-1; D 7-198; I 0-1, May 23, 2003, Ford Voted Nay; H.R. 2, CQ Vote #182: Passed 222-203: R 218-3; D 4-199; I 0-1, May 9, 2003, Ford Voted Nay; H.R.586, CQ Vote #103: Motion Agreed To 229-198: R 219-1; D 9-196; I 1-1, April 18, 2002, Ford Voted Nay; H.R. 622, CQ Vote #38: Motion Agreed To 225-199: R 214-1; D 10-197; I 1-1, February 14, 2002, Ford Voted Nay; H.R. 3090, CQ Vote #404: Passed 216-214: R 212-7; D 3-206; I 1-1, October 24, 2001,Ford Voted Nay; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #149: Adopted 240-154: R 211-0; D 28-153; I 1-1, May 26, 2001, Ford Voted Nay; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #118: Passed 230-197: R 216-0; D 13-196; I 1-1, May 16, 2001, Ford Voted Nay; H.R. 3, CQ Vote #45: Passed 230-198: R 219-0; D 10-197; I 1-1, March 8, 2001, Ford Voted Nay; H.R. 2488, CQ Vote #379: Adopted 221-206: R 216-4; D 5-201; I 0-1, August 5, 1999, Ford Voted Nay; H.R. 2488, CQ Vote #333: Passed 223-208: R 217-4; D 6-203; I 0-1, July 22, 1999, Ford Voted Nay)

FORD FAILS SCHUMER SECURITY TEST
Democrats Hypocritically Attack Bob Corker, While Ford Is Weak On Terror

(Nashville) - The Tennessee Republican Party today released the following statement regarding chairman of the Democrat Senatorial Campaign Committee, Senator Chuck Schumer's (D-NY) remarks on national security and Congressman Harold Ford:

“Despite his misleading campaign ads, Congressman Ford has voted against the tools necessary to fight the war on terror and in favor of slashing defense and intelligence funding – hardly a national defense record to be proud of. Tennesseans deserve more than tired political attacks from Washington liberals – they deserve a Senator who will fight for Tennesseans and give our government the tools necessary to win the war on terror. Based on his weak record, Tennesseans should question if Ford is a part of the one percent Chuck Schumer believes can’t keep America safe.”

Yesterday Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) Claimed "Ninety-Nine Percent Of All Democrats" Want To Fight A Strong War On Terror: "Ninety-nine percent of all Americans of course want to fight a strong war on terror. Ninety-nine percent of all Democrats do." (Sen. Chuck Schumer, Conference Call, 8/30/06)

Ford Wants To Fight A Strong War On Terror?He Doesn't Vote That Way…
In 2005, Ford Voted Against PATRIOT Act Reauthorization. (H.R. 3199, CQ Vote #414, Passed 257-171: R 214-14; D 43-156; I 0-1, July 21, 2005, Ford Voted Nay; H.R 3199, CQ Vote #627: Adopted 251-174: R 207-18; D 44-155; I 0-1, December 14, 2005, Ford Voted Nay)

In 2004, Ford Voted Against Reorganization Of U.S. Intelligence And The Creation Of A National Intelligence Director. "Passage of the bill that would reorganize 15 U.S. intelligence agencies and create a national intelligence director who would give guidance on budgets. It also would create a national intelligence center and allow aliens to be deported without judicial review. The number of border patrol agents would increase from 10,000 to 20,000 over the next five years. The bill, as amended, would make attending a terrorist training camp a deportable offense and toughen penalties for those charged with financially aiding terrorist groups." (HR 10, CQ Vote #523: Passed 282-134: R 213-8; D 69-125; I 0-1, October 8, 2004, Ford Voted Nay)

Ford Has Voted At Least Twice To Cut Intelligence Funding. (HR 1775, CQ Vote #253: Rejected 142-289: R 27-198; D 114-91; I 1-0, July 9, 1997, Ford Voted Yea; HR 1775, CQ Vote #255: Rejected 182-238: R 23-199; D 158-39; I 1-0, July 9, 1997, Ford Voted Yea)

Ford Voted Against Fiscal 2004 Intelligence Funding Authorization. (H.R. 2417, CQ Vote #649, Adopted 264-163: R 209-15; D 55-147; I 0-1, November 20, 2003, Ford Voted Nay)

And Ford Has Skipped Intelligence Funding Authorization Votes. (HR 5020, CQ Vote #108: Passed 327-96: R 224-3; D 102-93; I 1-0. April 26, 2006, Ford Did Not Vote; HR 4628, CQ Vote #483: Adopted 366-3: R 188-3; D 177-0; I 1-0. November 15, 2002, Ford Did Not Vote)

Ford Voted For A Substitute Amendment That Called For "An Approximate 25 Percent Cut In Defense Spending." (H. Con. Res. 290, CQ House Vote #70: Rejected 70-348: R 0-212; D 69-135; I 1-1, March 23, 2000, Ford Voted Yea)

FORD NO FRIEND TO TENNESSEE FARMERS
Congressman Ford Votes Against Repeal of Death Tax – Other Farm Issues

(Nashville) - Through his slick television advertising, Congressman Harold Ford Jr. (D-Memphis) has tried to portray himself as a friend of Tennessee farmers. His true record on agriculture is far different than his rhetoric.

“Congressman Ford Jr. is not a friend to Tennessee’s farmers. He has continually voted against repeal of the death tax, which currently prohibits many folks in our state from keeping the family farm intact. I’m sure Congressman Ford thinks it's better to put people’s hard earned money in the hands of his Washington buddies, rather than keep it in the pockets of hard-working Tennessee farmers and their families,” said Bob Davis, chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party.

Ford has rarely received the American Farm Bureau’s “Friend of the Farm Bureau” award due to his poor record on taxes and farm issues. In the past three Congressional sessions, Ford was missing as an honoree.

Congressman Ford has also voted against free trade and has voiced his support for the U.S. Supreme Court’s Kelo decision, which makes it easier for government to take privately held land through the process of eminent domain.

THE TRUTH ON HAROLD FORD JR. AND AGRICULTURE
FORD’S VOTING RECORD HURTS FARMING COMMUNITY

A Member Of Congress Since 1997, Congressman Ford Has Not Earned The “Friend Of Farm Bureau” Award From The American Farm Bureau The Past Three Congresses. (American Farm Bureau Federation Website, www.fb.org, Accessed August 16, 2006)

FORD: WRONG ON THE DEATH TAX

“Farm Bureau Supports The Immediate And Permanent Elimination Of Death Taxes.” (American Farm Bureau Federation Website, www.fb.org, Accessed August 20, 2006)
But Congressman Ford Said “Eliminating” The Death Tax “Altogether Is Foolish.” MATTHEWS: “You said you were against millionaires.” FORD: “I think the people that own this bar here, as they pass it on to another generation, should be protected. We should have an exemption that protects the first $5 million of an asset. Anything above that should be I think taxed at perhaps the capital gains rate. I think eliminating it altogether is foolish.” (Rep. Harold Ford, Jr., MSNBC’s “Hardball,” March 23, 2006)

And Just Last Year, Ford Voted Against Permanent Repeal Of The Estate Tax Contained In The 2001 Tax Cut Law. (H.R. 8, CQ Vote #102: Passed 272-162: R 230-1; D 42-160; I 0-1, April 13, 2005, Ford Voted Nay)

Since 1997, Ford Has Voted At Least Three Times Against Repealing The Estate Tax. (H.R. 8, CQ Vote #102: Passed 272-162: R 230-1; D 42-160; I 0-1, April 13, 2005, Ford Voted Nay; H.Res. 524, CQ Vote #401: Adopted 242-158: R 200-3; D 42-155; I 0-0, September 19, 2002, Ford Voted Nay; H.R. 2143, H.R. 2143, CQ Vote #217: Motion Rejected 197-231: R 6-212; D 190-18; I 1-1, June 6, 2002, Ford Voted Yea)

And Ford Voted For Democrat Substitutes That Sought To Water Down Or Limit Estate Tax Repeal. (H.R. 8, CQ Vote #101: Rejected 194-238: R 1-228; D 193-9; I 0-1, April 13, 2005, Ford Voted Yea; H.R. 8, CQ Vote #287: Rejected 188-239: R 2-226; D 185-13; I 1-0, June 18, 2003, Ford Voted Yea; H.R. 2143, CQ Vote #217: Rejected 197-231: R 6-212; D 190-18; I 1-1, June 6, 2002, Ford Voted Yea; H.R. 8, CQ Vote #252: Rejected 196-222: R 3-213; D 192-8; I 1-1, June 9, 2000, Ford Voted Yea)

Since 1997, Ford Has Voted At Least Twice Against Measures Providing Estate Tax Relief (Not Repeal). (H.R. 3081, CQ Vote #41: Passed 257-169: R 215-1; D 41-167; I 1-1, March 9, 2000, Ford Voted Nay; H.R. 2014, CQ Vote #245: Passed 253-179: R 226-1; D 27-177; I 0-1, June 26, 1997, Ford Voted Nay)

If Not Repealed, Small Businesses And Other Estates Would Be Subject To A Maximum 55% Death Tax Beginning In 2011. “Under current law (pl 107-16), the estate tax is being phased out and will disappear in 2010. But it would revert to pre-2001 levels in 2011 without congressional action, with a maximum levy of 55 percent.” (Rachel Van Dongen, “Estate Tax Package Generates Conservatives’ Support — With a Few Caveats,” CQ Today, June 22, 2006)

FORD OPPOSED CAFTA AT THE URGING OF LABOR LEADERS

American Farm Bureau President: “A Vote For CAFTA-DR Is A Vote For U.S. Agriculture.” “As I see it, a vote for CAFTA-DR is a vote for U.S. agriculture. Most of American agriculture agrees – It’s time for CAFTA-DR. The agreement is expected to result in nearly $1.5 billion in agricultural exports after full implementation.” (Bob Stallman, “A Vote For CAFTA-DR Is A Vote For Agriculture,” American Farm Bureau Website,www.fb.org, May 2005)

In 2005, Ford Voted Against The Central American Free Trade Agreement. (H.R. 3045, CQ Vote #443: Passed 217-215: R 202-27; D 15-187; I 0-1, July 28, 2005, Ford Voted Nay)
Exports Of Tennessee Farm Products Help Support More Than 10,000 Jobs In The State. “Exports of farm products help boost Tennessee’s farm prices and income. Such exports help support about 10,254 jobs both on the farm and off the farm in food processing, storage, and transportation. In 2003, Tennessee’s farm cash receipts were $2.3 billion, and agricultural exports were estimated at $649 million, putting its reliance on agricultural exports at 28 percent. Implementation of the U.S.-Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA) will increase Tennessee’s exports of agricultural products.” (United States Department Of Agriculture, United States-Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement State Fact Sheet, www.fas.usda.gov, May 2, 2006)

FORD EXPRESSED SUPPORT FOR THE KELO V. NEW LONDON DECISION

“Farm Bureau Was Outraged When The U.S. Supreme Court Ruled Private Property Can Be Confiscated By Local Government Entities For Private Economic Development Projects. Farm Bureau has been a champion of the rights of property owners during its nearly 90 years of existence, and was incensed by the June 2005 Supreme Court ruling in the case of Kelo v. The City of New London, Conn. It was a sucker punch against private land owners.” (American Farm Bureau Federation Website, “Farm Bureau Calls for Legislation to Block Eminent Domain Laws,” www.fb.org, Accessed August 20, 2006)

American Farm Bureau Opposes Eminent Domain And Supports Legislation Protecting Property Owners From Eminent Domain Transfers From One Private Entity To Another. “AFBF opposes the use of eminent domain for recreational purposes, private economic development or to expand the landholdings of wildlife agencies. We support legislation stating eminent domain shall not be used to condemn or transfer property from one private entity to another private entity for economic development or any other private use.” (American Farm Bureau Federation Website, www.fb.org, Accessed August 20, 2006)

But In 2005, Ford Indicated Support For The Kelo V. New London Decision Which Increased Eminent Domain Capability Of Government. “You know, we have a lot of blighted property in my city, a lot of areas that are crying out for development. I’ve always been one that believes that individual rights is a big thing and you shouldn’t just take somebody’s property. Yet I think if you look at the housing inventory and the property inventory and the lot inventory across the country there’s some real value to the decision. There’ll be some who will object to say that who is a mayor or a local government official to say that my home doesn’t provide a benefit to the community when a new mall might. I think the numbers will demonstrate that and as long as people are compensated fairly, I can appreciate and understand the decision.” (Teddy Bart’s Roundtable, billhobbs.com, Accessed August 15, 2005)

And In June 2005, Ford Voted Against An Amendment That Would Have Prohibited The Use Of Federal Funds For Development Of Property Obtained Through The Power Of Eminent Domain For Private Use. (H.R. 3058, CQ Vote #350: Adopted 231-189: R 192-31; D 39-157; I 0-1, June 30, 2005, Ford Voted Nay)

The Chattanooga Times Free Press Said “Tennesseans Should Be Very Much Concerned To Find That A Congressman Running For The United States Senate Has Such Little Regard For Private Homeowners’ Rights.” (Editorial, “Rep. Ford OKs Home Seizures,” Chattanooga Times Free Press, July 7, 2005)