Having lived here in middle Tennessee (a Democratic stronghold), for over forty years, I must say I'm surprised by the comments I read today coming from east Tennessee where Republicans (generally) rule:
http://tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061031/NEWS0206/61031036">Ford Stumps In Opponent's Hometown
By ERIK SCHELZIG
The Tennessean - Associated Press
October 31, 2006
CHATTANOOGA — Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Harold Ford Jr. traveled to his opponent's hometown today, trying to persuade sometimes skeptical residents to vote for him. On a construction site next to the busy Southern Star restaurant, Ford spent 10 minutes speaking over the noise of a circular saw with Kris Horton, a construction worker.
Horton, 36, asked questions about religion, health insurance and Ford's attendance at a Playboy-sponsored party. Ford's presence at the party has been highlighted in Republican television ads critical of the Memphis congressman. Ford acknowledged to Horton that he attended the party, but said there were thousands of other people there and that he did not go because it was sponsored by Playboy.
"It says a lot of him to come down here to explain what really happened," said Horton, who is also a minister. "I'm going to pray about this, but I think I'll vote for him." Horton said he was previously undecided.
As Ford worked the crowd at the restaurant, most clamored for autographs and photos. But not everyone was swayed. Charles Clevenger, a 66-year-old retiree from the construction business, said he has known Ford's Republican opponent, former Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker, for decades and would not be dissuaded from voting for him, even though he acknowledged Ford has run a strong campaign.
But Clevenger said he's been disappointed by the negative ads sponsored by outside national groups, which he blames for the tenor of the campaign. "If I give money, I will give it to the candidate," Clevenger said. "I will not give it to the party."
Greg Helms, a 46-year-old urban planner who works across the street from the restaurant, said "the country needs another party in either the House or the Senate to balance things." "I think the Republicans have mucked things up," said Helms, an independent leaning toward Ford.
At an earlier speech in Knoxville, Ford said that after years of dominance by Republicans on the national level, he would bring more change to the Senate than Corker. "So many people in the country, regardless of your political stripes, Democrat or Republican, realize that we're just not doing right out there," he said. "It's just off kilter."
Ford also brought up the booming profits at oil companies like Exxon Mobil Corp., and blamed Republicans for not doing enough to permanently reduce gas prices and develop alternative energy sources. "They lowered the gas prices right before the election ...," Ford said. "When I get to the U.S Senate, I'll represent you, not Exxon."
Some supporters at the rally acknowledged Ford may have a tough time finding majorities in Republican-dominated East Tennessee. "This is really a Republican stronghold," said Dania Leatherman, a 43-year-old Knoxville tax attorney who voted for Ford in early voting. "But I think people have seen Republicans say one thing and do another."
Melvin D. Walker, a retired Tennessee Valley Authority engineer, said Ford's promise for change is the most important issue for him. "I see a totally negative picture right now," said the 62-year-old, referring to the war in Iraq, job losses and taxes. "Give me even a 10 percent improvement and I'll be happy."
Ford ended the day in more friendly territory at an early voting location in Nashville. He urged people to vote and said he relies on God when the campaign gets tough. "When you put things in God's hands, amazing things happen," Ford said.
Popular incumbent Gov. Phil Bredesen came to the Nashville event to support Ford and mentioned Ford's appearance on the cover of Newsweek magazine next to the headline "Not Your Daddy's Democrat." "He may not be his daddy's Democrat, but he is certainly Tennessee's Democrat," Bredesen said.
Tennessean Newspaper comments:I am one of those independent voters in Chattanooga whom Harold Ford Jr and Bob Corker are trying to convince to vote for him. Until about 2:30 Tuesday afternoon, I still was undecided.
I stopped by Panera Bread for lunch and noticed about 20 or so people holding Ford signs. I was sitting on the patio and a few minutes later, Congressman Ford pulled up in a big white truck. He was speaking to his supporters when two garbage trucks drove by and honked their horns.
Congressman Ford stopped speaking and turned around to wave. In the midst of a whole bunch of hugs and handshakes, Ford immediately stopped what he was doing and followed (on foot) the trucks down the street. When the drivers came to a stop, the men on the back jumped down. Ford walked right up to them, put his arm around their sholder and shook each of their hands. He thanked them for their hard work. Honestly, if ever I have been more inspired by a single act of kindness and recognition, it was at precisely that moment.
Congressman Harold Ford Jr could teach us all a thing or to about dignity and honor. The very fact that he recognized each one of those sanitation workers speaks volumes about what his representation of all Tennesseans will be in the senate. Everyone counts, and everyone deserves the same respect. I was truly inspired by this simple act of recognition, and with that single act, Congressman Harold Ford Jr won my vote today, as well as my respect.
Jackson Montgomery
jackson_montgomery@mail.com
Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 6:36 pm
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Jackson....I'm with you. Ford is sincere in wanting reach out to everyone. He is truly an inspriation and I hope he can somehow win. You have made a wise choice with Ford. I voted for him already in early voting last week.
GO FORD!
Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 6:55 pm 
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