When Bill Lee drove a tractor through tiny Eagleville last October, hardly anyone noticed. Only a handful of supporters milled around in the parking lot of the Farmers Co-op in southwest Rutherford County that morning where Lee spent a few minutes talking to people inside the store before emerging to ride to another town as part of a statewide tour, a precursor to an RV ride he would take later in the Republican primary race.

2. Dems Need Viable Candidates to Catch Blue Wave - Thursday, March 22, 2018

Republicans called it the “kickoff” to what they hope will be a great election season.

Democrats are downplaying a lopsided loss in the 14th Senate District special election, saying it won’t represent results later this year in President Donald Trump’s midterm.

3. Candidates’ Choices - Friday, March 16, 2018

Polls, phone banking, messaging, yard signs, who is paid and who is a volunteer – all are elements of a campaign. And each is part of an overall strategy.

But most campaigns struggle with a schedule of which events to attend and which to forgo. And in the 2018 campaign season, the number of events is only growing as the May 1 county primary elections near, followed by the county general election and state and federal primaries in August, then the state and federal general elections in November.

4. Last Word: Closing the Loophole, Skeleton Hotel Update and Jubilee Conversion - Friday, February 2, 2018

The state legislator who sponsored the most recent version of the law making it much more difficult to remove Confederate monuments acknowledges that the city of Memphis found a legitimate loophole in the 2016 law he crafted. Republican Steve McDaniel, of Parkers Crossroads, tells our Nashville correspondent Sam Stockard that he has a bill in the House to close the loophole. But it won't undo what happened here. Although there is still a court fight over that taking shape.

5. 9:30 a.m.: Live-Stream the Tennessee Gubernatorial Forum - Thursday, February 1, 2018

The Tennessee Press Association holds a forum Thursday, Feb. 1, in Nashville featuring the announced candidates for Tennessee governor. The live stream – moderated by Eric Barnes, publisher of The Daily News and TPA president – starts at 8:30 a.m., and the forum is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m.

6. Last Word: Wiretaps in the Wright Case, Target Layoffs and SCS Looks To Move - Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Democratic Congressman Steve Cohen of Memphis among those boycotting the State of the Union address Tuesday evening by President Donald Trump. “The president is unworthy of the podium, the position and the power.” Republican Congressman David Kustoff of Germantown among those not boycotting SOTU. “Just one year after president Trump took the oath of office, our economy is the strongest it has been in decades. … We passed historic tax reform and we bolstered our military and support our veterans. Last year, the president kept his promises and tonight, he told the American people that he is not done.”

7. Immigrant Tuition Splits Tennessee Governor's Field in Forum - Thursday, January 25, 2018

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Candidates for governor in Tennessee largely agreed on broad issues facing education during the race's first televised forum Tuesday, except for a partisan split on in-state tuition for immigrants whose parents brought or kept them in the country illegally.

8. Anti-Abortion ‘Heartbeat Bill’ Revived Despite Like-Minded Opposition - Wednesday, January 24, 2018

An East Tennessee lawmaker is trying breathe life into his “heartbeat bill” this session of the General Assembly despite an odd mix of opposition from pro-life forces and Democrats.

State Rep. Micah Van Huss delayed the measure in a House committee until a Senate sponsor can be placed on it, but he confirmed he will present the bill as soon as the clerk’s office prepares it.

9. Medicaid Expansion Splits Tenn. Governor Hopefuls in Health Forum - Monday, January 22, 2018

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A health care forum Friday illustrated the partisan split in the Tennessee governor's race over Medicaid expansion, with Democrats ranking it their top priority and Republicans opposing it or espousing other priorities.

10. Governor Hopeful's Summit Nixed Over Anti-Muslim Concerns - Friday, January 12, 2018

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A Tennessee university has canceled a Republican candidate for governor's summit amid criticisms that its speakers were anti-Muslim.

A campaign news release from ex-Sen. Mae Beavers says Trevecca Nazarene University canceled the Jan. 25 Homeland Security Summit.

11. Getting Shovel Ready - Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Candidates for various state-level offices up for grabs in the 2018 elections used the Southwest Tennessee Development District’s annual legislative luncheon in Jackson, Tennessee, last week to share their West Tennessee-centric campaign promises.

12. Black Steps Down as US House Budget Chair Amid Governor Bid - Thursday, December 28, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – U.S. Rep. Diane Black announced Wednesday that she is stepping down as House Budget Committee chairwoman, but will remain in Congress as she runs for governor of Tennessee.

13. Rep. Black Describes Enduring Sexual Misconduct as Lawmaker - Friday, December 15, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – U.S. Rep. Diane Black says she knows from personal experience, having endured sexual misconduct as a state lawmaker, why Congress needs to expose federal lawmakers who settled cases, force them to repay any tax dollars involved and ban such taxpayer-funded settlements going forward.

14. Poll: Tennessee Voters More Moderate Than Some Think - Friday, December 15, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Tennesseans are more moderate than their neighbors think they are, and their views of Congress and President Donald Trump have soured some in the past few months, according to a Vanderbilt University poll released Thursday.

15. Vice President Pence Gives $4K to Black's Gubernatorial Bid - Thursday, December 14, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Republican gubernatorial candidate Diane Black can count Vice President Mike Pence among her supporters.

16. 4 Governor Candidates Won’t Release Tax Returns - Saturday, December 2, 2017

Four of the seven major candidates for Tennessee governor are declining to release details of their federal income tax returns.

The Tennessean newspaper asked the five Republicans and two Democrats in the race for copies of their federal tax filings. U.S. Rep. Diane Black and fellow Republican state House Speaker Beth Harwell provided financial summaries, and Democrat Craig Fitzhugh released his 2016 tax return.

17. Is There Room for Common-Sense Gun Legislation? - Thursday, November 30, 2017

The Tennessee chapter of Moms Demand Action picks its battles judiciously. Once labeled as a bunch of anti-gun extremists, the group is anything but, spokeswoman Kat McRitchie says.

“We seek common ground. We work with legislators on both sides of the aisle. We’re nonpartisan,” McRitchie explains. “We’re simply looking for common-sense gun solutions, which the majority of Americans support.”

18. 4 Tennessee Governor Candidates Won't Release Tax Returns - Tuesday, November 28, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Four of the seven major candidates for Tennessee governor are declining to release details of their federal income tax returns.

The Tennessean newspaper asked the five Republicans and two Democrats in the race for copies of their federal tax filings. U.S. Rep. Diane Black and fellow Republican state House Speaker Beth Harwell provided financial summaries, and Democrat Craig Fitzhugh released his 2016 tax return.

19. Despite Massive Turnover, GOP Owns Legislature - Thursday, November 16, 2017

2018 will be a year of change for the Tennessee General Assembly, and 2019 will bring even more, especially in leadership – much depending on the popularity of President Donald Trump.

Not only is the Legislature moving to the Cordell Hull Building, vacating the Legislative Plaza after 45 years or so, a number of legislative faces are changing, too, even before next year’s election.

20. Grab a Gun, Go See Your State Representative - Thursday, November 9, 2017

When legislative leaders started to allow guns in the Legislative Plaza nearly two years ago, the Sierra Club’s Scott Banbury had his daughter take pictures of him wearing his holstered Ruger and lobbyist ID card to put on lawmakers’ desks with the question: “Is this what you want?”

21. Black Launches Latest Broadside in Tennessee Governor's Race - Wednesday, November 1, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – U.S. Rep. Diane Black's gubernatorial campaign is taking aim at Republican rival Randy Boyd, launching a broadside Tuesday at the former member of Gov. Bill Haslam's Cabinet for everything from his running attire to what the congresswoman decries as his moderate record.

22. Early Differences Surface at Republican Governor’s Forum in Memphis Oct. 20 - Tuesday, October 24, 2017

When the six declared contenders for the Republican nomination for governor met at this weekend’s Tennessee Federation of Republican Women convention in Memphis, there were some early differences certain to grow as the campaign intensifies.

23. Trump’s Bluster Cascades Through State Politics - Thursday, October 12, 2017

The chaos emanating from President Donald Trump’s administration is changing the landscape of Tennessee politics, setting the stage for upheaval within the dominant Republican Party.

“This is a really big moment for the Tennessee Republican Party,” with the Trump wing or far-right wing “firmly in control,” says Kent Syler, Middle Tennessee State University political science professor.

24. Last Word: Corker on Meet The Press, Summer School and Crosstown Cautions - Monday, October 2, 2017

The Slider Inn’s second location to come in South Main is an indication that investment and other activity just below the radar continue to come to the surface in an area known for lots of apartment construction recently. The second location is in a brick building that was a place to store and service vintage cars. Look for a public art element and a back patio as well. All of those plans recently clearing the Landmarks Commission.

25. Dean: Economic Development More Difficult in Memphis - Tuesday, September 19, 2017

It’s a story that former Nashville Mayor Karl Dean tells just about every place in the state he goes in his campaign to be the state’s next governor.

26. GOP Candidates for Tennessee Governor Uneasy About Gas Tax - Thursday, September 14, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – The ink may be dry on a new state law that boosts funding for road projects through Tennessee's first gas tax hike in 28 years, but that doesn't mean all Republicans running for governor are happy with it.

27. Last Word: Amazon Litmus Test, Tracing an Ascendant Foodie Scene and Exports - Tuesday, September 12, 2017

There are some very interesting and unexpected things happening around Memphis these days. And it is into that atmosphere that Amazon put out what amounts to a cattle call for cities across the country to apply to be the site of its $5 billion second North American headquarters with 50,000 job over several years promised. This in a city that is about to start moving on a $9 billion expansion by St. Jude that is about $1 billion capital and the rest research and technology and programming money. This may be the ultimate litmus test of how far we are from our once legendary inferiority complex.

28. Tennessee Gubernatorial Candidates Tout Support for Farmers - Tuesday, September 12, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Tennessee's gubernatorial candidates are often keen to tout their support for farmers and rural communities as they campaign around the state. But former state Sen. Mae Beavers says she can outdo any of her rivals in terms of hands-on experience.

29. GOP's Bill Lee Calls for More School Choice in Tennessee - Monday, August 14, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Lee is voicing support for more school choice in Tennessee, an issue that has divided lawmakers within his own party.

Debate over the introduction of vouchers to provide parents with public money to pay for private school tuition has roiled the Tennessee General Assembly in recent years. Even limited proposals have been defeated by a bipartisan coalition of urban and rural lawmakers who fear they would siphon money away from public schools.

30. A Million Reasons Not to Jump Into the Tennessee Governor’s Race - Thursday, August 10, 2017

Republican gubernatorial candidate Mae Beavers is banking on the idea wealthy candidates won’t be able to buy voters in 2018.

31. Democrat Craig Fitzhugh Joins Race for Tennessee Governor - Tuesday, August 8, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Democrat Craig Fitzhugh is joining the race for Tennessee governor.

32. Republican US Rep. Diane Black to Run for Tennessee Governor - Thursday, August 3, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Republican U.S. Rep. Diane Black is running for governor in Tennessee.

33. Boyd Says Luttrell Endorsement is ‘Partnership’ - Friday, July 28, 2017

Republican contender for Tennessee governor Randy Boyd says his endorsement this week by Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell is more like a partnership.

34. Luttrell to Join Boyd At Campaign Appearance - Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell makes a campaign appearance Wednesday, July 26, with Republican candidate for Tennessee governor Randy Boyd.

35. Legislature’s End Game on Guns: No Rules at All? - Thursday, July 20, 2017

If you think the state Legislature is full of gun nuts, Rep. Micah Van Huss begs to differ.

“No, not at all,” Van Huss says when asked if the General Assembly is too pro-gun. “I don’t think they’re pro-gun enough. In fact, … I think our laws in Tennessee infringe on our constitutional rights. There are now 16 states – we’ve added two or three this year – that allow constitutional carry. So, we’re falling behind.”

36. Dean Touts ‘Middle Of the Road’ Focus For Democrats - Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Former Nashville Mayor Karl Dean is making exactly the same observation in his bid for the Democratic nomination for Tennessee governor that Republicans are making on their side of the 2018 race.

37. Democrat Karl Dean Raises $1.2M for Tennessee Gov's Campaign - Friday, July 7, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Former Nashville Mayor Karl Dean raised $1.2 million through the first half of the year for his bid for Tennessee governor, the Democrat's campaign announced Thursday.

38. Boyd Talks Gaps In Higher Ed During Whitehaven Stop - Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Republican contender for governor Randy Boyd says there is a gap in the state’s Tennessee Promise plan and its reality.

39. Gov. Haslam Vows to Stay on Sidelines of Race to Succeed Him - Friday, June 16, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Gov. Bill Haslam won't endorse any of the Republicans seeking the nomination to succeed him, but said he has spoken to several potential candidates about the emotionally taxing nature of a running a statewide campaign in Tennessee.

40. Last Word: Don McMinn, Frayser's Recovery and The Clean Line - Monday, June 5, 2017

Back in the late 1970s when Beale Street was still rotting and behind chain link fences and Downtown Memphis was in recovery in every sense of the word, there was a poster of Don McMinn standing in front of the statue of W.C. Handy on Beale with his back to the camera spreading open the raincoat he was wearing in Handy’s direction. The caption was something about exposing the world to the blues. That’s not the only image that comes to mind of those times with word Sunday that McMinn has died.

41. Last Word: Don McMinn, Frayser's Recovery and The Clean Line - Monday, June 5, 2017

Back in the late 1970s when Beale Street was still under construction and Downtown Memphis was in recovery in every sense of the word, there was a poster of Don McMinn standing in front of the statue of W.C. Handy on Beale with his back to the camera spreading open the raincoat he was wearing in Handy’s direction. The caption was something about exposing the world to the blues. That’s not the only image that comes to mind of those times with word Sunday that McMinn has died.

42. Green Drops Gubernatorial Bid After Failed Trump Nomination - Saturday, June 3, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Republican state Sen. Mark Green announced Friday that he will not resume his bid for Tennessee governor after withdrawing from consideration as President Donald Trump's pick for Army secretary.

43. View From the Hill: GOP Points True North on State’s Moral Compass - Thursday, June 1, 2017

It was billed as the start of the 2018 governor’s race, but the GOP’s Reagan Day Dinner in Murfreesboro last week often sounded more like a tent revival.

Vote for one of these candidates and you’re guaranteed a place in heaven, ran the subtext of the evening, because, after all, everyone knows only Republicans know the road to salvation.

44. Green Puts Off Public Announcement of Gubernatorial Plans - Wednesday, May 31, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Republican state Sen. Mark Green has made up his mind about whether to rejoin the governor's race in Tennessee, but he doesn't want to make his decision public until later this week.

45. Gas Tax, Health Care Complicate Tennessee Governor's Race - Monday, April 17, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – The repeal of former President Barack Obama's health care law was supposed to provide a springboard for U.S. Rep. Diane Black's entry into the Tennessee governor's race.

46. Tennessee Senate OKs Gun Background Check Exemption Bill - Friday, April 7, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – The Tennessee Senate has passed a bill eliminating background check requirements when gun dealers occasionally sell from their personal firearm collections.

Senators voted 24-3 Thursday on the legislation by Republican Sen. Mae Beavers of Mt. Juliet. The House passed it Monday. Gov. Bill Haslam will decide to sign or veto the bill.

47. Bill Seeking Closed Primaries in Tennessee Withdrawn - Wednesday, April 5, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – The latest effort to end Tennessee's open primary system has been withdrawn for the year.

The bill sponsored by Sen. Mae Beavers of Mt. Juliet and fellow Republican Rep. Mark Pody of Lebanon was removed from active consideration in the Senate State and Local Government on Tuesday.

48. Anti-Gay Marriage Legislation Fades Along With Transgender Restrooms - Friday, March 31, 2017

Anti-gay marriage legislation appears to be dead in the House of Representatives for the year. The House Civil Justice Subcommittee voted Wednesday, March 29, to put off an amended version of the Tennessee Natural Marriage Defense Act until 2018. Under the measure, Tennessee’s policy would require it to defend “natural marriage” between one man and one woman regardless of any court decision to the contrary.

49. True Fakes - Friday, March 24, 2017

TRUISH. These days, fake news can seem so real, and real news gets more and more unbelievable.

I offer recent local, state and national examples.

ZOO PREPARING BOAT PARKING FOR RAINBOW LAKE

50. Amended Restroom Bill Ignored by Senate Committee - Thursday, March 23, 2017

NASHVILLE – Legislation restricting restroom use at public schools for transgender students got flushed on Wednesday, March 22.

The Senate Education Committee declined to hear the measure sponsored by Sen. Mae Beavers when it failed to receive the required motion and support to be considered.

51. Last Word: No More Lottery Balls, The Voucher Bill Advances and UCLA - Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Spring is in the air, which can only mean one thing – the Overton Park Greensward controversy is back on. Just this past weekend, I was in the park noting the metal barrier that separates Greensward pedestrians from Zoo parkers and that the barrier was not “decorated” with save the greensward paraphernalia as much as it has been the previous three springs.

52. State Sen. Mae Beavers Exploring Bid for Tennessee Governor - Wednesday, March 22, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — State Sen. Mae Beavers, the sponsor of a bill seeking to require students to use restrooms and locker rooms of the sex on their birth certificates, says she is exploring a bid for Tennessee governor.

53. Singing Along With Tone-Deaf Legislators - Thursday, March 16, 2017

Often dull, but never boring. They might even make you break out into song.

Halfway through the 2017 session, the General Assembly could be accused of lacking sharpness or sensibility, but what it lacks in luster it makes up for with lots of political song and dance.

54. Norris Presents Amended Fuel-Tax Bill With Larger Sales Tax Cut - Tuesday, March 14, 2017

NASHVILLE – Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris pushed a revised fuel-tax bill through the Transportation Committee on Monday, March 13, making a sharper cut in the grocery tax to offset phased-in increases at the gas pump.

55. Norris Presents Amended Fuel-Tax Bill With Larger Sales Tax Cut - Tuesday, March 14, 2017

NASHVILLE – Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris pushed a revised fuel-tax bill through the Transportation Committee on Monday, March 13, making a sharper cut in the grocery tax to offset phased-in increases at the gas pump.

56. Tennessee Transgender Bathroom Bill Postponed - Thursday, March 9, 2017

NASHVILLE – Legislation requiring public school students to use restrooms based on their sex at birth is on hold.

State Rep. Mark Pody, saying he wants to bring “common sense” and “clarity” to the matter, took his bill off notice Tuesday in a House Education subcommittee, saying policies and court decisions are changing so quickly he needs more time to amend the measure.

57. Rep. Mark Pody Pushes ‘Common Sense’ Transgender Bill Some Say Isn’t Needed - Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Despite a reversal of federal guidelines for public school restroom use, state Rep. Mark Pody is prepared to present legislation Tuesday, March 7, restricting bathroom use to a student’s sex at birth.

58. Pody Pushes ‘Common Sense’ Transgender Bill Some Say Isn’t Needed - Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Despite a reversal of federal guidelines for public school restroom use, state Rep. Mark Pody is prepared to present legislation Tuesday, March 7, restricting bathroom use to a student’s sex at birth.

59. Tennessee AG Says Abortion Bill Constitutionally Suspect - Friday, March 3, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Tennessee's state attorney general says bills in the General Assembly that would outlaw abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected by ultrasound may not be able to stand up in court.

60. Senate Replaces Proposed 'Alien' Label IDs With 'Visa' - Wednesday, March 1, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A state Senate committee has agreed to changes to a bill seeking to label Tennessee driver's licenses issued to people without permanent residency status with the words "alien" or "non-U.S. citizen."

61. View From the Hill: ‘Moral Mondays’ Draw Crowds, But Are Lawmakers Listening? - Thursday, February 23, 2017

Johnny and Julie Erwin don’t look like typical protesters, but the senior couple joined the “moral Mondays” ruckus recently at the State Capitol, Johnny wearing his Air Force cap and Julie holding a list of social legislation they oppose.

62. Last Word: This is Memphis, Sedgwick Deal Expands and Violent Crime Drops - Wednesday, February 22, 2017

There used to be a time when a 10-second shot of the Memphis streetscape in a commercial was enough to start an avalanche of speculation about the economic impact of the placement. And when people didn’t mob the city the next day, we were always hopeful that the next little peek of our brand would surely be the one that brought that about.

63. Beavers Shuts Down Office As Protesters Gather Outside - Wednesday, February 22, 2017

NASHVILLE – The sponsor of two bills aimed at the LGBT community left the Legislative Plaza in a huff Tuesday, Feb. 21, as protesters gathered around her office to object to her “retaliation” in the wake of a short-circuited press conference.

64. Tennessee Capitol Protests Lead to Call for Tighter Security - Tuesday, February 21, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – After recent protests around the state Capitol in Nashville, some Republicans want a crackdown on demonstrators and tougher security requirements for entering the legislative office complex.

65. Tennessee GOP Mulls Capitol Complex Security Clamp-Down - Friday, February 17, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Tennessee Republican legislative leaders are suggesting stricter security to enter the Capitol complex after a few dozen protesters interrupted a news conference about transgender bathroom access.

66. State Lawmakers Confronted Over Anti-LGBT Bills - Friday, February 17, 2017

NASHVILLE – The unveiling of legislation undercutting same-sex marriage and enforcing transgender bathroom rules turned into a short-circuited press conference and confrontation Wednesday, Feb. 15.

67. Flurry of Bills Affecting LGBT Community Filed in State Legislature Before Deadline - Wednesday, February 15, 2017

NASHVILLE – Tennessee lawmakers met last Thursday’s legislation-filing deadline with a host of social measures one Memphis representative describes as “wedge bills” because they drive people apart.

68. Bills Affecting LGBT Community Filed Before Deadline - Tuesday, February 14, 2017

NASHVILLE – Tennessee lawmakers met last Thursday’s legislation-filing deadline with a host of social measures one Memphis representative describes as “wedge bills” because they drive people apart.

69. View From the Hill: Legislators Feel Free to Work Against Haslam - Thursday, February 9, 2017

Democrats appear delighted about division within Republican ranks concerning Gov. Bill Haslam’s proposed fuel-tax increase, detecting a possible chink in the armor.

“How many times does the supermajority have to stab the governor in the back and undermine his core proposals before the people of the state of Tennessee wonder whether they need a different group up here?” asks Mike Stewart, House Minority Caucus chairman.

70. At Least 7 Lawmakers Had Financial Ties to GOP Donor Miller - Monday, October 31, 2016

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – At least seven current and former Republican lawmakers in Tennessee had financial ties to a prominent GOP donor who recently settled a federal fraud case involving the military health care program.

71. Bill to Have Lawmakers Fill US Senate Vacancies Fails - Friday, April 1, 2016

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A bill to have state lawmakers fill U.S. Senate vacancies has been defeated.

Under a proposed amendment to the bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Mae Beavers of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee lawmakers would have been called into a special legislative session to decide the successors of U.S. senators who don't complete their full six-year terms.

72. Senate Passes Bill to Set Sign Requirements for Gun Bans - Wednesday, March 9, 2016

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – The Senate has unanimously passed a bill seeking to establish minimum signage requirements for Tennessee business owners who want to ban customers from carrying firearms inside their establishments.

73. Tennessee Designates Barrett As Official State Rifle - Thursday, February 25, 2016

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – While Tennessee lawmakers balked last year at making the Holy Bible the official state book, they showed little hesitance Wednesday in designating an official state rifle.

74. Tennessee Senate Votes to End Emissions Tests for New Cars - Friday, January 22, 2016

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The state Senate overwhelmingly passed a bill Thursday to end emissions testing in Tennessee for new cars, brushing aside concerns that relaxing standards might be a bad idea in light of the Volkswagen scandal.

75. Posturing Against Supreme Court Is a Waste of Money - Thursday, October 15, 2015

Legislation rejecting the U.S. Supreme Court’s same-sex marriage ruling faces major constitutional questions and, if passed, could put a financial burden on Tennessee taxpayers.

When the high court declared gay and lesbian couples have the right to be married across the United States, overturning state laws to the contrary, Tennessee’s Republican legislators started brainstorming for methods to work around the decision or to defy it. The Republican Caucus still hasn’t announced the outcome.

76. Vote on Loosening Emissions Testing Awaits Tenn. Lawmakers - Thursday, October 8, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee lawmakers are set to vote on loosening vehicle emissions testing requirements as soon as they return in January, undeterred by Volkswagen's recent admission that it had been gaming the tests already in place.

77. Ramsey Uses ‘System’ to Reshape State’s Political Landscape - Thursday, May 28, 2015

Senate Speaker and Lieutenant Gov. Ron Ramsey laughs at the notion he’s changed since being elected to the Legislature 23 years ago, that he’s lost touch with the common man or become “arrogant” as lieutenant governor of Tennessee.

78. Lawyers: AG Opinion Bars Felons From Having Antique Guns - Thursday, April 16, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – The Tennessee attorney general's office appears to have changed its position on whether felons can legally possess antique guns.

A 2008 opinion issued by then-Attorney General Robert Cooper said felons could lawfully possess the older weapons. However, state law has changed.

79. Tennessee Senate Passes 48-Hour Waiting-Period Abortion Bill - Thursday, April 16, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Women would have to wait 48 hours before an abortion, under legislation approved by the Senate on Wednesday after lawmakers rejected an amendment to exempt cases of rape or incest.

80. Attorney General Election Proposal Passes Tennessee Senate - Wednesday, April 15, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A proposed constitutional amendment calling for the popular election of Tennessee's attorney general overwhelmingly passed the Senate on Tuesday despite arguments that the current system doesn't need to be changed.

81. First At Last - Friday, March 20, 2015

TENNESSEE. FIRST AT LAST. That’s our new slogan. Time to own it. Some of you, my faithful readers, tell me I should be more positive about our prospects as a state. Look at the circus in Nashville – and remember how much fun I had at the circus as a kid, how hard I laughed at the clowns. Watch our march backwards, our retreat from progress – and think of it as a parade, marvel at how the marchers stay in lockstep with their eyes so firmly closed, applaud their speed and coordination.

82. No On One - Friday, October 10, 2014

NO. IT’S HER DECISION, NOT YOURS. The Tennessee General Assembly is 83 percent male – and those big, strong men in the majority are convinced they know what’s best for the little ladies in the minority, in fact, what’s best for all the women of Tennessee.

83. Hands Up, You’re in Tennessee - Friday, April 18, 2014

ARMED AND DANGEROUS. I got an email last week from a White Station classmate.

“Aren’t you the guy who once wore a western style .22 pistol in a holster into the drug store at Poplar and Perkins? Man, were you ever ahead of your time.”

84. Senate Wants Schools to Recite Tennessee Flag Salute - Thursday, April 17, 2014

NASHVILLE (AP) – The recitation of a little-known "Salute to the Flag of Tennessee" in the state Senate is often met with confusion with visitors to the upper chamber of the General Assembly.

85. Open Carry Bill Presents Haslam Campaign Flashback - Friday, April 11, 2014

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (AP) – Gov. Bill Haslam said Wednesday that his administration is carefully examining the ramifications of a bill passed by the Senate that would allow Tennesseans to openly carry guns without state-issued permits.

86. Haslam Examining Ramifications of Open Carry Bill - Thursday, April 10, 2014

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (AP) – Gov. Bill Haslam says his administration is carefully examining the ramifications of a bill passed by the Senate that would allow Tennesseans to openly carry guns without state-issued permits.

87. Senate Votes for Open Gun Carry Without Permit - Wednesday, April 9, 2014

NASHVILLE (AP) – The state Senate has passed a bill to allow Tennesseans to openly carry guns without a state-issued permit.

The chamber voted 25-2 in favor of the bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Mae Beavers of Mt. Juliet.

88. Attorney General Election Measure Fails in Senate - Saturday, March 22, 2014

A proposed constitutional amendment calling for the popular election of the state’s attorney general has failed again in the Senate.

The measure sponsored by Republican Sen. Mae Beavers of Mt. Juliet was defeated 16-15 on Thursday after failing to get a majority of 17 votes. It failed to pass 15-14 last month.

89. Attorney General Election Measure Fails in Senate - Friday, March 21, 2014

A proposed constitutional amendment calling for the popular election of the state’s attorney general has failed again in the Senate.

The measure sponsored by Republican Sen. Mae Beavers of Mt. Juliet was defeated 16-15 on Thursday after failing to get a majority of 17 votes. It failed to pass 15-14 last month.

90. Senators Consider Supporting AG Election - Saturday, March 15, 2014

Senate Minority Leader Jim Kyle says he may swing his support behind a proposed constitutional amendment calling for the popular election of the state’s attorney general.

91. Senators Consider Supporting AG Election - Thursday, March 13, 2014

Senate Minority Leader Jim Kyle says he may swing his support behind a proposed constitutional amendment calling for the popular election of the state's attorney general.

92. Senate Defeats Proposal to Elect Attorney General - Thursday, February 6, 2014

NASHVILLE (AP) – The Senate on Wednesday defeated an effort to change the Tennessee constitution to require the popular election of the attorney general.

The measure sponsored by Republican Sen. Mae Beavers of Mt. Juliet received 15 votes in favor and 14 votes against. Proposals need at least 17 votes – a majority of the 33-member chamber – to pass.

93. Mae Be, Mae Be Not - Friday, January 31, 2014

MAE BE ONTO SOMETHING. State Sen. Mae Beavers – really, that’s her name – has offered legislation that makes it against the law in Tennessee to obey the law in the United States – really, I couldn’t possibly make that up.

94. Full Senate to Vote on Latest Attorney General Election Proposal - Thursday, January 16, 2014

NASHVILLE (AP) – The state Senate is taking another run at changing the way Tennessee's attorney general gains office.

Under a proposed constitutional amendment advanced to a full Senate vote Tuesday, the attorney general would stand for popular election rather than being appointed by the state Supreme Court.

95. Bill Seeks to Ban Federal Health Care Law - Thursday, January 16, 2014

NASHVILLE (AP) – State Republicans have filed legislation to resist implementation of President Barack Obama's health care law in Tennessee.

Sen. Mae Beavers of Mt. Juliet and Rep. Mark Pody of Lebanon held a news conference on Wednesday to announce the measure that seeks to prohibit any cooperation by the state or its agencies in implementing or administering the federal law.

96. Governor Signs Ignition Interlock Bill - Saturday, May 18, 2013

Tennessee’s ignition interlock law will apply to more drunken drivers under legislation signed by Gov. Bill Haslam.

Currently, ignition-locking devices, which force drivers to pass breath tests to start vehicles and keep them running, are required for DUI offenders whose blood alcohol level topped 0.15 percent.

97. Governor Signs Ignition Interlock Bill - Friday, May 17, 2013

Tennessee’s ignition interlock law will apply to more drunken drivers under legislation signed by Gov. Bill Haslam.

Currently, ignition-locking devices, which force drivers to pass breath tests to start vehicles and keep them running, are required for DUI offenders whose blood alcohol level topped 0.15 percent.

98. Lawmakers Pass Bill for More Ignition Interlocks - Friday, April 19, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – A proposal to make Tennessee's ignition interlock law apply to more drunken drivers has cleared the Legislature.

The measure was unanimously approved 95-0 in the House on Tuesday before passing the Senate 31-0, sending it to the governor for consideration.

99. Attorney General Selection Bill Passes Senate - Thursday, April 18, 2013

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A proposed constitutional amendment to give lawmakers the power to select the state attorney general passed the Senate on Wednesday even though opponents argue there’s no need to change the current process.

100. Analysis of Lawmaker Expenses Killed in House - Thursday, April 4, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – A resolution calling for a comprehensive study of lawmaker allowances has been killed in a House committee after unanimously passing the Senate.

Republican state Rep. Curry Todd made the motion in the House State Government Committee on Tuesday to delay consideration of the measure until after the Legislature adjourns next year.