I, too, take offense at much that has been said about our very effective senator. And what offends me most of all is that the attack on him—which is calculated to divest us of his political savvy and power in Nashville—sets on the doorstep of Ron Ramsey, who could care less what happens in Hawkins County.

Listen carefully to the critics. Their whining is silliness, in my opinion. It started when Sen. Williams wouldn’t vote for Ramsey in his first try for Speaker. Apparently when a Republican takes office, he/she is under an obligation to vote for any other Republican who wants any other office. For Pete’s sake!

Personally, i think John Wilder is an arrogant old goat who outstayed his welcome. However—-good things came into Hawkins County because of Sen. Williams’ respectful treatment of him. And it demonstrated to the Senate that our senator can and will work with both parties for the good of his constituency. I love that!

Ramsey, though, was mad as a hornet, and he and our local party determined to beat him in the next election. Never mind his accomplishments. After all, putting Ramsey in as Speaker was much more important than Hawkins County having a senator with an established network and the favor of the Governor!

And in my opinion, Sen. Williams’ refusal to flush his constituents’ best interests down the toilet by getting in a P!$$!ng contest with Ramsey is what has led to the attacks on him.

Unfortunately, our town and our county have not yet learned there is a bigger world out there and it is to our advantage to know how it operates.

First of all, it’s no secret that I support Mike Faulk, consider him a friend, and will help out his campaign later on in 2008 if asked.

Second, count me in as aghast that the good people of the 4th District ever elected – nevermind re-elected – Mike Williams. I thought he was a boob when he was a Republican, and I still think that he’s a boob as an Independent. I have witnesses on that count, because I am always shocked and dismayed when I meet an elected official who is far from the best and brightest the area has to offer.

To my main point, I refer to the quote below:

“Many of us, who live here, are beginning to see why Williams got pissed off enough to leave the party.”

From your post, it is obvious that you know well more than the average bear about politics in the 4th District. I only assume that you know that Mike Williams is no longer a member of the GOP for a variety of reasons, none of which have him getting “pissed off” at anything. If you had to point to one item, Williams’ decision is sadly and purely politics. It serves him better personally (note: not the 4th District, but Mike Williams the person) to caucus with the Democrats. And, as regular readers of my blog know, I hate it when politicians work for themselves and not for their constituents – and that statement knows no party delineation.

Kudos for a well-written post, though. We may be on different sides of this election, but I certainly can appreciate a researched, logical blog post – no matter what the subject.

Cheers,

Rob