Thanks to the new health reform law, tens of millions of Americans are saving money, and getting the health care security they need.

Unfortunately, Tennessee Republicans are threatening to repeal the law, taking away the many critical — and POPULAR — reforms like ensuring people with preexisting conditions are no longer discriminated against, requiring insurance [...]

The Tennessee legislature recently passed legislation requiring a government issued photo ID before being allowed to vote. Some critics say it is another attempt to discourage predominately Democratic oriented citizens from exercising their vote at the polls. Is this a trick or might it be a treat? It can be a treat if Dems strategize and work in advance to get all potential Democratic voters fully prepared to be allowed to vote. If Republicans fail to do the same, this could be turned to a strategic advantage for Democrats.

Thanks to Millard Garland and Wayne Smith, we have a summary of the legislation; it is as follows:
-Requires a voter to produce a government issued photo ID before being allowed to vote.

-Exempts those voting by absentee, hospitalized, and in a licensed nursing home.

-If  no photo identification, the voter will vote a provisional ballot except in case of indigent or those who have a religious objection. The voter must sign an oath stating he or she is indigent or an oath stating a religious objection to being photographed. After signing the oath, the voter will vote on the machines.

-Counting of provisional votes is changed from forty-eight hours to four business days following Election Day (extension may be granted by Coordinator of Elections, but no later than the second Monday following an election).

-If no photo ID and voter cast a provisional ballot, the voter has two business days to return to the election commission office or place designated by election commission to show a valid photo ID- must sign affidavit and AOE must copy photo ID for records and counting board.

-If rejected must notify voter by mailand reason why rejected.

-Valid photo ID includes a Tennessee drivers license, US passport, Department of Safety photo ID card, state or federal employee photo identification card, photo ID card issued by federal government or other state, US military photo ID.

-College photo ID is not a valid ID for voting purposes.

-Applies to early voting and Election Day.

Effective January1, 2012

It is our understanding that local Department of Safety Driver’s License offices will be issuing photo ID’s that are non-driver’s license related. We understand there will not be a fee for this service. It will be important for us to identify all persons who we know that will need to obtain a Department of Safety photo ID card, assist and encourage them in getting a card for themselves, and having them fully prepared to exercise their right to vote. Let’s turn the tables on Republican efforts to hamper Democrats from voting.

April 20, Democratic businessman Mike McWherter rolled out a daily news service for Tennesseans looking for news that covers the fight to provide opportunity for all Tennesseans.

We’re excited that Mike is using his strong voice to speak to these important issues.

You can read the announcement and sign up to receive emails from McWherter’s new website BlueTN.com:

Tomorrow you will be receiving a daily e-mail from me titled “Out of the Blue.” It is designed to summarize the “Daily Buzz” of events happening around the state. It is not designed to be an “editorial,” but rather a short version of comments by others from around the state on current affairs. Of course, with the legislature in session, many of the comments will center on their activities for now. My hope is this information will be useful in generating “coffee shop” talk throughout our state and provide you with commentary to engage in meaningful dialogue with your friends and acquaintances. Please feel free to forward this information onto others with whom you wish to share.

During my campaign for Governor, I realized a need to capture traditional and new media content in an easily accessible format to measure the thoughts of various constituencies. I am truly grateful to my supporters from the gubernatorial campaign, and in launching this communication tool, my goal is to help keep them informed. Many of you may be like me in finding it difficult to have the time to navigate all the different sources available online. This is an attempt to summarize the “daily buzz” from around the state. Trace Sharp, former newspaper editor and social media expert, has graciously agreed to staff this effort. I hope you find it useful and informative.

So many candidates walk away and “fold the tent” following their races. I want to remain an active Democrat and do everything I possibly can to promote the values our party. Due to the recent illness of my father, Governor Ned McWherter, we were forced to delay this venture, but now we are moving forward. Let me assure you, this is not an attempt to usurp any efforts by our leadership, but merely to help enhance communication efforts. United we can stand and develop an environment in our state which serves everyone, not just a privileged few.

To sign up to receive Out of the Blue use the form on the right.

Sincerely,

Mike McWherter