As many of us expected, Steve Cohen easily won Harold Ford's congressional seat. Ironically, Ford - the conservative Democrat - failed in his bid for Frist's senate seat, while the ultra liberal State Senator Cohen won some 61 percent of the vote.
In other words Tennessee traded in a conservative Dem for a decidedly liberal Dem!
My own U.S. Congressman -- conservative Dem Jim Cooper -- is going to be getting an earful of: Why can't you be more like Steve Cohen?
In his 24 year career as State Senator, Steve Cohen has proved himself to be a consistently pro choice and pro gay rights legislator. Cohen's progressive credentials include fighting for health care rights, progressive taxation and the legalization of medical marijuana. Unlike the usual Tennessee Democrat, Steve Cohen has a record of being honest and straightforward about his liberal positions.
Anyone who has followed the liberal career of Steve Cohen knows that the new U.S. Congressman is bound to dramatically alter the image of this state.
Steve Cohen is now living proof that flaming liberals can win in this state. (Admittedly, it helps that his predominantly African-American district is so liberal that "70 percent of district voters favored Democrat John Kerry to 29 percent for President Bush in 2004.")
Contrary to popular opinion, liberals can win in Tennessee, we just seldom get the opportunity to elect them. Sending Cohen to Washington is a big step toward correcting that problem.
More happy commentary by LIBERAL Tennessee bloggers:
Pesky Fly: The big winners yesterday were the Memphis Democrats, who at long last managed to get real progressive representation in Congress.
LeftwingCracker: Steve Cohen was elected in a FREAKING LANDSLIDE on Tuesday to end 32 years of Fords representing the 9th District.
Steve Cohen Cohen for Congress News Politics Election 2006 Democrats Tennessee Memphis Harold Ford Liberal Tennessee Liberals
