http://fordfortennessee.com/



About Harold Ford, Jr.

At the age of 26, Congressman Harold Ford was sworn in to represent Tennessee’s 9th District in 1996, and is now serving his fifth term in the U.S. House. Ford has established himself as a legislator committed to pragmatic solutions to the nation’s most pressing public policy challenges. Honoring a long tradition of Tennessee Senators, Ford will bring common sense and practicality to the U.S. Senate.

Ford has made his solutions-oriented approach to public service his life’s work, reaching out to Democrats and Republicans alike to fashion solutions for Tennessee and the country. That leadership has won him bi-partisan support at the ballot box. He has never lost an election and has averaged over 80 percent of the vote in his five elections to the U.S. House.

Unlike many in Washington, Ford takes a long-term view, working not just for solutions to today’s problems but also towards a better America for future generations. This approach has led observers such as Memphis’ Commercial Appeal to call Ford a “lawmaker of influence [who has] exerted himself on issues beyond the reach of his committees.”

With American troops fighting in Iraq, Afghanistan and in the global war on terror, Congressman Ford has made national security and defense top priorities, traveling to Iraq and other theaters of combat to visit with Tennessee troops on the frontline. In September, 2004, Ford was appointed by U.S. Joint Forces Command to serve on the Transformation Advisory Group, a group of political, military and academic leaders who are working with the Pentagon to transform the armed forces into a more flexible and agile fighting force.

As a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate and fiscally conservative Democrats, Ford has strived to promote positions that bridge the gap between ideological extremes. He also co-chairs the Community Solutions and Initiatives Caucus, a bipartisan group of lawmakers that seeks to help faith and community based groups solve social challenges, and the Congressional Savings and Ownership Caucus, a bi-partisan coalition dedicated to advancing policies to build savings and assets for all Americans, and low-income Americans in particular. He sits on the House Budget Committee and the House Committee on Financial Services.

Congressman Ford received his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School in 1996. He earned a bachelor’s degree in American History from the University of Pennsylvania in 1992. Born in Memphis, Tennessee on May 11, 1970, Congressman Ford is the eldest son of former U.S. Representative Harold E. Ford and Dorothy Ford. He has two brothers, Jake and Isaac Ford.

Statement Of Candidacy For The U.S. Senate

By Congressman Harold Ford Jr.
Wednesday, 25 May 2005

Today, I filed documents that allow me to officially ask the people of Tennessee for the opportunity to represent them in the United States Senate.

I take as my guide the great tradition of strong Tennessee Senators who were motivated by a deep concern for people and doing what is right for Tennessee and the nation.

I run to put problem solving ahead of partisanship and principle ahead of party.

There is a frustration in Tennessee and the nation that our leaders are not focused on real problems. While people in Tennessee are wrestling with higher gas prices and more expensive health care, the local news every evening is telling them of more problems in Iraq and of an unsteady job market. There is a growing gap between the government and the people. That gap must be closed.

My campaign will address the issues of concern to the people of Tennessee. I firmly believe that in addition to maintaining the world's bravest and most lethal fighting force, America must reduce dramatically our reliance on foreign oil and significantly improve graduation rates of engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs to keep America competitive and dominant in the century where China and India continue to emerge.

During the next few years, decisions made in the Senate will affect America and the world for decades to come.

With five good terms in the House behind me and so many good people beside me. I am ready to meet the challenge of those decisions in a way that will make Tennessee as proud of me as I am proud of Tennessee.

http://www.knoxnews.com/kns/local_news/art...3847322,00.html

Recent trip to Iraq makes impression on Rep. Ford

Speaking at NAACP event, lawmaker says 'different strategy' needed to end war

By CHANDRA HARRIS, harrisc@knews.com
June 11, 2005

Before taking the podium the Marriott in Knoxville on Friday, U.S. Rep. Harold Ford Jr. made his presence known by making his way to every table at the Freedom Fund dinner.

After smiling for pictures with dozens of people at the event hosted by the Knoxville branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Ford put on a serious face to talk about the war in Iraq.

Ford, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2006, spent his Memorial Day weekend in Iraq.

After that visit, Ford knows the NAACP theme, "The Struggle for Freedom Continues," is one of truth.

"Iraq could use a NAACP chapter," he said.

Ford said the NAACP's foundation of working together for a common goal is the missing link in putting an end to the war.

"Even with our military sacrificing their lives over there, they cannot solve this problem alone," he said.

He said President George Bush is "a good guy. I like him. He just doesn't always get it right."

In visiting Iraq, Ford said Bush has overstated the progress of the military forces. "Restoration of basic services, such as electricity and water, are slow moving," he said.

He said the influence of Iran and Syria sponsoring terrorism in Iraq is on the rise.

"The tensions between the Sunnis and Shiites have not lessened, which is critical in getting a drafted constitution and the credibility and stature of the U.S. still lag in the Middle East," he said.

All points, he said, must be examined, and then a "different strategy - a good idea" must be brought forth to see a change in Iraq.

He said some question why he is running for the U.S. Senate in such a troublesome time, but Ford said, "I believe the Senate will play a role in solving these problems."

It doesn't matter if you are Democratic or a Republican, we all know that "we are the most misunderstood, disliked and disrespected country now," he said.

"It is going to be hard," he continued. "But that is what Americans do - try to resolve hard things. We have to learn what works and discard what doesn't."

Ford said it is vital to re-establish the foundation "that this country was built on: if you work hard and play by the rules, then you can make it."

Harold Ford, Jr. Regretting his Relations

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036713/

Imus: "On another note here, speaking of the Democratic Party, which you are a member of, how's Howard Dean working for you?"

Rep. Harold Ford Jr.: "(Laughing) I won't have him down so many times in Tennessee on the campaign trail with me. He has made some comments as of late that really speak to a lack of understanding I think, of the country, a lack of understanding of faith and values. I'm a Democrat and I'm a God fearing one. I grew up in church. Christianity is not reserved for white males. I think perhaps Governor Dean sometimes gets a little excited at the mouth, and says things that are simply not true. It may reach a point where if he can't find a way to kind of control some of his comments, and temper his comments, it may get to the point where the party may need to look elsewhere for leadership, because he does not speak for me, and I know he does not speak for a majority of Democrats and I dare say Republicans in my home state. I know that other, even Senator Biden and others, have made some stronger comments about him. I look forward to having a chance to sit with him here in the next day or so. I think he's going to be here in Capitol Hill a little later today to meet with us. I want to ask him directly. Can he contain himself in a lot of ways, and what is his thought process in a lot of these issues because it is not representative of where the party is."

http://bellaciao.org/en/article.php3?id_article=6492

Ford: Iraq could use an NAACP chapter

After spending the Memorial Day weekend in Iraq, Rep. Harold Ford Jr. (D-Tenn.) thinks he may have a strategy to end the war in that country: Send in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

Ford, who is running for the Senate seat of retiring Majority Leader Bill Frist ®, told an NAACP dinner in Knoxville on Friday night that “Iraq could use an NAACP chapter.”

Ford explained that the NAACP’s ability to work together for a common goal could be the missing link in bringing the two-year-old conflict to an end, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel.

“Even with our military sacrificing their lives over there, they cannot solve this problem alone,” he said.

I believe Harold may be on to something, this could be a good idea for several reasons. :good:

http://www.teamgop.org/blog/archives/2005/...ld_ford_jr.html

April 05, 2005
Harold Ford Jr. Poll Results

TeamGOP.org believes it is the first group to disclose these results.

TeamGOP.org received the results of Congressman Harold Ford Jr.'s Senate Campaign poll in the race to replace US Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist of Tennessee; it even contains Harold Ford's logo at the bottom of the email we received.

The results show Ford with a commanding lead in the Democrat primary. In the Republican primary former Congressman Ed Bryant has a solid lead with a near double digit lead over former Congressman Van Hilleary, with Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker a very distant third. The poll shows Ford losing to both Bryant and Hilleary but competitive and able to defeat Mayor Bob Corker by a solid margin.

The Memo:

MEMORANDUM

TO: (DELETED)

FROM: (DELETED)

RE: Tennessee survey results

Date March 31, 2005

Our Tennessee polling data finds Harold Ford, Jr. with a commanding lead in a

possible Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate nomination in 2006. The general election

race is wide open with no candidate holding a lead outside the margin of sampling error. In

short, Harold Ford, Jr. is the overwhelming choice of Tennessee Democrats to be their

nominee, and Ford is in a competitive position with all potential Republican opponents.

Primary Vote Performance

In a possible Democratic Senate primary, Harold Ford, Jr. leads Rosalind Kurita by

better than four-to-one, garnering 62% of likely democratic primary voters to Kurita's 15%.

Ford's advantage is not simply based on name recognition, as he leads by 70%-18% among

those who are familiar with Kurita.

Democratic Primary Vote Preference

If the Democratic primary was held today and the

candidates were [ROTATE] Harold Ford, Jr. and Rosalind

Kurita, for whom would you vote?

Likely Voters

Harold Ford, Jr.............. 62%

Rosalind Kurita ............. 15

Undecided.................... 23

By contrast, the Republican nomination is shaping up as a dogfight with Ed Bryant

and Van Hilleary holding an advantage over Bob Corker. Bryant has the early lead with

35% of likely republican primary voters, Hilleary is strongly positioned with 26%, and

Corker lags behind with 15%.

Republican Primary Vote Preference

If the Republican primary was held today and the candidates

were [ROTATE] Bob Corker, Ed Bryant, and Van Hilleary,

for whom would you vote?

Likely Voters

Ed Bryant .................... 35%

Van Hilleary ................. 26

Bob Corker................... 15

Undecided.................... 24

General Election Vote Performance

All three possible general election match-ups are at or within the margin of sampling

error. Harold Ford, Jr. leads Bob Corker 39% to 34%, right at the margin of sampling error.

Ford garners 38% of the vote in match-ups with both Bryant (40%) and Hilleary (41%) -

both within the margin of error.

General Election: Ford vs. Corker

If the 2006 general election for U.S. Senate were held today

and the candidates were [ROTATE] Harold Ford, Jr. and

Bob Corker, for whom would you vote? [IF UNDECIDED] If

you had to decide, which candidate would you lean towards

supporting?

Likely Voters

Harold Ford, Jr.............. 28%

(Lean Ford, Jr.)............. 11

Bob Corker................... 24

(Lean Corker) ............... 10

Undecided.................... 27

General Election: Ford vs. Hilleary

If the 2006 general election for U.S. Senate were held today

and the candidates were [ROTATE] Harold Ford, Jr. and

Van Hilleary, for whom would you vote? [IF UNDECIDED]

If you had to decide, which candidate would you lean

towards supporting?

Likely Voters

Harold Ford, Jr.............. 29%

(Lean Ford, Jr.)............. 9

Van Hilleary ................. 32

(Lean Hilleary).............. 9

Undecided.................... 20

General Election: Ford vs. Bryant

If the 2006 general election for U.S. Senate were held today

and the candidates were [ROTATE] Harold Ford, Jr. and Ed

Bryant, for whom would you vote? [IF UNDECIDED] If you

had to decide, which candidate would you lean towards

supporting?

Likely Voters

Harold Ford, Jr.............. 30%

(Lean Ford, Jr.)............. 8

Ed Bryant .................... 30

(Lean Bryant) ............... 10

Undecided.................... 22

Harold Ford, Jr. has consolidated support among Democrats, and potential

Republican candidates have the support of the majority of respondents who identify as

Republican. Regardless of which Republican is on the ballot, more independent respondents

are undecided than favor any one candidate. As this and the overall level of support

without leaners shows, the 2006 Senate race is at a very early stage. But even at this

stage, it is clear that Harold Ford, Jr. is in a strong position to win this U.S. Senate seat.

The survey shows clear evidence that Tennessee voters are more interested in

electing a Senator who will do what is best for the state than simply someone who will

automatically support Bush administration proposals, thus furthering the case that Ford is

well-positioned for the U.S. Senate contest. Likewise, voters' top three policy concerns

(health care, jobs, education) are issues on which Ford's record is superior to that of any of

the prospective Republican nominees.

TECHNICAL NOTE: This memorandum summarizes results from a telephone poll of a randomly selected

sample of 600 registered voters in the state of Tennessee who say they definitely or probably will vote in the 2006

November general election. Interviewing was conducted March 22nd through March 24th, 2005. The sample for the

survey was selected in a manner to insure that every household in the state of Tennessee with a working telephone

was equally likely to be included in the sample. Special care was taken to insure that the geographic and

demographic divisions of the actual electorate are properly represented in the sample. The estimation error

associated with a sample of 600 is 4.0 percent at the 95% confidence interval. This means that in 95 of 100 cases,

the results of this poll are within 4.0 points, plus or minus, of the results that would have been obtained if all

probable voters in the state of Tennessee had been interviewed.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...5061800859.html

Unease Over Iraq Becoming an Issue for 2006

By Dan Balz

Sunday, June 19, 2005; Page A04

President Bush's policy in Iraq faces growing criticism in Congress, and now it is figuring into the early stages of the 2006 midterm elections. Rep. Harold E. Ford Jr. (D-Tenn.) launched his campaign for the Senate last week with a television commercial saying it's time to figure out how to start bringing U.S. troops home from Iraq.

Against a patriotic backdrop of U.S. servicemen and women, Ford praises U.S. military forces and then invokes the Fourth of July to conclude by saying, "Let's work hard to bring them home soon, and with honor, and make them as proud of us as we are of them."

Ford's decision to lead off his campaign in military-friendly Tennessee with a message playing on public impatience with the U.S. mission in Iraq suggests that politicians are sensing a shift in public opinion toward Bush's policy. The Democratic House member said he believes he is on solid ground politically by focusing attention on ending the U.S. mission there.

"Since September 11 [2001], the country and Congress have given the president the benefit of the doubt, from the Patriot Act to the efforts in Afghanistan to the resolution on Iraq to now the war and postwar efforts," Ford said in a telephone interview. "Now many people are realizing that a new approach and some new ideas are needed."

Ford anticipates attacks from GOP opponents questioning his support for the military but said he's prepared to defend his defense credentials in the coming campaign.

"I've supported our efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan unflinchingly since 9/11," he said. "I think the greatest threat our policies face in Iraq is diminished public support. . . . I don't live by surveys, I live by what people are saying. I've traveled all across our state, and I'm hearing it from Republicans and Democrats alike."