The Situation

 

US. Rep. Bart Gordon (D-Murfreesboro), representing the 6th Congressional District of Tennessee (see map below) is resigning his seat in congress to become a member of the board of directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority.  As a result, his congressional seat will need to be filled in the November, 2004 general election.  Each of the two major political parties has selected a candidate to back.  The Democrats are supporting Rutherford County Commissioner Jane Jones of Murfreesboro, while the Republicans will back Sumner County School Board Member John Smith of Hendersonville.  There are no serious 3rd-party candidates, although several have qualified to run.

 

General background:

Bart Gordon (http://gordon.house.gov/) will be completing his 10th term in Congress when he steps down to join TVA.  Over the years, he has faced a gamut of opposition –from token candidates to well-funded difficult challenges.  In a district that in recent times has leaned more Republican, Gordon’s moderate approach and strong constituent services record has undoubtedly helped.  He is also very well known in his district.  The Democrats were helped by a 2000 redistricting that moved some heavily Republican precincts out of the district.  However, the “doughnut” counties surrounding Davidson County/Metro Nashville continue to lean more Republican.  Nashville itself is in the 5th district, a very comfortable Democratic seat currently held by Rep. Jim Cooper, D-Nashville.  Gordon will endorse the Democrat, but will not campaign actively.  The 6ht district election will coincide with the US presidential election, as well as various elections for federal, state and local offices. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your role:

The class will be divided into 2 parts:  The Jones Campaign Staff (D) and the Smith Campaign Staff (R).  Each team will develop all the important aspects of a political campaign.  Your success as a staff will determine the result of the election and your grade in the class.  Each week we will discuss a different aspect of campaigns and political communication.  Each group will then implement that portion of their campaign. 

 

My role:  I will introduce each element of a campaign and discuss effective campaign communication.  I will also introduce “wild cards” into the campaign –new information or unexpected issues for each candidate to deal with.  Good luck