Here comes the SUNdquist

Little darling, it’s been a long cold lonely winter
Little darling, it feels like years since it’s been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
and I say it’s all right

~~ The Beatles, Here Comes the Sun

It’s been a long cold lonely primary season in Tennessee, but I say, “it’s alright,” because here comes the sun!

Former Governor Don Sundquist kept a low profile throughout the primaries, refusing to weigh in on the state’s highest office – the three-way race to the Governor’s mansion between Mayor Bill Haslam, Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, and Congressman Zach Wamp.

It made sense; Sundquist’s legacy as the man who tried to pass an income tax in Tennessee made any association with him a certain kiss-of-death.  Despite his family’s long-standing ties with Governor Sundquist, Mayor Bill Haslam managed to deflect the accusations that he would follow in Don’s footsteps with his massive war-chest that kept him on our televisions more than that slap-chop guy.  It’s a testament to the old saying, “He who has the gold makes the rules.”

Not only did Mayor Haslam distance himself from Sundquist during the primary, but in one of his first commercials following the election, he seemed to give atta-boys to Governors McWherter and Bredesen, completely ignoring Sundquist.   I suppose it is more politically advantageous these days to align yourself with two Democratic governors than it is with the most recent Republican governor.

On Saturday, August 28th, Don and Martha have invited 600 of their closest friends throughout the state to a “Thank You BBQ” at the farm of Sylvia and Al Ganier in Nashville.

In the invitation to the event, Don and Martha write, “It’s been a long while since we’ve had a chance to get together… It’ll be a chance to catch up with old friends, share some memories, and enjoy a little old-fashioned family fun.”  This coming out party is being paid for by the Sundquist Committee.

Yeehaw y’all! Who’s up for a game of hide-and-seek or pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey?  Let’s all wax poetic on how we ALMOST passed that darn income tax, or how all is forgiven for stopping on his good name.  Olive branch anyone?

Generally speaking, “Thank You” is used to express gratitude or appreciation.  What are the Sundquists grateful for? The letter continues, “We appreciate your friendship over these many years and want a chance to thank you in person.”

For a man who was repeatedly thrown under the bus by his friends and enemies, Sundquist picks a curious time to step out from the shadows, don’t you think?  I wonder if Republican candidates will be advised to avoid the festivities.  Perhaps the former Governor believes he’s counted long enough, and is finally hollering “olly olly oxen free!” to signal that it is safe for his friends to come out of hiding without losing the political game.