Apparently things are heating up in the Sumner County races. Threatened by intelligent challengers who speak in full sentences about matters of substance rather than in talking point sound bites, both Diane Black and Debra Maggart have abruptly resigned from the League of Women Voters.

Shelley Ames, co-president of the Hendersonville league, contends that the group remains a nonpartisan political organization that encourages active participation in government. While the league doesn't endorse specific candidates or parties, Ames acknowledged that the organization does oppose particular pieces of legislation supported by Black and Maggart.

The legislators disagree with the league's opposition to: establishing a taxpayer bill of rights; requiring voter photo identification at the ballot box; and new language in the state constitution declaring, "Nothing in this Constitution secures or protects a right to abortion or requires the funding of an abortion."

Because there's nothing more critical to women voters than

1) bogus platitudes about "taxpayer's rights" in a state supported by the highly regressive sales tax, including a tax on food;

2) making the ballot box less accessible to voters, for example elderly nuns and

3) insuring that the government takes care of those weighty medical decisions so a little magnolia blossom need not trouble her mind with those big questions.

Well I'm sure they can find a nice discussion group at the Ivory and Tusk club. Or perhaps they're just chicken?

The Sumner County Democratic Women will proudly host the Yellow Dog Days of Summer picnic in Sanders Ferry Park, with guest appearances from our clean slate of Dem Candidates - Jim Hawkins, Andy Allman, Ken Wilkinson. Hot Dogs and Hamburgers will be provided. Bring the whole family and a side dish to share for a cool Blue day. Remember, Democratic Women are the life of the party!

The next general meeting of the Sumner County Democratic Party will be Saturday, May 10, 9:30am in the cafeteria at the Billy S. Hobbs Municipal Center, 105 College Street in White House. This is a joint meeting with the Robertson County Democratic Party. Continental breakfast will be available. Former House Majority Leader Kim McMillan will be our guest. Kim has formed an exploratory committee in preparation for a possible run for governor in 2010. She is touring the state to get input from Tennesseans. Here is your chance to let her know what is on your mind as we look to continue Democrats' legacy of good government in Tennessee. Of course our candidates for state office will be available to listen to your concerns. Come meet Andy Allman, Mike McDonald and Jim Hawkins. Rep. Bob Bibb from Springfield is also scheduled to attend. For more info contact stillblue@sumnerdems.org

The Sumner County Democratic Women will hold their monthly meeting on April 5 at 9:30 a.m. at Shoney's in Hendersonville at the corner of Main Street and Indian lake. Come and learn about the shape of things to come in Sumner County and beyond, including the candidates for the 18th Senate and 45th House districts. Jim Hawkins, candidate for the 18th Senate District and Vicki Harwell of the Tennessee Federation of Democratic Women will be the featured speakers.