Who is Bill Gibbons?

I had the privilege of hearing Shelby County District Attorney General Bill Gibbons speak tonight at an event hosted by the Tennessee ConserVOLiance. Gibbons is one of four Republican candidates for Governor of Tennessee for the 2010 election cycle. The event began at 7:00 p.m. and lasted until about 9:00 p.m. Gibbons spoke briefly about his life and political/professional qualifications, then he took questions from the audience, which was comprised of about 20 to 30 bloggers, voters, and interested citizens. Special shout outs to Ken Marrero, Kay Brooks, Truman Bean, Nathan Moore, George Scoville, and Chris Farrar - as well as the others who were there (sorry if I forgot!).

First of all, let me just say that I was rather impressed with Gibbons’ presentation. He kept the biographical presentation brief and allowed the audience to ask a wide range of questions – none of which he dodged*. I asterisk this because on several occasions, Gibbons did say “sounds like a good idea” or that he would “look into it,” but I can in no way fault him for not formulating an opinion on every question we posed. Gibbons came across as pragmatic and decisive with pseudo-socially progressive tendancies. Gibbons expressed his support for “contractual agreements” between “partners”, and I think that – if that is indeed his position – I could support that aspect of his campaign. As earlier articulated, I am attempting to formulate my opinion on that issue. Of course, Gibbons delicately addressed the issue due to the political climate in Tennessee.

Gibbons also voiced his support for SJR127, which would clarify that the state constitution does not guarantee an abortion. Passage of this legislation would allow the General Assembly to mandate 48 hour waiting periods and parental notification for girls under the age of 18 who wish to receive an abortion. I support both of these measures, as well as SJR 127.

On the matter of judicial selection, Gibbons suggested that “retention elections” probably did not fulfill the constitutional requirement that judges be elected by the “qualified voters” of Tennessee. He did, however, suggest that he would support clarifying in the state constitution that judges be selected in the manner in which they are presently. Gibbons warned against the politicizing of higher judicial offices, and I can understand his logic.

Gibbons also expressed support for the 287(g) program, which would allow state officials to address illegal immigration issues, and he would have Tennessee Highway Patrolmen certified to execute this program at the state level. He did express concern for workplace enforcement because he believed another state department would have to be established to address the issue.

On Second Amendment issues, Gibbons supports allowing carry permit holders to carry in state parks, but suggested that municipalities be allowed to decide whether or not guns be allowed in city parks. He suggested that he did not favor allowing permit holders the right to carry in restaurants that sold alcohol, nor did he illustrate support for allowing carry permit holders to carry on college campuses. He did express his support for legislation which closes the carry permit database to the public.

Gibbons seemed very articulate and knowledgeable and… I keep coming back to the word pragmatic. I am continuing to listen to each candidate in order to learn more about them.