Cover Fire
The Tennessean tries to provide cover for Phil Bredesen's wishy washy stance on the income tax as revealed in the first gubernatorial debate between Bredesen and Van Hilleary. The paper sought out comments from political analysts to support its spin that Bredesen won the exchange on the income tax issue because his refusal to shut the door completely on the income tax indicates he is a better "manager" because he isn't totally ruling out any option. But wait ... during a recent appearance on the Teddy Bart's Round Table radio show, Bredesen said he didn't think the income tax was constitutional. He rarely repeats that contention, so it's hard to tell if he believes it. But if he does - how can he leave the income tax option on the table at all?

Van Hilleary knows the income tax is unconstitutional. He knows a governor swears to uphold the state constitution. If elected to two terms he will swear that oath twice - and, therefore, rules out the income tax for eight years. Bredesen, on the other hand, will promise only to rule out the income tax for four of a possible eight years in the governor's office.

Lydia Lenker, Bredesen's spokeswoman, says Bredesen won't rule it out because, "'No responsible, mature leader is going to close the door on anything eight years down the road.''

But the constitution of the state of Tennessee rules out the income tax, period.