Memphis Politics

After living in Memphis for four years, we got a good taste of the craziness that is Memphis politics.  Moving down to New Orleans was not much of a change as far as all of this stuff goes, but in returning here right in the middle of the primaries I felt I had to highlight a few of the things that can be learned from our great candidates.  I can say that this commentary is truly bipartisan because I don't really know who any of the candidates are, and its really more about political flair, signage, and campaign slogans because I do think this great city can serve as a model for future politicians of America.  I am going to highlight 3 important lessons that can be learned if you want to be a successful politican in Memphis. 

Memphis Politics Lesson #1: Picking the perfect campaign slogan
The first sign I saw that I really liked the slogan was this one:

Sorry its hard to see.  Taken while driving with my phone.  What I had to appreciate with Mr. Moore is his direct, to the point approach.  "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".  Only in the south would people appreciate this saying I think, and the lingo probably wouldn't fly in New Yawk, but the man has a point.  Sometimes, fixin things aint all its cracked up to be.  And that is his platform. 

The next billboard that caught my eye, was this one: 

Again, you have to appreciate the direct approach.  Pick the main drag headed to downtown Memphis and throw this sign up, and you're sure to get a few votes.  Anybody who has spent any time in Memphis knows about ol Willie, and I'm not even going to get into that.  Just have to appreciate the direct approach of this billboard.  No flags, red white and blue flowery words, or happy family photos here.  Love it.  I thought it might be a joke, so I came home and googled it and got a little more info:

http://www.myfoxmemphis.com/dpp/news/local/072010-the-forgotten-9th-district-candidate

Memphis Politics Lesson #2: Signage Placement

Now I will be the first to say that nothing annoys me more than driving by an open bit of grass and seeing it filled with a million red and blue and yellow and white political signs.  Especially the same person's sign over and over, buttt I had to appreciate the perfect placement of these signs:

This is really a question of which came first, the chicken or the egg, but its really a win win situation for everyone involved.  There's so much going on here its hard to say what catches my eye first, the KFC, the watermelon stand in the background or the wide variety of signage we have going on here.  I just can't decide whether Willie Moore saw the opportunity here and added his hand painted Soul Food Restaurant sign where you can get catfish, hot wings, and chitterlings for 5.99 or if the ever present politicians saw this eye catching corner and Willie Moore's sign and decided this was a signage hot spot.  Always a mystery, but either way, placement is key.

Memphis Politics Lesson #3: Never underestimate the power of the write in vote

Now here I really should have done a little more work on my photos because these signs can be found all over Memphis and this one is really pretty weak:

So apparently this guy is going for the write in vote.  This sign, with the simple "AwGo?" was spotted while driving down Union.  The other, better, signs have his slogan "AwGo What?" (which also happens to be his last name) annnddd a picture.  If anyone can post a better picture, please do.  Just got word that he is officially on the ballot:

http://rssmemphis.com/tag/ernest-lunati/

Along with AwGo on this esteemed list of potential mayorial candidates is Silky O'Sullivan:

Silky is the owner of the Beale Street hot spot and self-titled, Silky O'Sullivans Bar.  It is a great spot featuring "The Diver", a delicious drink served in a bucket to be shared with friends...or goats.  When we first came to Memphis the goats drank beer dtraight from your bottle, but I believe the animal rights activists stepped in and put a stop to the beer drinking goats.  The goats were quite sad and probably went through some serious withdrawals, but they still have their home at Silky's, just no more beer:

Anyway, back to AwGo, or Lou Awgowhat as his name will appear on the ballot.  Apparently he was a patient of a dental student that just graduated and discussed his political aspirations with his student doctor during his many visits to the dental school.  Lo and behold, the big moment rolled around and he is hitting the streets hard with his hand made signs and unique approach.  So the moral here is never be afraid to go for the write in vote.  In Memphis you never know what's going to happen, so aim high!