Ed Bryant was in town today, speaking to members (and non-members) of Defenders of Freedom. I was there thanks to a tip from Alphapatriot at MemphisRedBlogs.

I just wanted to fire off this quickly, but I’ll be back. Details in a bit…

UPDATE:

Bryant was in good form tonight, despite the residual effects of having lost his voice over the weekend. He spoke about his campaign and what he sees as the most important issues facing the U.S. domestically (judicial activism) and internationally (the war on terrorism). Another theme he addressed was the religion/culture war at stake (assaults on the pledge of allegiance and the removal of historic Biblical imagery from courthouses).

Before and after his talk, Bryant personally met with anybody and everybody who walked up to him, and he took several questions during and after his presentation, on issues like: free trade, airline bailouts, border security, international relations and second amendment rights. Bryant addressed each question in a generous way, and while he wasn’t as specific as some might have liked in some areas, he was very clear about where he stands and referred us to his proud legislative record and political experience.

I took the chance afterward to ask him what he thinks of Jim Wallis, the author of God’s Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn’t Get It. To paraphrase his response, Bryant said that the Religious or Evangelical Left (”a term I don’t believe ever existed before”) would fail because the Left’s base is so set against moral values and because traditional Christians were “sophisticated enough” to see through the Democrat’s new religious facade. They won’t be able to sustain it, because they don’t really believe it.

I hope he’s right. I’m not so sure. If the Left successfully sells its brand of Christian socialism, the Republican party is doomed. They probably can’t convince most voters, but if enough people like Wallis repeat the lie often enough, it’s bound to resonate with at least some of the people, especially those already looking for an excuse to look past the Democrats’ abortion stance, and I know a few of those. At the very least, it just makes it a little harder on Republicans because it’s yet another area where we are forced to play defense.

At the end of the night, after most of the people had left, I overheard a couple of insiders talking about Bryant’s chances of winning this thing. According to them, Bryant is not in a good position right now. Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker has a huge financial lead and some influential friends in high places. See Bill Hobbs for a some background on Corker. Two additional problems: 1. the moderate Corker may benefit if Bryant and another candidate split the party’s conservative base, and 2. the Bush administration has a history of backing moderate Republicans, especially those with money and who are well liked by Democrats — Bryant himself was overlooked in 2002, in favor of Lamar Alexander. If the Bush people decide to back Corker, it could be harder for Bryant to win the primary.

Fishkite supports Bryant for Senate in 2006 because he’s a good, Christian man who stands up for what he believes, and is solid on the conservative philosophy of low taxes, small government, strong defense and traditional values. Bryant has a proven record, a brilliant mind and a friendly nature.

In my estimation, his campaign lacks only two things: money and a blog. Both of those things can be fixed.

So when you donate, ask them how the blog is coming along.