The Tennessee Republican Party is barring media coverage of its annual fundraising assembly here July 26, 2008 where former White House policy advisor Karl Rove is the keynote speaker – in contrast to previous years when party leaders encouraged press coverage.—-Rick Locker, Commercial Appeal

Scott Jennings, former White House deputy to Karl Rove, asked about the closed event, said:”I am actually a little surprised because typically most of Karl’s events are open to the press. Typically that decision is made by the local organizers

“I don’t know. Those things are usually set by host for event, so I’d take it up with Tennessee Republican Party.

“I’ll tell you I don’t typically do things not open to the open to the media.