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Daily Dose for January 31, 2007
Daily Dose
Electing Constitutional Officers -- That's an idea that has been pushed primarly by State Sen. Rosalind Kurita and State Rep. Brian Kelsey. Now that Kurita is in the number two spot in the State Senate, Republicans are moer seriously considering her proposal calling for the popular election of the state's Attorney General, Treasurer, Secretary of State and the Comptroller. State Sen. Douglas Henry seems to be the most against the proposal becuase it would politicize the constitutional officers positions and make them springboards for running for higher office - as is the case in other states. Kurita answers this charge by saying the officers are already political - and Republicans voting at the beginning of the session, refused to back the preordained candidates for the constitutional offices because they largely campaigned for Democrats. If the legislature passes the idea, the earliest the constiutional amendment could be put to the public is 2010.
Despotic Reign Continues in Knoxville -- Ever since the Knox Co. Commission choose to reject a proposal from Knox Co. Mayor Mike Ragsdale for open meetings to determine the replacements for the term-limited officers, the process has opened itself to violations of the state's Sunshine laws. The laws require that meetings between two or members of the deliberative body cannot be made in private. Several Commissioners, however, have admitted to violating this rule in deliberations over who the replacements were going to be. If you're interested in who the kingmakers have annoited, check out this article also in the Sentinel.
More on the Memphis City Councilmen Trial -- Longtime political operative Joe Cooper pleaded guilty Tuesday to money laundering and pledged to continue his role as an FBI informant in the bribery and extortion case against City Councilmen Rickey Peete and Edmund Ford. More from the Commercial Appeal.
No More Delays in Cooper Trial -- U.S. District Judge Curtis Collier has denied state Sen. Jerry Cooper another delay in his fraud trial. Cooper had requested the delay because the trial, set for March 5, will coincide with the legislative session. The ruling states, "So long as the charges remain a cloud of doubt will hover over Defendant’s head and will breed distrust not only of Defendant but of the entire state legislature."
