Home | Entries [Previous |Next]
0 Comments
Daily Dose for July 10, 2007
Updates from Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville
Wharton to Run for Memphis Mayor? -- There's a movement in Memphis to draft Shelby Co. Mayor A.C. Wharton as Mayor of Memphis. Wharton previously said that he would not run for Memphis Mayor as long as longtime Mayor Willie Herenton was in the race. But now, a group of powerful supporters, including Dr. Bill Adkins and Dr. LaSimba Gray have started a Draft A.C. campaign. Wharton remains wildly popular, while Herenton's approval ratings have plummeted.
Ragsdale's Political Woes Continue -- Knox Co. Mayor Ragsdale, who some time ago was considered an up-and-coming statewide candidate, now faces the latest political controversy. The Knoxville News-Sentinel reports that Ragsdale supporter John A. Murphy owned the building the county ended up using for a branch library. A move pushed by Ragsdale's Chief of Staff Mike Arms. Murphy says the sale was no big deal, though. He points out he sold the building to the county for $200 less than the appraised value and if he were in collusion with Ragsdale it would have been over the appraised value.
Nashville Mayor's Race Update -- The Nashville City Paper has the details on an ad buy by Vice Mayor Howard Gentry's campaign for Mayor of Nashville. Thursday begins a $65,000, nine-day run of TV spots for Gentry touting his "Believe" tagline. Gentry also announced the endorsement of 61 African American ministers, Tennessee Titan Eddie George, eye surgeon Ming Wang, civil rights activist Bill Barnes and former Davidson County Republican Party chairman Tom Lawless. Late last week, Bob Clement also announced a big ad buy and Karl Dean, another candidate, picked up the endorsement of the Tennessean. The Tennessean has the details on a recently held mayoral forum.
