Daily Dose for August 07, 2007

Replacing Crutchfield

Replacing Crutchfield -- Hamilton Co. Democratic Party Chair John Bailes states the obvious - that the county party will not endorse anyone in the primary to replace outgoing State Sen. Ward Crutchfield. But that doesn't mean there won't be pressure to clear the field. The Chattanooga Times Free Press reports South Pittsburg Mayor Killian and possible candidate John Wolfe said fellow candidate Andy Berke was trying to drive would-be candidates out of the Democratic primary, including Rep. JoAnn Favors, who said she would not run last week. Oscar Brock of Lookout Mountain is expected to be the Republican nominee in the race - and riding name identification could pose a serious challenge in the Democratic district. Primary elections will be held on Oct. 4, and the general election will be held on Nov. 15.

KNS Lawsuit Still Active -- The Knoxville News-Sentinel's lawsuit against the Knox Co. Commission is still up and running. Attorneys for both sides made their case before Chancellor Daryl Fansler on whether or not Commission members violated the state's open meeting laws by meeting to hash out county commission appointments without public input. Commission members contend it takes a quorum meeting in secret to violate the sunshine law. For the 19-member panel, that would mean a gathering of 10 or more. But the News-Sentinel says that anytime two or more members gather in secret, that is a violation. Fansler is expected to rule on the case by the week's end.

Bredesen Continues War Against Judicial Selection Commission -- Gov. Phil Bredesen has continued to criticize the state Judicial Selection Commission, which chooses a slate of candidates for the Governor to consider appointing to all the state-controlled judgeships. Bredesen speaking at a commemoration of Rosa Parks, said the Committee has stifled diversity on the beach. Bredesen: "In a situation like this, it reminds you that these issues are not over. There's still a lot of wrongs to be righted ... I would never appoint somebody based on the color of their skin, but I don't know how we change the makeup (of the courts) unless you at least have some opportunities along the way."

Cohen Files to Impeach Cheney -- Congressman Steve Cohen has signed on to a bill that would level impeachment charges against Vice President Dick Cheney. The impeachment resolution was introduced by Rep. Dennis Kucinich. Cohen also said he plans on filing impeachment charges against Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.

Early Voting Begins Aug 22 in Nashville Mayor's Race -- If you live in Nashville, you can vote at the Davidson Co. Election Commission beginning on August 22 for Nashville's new mayor - either Karl Dean or Bob Clement. Runoff candidates also will be pursuing eight Metro Council district seats, where no candidate won a majority of the votes in the general election. For those who don't vote early, the runoff will be held Sept. 11.

Posted by Adam Groves | Email This |