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Daily Dose for March 21, 2008
More on Wilder's Retirement
More on Wilder's Retirement -- Former Lt. Gov. John Wilder's impending retirement has caught the Democrats off guard with another seat to defend. Sen. Dem. Leader Jim Kyle reacted to the news: "We have work to do, but this has been a Democratic year nationwide, and I expect at the end of the day, it’ll be a Democratic year in Tennessee." Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey said Wilder's district leans Republican and he liked the chances of picking it up. Wilder in parting comments: "I want to encourage those of you who will stay here that you will vote your convictions. I never told anybody how to vote. Don’t let anybody vote you." More here.
Ford Back in Legislature -- State Sen. Ophelia Ford is now geared up to return to the Legislature after missing since the session started in January. Medicial officials and family members have been mum on what exactly has been keeping Ford from serving in the General Assembly, but Ford discovered last year she was suffering from anemia. Ford is set to return on Monday after the Easter holiday. More here.
GOP, Dems Still Split on Lottery -- The GOP has apparently renewed their emphasis on getting capital grants as a part of the lottery surplus money. Republicans back a proposal to set aside $100 million of the $400 million-plus lottery surplus for capital construction at K-12 schools for all of the state’s 136 school districts. That plan has been endorsed by several local governments and school systems, but is opposed by Democrats. Sen. Dem. Leader Jim Kyle on opposition to the GOP's plan: "We’re for scholarships ... We’re not for bricks and mortar."
Memphis Mayor Herenton Resigns -- Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton is stepping down effective July 31. Herenton leaves the Memphis Mayor's post after 16 years. A longtime Herenton ally said the mayor is considering either returning to the Memphis City Schools superintendent's post or making a run for the Ninth District seat in Congress. With Herenton's resignation, Memphis' charter dictates that City Council chairman Scott McCormick will become mayor for 20 days. The council then will vote to appoint an interim mayor to serve until the next municipal or general election, which is scheduled for November.
