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Daily Dose for March 18, 2008
Wilder Won't Run
Wilder Won't Run -- The Nashville Post reported yesterday that longtime State Sen. and former Lt. Gov. John Wilder will not run for reelection. The move, surprising to many, means the State Senate seat Wilder has represented since 1958 means Wilder's seaet will be an open contest. So far, Democrats are looking for a nominee and Republicans may have found one in State Rep. Delores Gresham, who has already announced she will run for the seat.
Harwell Moves on Bonding Authority -- State Rep. Beth Harwell is seeking to eliminate bonding authority for the construction of Conservation Hall at the Governor's Mansion - dubbed by critics as Bredesen's Bunker. Harwell attempted to sneak into a housecleaning bill an amendment which would eliminate bonding authority for the project, which Republicans have criticized for months as being an unnecessary budget item due to the current state budget outlook. Democrats pulled the bill from consideration after learning of Harwell's amendment.
Calipari Dabbles in Politics -- Memphis men's basketball coach John Calipari isn't only just a coach - he's also involved in local politics in Memphis or so says the Commercial Appeal. Calipari is apparently interested in tackling big issues that would benefit the University of Memphis as well as supporting a few Democratic politicians, including Congressman Steve Cohen and Memphis City Councilman Jim Strickland.
Two Counties Look at Charter Revisions -- Shelby Co. and Knox Co. are both looking seriously at making significant changes to their home rule government charters. Because of the Knox Co. case, Shelby Co. must amend the duties and selection process of the sheriff, county clerk, trustee, register and assessor and clarify whether or not they will continue to be elected positions. Commissioners will meet in a series of committees to draft a referendum that eventually will go before voters on Aug. 7. In Knox Co, a charter review commission has been requested to review the many charter amendments that have been discussed there. The charter states that a committee must have only one commissioner from each district and at least 10 citizens, with the maximum of two coming from any one commission district.
Hamilton Co. Sheriff's Race Muck with Politics -- Rumors abound in Hamilton Co. where political parties are selecting nominees for the Sheriff's spot due to the resignation of former Sheriff Billy Long on federal extortion charges. At least one Democrat was disillusioned by the party selection process and says he will run as an Independent. Jim Winters decided to run as an Indy after the Dem convention went off just the way party leaders indicated it might. On the Republican side, rumors are swirling that Hamilto Co. Commissioner Curtis Adams may have brokered a deal to get Rep. Vince Dean as Sheriff and East Ridge City Mayor Mike Steele to replace him in the General Assembly.
