Another helping of election news, and double the Basil

« Retail wine bill corked? | Main | Conservatives against mountaintop removal »

March 28, 2008

Another helping of election news, and double the Basil

The Chattanoogan.com has reported on a flurry of candidate filings in the area, including news that former Rep. Jim Vincent, also a former County Commissioner, has picked up papers to run again in his old House district, which covers parts of Soddy-Daisy and northern Hamilton County as well as all of Rhea County. The 31st District is currently represented by Rep. Jim Cobb. Cobb hails from Spring City in the opposite end of the district.

Rep. Vince Dean (R-30), who lost just last night in a runoff for GOP Sheriff nominee, has drawn two challengers in the August 7 primary. Er, well, they probably aren't challengers, but a couple of guys (Richard Elrod and Jerry Petty, to be exact) who were until today looking to take an open seat. I wouldn't be surprised if one or both withdraws by the April 10 deadline. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Across the state, a Republican member of Congress faces an experienced opponent. U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, who serves one of the most gerrymandered districts in Southern Christendom, has a Memphis political official on the court with her. This is former state Sen. Tom Leatherwood, who now registers deeds for Shelby County.

And from up in the Far East corner, a non-announcement: former Sullivan County Mayor Richard Venable says that he is not running this time for the U.S. House seat he almost nabbed in 2006. I love it when people announce that they're not running.

That reminds me: I am not running in the race to unseat U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander.

Finally, it wouldn't be an election year lately without the persistence of Basil Marceaux, whose target this time around is Sen. Andy Berke in District 10. Marceaux ran in the primary for last year's special election, but this time it's possible that he will be the Republican nominee.

The apple has fallen just a short distance over into House District 29, where Basil Marceaux the Younger has qualified in the Republican primary, and if he wins, will face Rep. JoAnne Favors in the general election. I'm still waiting for news about the Democratic primary for this seat. Anyone got it?

Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.