An Extra-special Election: State Party Showdown

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October 13, 2009

An Extra-special Election: State Party Showdown

Today, voters in the 62nd House District will elect a replacement for former Rep. Curt Cobb. These off-cycle elections are usually little-noticed and attended only by activists, but not this time.

More political observers than I can list or link here have pointed out that control of the next General Assembly means having the upper hand in the next redistricting round, when all state and federal legislative districts will be redrawn.

Some say that that pressure, taken with a virtual tie among Democrats and Republicans in the House, makes this a critical test for state party leaders Chip Forrester and Chris Devaney. Such is the combined opinion of Rep. Stacey Campfield and Nashville Scene writer Jeff Woods, as reported by Tom Humphrey.

However, David Oatney cautions us not to see this election as a bellwether for the 2010 cycle.

Whatever the case, it will probably be a long time before voters in Bedford County and the other areas in District 62 see this much attention placed on their state House seat.

The candidates are:

Chris Brown (I (Constitution))
Ty Cobb II (D)
Pat Marsh (R)

I'll put up links to election results tonight.

Political News , State House Elections | By joe lance | 7:09 AM

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