Bredesen Suggests Superdelegate Primary
Bredesen Suggests Superdelegate Primary -- Gov. Phil Bredesen has proposed an innovative way for superdelegates to have their say before the Democratic National Convention - have a primary just for them. Bredesen proposed the idea because he says the Dem nominee will be hurt by not being decided until the Dem's August convention. Ultimately, the DNC would have to endorse the idea to make it happen - a move DNC Chair Howard Dean says he opposes. Bredesen first proposed the idea in yesterday's edition of the NY Times. More here.
GOP Rallies Around McCain -- TN GOP lawmakers appear anxious now to rally around Sen. John McCain as the GOP nominee. Among McCain's most vocal supporters - former early Fred Thompson cheerleader Congressman Zach Wamp. Congressman David Davis on his support for McCain: "It's either going to be President McCain, President Obama or President Clinton ... I think McCain looks better every day" and Congressman Jimmy Duncan: "Even people that aren't particularly enthusiastic about Sen. McCain are certainly not in favor of either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama" reflect the same sentiment of opposition to the Democratic nominee rather than strikingly strong support for the GOP pick. Even as tenuous as it is, the GOP coalition appears able to hold it together in TN, according to Sen. Lamar Alexander who has recent polling to back it up.
Tuke Picks Up Clark Endorsement -- Former Marine Bob Tuke, a Democrat hoping to face US Sen. Lamar Alexander, has picked up the endorsement of Ret. Gen. Wesley Clark. According to the campaign release, Clark plans to campaign with Tuke in Tennessee and “do whatever I can” to help him win his campaign for the U.S. Senate. Clark: "Bob Tuke is a proven leader who has the true grit to shake things up in Washington. He will rise above the political games that have consumed Capitol Hill for too long."
Primary Challenges -- Blogger Joe Lance has an list of primary challenges happening this election. He's identified six primary challenges to sitting incumbents in the General Assembly and two primary challenges for incumbents in Congress. Among those facing primary challengers, State Rep. Stacey Campfield, Matthew Hill and Kent Williams could all be categorized as a challenge between a moderate Republican and a hardline conservative.
Dean Can Keep Seat and Run for Sheriff -- State Rep. Vince Dean can run for Sheriff and keep his seat in the State Legislature at the same time, according to the Attorney General. Rep. Dean said if he is chosen as the Republican sheriff nominee on March 27, he will continue as the House District 30 representative until the Aug. 7 election. That will open up his seat in the Legislature in November if he wins. State law saysno member of the General Assembly can be “nominated or commissioned” to be sheriff. In Cooper's opinion that does not refer to the nomination by political parties, however. More here.
Knox Charter Won't Have Long to Review Proposals -- Even though the citizens group pushing for charter reform in Knox Co. deferred to a charter review commission appointed by Knox Co. Mayor Mike Ragsdale, the Commission will have only 90 days to review the proposal and get them on the August ballot. Law Director John Owings noted Wednesday that the review committee will be required to submit the amendments to the county Election Commission no less than 45 days "prior to the next general election." Since the next general election is in August for county offices, not November, the review commission will have to turn around the proposals fast. Ragsdale is expected to name commission members and have them approved by the County Commission by Monday.
