A total of149 candidates who are seeking to run as Republicans in the upcoming May primary for local offices have been notified by Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Scott Golden that they are at risk of being denied qualifying to appear on the ballot if they do not complete the necessary “bona fide” process by next Thursday.
Some of those facing the possibility of being denied qualification as a Republican primary candidate lack the voting record requirement of having voted in three of four Republican statewide primary elections. Most, however, have simply failed to complete the paperwork process, including payment of the required fee to the Republican Party.
“Forty four of the listed 149 I have already cured their deficiency,” according to state party chairman Scott Golden. “I expect another 30 will meet the requirements to be bona fide by the end of today.”
Golden set the process began with 2400 candidates being evaluated under the party rules and regulations. A similar process will take place for statewide candidates, legislative candidates, etc. in the next few weeks leading up to the August GOP primary.
“The ballots for local election primaries haven’t been finalized yet,” Golden pointed out. “The 149 prospective candidates on this list have simply been notified that they need to complete the process in order to finish qualifying as a republican primary candidate and to be listed on the ballot as such. They have not been ‘kicked off,’ contrary to some reporting.”
Candidates who fail to meet the “3 out of 4” primary election voting requirement to be declared “bona fide” can still be listed as a republican primary candidate if they provide sufficient evidence to justify a waiver of that requirement, under the by-laws of the state GOP.
Steve Gill is editor and publisher of TriStar Daily.
