JUST THE FACTS. Contrary to the hysterical accounts of some on social media sites and in the mainstream media, 149 potential Republican candidates for local offices have not, repeat NOT, been removed from ballots.
The 149 notified by the State GOP are being given an opportunity to cure their paperwork deficiencies to qualify as bona fide Republican candidates before the deadline arrives this Thursday at noon. Over 70 did so on Friday alone, most of whom required simply paying the fee associated with running as a Republican candidate. Those who have failed to vote in three of the last four statewide Republican primaries (or who previously supported Democrats) have the opportunity to pursue a waiver, which many have already done with some success, such as Knox County Mayor hopeful Larsen Jay, who was challenged for previous donations to Democrats.
The clock is ticking, and ballots for local primary races will be set later this week. Then, the state GOP can turn its attention to the potential candidates for state races, such as state House, state Senate, Governor, and Congress.
MCNALLY SHAKES THINGS UP. The announcement last week by Lt Governor/Senate Speaker Randy McNally that he would not seek reelection has definitely stirred the political pot.
McNally’s decision to vacate his role as Lt. Governor definitely has many interested in his position.
Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson is almost assuredly interested in a promotion, which would open his leadership position to an open contest. Among those drawing the most speculation for contesting McNally’s post include Ferrell Haile, Paul Bailey, and Bo Watson.
Bailey has made it clear he plans to seek the Lt. Governorship, which will set up an interesting battle between him and Johnson. The Lt. Governor is not only next in line of succession to the governor, but also appoints Senate committee members and Chairs. Republicans currently hold a 27-6 margin over Democrats in the state Senate. The Senate GOP Caucus, after the November elections, will select its pick for the Lt Governor/Speaker position, which will be tantamount to electing McNally’s replacement. After that vote, the Senate GOP caucus will pick its choice for majority leader and then Caucus chair. These votes are all by secret ballot. The Speaker appoints other leadership positions, such as Speaker Pro Tem, currently held by Sumner County Senator Ferrell Haile.
Geography may play a role in Senators’ votes for Lt. Governor. Senator Marsha Blackburn and Johnson are both from Williamson County. The prospect that both the Governor‘s office and the Lt. Governor‘s office would be filled by two people from the same county is already raising concerns among those in East and West Tennessee. The fact that both are already heavily dependent upon the advice and counsel of the same political consultant, Ward Baker, is generating additional apprehension and discussion.
The Majority Leader position is drawing strong interest from Senators Dawn White and Ken Yager. Others are also assessing their chances. Senator Brent Taylor (Memphis) seems to be a frontrunner for Caucus Chair, currently held by Yager. There will be lots of wheeling and dealing in the months ahead, and past slights, insults, and allegiances are certain to play a role in how votes are cast — even if they remain beyond the public’s view and knowledge.
There will be at least one more Republican Senator joining the ranks of the Caucus as McNally exits. Dickson County Mayor Bob Rial is reportedly considering challenging embattled Senator Kerry Roberts in the August Republican primary and has a little over a week to qualify if he decides to proceed. In any event, the political wrangling for the top leadership positions in the Senate will begin in earnest over the next few months, even if largely behind the scenes.
Meanwhile, McNally’s Senate seat is attracting a number of potential GOP candidates. Former State Senator Stacey Campfield is already in. Former State House member Jimmy Matlock (who left the State House in 2018) may also be close to a decision as well. Others reportedly considering running include State Rep. Rick Scarborough (former Clinton Police Chief), Richard Esparza, and Ashley Nickloes, a Lt. Col. in the Tennessee Air National Guard who ran for Congress in 2018 against Tim Burchett and Jimmy Matlock. Anderson County Mayor Terry Franks is seeking reelection to her spot this year and will not pursue the Senate seat.
ISBELL GETS A PASS. Speaking of county mayors, Sumner County Mayor John Isbell will have no Republican primary opposition in the May election, which essentially assures his reelection.
Sumner County will remain a hotbed of political infighting this summer, with GOP internal battles over several local offices. With an August congressional primary between Sumner County residents Rep. Johnny Garrett and Van Hilleary to fill the 6th district seat being vacated by Congressman John Rose (who is running for Governor) and a battle between Chris Hughes and Brian Stewart for Garrett’s State House seat, there will be plenty of reasons for the Republican base to get motivated.
Steve Gill is editor and Publisher of TriStar Daily.
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