You know your candidates for President and Vice President of the United States. You probably know them a little too well at this point (although Tennessee, as a "safe McCain" state, has been spared the outright onslaught seen in North Carolina, Ohio, and a handful of other places). Perhaps, too, you are one of the record number of early voters for whom this post comes just a little too late. But if not, read on, because we're talking about the choices on the ballot that have not received the attention granted to the race for the White House.
United States Senate: Two years ago we had an open seat created by former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist's very short-lived presidential aspirations. We had a spirited GOP primary that our former mayor won, we got to know Harold Ford Jr., and we had an exciting midterm general election. This year, Senator Lamar Alexander is running for reelection, and so it's a somewhat sleepier event. I think even Dick Morris would give the advantage to Alexander in this race, but for academic purposes, here are the other candidates: Edward L. Buck, Independent; Christopher G. Fenner, Independent; David Gatchell, Independent; Ed Lawhorn, Independent; Daniel Towers Lewis, Libertarian Party; Chris Lugo, Green Party; and Robert D. Tuke, Democratic Party.
United States House of Representatives, 3rd District: Congressman Zach Wamp is on paper as running for reelection to his seat; but a jaunt around the state (highways or blogs, your pick) reveals that his latest expenditures are for billboards well outside the district. This indicates that Wamp is serious about running for Governor in 2010. However, he has the luxury of coasting into his eighth term in Congress due to the sheer lack of viable (read: funded) opponents. Those brave enough to take on this challenge are Ed Choate, Independent, a self-described religious conservative from Cleveland; Jean Howard-Hill, Independent, a former Republican and a UTC professor; and Doug Vandagriff, Democratic Party, whose biography is difficult to ascertain. In addition, June Griffin of Dayton, Tenn. is a certified write-in candidate.
For our Georgia readers, here is a brief look at your congressional ballot. The U.S. Senate candidates are Allen Buckley, Libertarian Party; Senator Saxby Chambliss, Republican Party; and Jim Martin, Democratic Party. Eleanor Garcia of the Socialist Workers party, and William Salomone Jr. are write-in candidates. The U.S. House district representing the Chattanooga "viewing area" is the Ninth, which is currently held by U.S. Rep. Nathan Deal, a Republican. Challenging him is Democrat Jeff Scott. (Information for Georgia was obtained in part from Politics1.com.)
Tennessee Senate, 10th District: Senator Andy Berke is going to face an increasing challenge finding a new opponent each time whose name is a variation on "Oscar Bro**." In last year's special election, it was Oscar Brock. This time, it's Oscar Brown (who also ran in last year's GOP primary, and lost to Oscar Brock). In all seriousness, it is widely expected that Sen. Berke will win election to a full term.
Tennessee House of Representatives, 26th District: Representative Gerald McCormick (R) is unopposed.
Tennessee House of Representatives, 27th District: Representative Richard Floyd (R) is unopposed.
Tennessee House of Representatives, 28th District: Representative Tommie Brown (D) is unopposed.
Tennessee House of Representatives, 29th District: Representative JoAnne Favors (D) faces Republican Basil Marceaux Jr. Basil the Younger (whose father is a frequent candidate for several offices) sure picked a steep hill to climb, given that the first ever African-American candidate for President is at the top of the ticket. But he deserves honorable mention for stepping up and giving voters in his district a choice. Each of these legislative districts is gerrymandered to practically guarantee that one party controls it. As re-districting approaches (after the 2010 census), your homework is to urge the General Assembly to draw the new lines responsibly and objectively.
Tennessee House of Representatives, 30th District: Representative Vince Dean (R) is unopposed.
Tennessee House of Representatives, 31st District: Representative Jim Cobb (R) is unopposed.
Hamilton County School Board, 4th District: Former Board member Debra Matthews passed away soon after being returned to office in the August 7 election, so this is a special election to replace her. The man she beat, Gregg Juster, is running again; and he is joined by Francetta Pierce, Anita Polk-Conley, and George Ricks.
Chattanooga City Council, 5th District: Former Council member John "Duke" Franklin Jr. pleaded guilty to money laundering and other charges related to a cocaine distribution conspiracy. Three candidates qualified in the special election to replace Franklin, but county School Board member Jeffrey Wilson has decided not to seek the post. Russell Gilbert and Joe Rowe are the remaining candidates. Gilbert has received a number of key endorsements; but, perhaps as an indicator of how the expected massive turnout creates a turbulent effect in this race, a campaign sign touting "Obama / Favors / Rowe" was seen on Wilcox Boulevard.
The Municipals: Hamilton County is home to an unusual number of incorporated cities and towns, and several of these have candidates and/or ballot measures for your consideration, if you happen to live within their borders. Signal Mountain is electing a council, and deciding on whether to allow a liquor store to open. Lookout Mountain, Tennessee also has a referendum on alcohol sales. Walden has mayoral/council elections, as do Soddy-Daisy and Red Bank. East Ridge will elect a city council, and has no fewer than eight charter amendments for voters to consider. Lakesite residents will vote on a commission as well as whether to allow liquor by the drink. It is often said, but bears repeating, that while the election for Commander-in-Chief and President of the Senate are important, local and state elections have a more direct impact on daily life of the average citizen. Do pay attention to these important choices.
Joe Lance
PhragMunkee on Oct. 29, 2008
Thanks! I forwarded the link on to a few friends who are new to the area since the last election cycle.