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| Local dems say 'nay' to open congressional seat |
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Posted: Friday, December 11, 2009 2:45 pm
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Since the sudden retirement announcement by Con. John Tanner last week, candidates have jumped into the race for the seat which will open in 2010, while others say they will have no part of the federal office.
Tanner has represented the 8th Congressional District in Washington, D.C. since 1988.
During an announcement late Tuesday, Tanner said he would retire at the end of his term in November 2010.
State Sen. Roy Herron of Dresden was quick to abandon his race to the governor’s seat as a Democratic candidate, opting instead to seek the federal post held by Tanner.
Other local Democrats were also quick to release statements regarding the seat, citing they would not follow suit with Herron and run for the Congressional office.
“After careful personal consideration and conversations with my family, several friends and supporters, I have decided not to seek the Democratic nomination to replace our Congressman John Tanner in Tennessee’s Eighth Congressional District,” State Rep. Mark Maddox of Dresden said.
“I have had many encouraging conversations over the past two days. Some encouraged me to run for Congress while others asked me to stay in the Tennessee General Assembly. Let me say thanks to both of those groups. Both helped reaffirm my commitment to the people of my district and the people of Tennessee.
“Serving the Eighth Congressional District would be an exciting opportunity and one that I might someday like to have, but now is not my time,” Maddox added.
State Senator and Dresden native Lowe Finney issued a similar statement explaining his decision to not join Herron in the race for Congressman.
“I applaud Congressman John Tanner for his service to our state and country. Whether fighting for individual freedoms, our military and veterans, small businesses, family farms, or better roads, Congressman Tanner fought tirelessly to improve the lives of West Tennesseans. He is my friend, and I wish him every success in his retirement”, Finney stated.
Finney said that after talking with area friends, supporters, and family that he would not enter the race to replace Tanner.
“The past 36 hours have been a whirlwind of excitement in West Tennessee politics, and Tiffany and I have been overwhelmed at the support we’ve received from friends and supporters to consider this run.
“But today, more than ever, West Tennessee needs focused leadership fighting for our values and our jobs, because while the times may be changing, the challenge remains the same,” Finney added.
Finney represents Carroll, Gibson and Madison counties.
State Rep. Judy Barker, who only one year ago replaced State Rep. Phillip Pinion, told The Messenger last week that her focus was on serving her constituents in the Tennessee House of Representatives.
“I was elected to represent the constituents in this district. It’s been challenging and fun and it’s what I want to continue to do. I just want to stay where I am. It’s a big territory – three counties. We’ve achieved a lot,” Barker told The Messenger.
On the other side of the fence in Obion County, Pinion confirmed last week he is considering a run for the Congressional seat. As a former state representative, Pinion is now working as a consultant for an engineering firm in Nashville.
On a scale of 1 to 10, Pinion told The Messenger the probability of him seeking Tanner’s office in 2010 was a “7.”
Pinion added he would announce a decision by Jan. 15, 2010.
Luther Mercer, an educator and consultant, announced his candidacy Monday for the Democratic nomination for the 8th District congressional seat.
“My vision is to have rural West Tennessee meet the needs of the 21st century,” said Mercer, who was born and raised in Jackson. “I look forward to talking to the people of the district about issues that mean the most to them.
Mercer, son of Luther Mercer and Shirlene Mercer, of Jackson, is a graduate of Tennessee Technological University and the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. He also holds a certificate in Mandarin Chinese from the University of Beijing.
“I want to serve my community that has given so much to me. I want to be the voice of the 21st century for West Tennessee,” said Mercer. “This is a value that was instilled in me by my family’s legacy of public service and community involvement.”
WCP 12.08.09 |
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