Thursday, June 09, 2005
Tuke for Chair?
I did a little investigative work (read: called some people) and got some more info on the Democratic chair's slot. It looks like the only declared candidate, as of today, is Bob Tuke, a Nashville attorney and the party's current Treasurer. He is, by all accounts, the leading candidate.
I feel sure, though, this being the Democratic party and all, that there will be a candidate emerge from East Tennessee somewhere. I doubt that a Memphis candidate would have much pull, given that the entire Memphis political machine was in court yesterday.
A couple of possible East Tennessee candidates would include (with the caveat that I am tilting at windmills, as always):
Jim Hall, Signal Mountain resident, national figure, general big shot.
Plusses:Well-known, well-liked. Strong organizer, progressive.
Minuses:Wants to run for office, not party positions.
Jimmy Bilbo, Cleveland native, attorney, TNDP Executive Committee member since the mid-70s.
Plusses:Long-time activist, no major power grabs before.
Minuses:Not particularly well-known, no high-end experience.
I'm sure there are others, but these two came to mind. I don't know that Tuke will walk away with it, but if he can shore up his support over the next few days, his experience as Treasurer and Nashville connections will put him over the top.
As for thoughts behind Button's departure the word is still that he really does just want to get back to his family. He was just re-elected five months ago, though, which makes you wonder why he didn't just stop then. It seems distinctly possible that Tennessee Waltz may have just left him completely fed up.
I feel sure, though, this being the Democratic party and all, that there will be a candidate emerge from East Tennessee somewhere. I doubt that a Memphis candidate would have much pull, given that the entire Memphis political machine was in court yesterday.
A couple of possible East Tennessee candidates would include (with the caveat that I am tilting at windmills, as always):
Jim Hall, Signal Mountain resident, national figure, general big shot.
Plusses:Well-known, well-liked. Strong organizer, progressive.
Minuses:Wants to run for office, not party positions.
Jimmy Bilbo, Cleveland native, attorney, TNDP Executive Committee member since the mid-70s.
Plusses:Long-time activist, no major power grabs before.
Minuses:Not particularly well-known, no high-end experience.
I'm sure there are others, but these two came to mind. I don't know that Tuke will walk away with it, but if he can shore up his support over the next few days, his experience as Treasurer and Nashville connections will put him over the top.
As for thoughts behind Button's departure the word is still that he really does just want to get back to his family. He was just re-elected five months ago, though, which makes you wonder why he didn't just stop then. It seems distinctly possible that Tennessee Waltz may have just left him completely fed up.
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