The Tennessee Liberal

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

So Much For A Balanced Commission

In a tremendously cheap political ploy, the Hamilton County Commission named a local barber as the new General Sessions Court Judge.

I was buoyed when the commission showed some moderation in a vote to support of school system, but this act blows that optimism clear out of the water.

There is just no reason to appoint a guy who is running for the seat to the open position. In this case, there was a candidate who had volunteered for the job and promised not to run. Instead, Republicans give a massive leg up to the now-presumptive Republican candidate.

It's not surprising to see Republicans use their power to appoint unqualified people to judgeships (and other jobs, for that matter). It is, however, disappointing to see it done in our own backyard.

I'd love to hear what Warren Mackey and John Bailes have to say about this.

UPDATE: John Brooks, Democratic candidate for the 6th District against non-Democrat Lou Miller, sent out a letter to supporters on this matter as well. Quotes when I can get them.

# posted by TL @ 7:04 PM - Comment (3)

Comments:

Yeah, I agree that it was a little unpleasant-smelling to have a declared candidate for the seat in 2006 appointed (and thus given the incumbent advantage) this close to the election.

# posted by

Anonymous : 1:37 PM

Politically, the logic is sound. Appoint your canididate, and then everyone talks about re-electing them.

But, it fails the smell test, as you noted, and the incumbency advantage should be neutralized somewhat byt the short time frame before election season heats up.

My biggest issue is that the guy is completely and wholly unqualified to be a judge.

# posted by