Rep. Jimmy Eldridge will run for Jackson mayor instead of reelection in House District 73
After nearly 16 years representing state House District 73, Republican state Rep. Jimmy Eldridge announced Friday he will not seek reelection and instead will seek election as mayor of Jackson in 2019, reports the Jackson Sun.
Nude photos of Nashville mayor found on lover/bodyguard ‘s cell phone?
Photographs of a woman’s nude body were found on the cell phone of former Metro Nashville police Sgt. Rob Forrest, who had an acknowledged sexual affair with Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, reports The Tennessean, citing a TBI affidavit filed in seeking a court order mandating access to Barry’s personal cell phone.
Trio mentioned as possible candidates to succeed Roe demur — at least for now
The Johnson City Press contacted state Reps. David Hawk and Matthew Hill, along with Washington County Mayor Dan Eldridge, after their names were mentioned in a Washington report as prospective candidates for the 1st Congressional District seat, should incumbent U.S. Rep. Phil Roe decide not to seek reelection. Perhaps predictably, the newspaper reports none of them said yes to a run at this point; but they didn’t give an absolute no, either.
Nashville Council approves May referendum on $5.4B (or $8.9B) transit referendum
The Metropolitan Nashville Council has voted 34-2 to give final approval to adding Mayor Megan Barry’s transit referendum to the local primary election ballot on May 1, reports The Tennessean.
But bucking the administration, the council tweaked the referendum language to list both the transit proposal’s present-day cost of $5.4 billion as well as the estimated amount of long-term revenue needed for the project, $8.95 billion. The mayor’s office had lobbied for only the lower amount to go on the ballot.
Lenoir holds money lead in Shelby County mayor race
David Lenoir, a candidate for the Republican nomination for Shelby County mayor, raised $232,740 over the past six months to keep his financial lead in what will likely be a costly political slugfest, reports The Commercial Appeal.
Lenoir, who currently serves as the county trustee, had $345,438 tucked away in his campaign treasury as of Jan. 15, according to his campaign finance disclosure. Behind him, Republican Juvenile Court Clerk Joy Touliatos raised $125,558 and loaned herself another $115,000 as she tried to close the gap ahead of the May 1 primary election.
Shelby County Commissioner Terry Roland, the third candidate hoping to win the Republican primary, raised $32,165 and spent $24,900, leaving him with $16,319.
On the Democratic side of the race, Sen. Lee Harris reported a balance of $92,259 after raising $108,486 and spending $16,227, blowing past primary opponent Sidney Chism, who raised $10,550 and spent $2,442 to end the period at $8,107.
Bank of Bartlett President Harold Byrd, whose disclosure shows only $750 in contributions, confirmed Thursday that he will not enter the Democratic primary after flirting with the idea for months.
More on Nashville mayor’s extramarital affair
Nashville Mayor Megan Barry says her extramarital affair was with Metro police Sgt. Robert Forrest Jr., who heads her security detail, and began in the spring or summer of 2016, just months after she entered office the previous fall, reports The Tennessean.
Forrest submitted his retirement papers Jan. 17. His final day was Wednesday.
Nashville mayor acknowledges extramarital affair
Press release from Nashville mayor’s office
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 31, 2018) – Mayor Megan Barry has released the following statement regarding an extramarital affair:
“Today, I have acknowledged publicly that I have engaged in an extramarital affair with the former head of my security detail.
Former state Rep. Joshua Evans running for Robertson County mayor
Former state Rep. Josh Evans is running for Robertson County mayor. (Photo credit: Evans campaign)
Press release from Joshua Evans campaign
SPRINGFIELD – Recognizing a strong future for Robertson County, Joshua Evans launched his bid for Robertson County Mayor in the August election.
With six years of experience, serving the residents of Robertson County in the Tennessee General Assembly, Evans brings an energetic and experienced perspective to Robertson County government.
Rep. Kevin Brooks won’t seek reelection; running for Cleveland mayor instead
Longtime Cleveland, Tenn., Mayor Tom Rowland announced Thursday that he will not seek reelection to another term and endorsed state Rep. Kevin Brooks to succeed him, reports the Cleveland Daily Banner. Brooks announced he will not seek reelection to his House District 24 seat and will run for mayor.
