Republican Party Holds Mass Meeting Saturday

Jefferson County, TN Republican Party Mass Meeting, Saturday, January 18, 2014
-Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

The Jefferson County Republican Party held an organizational meeting on Saturday, January 18, 2014 in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. Party Chairman Paula Rugel Gibson was unable to attend due to a prior family commitment so Vice Chairman Barry Fain presided over the meeting. Following a Call to Order and reading and acceptance of the minutes of the last meeting and financial statement, Vice Chairman Fain invited candidates for the upcoming election cycle to the podium to address the standing room only crowd. Jason Zachary, candidate for the US House, kicked off the addresses and was followed by incumbent State of Tennessee House Representatives from District 11 and District 17, Jeremy Faison and Andrew Farmer. Several current members of the local judiciary are currently unopposed, however addressed the room to express their appreciation for their time in service. Chancellor Forgety and Judge Slone also represented colleagues Hooper and Ogle in their time at the podium, who sent their gratitude by proxy, as they had other obligations out of town and were unable to attend the meeting. Forgety and Slone stated that they, along with Hooper, Ogle and Vance have developed a very cohesive judicial situation for Jefferson County, which allows expediency of trials for citizens and that all the judicial offices work well together to benefit the citizens of Jefferson County.

Attorney General Dunn spoke to the crowd regarding the drug issues in Jefferson County, and Public Defender Miller, both of which are currently unopposed, requested support for another term in office. Though several of the offices that will be on the May ballot are unopposed, one heavily contested office is that of General Sessions Court Judge. All four candidates for the open office that is being vacated by a retiring Judge Strand were on hand. Candidates Roach, Scroggins, Repass and Randolph took turns addressing the crowd and asking for their support in the upcoming election. Another local race that is in the spotlight this May is that of Jefferson County Mayor. Two of the potential candidates for Mayor spoke from the podium at Saturday’s meeting. Candidate Mills and incumbent Mayor Palmieri, sought support for their campaigns.

Incumbent Sheriff of Jefferson County McCoig was the only candidate for the office of Sheriff that addressed the Party. McCoig asked for support in the upcoming election and Circuit Court Clerk Penny Murphy, who fell ill, sent her thanks for time in office and request for support for another term via her husband, who addressed the room on her behalf. Exiting County Court Clerk Rick Farrar received a standing ovation for his 36 years of service. Two candidates seeking his position, Daniel Estes and Travis Adderhold, introduced themselves, seeking support in their run for election. Currently unopposed Trustee Ginger Franklin and Register of Deed Ed Stiner rounded out the parade of candidates, adding their gratitude for prior support and requested support in another term of service.

Hobart Rice, who is the incumbent candidate for Executive Committeeman, spoke on issues that are facing the Republican Party. Betty Fain read a letter on behalf of Jennifer Little, State Executive Committeewoman, thanking the Party for their support.

Vice Chairman Fain informed Party Members that the Lincoln Regan Day Dinner will coincide with Carson Newman University Spring Break and a finalized date will be announced soon. There will be a candidate forum and debate for contested offices, hosted by the Republican Women, which will take place before early voting starts.