Briggs to leave commish on Monday

Richard Briggs

Richard Briggs, who has served on the Knox County Commission for almost seven years, will officially step down Monday as he makes his move over to Tennessee General Assembly.

Briggs defeated incumbent Stacey Campfield in the Republican Primary this summer and then bested Democratic challenger Cheri Siler in Tuesday’s General Election to represent the 7^th District state Senate seat.

A heart surgeon and decorated U.S Army veteran, Briggs was appointed to the Knox County Commission in February 2008. He retained the seat in the August General Election of that year.

Briggs’ seat on the commission oversees the 5^th District, which includes a good chunk of Southwest Knox County.

He said he initially wanted to wait until Jan. 1 to step down, but that on Wednesday morning state officials assigned him an office and sent him the paperwork to take over now.

“It’s been an absolute honor and privilege to serve on the Knox County Commission and I look forward as a state senator to work with the commission for benefit our community and its citizens,” he said.

The new senator said he’s already received calls about forced annexation, something he doesn’t support without the support of the residents.

The Knox County Commission more than likely will talk about the selection process for filling the vacancy when the board holds its Nov. 17 meeting.

Traditionally, the board accepts resumes, and then holds brief interviews with all the applicants during a public forum. The board then generally waits a week before voting on the replacement.

The interim 5^th District commissioner will hold the seat until its term expires at the end of August 2016.

Briggs, Campfield to appear on Inside TN; third candidate Alford weighs in

Mike Alford

So, this Sunday's edition of Inside Tennessee will feature incumbent 7th District state Senator and his Republican challenger Richard Briggs. (Tune in at 9:30 a.m. on WBIR-TV 10News!)

Good stuff.

In the meantime, the third "candidate" - Mike Alford - was not able to appear, since, he told us, he would be out of town.

He did, however, submit the following statement:

I would like to express my sincere apologies to you and your viewers for not being able to appear on your program. It is important that voters get to see all the candidates and hear their views. I hope to get the opportunity again before this election.

Tenova CEO’s went directly to the state of Tennessee evading our local laws, bypassing MPC, our local government, and with no notice to the public; had a zoned scenic section of Middlebrook Pike re-zoned in order to build a hospital.

Senator Campfield sponsored a bill(SB0655) allowing them to proceed with their plan. Dr. Briggs is an employee of Tenova and if I’m not mistaken served on their board in some capacity.

I am certainly for progress and creating jobs in Tennessee but when the proper process is completely bypassed, it gives the public the impression there was more to gain than jobs for someone.

This very incident is a prime example of the importance of Public Notice. I will work hard to preserve citizen’s access to public information, abide by our Sunshine Laws, and will protect the integrity of public notices by keeping them in print.

My vast experience in the transportation industry has given me the knowledge to provide traffic calming initiatives. I will do my due diligence to help resolve the congestion providing a smoother passageway through Knoxville in the I40 – I75 corridor while reducing the negative environmental impact.

I am the only Republican candidate in the 7th district that is a true Tennessean. I grew up; worked, lived, and raised a family in this great state and my wish is to keep it great. I will not accept any PAC money for my campaign. My promise is to represent the constituents with honesty and integrity. My goal is to limit the intrusion of government on our day to day lives.

Looks, let's face it, Alford is on the ballot to take votes away from Briggs. Campfield's own guy - sporting a "Campfield" T-shirt - picked up the guy's nominating petition and Alford even signed Campfield's own petition. (It also hurts Campfield more than Briggs that Alford appears first on the ballot.)
Anyhoo,  since we'll be featuring the others, I felt it fair to at least give Alford a mention.

It also should be noted that the winner of the Aug. 7 primary will face Democrat Cheri Siler in the November general election, although, let's face it: She has about as much of a shot of winning as Alford does - no matter how the local bloggers and alt-weekly writers attempt to justify a way for her to win.

I'm out.

Briggs's senate campaign now on TV

Colonel, doctor, war hero, county commissioner, nice guy Richard Briggs just released his first commercial, according to his campaign peeps.

Briggs is challenging incumbent Stacey Campfield for his 7th District state Senate seat.

According to the release, the ad:

Specifically targets Briggs’ leadership in the military, where he served for 30 years, receiving the Bronze Star and retired as a Colonel for the U.S. Army.

It also focuses on the trust he has garnered as a heart and lung surgeon for 30 years saving thousands of lives.

Briggs advocates a platform of a strong conservative who wants to create jobs, provide economic growth, improve education and ensure a strong quality of life for all Knoxvillians.

Early voting for the Aug. 7 elections begins July 18.

As always, send me your elections stuff for posting.

Briggs launches new campaign website

Richard Briggs

Briggs for Senate campaign launches new website today, modernizing its look and adding several new features to provide a more campaign friendly site, according to a news release.

“We will provide updates often. This site will give the voter a new and easier way to hear from me,” said Richard Briggs.

Briggs faces incumbent Stacey Campfield and some guy no one has ever heard of in Republican Primary. Cheri Siler has no opposition in the Democratic Primary.

The new website, which you can find RIGHT SMACK HERE, will be updated often during the campaign, according to the release.

“We hope to add new features to it as we go along, and our goal is to make it easy for people to learn about me and our positive conservative message,” said Briggs.

“Recent campaigns have taught us all a lot of about the importance of technology in communicating with the voter directly. We are committed to doing a better job of reaching out to the people of Tennessee’s District 7,” Briggs said.

Early voting begins July 18 with the primary set for August 7.

As always, send me your campaign stuff for posting.

Third candidate plans to enter Briggs vs. Campfield state senate race

Well, if you’re into conspiracy theories – heh – then here’s a good one. Did Stacey Campfield get a third person into his re-election bid in order to split up the “anybody but Stacey” vote? We’ll see.

A Rocky Hill resident today said he plans to turn the 7^th District state Senate race into a three way contest in August.

Mike Alford, who drives a tour bus for entertainers, today had a friend pick him up a nominating petition to challenge incumbent Stacey Campfield and Richard Briggs in the Republican primary.

He has until noon tomorrow to return the petition and secure 25 signatures from residents who live in the district and who are registered to vote.

Alford said he planned to mount a serious campaign but acknowledged that “a mutual friend of his” and Campfield actually picked up the petition for him.

He said he told the senator that he plans to run.

“I want to throw my name out there on the ballot as an option,” Alford said.

He added: “My biggest issue right now is two of them: I disapprove of Stacey’s campaign to take public notices away from the newspapers. The other issue . . .  is that I don’t think the hospital being planned in the backyard of the West Hills neighborhood should be put there.”

Alford unsuccessfully ran for a County Commission seat in 2006 and sought a board position in 2008 when officials were trying to appoint new members in the wake of the Black Wednesday controversy. 

He said at the time he was against red light cameras and the wheel tax. (Right smack here for his note to commissioners back then.)

Campfield, a former state representative, won a special election in 2010 to replace Tim Burchett when he took over as Knox County mayor.

When asked about the potential for another opponent, Campfield said “it’s a free county, so everyone who wants to run can.”

Briggs, a heart surgeon, a retired combat veteran, and Knox County Commissioner, said his campaign anticipated that someone else would get into the race, but declined comment further.

The winner of the Republican primary will take on Cheri Siler, a Democrat, in the November general election.

Appears that BOE candidate Rowcliffe has violated School Board policy

So, after sending out the ironic email, then settling a lawsuit in which she reportedly beat the holy heck out of someone (according to court records records), Knox County School Board candidate Sandra Rowcliffe (District 6 seat) has now violated the BOE's solicitation policy by issuing a mass email to the teacher work group.

Yeah, no kidding. Told ya silly season has officially begun. Anyhoo, here's policy:

and then here's the little gem of an email that Mrs. Roadblock sent:

I'll get the hard copies uploaded later.(By the way, does this remind you of the time Sen. Stacey Campfield . . . naw.)

So far, four candidates, including Rowcliffe, Terry Hill, Tamara Shepherd, and Bradley Buchanan, are running for the District 6 seat.  In addition, Ronald Hennen has picked up a nominating petition but not turned it in.

The school board races are non-partisan, with primaries set for May and the general election set for August.

Announcements, rumors for election

Long-time radio guy Bob Thomas has officially announced his candidacy for (other long-time radio guy) Mike Hammond’s at-large Knox County Commission seat. (Primaries set for next May with general in August.)

Bob worked at WIVK for 20 years, spending 16 of them as host of a midday radio show. You can read his fancy spin release, right smack here.

It should be pointed out that a number of folks are jumping in somewhat early. (Hammond by the way is not going to run for commission again.)

Commissioner Richard Briggs, as you might recall, announced his intentions to seek Stacy Campfield’s state Senate seat awhile ago. At the time, Briggs said he wanted to raise enough money to scare off any other candidates. Smart.

 There’s also rumors that former commissioner Michele Carringer will make a run at R. Larry Smith’s seat, as will someone else. (I’m drawing a blank on her name  - so if someone knows, shoot me an email – I just can’t remember.)

Also, my boy, Big Bad Bo Bennett, is rumored to want a seat, too. (Bo ran for the Knoxville mayoral seat.)

UPDATE: Michele is actually looking at an at-large seat, not Smith's spot.

Couple of fund-raisers top the day

Couple of great charity events going on today, with fund-raisers taking place for the "kiss-a-pig" deal and the "mobile meals" program.

Details to the pig event are right smack here. Although online voting wrapped up yesterday, folks can still cast ballots during today's receptions (in which the winner kisses "Pinky") from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Square Room on Market Square. State Sen. Stacey Campfield is currently leading the pack. The program benefits the American Diabetes Association.

Also, going on today is the meal event, a telethon spearheaded by Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett and some local media, but primarily WBIR. (Why "primarily"? Cause I said so.)

Anyhoo, the number is 865-690-3500 if you want to pledge some coin. All - that's 100 percent - of the proceeds will be used to buy food for the program, which serves seniors ages 60 and up who cannot cook for themselves and do not have anyone who can help.

If you don't help out one or both of these programs (and you have the folding paper to do so), then you hate people with diabetes and you hate seniors.

Heh.

7 local leaders compete to kiss pig

Oh man, this is brilliant. To raise money for the American Diabetes Association, seven local elected officials have agreed to participate in the "Kiss-a-Pig" online fundraiser.

Names? Of course.

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, state Sen. Stacey Campfield, Knox County Commissioner Richard Briggs, commission Chairman Tony Norman, Knoxville Vice Mayor Nick Pavlis, Knoxville Councilman Nick Della Volpe and state Rep. Joe Armstrong.

According to a release issued by Moxley Carmichael (hey, they're doing it for free, so they get the plug), whichever participant raises the most money gets to kiss the pig. Yeah, somehow winning doesn't sound like such a great idea. Heh.

The contest is apparently, the first ever citywide event like this and is hosted by the KCDC Wellness Warriors, which will benefit the ADA's "Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes" event on Oct. 20.

So, head on over to - click right smack here - and vote online through July 28. (One dollar donations equals one vote.)

Then, come to the reception from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on July 29 to see the winning candidate pucker up and kiss the pig.

For more information and to read the entire release, click right smack here.

Briggs readies to challenge Campfield

Richard Briggs

Well, it looks like warrior, surgeon and Knox County Commissioner Richard Briggs will run for the 7^th District Senate seat held by Stacey Campfield. Click right smack here for the story.

The reality is that this wasn't a big secret. Briggs – or those close to him – started the whisper campaign more than a year ago. The timing, however, is interesting.

Just as Campfield introduces more ridiculous legislation (that will fail abjectly) and once again makes national news (for all the wrong reasons), Briggs names his campaign treasurer.

And it certainly draws a nice contrast, particularly since a lot of Campfield's legislation (if not all of it) won't pass.

Stacey Campfield

However, don't count out Campfield (provided he runs, which, I think, most people feel he will).

Because what this will really do is just put him on more front porches. 

So, all the folks out there patting themselves on the back, and whooping it up over thoughts of Stacey's demise should probably keep themselves in check.

The election is still a loooong ways out. (August 2014 primary.)

I did talk briefly with  Briggs (as I was about to post this actually) and he said his announcement was "a long time coming - we started planning last fall - but wanted to wait until after the November election and the first of the year to do anything."

He said the super early announcement also gives him a chance to raise money and show folks he's serious about the run. 

He added that the announcement wasn't intentionally tied to anything Campfield has recently done.

"It wasn't planned but it worked out very well," he said. "He's certainly provided a lot of ammunition."

UT professor to take on Campfield

The Metro Pulse in this week's edition has a piece on “early starter” Brian Stevens, a 30-year-old UT statistics professor who looks about 12. He's already campaigning for Stacey Campfield's state Senate seat, which isn't up until 2014.

Find the story right smack here.

I'm not sure what the big deal is. Knox County Commissioner Richard Briggs has been running for this seat since last year. Heh.

Who cares if she's not a resident? Heh.

So, in the morning the Knox County Election Commission is supposed to talk about whether State House hopeful, Shelley Breeding, is eligible to run for the newly created 89^th seat.

If you’ve been under a rock, here’s a recap right smack here.

In the meantime, Shelley’s lawyer, Bill Stokes, has sent the elections folks a memo – click right smack here for that bad boy – detailing why they she is a resident. And Stokes, along with attorney Jon Cope, dispute state election coordinator Mark Goins’ reason why she isn’t. Click right smack here for that.

This is actually a pretty bizarre case and I can see the arguments both ways. But, here’s why she should be allowed to run. (Since you asked.)

First, she’s a Democrat, so she has a snowball’s chance of winning that seat. (Stacey’s people live out there. Heh.)

Second, fair is fair. I mean you have a Republican on the local Election Commission that pretty much anyone with a brain believes committed voter fraud.

SEVEN TIMES!

So, I figure: If no one gave a rat’s a$$ about that, why should they care if someone who doesn’t live in the county runs for the seat?

Campfield: McKenzie after a free meal

To the surprise of no one, the County Commission voted down Commissioner Sam McKenzie's proposal to begin censure proceedings against state Sen. Stacey "Mr. Wrestling II" Campfield.

You can find the original story right smack here.

Sam was pretty upset with Stacey over the comments the good senator made about AIDS and monkeys and monkey sex. (Just Google "Stacey Campfield" and "monkey sex" and you'll see what I'm talking about. Heh.)

Anyhoo, KNS report Tom Humphrey talked with Stacey today about the commission's decision to not do anything. Campfield told him that the proposal "was ludicrous from the beginning" and he was not surprised at the rejection of what he considered a "partisan game." (Stacey is a Republican and Sam is a Democrat.)

Campfield also said Sam was "somebody looking for a free meal at the Bistro." (As opposed to Stacey who has been banned from the restaurant.)

One thing of note. When Sam initially proposed his resolution, Stacey said it had to do with the whole "Don't Say Gay" bill, or don't teach it, or whatever it is. Sam denied that and said it had everything to do with the monkey sex comments.

"Stacey's accusations that I want to teach homosexuality in classrooms is a flat out lie," McKenzie said during tonight's commission work session. "I am strongly against that. I do not want that at all. I do not think that's a way to instruct our children."

Well, apparently Stacey reiterated to Tom Humphrey that Sam did, in fact, say - on the Hallerin Hill show - that it was about the bill.

Hubert Smith talks Stacey incident

So, this whole Stacey Campfield thing has really taken off, huh? (Click right smack here for an earlier post on the incident.)

Heh. Funny stuff. 

Anyhoo as you may or may not know, the good state senator was a guest on Hubert Smith’s talk show before he headed over to the Bistro for what wasn’t lunch. Hubert along with local comedian Spanky Brown and Dan “The Man” Andrews went with him.

Here’s part of Hubert’s take on what happened:

Brown and I rode together for the five minute ride and park. Andrews and Campfield drove separately. We all met at the entrance of The Bistro. Campfield and Andrews went inside to get a table and I waited outside and talked with Spanky while he finished his cigarette.

It took two minutes or less for Spanky to finish his smoke and we walked in to join the others. When we walked through the door the exchange between Campfield and the owner of The Bistro, Martha Boggs was in progress. I didn’t hear it all obviously, but less than 30 seconds later I knew brunch wasn’t going to happen here, and Spanky and I turned around and walked out. We waited outside for Dan Andrews and Stacey. Stacey didn’t need me to defend him and there was nothing I could say to Martha to change her opinions either.

An owner of a business has the right to serve whomever they please and far be it from me to tell them otherwise, but Campfield was there on my invitation as an extension from being a guest on my radio show and to support a sponsor. I regret the whole ordeal. Considering the online buzz this has generated seemingly around the world, I felt compelled to offer this background information to those concerned and interested.

To read his entire post, click right smack here.