State Senate Democratic leader Jim Kyle of Memphis says Republicans in the Tennessee General Assembly are becoming like “Dixiecrats” – the Southern segregationist Democrats in the U.S. Congress in the late 1940s who formed their own party for a time.

2. Severance Pay Ups Ante in Auto Inspections Stand-Off - Monday, April 22, 2013

Some on the Memphis City Council weren’t certain Tuesday, April 16, about going ahead with a severance package for the city employees who now work at city-run auto inspection stations.

The council entered the budget season for the new fiscal year that begins July 1 just minutes earlier with Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr.’s budget address.

3. Status of Auto Inspection Talks Varies - Thursday, April 11, 2013

The state of Tennessee is helping facilitate talks between city and county leaders about the coming deadline.

There are conflicting versions of what will happen at the end of the fiscal year. No one is certain or clear about what the federal response will be.

4. Most Top Issues Decided as Session Hits Final Lap - Tuesday, April 09, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – The path may have been rocky at times for the new Republican supermajority in the General Assembly, but leaders are pleased that many of the most contentious issues have been decided as lawmakers enter the final few weeks of the session.

5. Kelsey: State Confirms Six-Year Auto Inspection Timeframe - Tuesday, April 09, 2013

Republican state Sen. Brian Kelsey of Germantown says he is confident Shelby County vehicle owners outside Memphis won’t have to go through auto inspections for another six years.

6. Haslam School Voucher Bill Dead This Session - Friday, April 05, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – The Republican leader carrying Gov. Bill Haslam's proposal to create school vouchers in Tennessee said he's decided to let it die this session because he's tired of the "gamesmanship."

7. The Means to be Mean - Friday, March 29, 2013

PIECE OF CAKE. Lately, and this is disturbing, I’ve been thinking about Sen. Brian Kelsey, R-Germantown, as Marie Antoinette, complete with a powdered wig and a cute little stick-on beauty mark, running up and down the halls inviting the poor to eat cake when they run out of bread. But these are not the halls of her Petit Trianon in Versailles at the time of the French Revolution. These are the halls of the state capitol in Nashville at the time of the super majority.

8. Senate Rejects Ban on Feds Enforcing Gun Laws - Thursday, February 28, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – A bill seeking to make it a crime to enforce federal firearms laws in Tennessee has failed in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The measure sponsored by Republican Sen. Mae Beavers of Mt. Juliet received a 4-4 vote on the panel Wednesday. Bills must earn a majority to advance.

9. Senate Approves Judicial Selection Amendment - Friday, February 22, 2013

The Senate has approved a proposed constitutional amendment to give lawmakers the power to refuse the governor’s appointments to appeals courts in Tennessee.

The chamber voted 29-2 on Thursday in favor of the measure sponsored by Republican Sen. Brian Kelsey of Germantown. If the resolution passes the House by a two-thirds margin, it will go on the ballot in next year’s general election.

10. Time in D.C. Helped Shape Kelsey’s Political Philosophy - Thursday, February 21, 2013

State Sen. Brian Kelsey, R-Memphis, came to politics young, specifically as a second-year law student.

Today, at age 35, he sits in a unique position, sponsoring not one but two amendments to the Tennessee Constitution that appear likely to pass the legislature.

11. Bill Shielding Commenters Passes State Senate - Saturday, February 16, 2013

A measure to block courts from granting subpoenas for identities of anonymous commenters on news websites has passed the Senate.

The proposal sponsored by Republican Sen. Brian Kelsey of Germantown was unanimously approved 32-0 on Wednesday. The companion bill was also scheduled to be heard Wednesday in the House Civil Justice Subcommittee.

12. Senate Votes to Place Income Tax Ban on Ballot - Saturday, February 16, 2013

The Senate voted Thursday to place a proposed constitutional amendment to ban a state income tax before Tennessee voters.

The chamber approved the measure on a 26-4 vote, and if the House concurs, it would be placed on the ballot in next year’s general election.

13. Senate Votes to Place Income Tax Ban on Ballot - Friday, February 15, 2013

The Senate voted Thursday to place a proposed constitutional amendment to ban a state income tax before Tennessee voters.

The chamber approved the measure on a 26-4 vote, and if the House concurs, it would be placed on the ballot in next year’s general election.

14. Bill Shielding Commenters Passes State Senate - Thursday, February 14, 2013

A measure to block courts from granting subpoenas for identities of anonymous commenters on news websites has passed the Senate.

The proposal sponsored by Republican Sen. Brian Kelsey of Germantown was unanimously approved 32-0 on Wednesday. The companion bill was also scheduled to be heard Wednesday in the House Civil Justice Subcommittee.

15. Tennessee Judicial System Awaits Changes - Thursday, February 14, 2013

Tennessee’s judicial system is in the midst of a makeover. This week, Tennessee Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey announced the launch of the state’s first judicial redistricting process in nearly 30 years. It follows the state’s recent legislative redistricting process that occurred a little more than a year ago and was led by the General Assembly’s Republican majority.

16. Ramsey: State Senate Delays Bill to Ban Medicaid Growth - Friday, February 08, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey says fellow Republican Sen. Brian Kelsey has agreed to delay consideration of a bill seeking to ban the state from participating in Medicaid expansion under the federal health care overhaul.

17. Kelsey Discusses School Vouchers Bill - Wednesday, January 23, 2013

The bill to come in the Tennessee Legislature that permits school vouchers will be built around the more than $9,000 in state funding per school child, in the case of Memphis, and the ability of parents to use it to move their child to a private school.

18. Top Chairwoman Out in Senate Committee Shakeup - Friday, January 11, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey on Thursday replaced the chairwoman of the powerful judiciary committee with a key ally, while some opponents of a proposal to allow wine sales in grocery stores lauded committee assignments in the lower chamber.

19. Back to Work - Friday, January 11, 2013

The Shelby County legislative delegation to Nashville returned to the capital Tuesday, Jan. 8, with three fewer members – one state senator and two state representatives – all Democrats – but with no new faces.

20. Haslam Mulls School Vouchers for State - Monday, December 10, 2012

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam may or may not push directly for some kind of move to school vouchers next year on Capital Hill.

But there will almost certainly be legislation to that effect, possibly with State Sen. Brian Kelsey of Germantown leading an effort he has made in several previous legislative sessions.

21. Kelsey Files Amendment to Ban Income Tax - Friday, November 09, 2012

Republican state Sen. Brian Kelsey of Germantown has filed a state constitutional amendment that would ban a state income tax in Tennessee.

22. Race to the Finish - Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Republican state Sen. Brian Kelsey walked into the storefront at the Carrefour shopping center earlier this month and liked what he saw of the local effort for the Romney-Ryan presidential ticket.

23. State Officials React to Critical Parole Audit - Wednesday, October 03, 2012

A member of the Tennessee Senate Judiciary Committee says an audit of the Board of Probation and Parole casts doubt on the effectiveness of parolee supervision.

A performance audit by the state comptroller’s office showed at least 82 people parole officers said they checked on between January 2011 and May 2012 were, in fact, dead. One of them died more than 19 years ago.

24. Kelsey, McManus Seek Opinion On South Cordova - Thursday, August 16, 2012

Two state legislators from Shelby County have requested a legal opinion from Tennessee Attorney General Bob Cooper on the recent annexation of South Cordova by the city of Memphis.

25. Center Promotes Russian, Southern Link - Friday, June 08, 2012

Anna Terry, president of The Russian Cultural Center of Memphis, will travel to Washington Tuesday, June 12, for a reception with Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak.

26. Governor Signs Parent Grading Bill - Friday, May 25, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – Gov. Bill Haslam has signed a proposal that allows parents to grade themselves on how involved they are in their children's schooling.

The measure sponsored by Democratic Rep. Antonio Parkinson of Memphis and Republican Sen. Brian Kelsey of Germantown was approved 94-2 in the House and unanimously passed the Senate 27-0.

27. Parent Grading Bill Passes Senate 27-0 - Thursday, April 26, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – A proposal that would allow parents to grade themselves on how involved they are in a student's school performance has passed the Senate.

The legislation sponsored by Republican Sen. Brian Kelsey of Germantown was approved 27-0 on Wednesday. The companion bill passed the House 94-2 earlier this week.

28. Haslam Measure on Selecting Judges Awaiting Action - Tuesday, April 03, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – When the top three Republicans in the Statehouse coalesced behind a plan to cement Tennessee's current selection process for Supreme Court justices into the state constitution, there seemed to be a smooth path ahead for getting the measure before voters in 2014.

29. Haslam, Speakers Want to Keep Judge Appointments - Thursday, January 26, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – The state's top Republicans want to place a ballot measure before Tennessee voters to eliminate any constitutional questions about the current system for appointing judges.

30. State Redistricting Wrinkles Save Kyle's Seat But Continue Debate - Monday, January 16, 2012

There was one very important change to the new district lines for the Tennessee State Senate as the week ended in Nashville with the legislature taking final action on the once a decade redistricting process.

31. Lawmakers on Hold Over Tenn. Redistricting - Friday, January 13, 2012

Tennessee lawmakers were in a holding pattern Thursday, Jan. 12, over redrawing legislative and congressional maps.

House Democrats oppose Republican efforts to group five African-American incumbents into three districts and have said they plan to offer amendments on the floor.

32. Lines Still Blurred for Memphis Redistricting - Friday, January 13, 2012

Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr. is expressing concern over representation for the city of Memphis in the three levels of redistricting plans now pending – county, state and federal.

Wharton wasn’t specific about his concerns, but he told the Memphis Kiwanis Club Wednesday, Jan. 11, that he will have an announcement soon on the issue.

33. Tenn. Lawmakers Want More Time on Redistricting Plans - Thursday, January 12, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – State lawmakers opposed to legislative redistricting plans are questioning the desire of Republican leaders to pass them so quickly.

GOP leaders hope their redistricting plans can come up for a vote early as Thursday, Jan. 12, after the judiciary committees in both chambers passed the plans on to the House and Senate floors.

34. Tenn. Lawmakers Want More Time on Redistricting Plans - Wednesday, January 11, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – State lawmakers opposed to legislative redistricting plans are questioning the desire of Republican leaders to pass them so quickly.

GOP leaders hope their redistricting plans can come up for a vote early as Thursday after the judiciary committees in both chambers passed the plans on to the House and Senate floors.

35. Memphis Democrats Squeezed in State Redistricting Plan - Thursday, January 05, 2012

Tennessee Senate Democratic leader Jim Kyle of Memphis and Republican state Sen. Brian Kelsey of Germantown are in the same Senate district under a redistricting proposal unveiled by Republican legislative leaders Wednesday, Jan. 4, in Nashville.

36. Memphis Democrats Squeezed in State Redistricting Plan - Wednesday, January 04, 2012

Tennessee Senate Democratic leader Jim Kyle of Memphis and Republican state Sen. Brian Kelsey of Germantown are in the same Senate district under a redistricting proposal unveiled by Republican legislative leaders Wednesday, Jan. 4, in Nashville.

37. Kelsey Legislation Seeks to Reduce Infant Mortality - Thursday, January 05, 2012

State Sen. Brian Kelsey, R-Germantown, has introduced legislation offering low-income mothers an incentive to seek prenatal care.

38. Sen. Kelsey Introduces Pension Reform Plan - Monday, January 02, 2012

State Sen. Brian Kelsey, R-Germantown, has introduced legislation to reform the way pensions are calculated for new state employees.

39. Smith Has Full Plate as 2012 MBA Prez - Thursday, December 29, 2011

The new president of the Memphis Bar Association said a hot topic in the coming year will be how appellate judges are selected.

Some of the debate about changing the process from one of appointment by the governor followed by the next scheduled retention election will come from Nashville, where the Tennessee Legislature will consider bills to change that.

40. Haslam: Allow Locals to Set Living Wage Standards - Tuesday, December 13, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – Gov. Bill Haslam said Monday he wants to leave it up to local governments to decide whether to set their own wage requirements for contractors.

The Republican governor told reporters that he's "not a fan of the living wage," but that those decisions should be left up to counties and cities.

41. Sen. Kelsey Introduces Bill Targeting Local Gov. Debt - Friday, December 09, 2011

Tennessee state Sen. Brian Kelsey, R-Germantown, has introduced a bill aimed at helping reduce local government debt.

42. Judicial Selection Topic of Debate - Thursday, December 08, 2011

A leading supporter and an opponent of the way judges are chosen in Tennessee will square off for a debate Friday, Dec. 9, in advance of what’s expected to be significant discussion about the topic among state lawmakers in 2012.

43. Events - Tuesday, December 06, 2011

The Memphis Rotary Club will meet Tuesday, Dec. 6, at noon at the University Club of Memphis, 1346 Central Ave. Bill Gibbons, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, will speak. Cost is $18 per person. For reservations, email Taylor Hughes at taylor@memphisrotary.org.

44. Events - Monday, December 05, 2011

Kyle Durrie will bring her Moveable Type Truck to Memphis for a print workshop and presentation with Crosstown Arts Monday, Dec. 5, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the parking lot of the Sears Crosstown building, at Cleveland Avenue and North Watkins Street. Visitors can tour the truck and print their own letterpress art to take away. For more information, visit www.powerandlightpress.com or www.type-truck.com.

45. Judicial Appointments Could Be Big Item for Legislature - Tuesday, November 01, 2011

The battle lines are firming up over an issue the state legislature is liable to spend considerable time and effort debating during its session that begins in January: judicial appointments and elections.

46. Kelsey Introduces Judicial Appointment Plan - Thursday, October 20, 2011

State Sen. Brian Kelsey, R-Germantown, has introduced Senate Joint Resolution 475, which proposes a constitutional amendment to set up a new way of appointing state appellate judges.

47. State Senate OKs Measure to Ban Tenn. Income Tax - Thursday, March 10, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) — A proposal that would amend the Tennessee Constitution to ban an income tax has passed the Senate 28-5.

Republican Sen. Brian Kelsey of Germantown, the measure's sponsor, said before the vote on Wednesday that the proposal is necessary to "forever close the door" on an income tax in Tennessee.

48. State Senate to Get Proposal That Would Ban Income Tax - Wednesday, March 02, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – A measure that would amend the Tennessee Constitution to ban an income tax is headed for a full Senate vote.

The proposal sponsored by Republican Sen. Brian Kelsey of Germantown passed the Senate Finance Committee 9-1 on Tuesday and is waiting to be scheduled for a vote on the Senate floor.

49. The No Voting Machine - Friday, January 21, 2011

THANKS, GUYS, BUT WE’LL TAKE IT FROM HERE.

For the first half of the 20th century, one political machine with one man firmly at the controls ran Memphis. Not only did Boss Crump decide who got elected, appointed, fired and indicted around here, he pretty much did that for the whole state, and wielded considerable influence in the national Democratic Party. Memphis mayor for six years and congressman for four, he was the power behind everything for almost 50.

50. Lawmakers Push Anti-Tax Proposal - Monday, January 17, 2011

Two Republican members of the General Assembly have filed a proposed constitutional amendment banning a state income tax and payroll tax in Tennessee.

The resolution from state Sen. Brian Kelsey, R-Germantown, and Rep. Glen Casada, R-College Grove, specifies “that the legislature as well as Tennessee counties and cities shall be prohibited from passing either an income tax or a payroll tax.”

51. A Stand-Up Schools Vote - Friday, January 07, 2011

This school fight is ours to win.

Somebody else started it.

The school bully tried to take our lunch money one too many times, and this time, he got his clock wound.

David Pickler’s plan – pursued for years – to divorce 70 percent of Shelby County’s school children and run off with the 30 percent with the most money has backfired. I call it Pickler’s plan because he’s gone to great lengths to make sure we all see him as the voice and face of Shelby County Schools, and he’s been president of that board since he was just a cucumber. Although he doesn’t seem to want it right now, he richly deserves the credit.

52. Local School Issue on Verge of Going Statewide - Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Tennessee Gov.-elect Bill Haslam knew the question was coming.

Haslam was in Memphis earlier this month to announce he was tapping District Attorney General Bill Gibbons for his cabinet.

53. Timing An Issue in Schools Standoff - Tuesday, December 28, 2010

The schools standoff that has followed the metro consolidation charter debate is proving to be more a creature of timing than that campaign ever was.

As the New Year approaches, there isn’t a plan for what a consolidated countywide public school system would look like if Memphis voters surrender the Memphis City Schools charter.

54. Dear Santa - Friday, December 17, 2010

Dear Santa, Please consider my gift list for our local elected officials. After all, they’ve been giving it to us all year.

To all: Common Sense – a simple grid for MATA routes, consolidated city and county services, cutting the grass, sidewalk maintenance, paying attention to review board and appointed commission recommendations.

55. MCS Takes Status Concerns to State Legislators - Wednesday, December 08, 2010

Memphis City Schools officials have told state legislators from Shelby County that they are opposed to special school district status for Shelby County Schools.

That is the school system’s official position regarding legislation that has failed in past legislative sessions but which county school officials haven’t yet drafted for the upcoming session.

56. Bill to Limit Reimbursement For In-State Air Travel - Wednesday, April 07, 2010

A Democratic senator opposed to legislation that would limit lawmakers’ reimbursement for air travel inside Tennessee said the measure passed Monday by the Senate is unfair and “insulting.”

Sen. Ophelia Ford of Memphis expressed outrage at the proposal that was approved 29-2 by the Senate. The other dissenting vote was cast by Sen. Reginald Tate, D-Memphis.

57. Filing Deadline Hits for August Primaries - Thursday, April 01, 2010

The stage is set for the county’s most anticipated political showdown in the Aug. 5 state and federal primary elections.

Noon today is the deadline for candidates in the primaries, as well as those vying for nonpartisan seats on the Shelby County school board and the three judicial positions, to file their qualifying petitions for the ballot.

58. Income Tax Bill Has Candid Challengers - Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Opponents of legislation that would declare an income tax and payroll tax unconstitutional in Tennessee say it’s unnecessary and strictly political.

The proposed constitutional amendment sponsored by Republican Sen. Brian Kelsey of Germantown was approved 25-7 by the Senate Monday evening. The earliest it could go before voters is 2014.

59. Tenn. Bill Would Nix Possibility of Income Tax - Friday, March 19, 2010

The state Senate has delayed voting on a measure that would declare an income tax and payroll tax unconstitutional in Tennessee.

The state constitution already says an income tax is not allowed in Tennessee.

60. Tenn. Bill Would Stamp Income Tax Unconstitutional - Wednesday, March 10, 2010

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The sponsor of a measure that would declare an income tax and payroll tax unconstitutional in Tennessee says it's necessary because of the poor state of the economy.

The proposed constitutional amendment sponsored by Republican Sen. Brian Kelsey of Germantown was approved 7-3 in the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday. The earliest it could go before voters is 2014.

61. House Ethics Rules Would Exclude Media Reports - Thursday, January 28, 2010

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Members of a legislative panel working to set up new House ethics rules agreed Wednesday that they don't want complaints to be filed based on media reports.

The proposed rules that advanced to a full floor vote would require at least one independent source other than "newspaper or other media" reports.

62. White Easily Claims District 83 Seat - Thursday, January 14, 2010

The newest member of the Shelby County legislative delegation to Nashville should take the oath of office in the Tennessee Legislature by the weekend.

Mark White won Tuesday’s special election for the state House District 83 seat representing parts of East Memphis and Eastern Shelby County.

63. White Elected To State House - Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Mark White is the newest member of the Shelby County legislative delegation to Nashville. The Republican business owner won Tuesday’s special election for the State House District 83 seat representing parts of East Memphis and Eastern Shelby County.

64. UPDATE: White Claims Dist. 83 State House Seat - Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Mark White is the newest member of the Shelby County legislative delegation to Nashville. The Republican business owner won Tuesday’s special election for the State House District 83 seat representing parts of East Memphis and Eastern Shelby County.

65. State House Vote Under Way as Special Session Begins - Tuesday, January 12, 2010

The Shelby County delegation to the Tennessee Legislature is one member short as a special legislative session on education begins today.

This is Election Day for voters in state House District 83, a seat vacant since late last year when Republican Brian Kelsey of Germantown resigned to run for the state Senate District 31 seat.

66. District 83 Early Voting Comes To Quiet End Today - Thursday, January 07, 2010

Early voter turnout in the special election for state House District 83 may not make it much higher than 1 percent if the bitterly cold weather becomes a political factor.

Today is the last day of the early voting period that began before Christmas, pausing for that holiday as well as the New Year’s holiday.

67. 2009 Year In Review - Monday, December 28, 2009

2009 was a year without a script – and plenty of improvising on the political stage.

It was supposed to be an off-election year except in Arlington and Lakeland.

2008 ended with voters in the city and county approving a series of changes to the charters of Memphis and Shelby County governments. Those changes were supposed to set a new direction for both entities, kicking into high gear in 2010 and ultimately culminating two years later.

68. Merry Balloting During Today’s Early Voting - Wednesday, December 23, 2009

As last-minute Christmas shoppers begin their tradition, early voters will be going to the polls.

Early voting begins today for the first election of 2010, the special general election for state representative District 83.

69. Kelsey Cruises To Easy Victory In State Senate Run - Thursday, December 03, 2009

Republican state legislator Brian Kelsey of Germantown will be returning to Nashville next month but going to the Senate chamber instead of the House.

70. Kelsey Goes to State Senate - Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Republican Brian Kelsey easily claimed the State Senate District 31 seat Tuesday evening.

Kelsey beat Democrat Adrienne Pakis Gillon in the special general election for the district covering East Memphis, Bartlett, Cordova and Germantown.

71. UPDATE: Kelsey Wins Senate Seat - White Claims GOP House Nomination - Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Republican Brian Kelsey easily claimed the State Senate District 31 seat Tuesday evening.

Kelsey beat Democrat Adrienne Pakis Gillon in the special general election for the district covering East Memphis, Bartlett, Cordova and Germantown.

72. Election Day Arrives for State, House District Seats - Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Today is Election Day for voters in parts of East Memphis, Bartlett, Cordova and Germantown. Polls in those areas are open today from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

On the ballot are the last two elections of 2009 and the latest in a series of changes to the Shelby County Legislative Delegation and to the Tennessee Legislature.

73. Early Voting Starts For Local Elections - Thursday, November 12, 2009

Early voting in the last two local elections of 2009 begins today for voters in East Memphis and East Shelby County.

On the ballot is the general election contest between Democrat Adrienne Pakis-Gillon and Republican Brian Kelsey for state Senate District 31. The district covers Germantown and parts of Cordova.

74. NFIB Endorses White For District 83 Seat - Wednesday, November 11, 2009

The National Federation of Independent Business, a small business advocacy organization, is endorsing Memphis businessman Mark White in the special election for House District 83.

75. Polls Open Across Memphis For Mayoral Election - Thursday, October 15, 2009

Today is Election Day in the city of Memphis.

Memphis voters go to the polls to elect a mayor from a field of 25 candidates. Polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Go to www.shelbyvote.com to find your precinct.

76. Early Voting Begins Today - Friday, September 25, 2009

Early voting in advance of the Oct. 15 election day begins today at 17 locations.

Memphis voters will choose from a record field of 25 candidates to replace retired Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton.

77. Fundraiser to Be Held For District 31 Candidate - Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Community activist Adrienne Pakis-Gillon will be the subject of a Cordova meet-and-greet fundraiser today from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Fox Ridge Pizza, 1769 N. Germantown Parkway.

78. Final Candidate List Peopled With Variety - Monday, September 14, 2009

Unless you know them personally, you’ve probably never heard of most of the candidates running in the Oct. 15 special election for Memphis mayor.

Most of the 25 people show no visible signs of running any kind of campaign.

79. Mayor's Race Set at 25 Candidates - Friday, September 11, 2009

The Shelby County Election Commission has approved a field of 25 candidates for the Oct. 15 special election for Memphis mayor.

The vote came hours after the Thursday deadline for any candidates to withdraw.

80. 25 In Final Field For City Mayor - Thursday, September 10, 2009

The Shelby County Election Commission has approved a field of 25 candidates for the Oct. 15 special election for Memphis mayor.

The vote came hours after the Thursday deadline for any candidates to withdraw.

81. Kelsey's GOP Opponent Drops Bid for Tenn. Senate - Friday, September 11, 2009

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - State Rep. Brian Kelsey's only opponent in a Republican primary contest to fill a vacant Senate seat in suburban Memphis is dropping out of the race.

82. Kelsey to Resign House Seat Before Nov. 2 if Senate Calls - Wednesday, September 09, 2009

State Rep. Brian Kelsey said he will resign his state House seat before Nov. 2 if he receives the Republican nomination for the vacant Senate seat representing District 31.

83. Events - Tuesday, August 18, 2009

The Greater Memphis Chamber will present the third breakfast meeting in its Human Health Series today from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at The Crescent Club, 6075 Poplar Ave. The meeting is free to members and prospective members. For reservations, contact Ericka Milford at emilford@memphischamber.com or 543-3518.

84. Kelsey Frontrunner After Rivals Quit Race For Stanley’s Seat - Tuesday, August 18, 2009

State Rep. Brian Kelsey appears to be the last man standing among the candidates who have lined up to replace former State Sen. Paul Stanley, who resigned this month in the wake of an intern sex scandal.

85. Update: Kelsey Frontrunner After Rivals Quit Race for Stanley’s Seat - Monday, August 17, 2009
 

State Rep. Brian Kelsey appears to be the last man standing among the candidates who have lined up to replace former State Sen. Paul Stanley, who resigned this month in the wake of an intern sex scandal.

Meanwhile, Shelby County Commissioners decided Monday that they will not fill the vacancy prior to the upcoming special State Senate election.

State Rep. Steve McManus – whose House District 96 covers parts of Cordova and Germantown – has decided against running in a special election for Stanley’s seat. He made that decision over the weekend.

Kelsey, whose campaign went door-knocking in District 31 over the weekend and has signs for his candidacy displayed prominently in the area, has been pressing McManus to answer the same question others have wanted to know.

“I talked to Kelsey not too long ago, and he’s like, ‘Are you running, McManus?’” McManus told The Daily News. “I told him, ‘Kelsey, I’ll be honest with you, I’m really happy in the House.”

That decision follows Shelby County School Board chairman David Pickler’s announcement in the past few days that he, too, is happy with his current job and won’t be running.

McManus’ decision appears to clear the way for Kelsey, who will run in the special election that likely will be held in December for Stanley’s seat. Democratic and Republican primaries for the seat will be held in October, and Shelby County Democratic Party chairman Van Turner has said the party will field a nominee for that primary.

McManus told The Daily News he’d like to run for U.S. Congress down the road if the 7th Congressional District is redrawn after the 2010 Census in such a way that it's tilted more towards Shelby County. That seat currently is held by U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, and the district stretches from the outskirts of Shelby County to the fringe of Nashville.

“The next run I would love to be a part of is a congressional run,” McManus said. “I don’t know what’s going to happen next year when they redraw these lines, but if the Republicans win it next year, our congressional District 7 could be much more of a Shelby County District. In that case, I would certainly run for U.S. Congress then.”

86. Events - Monday, August 17, 2009

The Madison Hotel will kick off its fall rooftop cigar series, “Smoking Up High: High-Class, Low Key,” today from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the hotel, 79 Madison Ave. The event will feature selections of cigars from Havana Mix Cigar Shop, a cash bar and a special rooftop terrace menu. The series will run through November. Reservations are recommended, as capacity is limited. For reservations, call 333-1223.

87. Paul Stanley's Fall From Grace - Monday, August 17, 2009

Jim Kyle, a Memphis Democrat who serves as minority leader in the state Senate, gave the first lunchtime address of 2009 to the Memphis Rotary Club.

Rotarians got a bird’s-eye view of the state’s financial picture from Kyle, who described choices needed to close the state’s budget shortfall. Kyle this week announced his candidacy in the 2010 gubernatorial race.

88. Politicians Out in Full Force - Tuesday, August 11, 2009

With back-to-school supplies to hand out and a new crop of brightly colored campaign signs, the October special election race for Memphis mayor and several other races on the 2010 ballot came alive this past weekend.

89. Special Election Date Set for Oct. 15 - Thursday, August 06, 2009

The Shelby County Election Commission has shaved 12 days off the race for Memphis mayor. The body set Oct. 15 as the special election date. The date was moved up from Oct. 27 to coincide with a special set of primary elections Gov. Phil Bredesen is expected to order to fill the District 31 State Senate seat.

90. Election Commission Sets Oct. 15 Date For Special Election - Wednesday, August 05, 2009

The race for the rest of Willie Herenton’s term of office as mayor was already going to be a sprint. The campaign got 12 days shorter.

The Shelby County Election Commission has set Oct. 15 as the special election date. The date was moved up from Oct. 27 to coincide with a special set of primary elections Gov. Phil Bredesen is expected to order to fill the District 31 State Senate seat.

91. UPDATE: Oct. 15 New Special Election Date - Tuesday, August 04, 2009

The race for the rest of Willie Herenton’s term of office as mayor was already going to be a sprint. Today the campaign got 12 days shorter.

The Shelby County Election Commission has set Oct. 15 as the special election date. The date was moved up from Oct. 27 to coincide with a special set of primary elections Gov. Phil Bredesen is expected to order to fill the District 31 State Senate seat.

92. Events - Thursday, July 30, 2009

The Shelby County Commission’s EOC Appeal Board will meet today at 9:30 a.m. in the fourth floor committee room of the Shelby County Administration Building, 160 N. Main St. The Rules Subcommittee of the Shelby County Ethics Commission will meet at 4 p.m. in Suite 660. For more information, call Steve Summerall at 545-4301.

93. Uncertainty Follows Stanley’s Political Demise - Thursday, July 30, 2009

On his way to the electric chair in the 1934 gangster movie “Manhattan Melodrama,” Clark Gable’s doomed character encourages a fellow prison inmate to “die like you live – all of a sudden.”

All of a sudden is the way state Sen. Paul Stanley’s political career died Tuesday, with the Germantown Republican’s decision late in the afternoon to step down after a nine-year career in the state Legislature. Stanley is resigning effective Aug. 10.

94. Events - Wednesday, July 29, 2009

The Shelby County Commission will hold committee meetings today beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the fourth floor committee room of the Shelby County Administration Building, 160 N. Main St. For more information, call Steve Summerall at 545-4301.

95. Stanley Leaving Senate Aug. 10 - Wednesday, July 29, 2009

After privately talking things over with his wife Tuesday, State Sen. Paul Stanley decided to resign from the legislature Aug. 10.

Stanley told The Daily News he "went back and forth" with his wife Kristi, director of government affairs for the Memphis Area Home Builders Association, over what to do about his future. Stanley called his decision the best one he could make for his family.

96. Events - Tuesday, July 28, 2009

The Memphis Rotary Club will meet today at noon at the University Club of Memphis, 1346 Central Ave. Veterinarian Kathy Mitchener will speak about stem cell research. Lunch is $18 per person and reservations are required. For reservations, e-mail Taylor Hughes at taylor@memphisrotary.org.

97. Events - Monday, July 27, 2009

The Tennessee Beta Unit of Parliamentarians will meet today at 6 p.m. at the Poplar-White Station Branch Library, 5094 Poplar Ave. The educational topic will deal with the role and function of a teller’s committee.

98. Lawmakers OK $29.6B State Budget - Friday, June 19, 2009

NASHVILLE (AP) – The House and Senate agreed late Wednesday on a $29.6 billion Tennessee spending plan and sent the budget measure for the governor’s consideration.

The House voted 85-12 on the measure, while the Senate agreed 32-1. The budget makes about 10 percent in spending cuts, including layoffs of more than 700 state employees.

99. Lawmakers Reject Popular Elections of Justices - Friday, May 29, 2009

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Both chambers of the General Assembly on Thursday rejected proposals to hold open elections to fill vacancies on the Tennessee Supreme Court.

The elections proposals failed in floor debates over a bill to make changes to the Tennessee Plan for judicial selection and retention.

100. Tenn AG: Retention Elections Unconstitutional - Monday, May 11, 2009

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Tennessee's attorney general says yes-no retention elections for governor and legislators would be unconstitutional.

In the case of governor, Attorney General Bob Cooper says in his opinion issued Friday that language in the state constitution "clearly contemplates a popular election involving two or more persons."