Metropolitan Bank has come a long way in five short years. Since being founded amid the worst financial crisis in the U.S. in generations, the bank – which in March celebrated its fifth birthday – has grown its assets from $243 million at the end of 2008 to $722 million at the end of 2012.

2. Fallout for States Rejecting Medicaid Expansion - Tuesday, April 23, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Rejecting the Medicaid expansion in the federal health care law could have unexpected consequences for states where Republican lawmakers remain steadfastly opposed to what they scorn as "Obamacare."

3. Welfare Penalty for Parents Dead This Session - Friday, April 12, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – The sponsor of a proposal to dock the welfare payments of parents whose children fail school refused to listen to a little girl opposing the measure Thursday, saying she was being used as a prop.

4. School Security Bill Advancing in Legislature - Thursday, April 11, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – Proponents of a measure that allows school districts to hire individuals with prior law enforcement experience say it's a needed option for financially strapped schools.

5. Detroit, Toyota See Big US Sales Gains in January - Monday, February 04, 2013

DETROIT (AP) – American consumers ignored tax increases and trudged through winter weather to buy new cars and trucks at an unusually strong pace last month.

"(January) was like a sprinter out of the starting blocks," said Mike Jackson, CEO of AutoNation Inc., the country's largest auto dealership chain.

6. Arkansas Governor Announces $1.1 Billion Steel Mill Plan - Wednesday, January 30, 2013

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) – Gov. Mike Beebe on Tuesday unveiled Arkansas' largest ever economic development project, saying investors were poised to build a $1.1 billion steel mill along the Mississippi River if legislators approve startup funding.

7. Tony and DJ: The City’s Basketball Game-Changers - Friday, January 25, 2013

The supreme talents – the All-Americans, the All-Stars – can take possessions off and still score their 25 or 30 points a night. They can pick their spots to play defense, which in reality means going for a steal here and there, and then mostly defer on the hard work. You know, staying with their man step-for-step, cleaning the glass – sorry, I don’t do windows – or risking humiliation by contesting potential dunks – sorry, I’m not ending up on somebody’s poster.

8. Norfolk Southern Increases Activity - Friday, January 04, 2013

Norfolk, Va.-based Norfolk Southern Corp. expects to continue increasing operations this year at its new Memphis Regional Intermodal Terminal in Rossville, just east of Collierville.

9. Levenger Leases Up EastPark IV - Friday, December 14, 2012

A Delray Beach, Fla.-based specialty retail company is relocating its Memphis distribution warehouse within the Southeast submarket.

Levenger has inked 96,400 square feet in EastPark Distribution Center IV, 5265 Hickory Hill Road, bringing the 372,800-square-foot building to full occupancy. Levenger also has an operation at 3530 E. Raines Road.

10. Obama Carries Shelby, Cohen Over Flinn and Two Tax Hikes Defeated - Wednesday, November 07, 2012

President Barack Obama carried Shelby County in unofficial Nov. 6 election returns as his Republican challenger Mitt Romney took the state’s 11 electoral votes.

Voter turnout in the most popular election cycle among Shelby County voters was 61.9 percent, about the same percentage as four years ago. But the 371,256 voters is fewer than 2008 when more than 400,000 Shelby County voters cast ballots. The percentage is about the same because there are fewer registered voters in Shelby County than there were four years ago after a purge by election officials.

11. Haynes Joins Table Group as Principal Consultant - Wednesday, November 07, 2012

Brad Haynes has joined The Table Group Inc. as principal consultant. Haynes will provide executive teams with customized consulting and training sessions built around teamwork, leadership and overall organizational health.

12. A Season for More - Monday, October 29, 2012

Last season, the Grizzlies made the playoffs and even earned home-court advantage for their first-round series against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Last season, the Tigers made the NCAA Tournament after winning the regular season and tournament Conference USA championships.

13. Commission Debates Schools Court Moves, Ends Redistricting Case - Tuesday, October 09, 2012

Shelby County Commissioners have dropped their appeal in the Chancery Court lawsuit over redistricting and ended the protracted political dispute.

But the commission also voted Monday, Oct. 8, to replenish its contingency fund with $800,000 for the legal fees in the continuing federal lawsuit over municipal school districts.

14. Team Mantras Usher in New Basketball Seasons - Friday, October 05, 2012

Although the date and time are unknown, there was a point some years ago when it became mandatory for every big-time college and pro team to have a mantra.

And so it is for the Grizzlies and University of Memphis Tigers. The Grizz and local media gathered at FedExForum and coach Lionel Hollins said: “Our buzz words are sacrifice, trust and consistency.”

15. Evans, McWherter Among TVA Board Appointees - Tuesday, September 25, 2012

The White House has said President Barack Obama intends to nominate Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division board chairman V. Lynn Evans to the board of the Tennessee Valley Authority as well as Jackson businessman and 2010 Democratic nominee for governor Mike McWherter.

16. County Sees 21.6 Pct. Voter Turnout - Monday, August 06, 2012

Slightly less than 127,000 Shelby County residents – or 21.6 percent of 584,443 registered voters – cast ballots in the Aug. 2 elections.

The turnout in early voting and election day combined was a higher percentage than the 15 percent turnout four years ago in the same election cycle, but it was well below the 44-year high of 39.4 percent set in the August 1992 elections.

17. Muni Schools Questions Pass, Cohen Wins Big - Friday, August 03, 2012

Voters in each of the six suburban towns and cities in Shelby County approved establishing municipal school districts in the unofficial results of the Thursday, Aug. 2, county general and state and federal primary elections.

18. Auto Sales Weaken a Bit in Early July - Monday, July 23, 2012

DETROIT (AP) — The raft of gloomy economic news may be starting to hurt U.S. auto sales.

Industry analysts and dealers said this week that sales during the first half of July slowed a bit from the robust pace in June. But they still were expected to be better than July of 2011.

19. Chaney: Mississippi Exchange's Future Comes After Election - Monday, July 16, 2012

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney says work has been completed on a plan for an online marketplace for Mississippians to shop for insurance policies and nothing more needs to be done for now.

20. New Judicial Conduct Board Commences - Wednesday, July 04, 2012

The new Tennessee Board of Judicial Conduct will begin its work on the weekend. The board that replaced the old Tennessee Court of the Judiciary effective July 1 holds an organizational meeting Saturday, July 7, in Nashville.

21. Verso Paper Posts Q1 Operating Loss - Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Memphis-based Verso Paper Corp. posted a $12.3 million operating loss for the first three months of 2012 compared to the same quarter a year ago.

22. Warmath Nears 50 Years At Allen & Hoshall - Wednesday, March 14, 2012

James “Jim” D. Warmath is approaching 50 years of service at Allen & Hoshall engineering firm. He began as a draftsman after seeing an advertisement for the job. Today he is project manager in the electric utility department.

23. GOP Politics Resemble 2008 In Tennessee - Thursday, March 08, 2012

This time around, leaders of the Tennessee Republican Party were convinced their choice in the Republican presidential contest would be a match with voters in the state’s presidential primary.

Four years ago, when former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee carried Shelby County and took the state, the party argued convincingly that the state’s second choice for the nomination – former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney – was a victim of the move of the Super Tuesday primaries to February.

24. Santorum Carries Shelby and State, Jackson Out As Clerk - Wednesday, March 07, 2012

Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum carried Shelby County and the state of Tennessee in the Tuesday, March 6, Republican Presidential primary.

And incumbent but suspended General Sessions Court Clerk Otis Jackson finished a poor third in a Democratic primary battle for the clerk’s office that was won by interim clerk Ed Stanton in the closest contest of the night over County Commission chairman Sidney Chism.

25. Voters Turn Out Today For Primary Races - Tuesday, March 06, 2012

The first thing parishioners at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church noticed before noon Mass, Sunday, March 4, was a line of black SUVs in the parking lot of the Cordova church. A back row at the church was filled with men wearing the same color suits.

26. Tony Allen Lifts Grizzlies Past Warriors, 104-103 - Monday, February 20, 2012

MEMPHIS (AP) – For the second straight night, Rudy Gay misfired on a go-ahead attempt in the closing seconds – and the Memphis Grizzlies crashed the offensive boards for a winning tip-in.

27. Tony Being Tony at Center of Grizz Roller Coaster Season - Friday, February 03, 2012

Tony Allen is the middle of everything.

If the Grizzlies are making a frantic comeback, like they did recently at home to beat the Denver Nuggets in overtime, Allen is in the highlight reel blocking the shot of Denver forward Al Harrington as he barrels down the lane toward the rim, the potential game-winning basket in hand, Allen flying out of nowhere like some sort of Grit & Grind Superhero.

28. State GOP Cries Foul Over Dems' Proposals - Wednesday, February 01, 2012

If Democrats have their way, the Tennessee General Assembly would meet only every second year, lawmakers’ daily expenses would be capped and bill sponsors would have to divulge if their legislation originated with national groups.

29. Grizzlies Rally From 20 Down to Beat Warriors 91-90 - Tuesday, January 24, 2012

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – The Memphis Grizzlies built their longest winning streak in six seasons with a flurry of fast starts. They kept it going with one of the best finishes in franchise history.

30. Weirich and Ross Unopposed At Filing Deadline - Friday, December 09, 2011

Shelby County District Attorney General Amy Weirich appeared to have no opposition in the March GOP primary for the job as the county’s top prosecutor.

31. Weirich and Ross Unopposed At Filing Deadline - Thursday, December 08, 2011

Shelby County District Attorney General Amy Weirich appeared to have no opposition in the March GOP primary for the job as the county’s top prosecutor.

32. Chism Vying With Jackson for Court Clerk - Thursday, December 01, 2011

With one week to the filing deadline, the race for General Sessions Court Clerk is the busiest of the four races to be decided next year in the March 6 county primaries and the Aug. 2 general elections.

33. Chism Vying With Jackson for GS Court Clerk - Wednesday, November 30, 2011

With one week to the filing deadline, the race for General Sessions Court Clerk is the busiest of the four races to be decided next year in the March 6 county primaries and the Aug. 2 general elections.

34. Occupy Protests Cost Nation's Cities at Least $13M - Thursday, November 24, 2011

NEW YORK (AP) – During the first two months of the nationwide Occupy protests, the movement that is demanding more out of the wealthiest Americans cost local taxpayers at least $13 million in police overtime and other municipal services, according to a survey by The Associated Press.

35. Verso to Lay Off 300 in Maine, Minn. - Wednesday, October 12, 2011

MEMPHIS (AP) – Verso Paper Corp. said Tuesday that it will lay off 300 employees and permanently shut down three paper machines at mills in Maine and Minnesota, citing soft demand for coated groundwood papers and rising materials costs.

36. Settle Resigns As Chancery Court Questions Get Broader - Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Chancery Court Clerk Dewun Settle resigned Tuesday, Sept. 27, the day after a Shelby County Commissioner called for a broader investigation of embezzlement allegations in the clerk’s office and a week after an internal county report raised questions about why he didn’t report the problem sooner.

37. Republicans Warn Against Waiving Air Subsidy Cuts - Monday, August 22, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Republican lawmakers warned Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood in a letter this week against waiving cuts in subsidies for air service to 10 rural communities unless he can show it would be too difficult for residents to reach a larger airport.

38. Tiger Gift Shop Moves To Larger Space - Friday, August 05, 2011

Tiger Gift Shop is relocating a few doors down from its current location on the Highland Strip near the University of Memphis.

The university retailer, now at 549 S. Highland St., has signed a new 5,000-square-foot lease at 531 S. Highland, in the space formerly occupied by From One Greek to Another.

39. Lambuth Aims to Clear Debts - Wednesday, July 06, 2011

As the June 30 deadline for closing Lambuth University came and went last week, the Jackson, Tenn., private school was out of business but still in limbo.

The Lambuth board of trustee’s decision to sell the assets of the private school to a group of Jackson intermediaries was followed by a decision to file for federal chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization.

40. Interim Restaurant To Host Wine Dinner Thursday - Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Interim Restaurant & Bar will host a “Tallulah Wine Dinner” Thursday, June 23, at 5040 Sanderlin Ave.

41. Breaking Bread - Friday, June 03, 2011

A diverse cross-section of Memphians broke bread together this week at Caritas Village, a community cultural center in the heart of Binghampton, while participating in meaningful dialogue centered on the future of health care, particularly as it affects those living in poverty.

42. Reappraisal Appeals Increase County Red Ink - Monday, May 23, 2011

As the week began, the Luttrell administration upped the gap between revenues and expenditures in its county operating budget proposal by approximately $4 million.

County chief administrative officer Harvey Kennedy told county commissioners Wednesday the amount of red ink has increased to a total of $16.6 million because of lower revenue estimates for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

43. $5.9M Offered for Lambuth - Friday, May 20, 2011

JACKSON, Tenn. (AP) – A group of stakeholders in Jackson has offered $5.9 million to buy the Lambuth University campus for the University of Memphis, a cash payment that would be at least $4.5 million less than Lambuth’s total debt.

44. House Republicans Hoping to End Session Next Week - Friday, May 13, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – House Republicans are hoping to wrap up this year's legislative session as early as next week.

House Clerk Joe McCord tells members of the lower chamber that the "most optimistic" timetable could see the state's annual spending plan come up for a vote on Thursday. He also asked lawmakers to bring extra clothes in case they need to work through the weekend.

45. Memphis Pride Signs Lease At Trinity Ridge - Friday, May 06, 2011

An up-and-coming Mid-South cheer and tumbling company has signed a new lease to expand its business, a move that will benefit the facility’s students and parents alike.

Memphis Pride is relocating from a 5,000-square-foot space in Cordova Industrial Park to 16,080-square-foot lease at 7740 B Trinity Road, suite 126.

46. Home Run - Monday, April 18, 2011

From March to September, Matt Hughes is a busy man. His 10-year-old son plays for the Jackson (Tenn.) Coyotes, a competitive baseball team. Just about every weekend Hughes and his family of four hit the road for a baseball tournament, traveling around the Southeast to places from Memphis to Panama City, Fla.

47. University in Jackson Closing Doors Opened in 1843 - Monday, April 18, 2011

JACKSON, Tenn. (AP) – Officials of Lambuth University have decided to close the school after 168 years.

After a board of trustees meeting, officials announced on Thursday afternoon that the United Methodist Church-affiliated private university would close its doors on June 30 after struggling financially for years and losing its accreditation in December.

48. Verso CEO Named Executive of the Year - Friday, March 18, 2011

Mike Jackson, president and chief executive officer of Verso Paper Corp., was named the 2011 Executive of the Year by Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry and Paper Industry Management Association.

49. YoLo in Midst of Targeted Growth Spurt - Friday, March 11, 2011

In February 2010, Taylor Berger’s wife introduced him to the concept of self-serve frozen yogurt.

Within half a year, he and partner Mike McCaskill had opened two YoLo Frozen Yogurt stores – one in Collierville’s Historic Town Square and one in East Memphis in the Erin Way Shopping Center. By the end of this summer, the pair plan to have nine more up and running.

50. Electrolux Officials Sign Downtown Office Lease - Friday, March 04, 2011

Before it builds a new manufacturing plant at Frank C. Pidgeon Industrial Park, Electrolux will set up shop in Memphis with a Downtown office.

The Swedish appliance maker has signed a 14,000-square-foot lease at One Commerce Square, 40 S. Main St., where it will occupy the building’s entire 24th floor.

51. Interstate Brands Renews, Expands Lease - Friday, January 14, 2011

Interstate Brands Corp. has renewed and expanded its lease in the Germantown Park - Kimbrough Building in Cordova, more than doubling its footprint.

52. Pacific Logistics Picks Olive Branch for Hub - Friday, January 07, 2011

Pacific Logistics Corp. has signed a lease for its first Memphis-area location, which will serve as a regional hub for the company’s growing shoe and retail business.

53. Issues Dominate 2010 Political Headlines - Thursday, December 30, 2010

The top two vote getters in the 2010 election year weren’t candidates. They were causes.

Leading the way among all races within Shelby County was the 178,358 votes cast in November for an amendment to the Tennessee Constitution that specifically stated hunting and fishing are “personal rights.”

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. EMHC Moving to Appling Farms, Doubling in Size - Friday, December 17, 2010

Emergency Mobile Health Care is more than doubling the size of its Memphis corporate headquarters.

EMHC has signed a 14,200-square-foot lease at 6972 Appling Farms Parkway. EMHC currently occupies 6,900 square feet at 5071 Wilfong Road, and also has an office in Jackson, Tenn.

56. County Atty: Jackson Put Strong-Arm On Clerk Employees - Friday, December 03, 2010

The same day last month that General Sessions Court Clerk Otis Jackson called his employees to a “mandatory” meeting about his political ambitions, one of those employees reported him to the Shelby County attorney’s office.

57. Airports Consider Congressman's Call to Ditch TSA - Monday, November 22, 2010

ATLANTA (AP) – In a climate of Internet campaigns to shun airport pat-downs and veteran pilots suing over their treatment by government screeners, some airports are considering another way to show dissatisfaction: Ditching TSA agents altogether.

58. Commission Considers IT Consolidation, New Position - Monday, November 22, 2010

Shelby County commissioners take up the issue of consolidation once again at Monday’s meeting of the body.

It’s not consolidation of city and county governments, though. Voters dealt with that on the Nov. 2 ballot.

59. Election Results Portend Coming Battles in County - Thursday, November 04, 2010

The metro consolidation charter proposal crushed by county voters Tuesday goes to Memphis federal court Thursday.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Tu Pham holds a telephone conference call status conference that is the first court meeting of all sides in the lawsuit to challenge the separate vote counts for the charter.

60. Haslam Company Bans Firearms in Lots - Wednesday, October 27, 2010

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Haslam's support for requiring businesses to allow their workers to store guns in vehicles parked on company property conflicts with the policy in place for the 20,000 employees at a chain of truck stops his family owns.

61. Governor Candidates Didn't Ace Business Courses - Monday, October 25, 2010

CARTHAGE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee's gubernatorial candidates both stress their business careers on the campaign trail, but their college transcripts show that neither excelled in their undergraduate business courses.

62. Election Guide 2010 - Monday, October 18, 2010

A rundown of the key issues and races that voters will decide when they go to the ballot  for early voting through Oct. 28 or on Election Day, Nov. 2.

GOVERNOR'S RACE

Tennessee voters choose a successor to Gov. Phil Bredesen in the Nov. 2 elections. Here’s a summary of where Democratic nominee Mike McWherter and Republican nominee Bill Haslam stand on the major issues:

63. Out of the Gate - Friday, October 15, 2010

On the first day of early voting, Jack Sammons and Keith McDonald were together again.

64. McWherter Hits Haslam on Foreign Investor in Pilot - Tuesday, September 21, 2010

NASHVILLE (AP) – Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mike McWherter said Monday that Republican rival Bill Haslam is "hiding something" about the relationship between the family-founded Pilot chain of truck stops and a European private investment firm.

65. States Cutting Benefits for Public-Sector Retirees - Thursday, September 16, 2010

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) – William Liberty began as a trash collector in Lindenwold 37 years ago and worked his way up to public works supervisor. Until recently, he figured he would hold on to the job until he turned 65.

66. Students Question Haslam, McWherter at Gov's Forum - Thursday, September 02, 2010

NASHVILLE (AP) – A new Tennessee law allowing guns to be carried in bars and the controversy over a planned mosque in Murfreesboro were among the issues on the minds of high school students at a gubernatorial forum Tuesday evening.

67. McWherter Comes Out Swinging Against Haslam - Tuesday, August 10, 2010

NASHVILLE (AP) – Democrat Mike McWherter came out swinging against Republican gubernatorial nominee Bill Haslam on Friday, the first full day of the general election campaign to succeed term-limited Gov. Phil Bredesen.

68. Shelby County Looks to Play Role in Governor’s Race - Monday, August 09, 2010

The race for governor of Tennessee begins its second and final round this week. The results in last week’s Democratic and Republican primaries suggest Shelby County will remain a battleground.

Slightly more county residents, 58, voted for Jackson businessman Mike McWherter in the uncontested Democratic primary than voted in the GOP primary in which Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam carried Shelby County.

69. Haslam Vows Consistency in Tenn. Governor's Race - Wednesday, August 04, 2010

NASHVILLE (AP) – State Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey is suggesting that Bill Haslam may be vulnerable in the Thursday's Republican gubernatorial primary because he has not specifically targeted GOP voters.

70. Ramsey Hits Haslam, Wamp for Celebrities on Trail - Tuesday, August 03, 2010

CROSSVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Bill Haslam and Zach Wamp are drawing on the help of some prominent friends as they hit the trail for the last days of the Republican gubernatorial campaign in Tennessee.

71. Haslam Gives $400K to his Tenn. Gubernatorial Bid - Wednesday, July 14, 2010

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Bill Haslam may be lapping the Republican gubernatorial field in fundraising, but that's not stopping him from pouring in some of his own personal wealth.

The Knoxville mayor's campaign finance report Monday night showed he gave his campaign $400,000 in June. Early voting for the Aug. 5 primary is set to begin Friday.

72. New Risk Pool Available to Mississippians - Friday, July 09, 2010

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — An uninsured Mississippian diagnosed with cancer can now obtain health care coverage and start filing claims for treatment almost immediately.

That is how a new program offered by the health care reform bill will work, says Lanny Craft, executive director of the separate and already existing Mississippi Comprehensive Health Insurance Risk Pool Association.

73. Tenn. GOP Gov Candidates Take Aim at Certain Taxes - Tuesday, June 29, 2010

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee's taxes on inheritance, investments and businesses are levies the state's Republican gubernatorial candidates say that they would consider cutting if elected.

74. Bredesen Endorses Democrat McWherter for Governor - Wednesday, June 23, 2010

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen has endorsed fellow Democrat Mike McWherter's gubernatorial bid.

Bredesen endorsed McWherter at a Wednesday morning event at a Nashville restaurant. Bredesen had previously confirmed that he will be hosting a fundraiser for McWherter.

75. Haslam Tops $8M Mark for Tenn. Governor's Bid - Wednesday, June 16, 2010

NASHVILLE (AP) - Republican Bill Haslam's campaign says the Knoxville mayor has topped $8 million in contributions for his gubernatorial bid.

The campaign announced Tuesday that Haslam had exceeded the $8 million mark at a Nashville fundraiser on Monday night.

76. Pork Theme of Gov's Race Carries Into Budget Talks - Wednesday, June 02, 2010

NASHVILLE (AP) - Republican Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey says his gubernatorial aspirations aren't a factor in his insistence on ridding the state budget of local projects that he calls pork barrel spending.

77. McWherter Hits Haslam on Tenn. Subsidies for Pilot - Wednesday, May 26, 2010

NASHVILLE (AP) - Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mike McWherter says Republican rival Bill Haslam shouldn't oppose his plan to create tax breaks for small business when Haslam's family business has received more than $500,000 in state grants and subsidies since 2007.

78. Gov Hopefuls to Hold Live TV Forum - Thursday, May 20, 2010

The four Republican contenders for Tennessee governor will be in Memphis Tuesday for a statewide live television forum moderated by Eric Barnes, publisher of The Daily News Publishing Co. Inc.

79. Candidates Say Tenn. Floods Require Fed Relief - Wednesday, May 12, 2010

NASHVILLE (AP) — Resisting the federal government reach into state affairs has been a common theme of the Tennessee governor’s race. But not when it comes to flood relief.

Democrat Mike McWherter and Republicans Zach Wamp and Bill Haslam agreed at a candidate forum at Lipscomb University on Monday night that state and federal governments play a key role responding to floods like the ones that struck the state last week.

80. Ford Wins Democratic Mayoral Primary - Wednesday, May 05, 2010
 

Interim County Mayor Joe Ford became the Democratic nominee for mayor in the August county general elections Tuesday night.

And the August sheriff’s race will be a contest between Democrat Randy Wade and Republican Randy Wade.

All three were among the winners in Tuesday’s low turnout county primaries.

Approximately ten percent of Shelby County’s nearly 600,000 voters cast ballots in early voting and election day polling.

Ford, who was appointed interim mayor in December, beat County Commissioner Deidre Malone and General Sessions Court Clerk Otis Jackson in the Democratic primary. He will face Republican Mark Luttrell who had only token opposition in the Republican primary from perennial contender Ernie Lunati.

Luttrell has raised more money than all three of the Democratic primary contenders combined and began running television ads in the last week runup to election day.

The final unofficial totals in the Democratic mayoral primary are:

Ford 20,360 57%

Malone 12,916 37%

Jackson 2,168 6%

The pair of primaries for Sheriff featured eight candidates, seven of whom either currently work for the sheriff’s department or are past employees. Only Reginald French, in the Democratic primary was not a former or current department official.

Wade was the 2002 Democratic nominee, losing to Luttrell who is leaving as Sheriff after serving two terms. French was the Democratic nominee in the 2006 elections.

Oldham is Luttrell’s chief deputy, the number two position in the department. He is also a former director of the Memphis Police Department.

The final unofficials totals in the Republican primary are:

Bill Oldham 13,821 48%

Dale Lane 7,981 28%

Bobby Simmons 5,886 21%

James Coleman 943 3%

In the Democratic primary:

Randy Wade 22,643 67%

Reginald French 6,777 20%

Larry Hill 2,738 8%

Bennie Cobb 1,814 5%

Voters in the primary elections decided to return six Shelby County commissioners to new four year terms with Tuesday’s results. They also elected six new commissioners. The winner of the thirteenth commission seat will be decided on the August general election ballot in a contest between district 5 Democratic incumbent Steve Mulroy and Republican challenger Dr. Rolando Toyos. The winner of the match up will determine whether the commission remains majority Democrat or goes majority Republican.

Mulroy easily defeated Jennings Bernard in Tuesday’s Democratic primary.

Republican incumbent Mike Ritz ran unopposed as did new Democratic commissioner Walter Bailey.

In the remaining ten contests, the primaries decided who gets the seats since no one ran in the opposing party’s primary.

The most hotly contested contest among the commission races was for District 4 Position 1. Outgoing Probate Court Clerk Chris Thomas beat John Pellicciotti, appointed to a commission seat last year but running for a different position in the same district. Jim Bomprezzi, the former mayor of Lakeland, was the third contender in the contest.

The final unofficial totals in the Republican primary:

Thomas 7,631 52%

Pellicciotti 4,871 33%

Bomprezzi 2,298 15%

In position 2 of the same district incumbent Republican Wyatt Bunker easily overcame two challengers with former Lakeland alderman John Wilkerson finishing second and Ron Fittes finishing third.

Millington businessman Terry Roland claimed the third position in the district that takes in all six of Shelby County’s suburban towns and cities.

Roland beat George Chism to take the seat Pellicciotti was appointed to but opted not to run for in deference to Roland.

Heidi Shafer, an aide to outgoing County Commissioner George Flinn, claimed Flinn’s District 1 Position 2 seat over Albert Maduska.in the GOP primary.

District 1 incumbent Republican Mike Carpenter easily beat businessman Joe Baier.

In the Democratic commission primaries, Melvin Burgess claimed Malone’s District 2 Position 3 seat in a field of six contenders. His closest contender was Reginald Milton. Burgess, a city school system audit manager, had run for the seat before. He brought in 54 percent of the vote.

The other hard fought Democratic commission primary saw Justin Ford, son of the interim mayor, claim his father’s District 3 Position 3 seat.

Ford beat Edith Moore, a retired IBM executive, whom the commission appointed to the seat after the elder Ford became mayor.

The final unofficial vote totals are:

Ford 7,342 66%

Moore 3,822 34%

Democratic incumbent commissioners Henri Brooks, Sidney Chism and James Harvey were all re-elected over primary challengers.

The county-wide primaries for seven clerk’s positions saw the return of former Criminal Court Clerk Minerva Johnican 16 years after Republican challenger Bill Key took her job. Johnican decisively beat Ralph White and Vernon Johnson in her first bid for office since the 1994 defeat. She will face Republican Kevin Key, the son of Bill Key in the August general election.

The final unofficial vote totals are:

Johnican 16,381 51%

White 10,170 31%

Johnson 5,954 18%

Former Juvenile Court Clerk Shep Wilbun easily won the Democratic primary with 76 percent of the vote to face Republican Joy Touliatos in August for the office being vacated by Republican Steve Stamson. Touliatos was unopposed in the primary.

Democrat Coleman Thompson is back for another go at incumbent Republican Register Tom Leatherwood.

Aside from Leatherwood, Jimmy Moore is the only other of the seven clerks seeking re-election. Moore ran unopposed in the GOP primary. He will face Democrat Ricky Dixon in August.

Trustee Regina Newman was appointed to her office following the death last year of Paul Mattila. Newman easily overcame M LaTroy Williams in Tuesday’s Democratic primary. She will face David Lenoir, who beat former Shelby County Commissioner John Willingham in the Republican contest.

The final unofficial vote totals are:

Lenoir 15,922 58%

Willingham 11,569 42%

The other six candidate field on the ballot was in the Democratic primary for Probate Court Clerk. Sondra Becton posted impressive vote totals over her rivals, bringing in 35 percent of the vote with Peggy Dobbins her closest rival. Becton, who is making her fourth bid for the office, will face Republican Paul Boyd, who ran unopposed in his primary.

The final unofficial vote totals are:

Becton 10,929 36%

Dobbins 5,366 18%

Annita Hamilton 4,848 16%

Clay Perry 3,549 12%

Danny Kail 3,120 11%

Karen Tyler 2,782 9%

The closest contest of the evening was in the Democratic primary for County Clerk. Wrestling promoter and television personality Corey Maclin won his political debut by less than 1,400 votes over Charlotte Draper and LaKeith Miller. He will face Republican Wayne Mashburn who beat Steve Moore in the companion primary.

Early voting in advance of the Aug. 5 election day begins July 16. The August ballot will also feature state and federal primary elections including the statewide primaries for governor and the primaries for all nine of the state’s Congressional districts.

81. Gibbons Plies Ex-Rivals With Crime Views - Friday, April 30, 2010

All three major contenders for the Republican nomination for Tennessee governor have now made the trip to the Criminal Justice Center to see Bill Gibbons.

82. Mississippi Insurance Claims Pour In - Wednesday, April 28, 2010

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi's top insurance official said the devastation caused by Saturday's storm would be "significant" after viewing the destruction on the ground and by helicopter.

83. Frist, Corker Urge Civility in Tenn. Governor’s Race - Tuesday, April 27, 2010

NASHVILLE (AP) – Two veterans of some of Tennessee’s more fierce Republican primaries have some advice for the three Republican gubernatorial candidates as they head into the last 100 days of the nomination fight: Keep it civil.

84. McWherter Travels to DC For Campaign Fundraiser - Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mike McWherter is looking to pick up some campaign cash in Washington in the aftermath of a disappointing fundraising quarter.

McWherter on Monday posted a picture on his Twitter account of a fundraising meeting with Democratic U.S. Reps. John Tanner and Bart Gordon, former U.S. Sen. Jim Sasser and former National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Jim Hall.

85. Commission Races Hinge on Public Issues - Monday, April 19, 2010

Two issues figure in to the 11 competitive races for the Shelby County Commission – the future of the Regional Medical Center and local government consolidation.

Any push card for a credible candidate includes either something about how to save The MED or the candidate’s opposition to consolidation – or both.

86. Ramsey's 1st Ad Promises to Give Feds 'The Boot' - Thursday, April 15, 2010

NASHVILLE (AP) - Republican state Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey's first gubernatorial campaign advertisement launched Wednesday promises to give the federal government "the boot" if it runs afoul of Tennessee principles.

87. Democrat McWherter's Fundraising Lags His GOP Foes - Wednesday, April 14, 2010

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Jackson businessman Mike McWherter has cleared the Democratic gubernatorial field. The fundraising front has proven more problematic.

Aside from a $1 million contribution from himself, McWherter reported raising only about $103,000 in the first quarter. That contrasts with the Republican field, where Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam has amassed nearly $1.3 million and U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp of Chattanooga reported about $510,500 in contributions.

88. Rivals Aim for Haslam's Original $5M Primary Goal - Monday, April 12, 2010

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Bill Haslam's main rivals are taking to heart the Knoxville mayor's statement last year that $5 million would be enough to win the Republican gubernatorial nomination.

89. Haslam Gets $1.3M In First Quarter Wamp Nets $500K - Wednesday, April 07, 2010

NASHVILLE (AP) – Gubernatorial candidate Bill Haslam announced Monday that he raised $1.3 million in the first quarter, while fellow Republican Zach Wamp said he brought in more than $500,000 in contributions.

90. McWherter Fights to Get Ahead of Rivals - Wednesday, April 07, 2010

The last major candidate standing in the Democratic primary for Tennessee governor vowed this week to put Tennesseans back to work with targeted tax breaks and job training programs.

Jackson businessman Mike McWherter’s trip around the state wasn’t as much of a victory lap for the August statewide primary as it was a starting point for the November general election.

91. Haslam’s Latest Campaign Spot Gets Limited Play - Tuesday, April 06, 2010

NASHVILLE (AP) – Republican Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam’s first television ad of the Tennessee governor’s race made a big splash, but also drew some criticism. His second effort is far more modest.

92. Democrat McWherter Hits GOP's Haslam on Jobs Claim - Friday, April 02, 2010

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Jackson businessman Mike McWherter in a speech Thursday to celebrate his being the only serious Democratic candidate to file for governor took aim at a leading Republican rival for the job.

93. McMillan Drops Bid For Governor - Thursday, April 01, 2010

There is now only one major candidate for the Democratic nomination for Tn. Governor.

Mike McWherter was the last of five major Democratic contenders standing on the eve of the Thursday noon filing deadline for the Aug. 5 primaries for governor.

94. UPDATE: McMillan Out of Tn. Gov. Race - Wednesday, March 31, 2010

There is now only one major candidate for the Democratic nomination for Tn. Governor.

Mike McWherter was the last of five major Democratic contenders standing on the eve of the Thursday noon filing deadline for the Aug. 5 primaries for governor.

95. Governor Candidates Split on Health Care - Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Opinions on whether Tennessee should become involved in a legal challenge over a federal health care overhaul are breaking along partisan lines in the state’s gubernatorial race.

At a gubernatorial forum hosted by the Tennessee Health Care Association in Nashville on Tuesday, Democrats Kim McMillan of Clarksville and Mike McWherter of Jackson said the state should find a way to make the health care changes work in the Volunteer State.

96. McWherter Gives $1M to His Tenn. Gubernatorial Bid - Wednesday, March 31, 2010

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Democrat Mike McWherter is giving his Tennessee gubernatorial bid $1 million, his campaign confirmed Tuesday.

McWherter, a Jackson businessman and son of former Gov. Ned McWherter, is one of two Democrats remaining in the race to succeed term-limited Gov. Phil Bredesen. The current fundraising period ends Wednesday.

97. Gibbons Cites Lackluster Fundraising in Ending Bid - Monday, March 29, 2010

NASHVILLE (AP) – Republican Bill Gibbons of Memphis cited lackluster fundraising in abandoning his bid for Tennessee governor on Friday.

98. Gibbons Cites Poor Fundraising in Ending Governor's Bid - Friday, March 26, 2010

NASHVILLE (AP) — Republican Bill Gibbons is abandoning his gubernatorial campaign over money concerns.

99. Tenn. Considering Extra Fines for 'Super Speeders' - Thursday, March 18, 2010

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Tennessee lawmakers are considering ways to add new monetary penalties for speeding drivers as a way to boost funding for the state's trauma centers.

As introduced, the "super speeders" bill would fine drivers $200 for traveling 15 mph above the speed limit. Republican Sen. Jack Johnson of Franklin said he plans to rewrite the bill to target drivers going more than 25 mph above the posted speed limit.

100. What’s Coming Up This Election Season - Monday, March 15, 2010

After a year of turbulence, the Memphis political scene continues to remake itself.

The May 4 and Aug. 5 elections don’t have the focused drama of last October’s special election for Memphis mayor, but they represent new chapters in a story that could end with a new generation of political leaders and at least a passing of the political baton.