Jack Benson Jr., who had been considered one of the leading candidates for one of four judicial commissioner positions, said Wednesday he is dropping out of the race.
Attorney Benson said he did so after looking more closely into the work schedule and operation, including spending a day in Knoxville reviewing the program there.
He said, "I concluded it was just going to take more time than I could devote and still keep up my civil law practice."
The County Commission is set to interview the remaining 18 candidates on Monday at 1 p.m.
The judicial commissioners are stationed at the County Jail on nights and weekends to set bonds.
Attorney Benson said on his visit to Knoxville, he met with Judge Chuck Cerney, a former prosecutor here who oversees the Knoxville program.
Attorney Benson said he was very impressed by the Knoxville setup, saying it utilizes video-conferencing. He said that eliminates the need to transport prisoners, is safer and saves transportation costs.
He said, "I believe our own county commissioners are committed to improving the system we have here."
There were originally 20 candidates, but Dick Teeter dropped out earlier.
Remaining candidates:
Ables, Larry Walter
Acuff, Michael Lynn
Anderson, James A.
Curtis, Charles Douglas, II
Davis, Robert Taylor
Lasley, Donald Mart (Marty)
Meeks, Robert N.
Mitchell, Yolanda Diane
Parker, William Shelley Jr.
Paty, Charles Douglas
Peck, Douglas Edward
Petty, James Gordon
Sanders-Tonahill, Martha
Scott, Christine Mabe
Starnes, Gary W.
Timberlake, Joseph Fountain Jr.
West, Michael Lee
Wulforst, Arthur David