A group of local Republicans said they favor incumbent County Clerk Bill Knowles, who is a Democrat, over GOP candidate Chester Heathington.
The group said in a statement, "As concerned Republican leaders and citizens, we do not wish to watch a travesty take place in Hamilton County such as the one that occurred recently in the South Carolina primaries. In Hamilton County, only 25 registered voter signatures are required to place a name on a Republican or Democratic ballot. Chester Heathington got his 25 registered voter signatures and is the only Republican nominee for Hamilton County Clerk.
"However, we as Republicans 'cannot' support Mr. Heathington for county clerk due to his numerous criminal convictions which are a matter of public record. They are as follows:
"Pled guilty in Federal Court to failure to comply with federal officials and directives, 1982. Sentenced to 30 days in jail, suspended and placed on probation.
Pled guilty to assault in 1983 and received six months suspended sentence.
While on federal probation, pled guilty to DUI in 1990 and received 11 months/29 days, suspended after 45 days in jail and $500 fine paid.
Pled guilty 1990 to driving on a revoked license and was given 30 days in the workhouse as well as fined $200.
Pled guilty August 2008 to possession of gambling devices or records and was fined $50.
"We 'cannot' recommend Mr. Heathington as a worthy candidate for Hamilton County Clerk. Additionally, we feel the citizens of Hamilton County have the right and deserve to be informed of the public criminal record of this candidate."
The statement was signed by:
Lill Coker, Past National Republican Committeewoman and Past Hamilton County Republican Women President
Charlie Peavyhouse, Past Hamilton County Republican Party Chairman
David Fowler, Former Tennessee State Senator
Jim Vincent, Former Tennessee State Representative
Marilyn Vincent, concerned citizen
Dr. Wayne Shearer, Past Pachyderm of Hamilton County President
Tony Mines, Past Pachyderm of Hamilton County President and Hamilton County Republican Party Chairman
Marty Von Schaaf, Current Pachyderm of Hamilton County President
Wayne Cropp, Past Hamilton County Republican Party Chairman
Ed Warren, Past Pachyderm of Hamilton County President
David Y. Copeland, Past Tennessee State Representative
Mary Copeland, concerned citizen
Connie Weathers, Past Hamilton County Republican Party Chairman
Liz Norris, Past Pachyderm of Hamilton County President
Valerie Rutledge, Past Hamilton County Republican Party Chairman
Grady Rhoden, Past Hamilton County Republican Party Chairman