posted July 14, 2007
Attorney Andy Berke said he plans to run for the seat to be vacated by Sen. Ward Crutchfield, who pleaded guilty to a bribery charge on Thursday.
Attorney Berke said in an email, "I am writing to let you know that I have taken the first steps to become a candidate for the state Senate.
"In the coming days, I will file papers with the Election Commission to create a committee, Berke for District 10, to raise funds for the special election for the vacancy created by Sen. Ward Crutchfield's upcoming resignation. I plan to make a formal announcement of my candidacy early next week.
"I grew up in Chattanooga, where my family has lived for three generations. After college and law school, I came home because I wanted to raise a family here, too. Our community and our region are great places to live. I want to go to Nashville to make sure that they become even better in the years to come.
"As a father of a first-grader attending public school (and her little sister who will soon follow her), I will work every day in Nashville to hold our schools accountable and ensure that every child in both rural and urban schools has the opportunity for an excellent education. As a lawyer, I’ll fight to make sure that our legal system provides justice for everyone, not just big corporations and criminals. And as a small business owner, I will bring new business and jobs to Hamilton County and Marion County so that economic opportunity is a reality.
"The two most recent former chairs of the Hamilton County Democratic Party – County Commissioner John Brooks and Stuart James – have endorsed my candidacy, as has Travis McDonough, a former chair of the Marion County Democratic Party.
"My two friends, Pris Siskin and Alison Lebovitz, have agreed to co-chair our fundraising effort. I expect to have more than $100,000 in campaign contribution pledges within the next few days.
"We are off to a great start, but winning this election won’t just be about endorsements and campaign contributions. Once a special election date is set, I want to walk every corner of this district. So, I need you to join this campaign with your feet, as well as your wallet. Let me know that I can count on your time and support by emailing me at andy@berke4tenn.org (which will be active soon)."
Attorney Berke comes from a family of attorneys.
He is the son of attorney Marvin Berke and nephew of attorney Ronnie Berke. His grandfather was the late Harry Berke.
The family law firm is Berke, Berke and Berke.
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