posted April 1, 2008
Attorney Stuart James said Monday he has decided to run for the House District 29 seat held by fellow Democrat JoAnne Favors.
Attorney James, who is a former county Democratic Party chairman and also hosts a Talk Radio show, said he has received encouragement from both blacks and whites to make the race, including some former top supporters of Rep. Favors.
Attorney James made an earlier legislative race when he lived on Signal Mountain. He moved to Crest Road on Missionary Ridge last December.
Also, Tim Akins has qualified as an Independent sheriff candidate. Jim Winters is also running as an Independent.
Charlotte Mullis-Morgan of the election office said she has not yet heard whether Jim Swafford will make the race as an Independent. She said others who picked up papers have told her they will not run for sheriff.
Greg Beck is the Democratic candidate, and the Republicans chose Jim Hammond.
Stuart James said, "The first time I read Robert Frost’s 'The Road not Taken' was in high school. I remember the choice that the traveler in the poem is faced with, taking one of two very different roads. In the poem, the traveler takes the road less traveled, a road that makes 'all the difference.'
"The words of Robert Frost are ringing true for me today, over 30 years later. The words say: 'Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.'
"I am finding myself at two roads which diverge; relying on friends to guide me down the road that, for me, is the road I hope will make 'all the difference.'
"I am running for the Tennessee State House of Representatives, District 29.
"Recently, I have had the distinct pleasure of having several of my close friends ask me to seek a seat in the Tennessee State House of Representatives. I have, over the past few weeks, consistently told my friends 'no'. I told them that I was not interested in a run for the Tennessee House. In fact, this Friday I was meeting with two of my closest friends to discuss running for the State House, and after learning of the number of people who supported the idea, I found myself in a situation where I had to reconsider my previous 'no'. I had to consider what these people were saying, and I had to consider their discontent with the current elected representatives. I had to consider these supporters’ desire to return government to where it belongs - the people.
"My decision to run for state House is based upon my belief that "actions speak louder than words" and my belief that we need aggressive leadership in Nashville, Tennessee. This decision is based on feedback from my friends and supporters-friends and supporters who transcend race, gender, religion, and politics. I am running because these people believe that we need a new direction, we need to establish hope-hope that tomorrow can be better than today, hope that we can control our natural resources and the costs for using those resources, hope that we can educate our children, hope that we can find jobs for those who want to work, and hope that we can make our streets, communities, and schools safe.
"Unfortunately, we live in a time where many feel their elected officials are out of touch with the concerns, ideals, and values of their communities. Many believe that politicians are more concerned with themselves than they are with the people who elect them to public office. People are, therefore, demanding a new direction—people want to reestablish hope, people want to reestablish a feeling that their government is there to serve their needs.
"As this campaign proceeds, you will learn more about our campaign and the issues facing us in the community. Right now, I am asking for your vote by making this announcement of my intention to run for, and win, the District 29 seat in the Tennessee State House of Representatives. I want you to restore hope in your government, hope that government serves your needs by making your streets safe, your schools strong, your health good, and your future secure.
"I hope you will travel with me down this road, helping us to make "all the difference."
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