The Tennessee Legislature’s redistricting maps are facing legal challenges, with the Attorney General’s Office defending the contentious boundaries. Philip Hammersley argued in a Supreme Court hearing that splitting Gibson County was necessary to avoid splitting Tipton County, highlighting the legislature’s wide latitude in drawing districts. Critics, including attorney Scott Tift, argue that the maps violate the state constitution by splitting too many counties and protecting incumbents.
The legal battle also involves a controversy surrounding Cade Cothren, a former aide to former House Speaker Glen Casada, who is facing multiple charges. Cothren’s legal team disputes claims of ethical violations in relation to a private investigator contacting an official from the Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance.
In a surprising turn of events, Governor Bill Lee is backing his aide, Alec Richardson, for the position of executive director of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce following Bradley Jackson’s resignation. Richardson, a Perry County native with a background in rural and federal relations, is seen as a potential candidate for the influential role.
Meanwhile, State Senator Ken Yager, a Kingston Republican, is set to skydive to raise awareness about prostate cancer, advocating for regular PSA tests after his own successful battle with the disease. The legal and political landscape in Tennessee remains tumultuous as various challenges and changes unfold.
Source
Photo credit tennesseelookout.com
