Hamilton County General Sessions Judge David Bales has recused himself from hearing any cases involving Assistant District Attorney Mary Sullivan Moore and defense lawyers Hallie McFadden and Joey Warwick.
Ms. Moore, Ms. McFadden and Mr. Warick have announced their candidacies for the General Sessions Court judgeship held by Judge Bales.
"Most likely there is no real ethical conflict in these attorneys continuing to try cases before me," Judge Bales said. "However, with the adversarial issues in an election contest, I want to avoid even the appearance of a conflict. All three of these attorneys are great professionals whom I consider as friends. I am recusing myself in their cases as much for their professional integrity as well as my own."
Judge Bales said he has spoken with the other four General Sessions Court judges, and they have agreed to accept cases involving Judge Bales' political opponents.
The General Sessions Court election is scheduled for Aug. 3.
REPUBLICANS FOR BREDESEN
Gov. Phil Bredesen's re-election campaign on Friday released a list of more than 30 supporters who will serve on the Republicans for Bredesen coalition.
Included in the list were Joe Decosimo, Ben Probasco and John "Thunder" Thornton from the Chattanooga area.
"My personal philosophy always has been to work across political party lines for the good of our entire state," Gov. Bredesen said in a news release.
"I've been fortunate to win support from both Democrats and Republicans in the past. I'm looking forward to earning bipartisan support for re-election this year. I appreciate the support of these Tennesseans who have signed on to the 2006 Republicans for Bredesen."
More Republicans from across the state will be added to the list, according to the news release.
The Democratic incumbent still lacks a major Republican challenger. The qualifying deadline for the race is April 6.
BREDESEN BEGINS RADIO ADS
Gov. Bredesen's re-election campaign kicked off on the airwaves last week with a 60-second radio advertisement.
The ad, which touts the governor's plan to provide health insurance to more than 150,000 children who are without it, began a series of "Governor's News Updates" on the Tennessee Radio Network, according to a news release.
MILLER HOLDS CAMPAIGN RECEPTION
Hamilton County Commissioner Lou Miller is holding a grass-roots campaign kickoff reception in East Lake on Saturday night.
The reception, at the East Lake senior citizen's building, adjacent to East Lake Park, will take place from 5-8 p.m. She said it will include "a little bit of everything," including food and entertainment.
Ms. Miller is seeking re-election to the District 6 seat. She is being challenged by John Allen Brooks in the May 2 primary.
MILLER, BROOKS AT FORUM
Ms. Miller and Mr. Brooks were the only opponents at a forum for Democratic sheriff and County Commission candidates this week, although they never directly addressed each other.
Mr. Brooks said the county has failed to keep up by creating the jobs that will help people stay in Chattanooga.
"We haven't done it in decades," he said.
Ms. Miller talked of continuing the work of her late husband, the late Democratic County Commissioner Ben Miller.
"I want to leave a legacy for our family," Ms. Miller said.
Compiled by staff writers.
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