Tennessee state Rep. Vince Dean, R-East Ridge, said he has asked the state attorney general for an opinion on whether he must step down from his General Assembly seat if the GOP nominates him for Hamilton County sheriff.

Rep. Dean said he expects an opinion by the Republican nominating convention on March 27.

Tennessee law states that no member of the General Assembly may be nominated or commissioned for sheriff.

Rep. Dean said he would step down from his office if the attorney general finds he must do so.

He is one of four possible Republican nominees for the sheriff’s office. The others are former Chief Deputy Jim Hammond, Hamilton County Chief Ranger Fred Fuson and Chattanooga police Lt. Tim Carroll.

Hamilton County Republicans will meet tonight to select delegates for the March 27 nominating convention.

For complete details, see tomorrow’s Chattanooga Times Free Press.