Hammond claims GOP sheriff nomination

Jim Hammond stood up, spoke up and shut up, then won the Hamilton County Republican Party’s sheriff nomination Thursday night at the East Ridge Community Center.

During a short speech before delegates cast votes, the former Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department chief deputy said few words, heeding advice from a former oratory teacher: “Stand up, speak up and shut up.”

But after winning the nomination, Mr. Hammond had much to say about his plans, which include putting together a team of advisers to look at issues and his responses to them.

“I love the police; I love the people. I want to serve them well,” he said.

After the first round of voting yielded no majority among five candidates, delegates again cast votes for the top two candidates, Mr. Hammond and state Rep. Vince Dean, R-East Ridge. Mr. Hammond prevailed with 148 votes to Rep. Dean’s 134.

Mr. Hammond has run for sheriff as a Democrat but joined the Republican Party three years ago. He lists as important issues lowering taxes, national defense and family values.

“My heart’s always been with the Republican Party,” he said. “Locally, it’s all about people rather than politics.”

Mr. Hammond will face the Democratic nominee, County Commissioner Greg Beck, in the Aug. 7 sheriff election. Both parties held caucuses after former Sheriff Billy Long resigned Feb. 6. Mr. Long is facing federal drug, gun, money laundering and extortion charges.

Rep. Dean will not have to give up his seat in the Tennessee House of Representatives, which had concerned some Republicans who did not want a Democrat to take the position.

In his introductory remarks, Rep. Dean touted his 27 years of experience in law enforcement.

“I know budgets, and I know what it is to make a budget,” he said. “I know what it is to stay within the confines of a budget.”

Former Red Bank Police Chief Ronnie Dodd, Hamilton County Chief Ranger Fred Fuson and Chattanooga Police Lt. Tim Carroll received 32, 30 and 21 votes, respectively.

Each candidate thanked the 304 delegates who cast votes in the first round, saying it was a tribute to the party’s strength.

FIRST ROUND RESULTS

Jim Hammond 117

Vince Dean 104

Ronnie Dodd 32

Fred Fuson 30

Tim Carroll 21

SECOND ROUND RESULTS

Jim Hammond 148

Vince Dean 134

JIM HAMMOND BIO

Age: 62

Member of GOP: 3 years

International experience: Worked in Jordan training Iraqi police

Local experience: former Hamilton County Sheriff’s chief deputy

These pictures were taken at Thursday's night Republican Convention to pick a sheriff's candidate for the August Hamilton County general election. The convention chose Jim Hammond as the GOP candidate.