The Rev. Bernie Miller, who ran against Hamilton County Commissioner Greg Beck as a Republican in 2006, will face off against the incumbent commissioner in the Democratic primary in May.
"I've always been a Democrat," Dr. Miller said. "I kind of did what the prodigal son did. I left because of some things I didn't particularly agree with that the party was espousing."
Dr. Miller, who described himself as a "fiscal conservative and a social moderate," said many Republicans in the construction business, where he worked, befriended him soon after he arrived in Chattanooga in 1990. He said he decided to run as a Republican because he had gotten help and candidate training from the GOP when Democrats wouldn't return his phone calls.
But, Dr. Miller said, the more he talked about his views during the 2006 campaign, "the further certain people in the Republican Party distanced themselves from me."
Mr. Beck, who initially was appointed to the commission in 2005, said the voters can decide who they want to serve in the seat.
"(Dr. Miller) certainly has a right to run as a Democrat after running as a Republican, and after losing as a Republican, saying he's an independent," he said.
ABOUT THE POSTHamilton County commissioners serve four-year terms and make $20,745 per year. Commission District 5 includes Enterprise South industrial park and much of East Chattanooga.ELECTION DATES* Feb. 18: Last day candidates may qualify for county primary* April 14 - 29: Early voting in county primary* May 4: County primary* July 16 - 31: Early voting in county general election* Aug. 5: County general election
In the August 2006 general election, Mr. Beck got nearly 70 percent of the vote to a little more than 30 percent for Dr. Miller.
The incumbent commissioner said he won't change his campaign plans now that he has a primary opponent.
Dr. Miller said he believes his business experience running New Covenant Fellowship Church and roles in leadership positions make him the right candidate for the post.
He is chairman of the African American Advisory Committee to the U.S. Census.