Tennessee: House narrowly OKs Michael Jackson measure

NASHVILLE - A resolution to honor the late pop superstar Michael Jackson has passed the Tennessee House with only one vote to spare.

The resolution sponsored by Democratic Rep. G. A. Hardaway of Memphis passed Wednesday on a vote of 51-22. Measures need at least 50 votes to pass the 99-member chamber.

Another 24 lawmakers abstained.

Rep. Gerald McCormick, who voted for the bill, noted that Jackson was once married to Lisa Marie Presley of Memphis. In the Chattanooga Republican's words: "He was Elvis' son-in-law, and that ought to count for something."

Democratic Rep. Henry Fincher of Cookeville said he voted against the measure because Jackson was "credibly accused of child molestation."

Jackson was acquitted of all 14 counts against him at trial in 2005.

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