Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice Gary Wade talks about
challenges for the upcoming retention vote for Supreme Court
justice on Aug. 7. Chief Justice Wade spent the day visiting
with area officials including Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke,
Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger and various judges and
attorneys.Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice Gary Wade had a busy Friday in Chattanooga.
The state’s top judge was here talking with mayors, judges, a police union representative and lawyers to broaden support for his and his fellow justices’ retention in the Aug. 7 election.
What’s been a fairly standard, low-key affair every eight years for the past quarter century is in danger of becoming a politicized campaign unlike what is intended in Tennessee, Wade said.
Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, a Republican, has pushed to oust Wade and fellow justices Connie Clark and Sharon Lee, all appointed by Democratic former Gov. Phil Bredesen.
In Tennessee, Supreme Court justices are appointed by the governor after a vetting process by a qualifications commission. Every eight years, or at the next scheduled general election, the voters are asked whether to “retain” or “replace” appointed justices.