Tennessee gubernatorial candidate Randy Boyd to open local headquarters
Tennessee gubernatorial candidate Randy Boyd will host the grand opening of his Chattanooga campaign headquarters from 9:15-10:15 a.m. Monday at 800 Market St., according to a news release from his campaign.
Boyd is seeking the Republican nomination to succeed term-limited Gov. Bill Haslam. He’s competing with U.S. Rep. Diane Black, Tennessee House Speaker Beth Harwell, businessman Bill Lee and Realtor Kay White. The winner of the Aug. 2 primary will face either state Rep. Craig Fitzhugh or former Nashville mayor Karl Dean in the November general election.
Boyd is the founder and chairman of Knoxville-based Radio Systems Corp., which produces more than 4,600 pet products under brand names such as Invisible Fence, PetSafe and SportDOG, according to a news release. The company employs more than 700 people, with annual revenues of $400 million.
Boyd previously served as commissioner of Economic and Community Development under Haslam and helped develop the governor’s Drive to 55 workforce development initiative and the Tennessee Promise scholarship program, according to the release. For more information about Randy Boyd and his campaign, visit RandyBoyd.com, like him on Facebook at RandyBoydTN, or follow him on Twitter @RandyBoyd.
Hammond gets IBPO nod
The International Brotherhood of Police Officers Local 673 has endorsed incumbent Republican Jim Hammond for sheriff, a news release states.
“During his tenure as Hamilton County Sheriff, Jim Hammond has implemented several community and law enforcement base programs,” according to the release. “These programs include the enhancement of the community watch program, unused prescription drop-off sites, crisis intervention training for officers and adding additional school resource officers to the county schools to name a few.
“Sheriff Hammond has also advanced several initiatives to improve the working environment for deputies within the sheriff’s office as well. With several decades of leadership experience and a proven record of service to the community the IBPO gladly stands behind Sheriff Hammond. “
Devoted to police officers in both Chattanooga and Hamilton County, the IBPO Local #673 advocates on behalf of the interests of law enforcement officers regarding favorable employment policies and workplace environment.
Hammond has no opponent in the May 1 Republican primary. He faces Democrat Victor Miller in the Aug. 2 general election.
Teague to direct Tennessee Democrats
Jeff Teague has been chosen as executive director of the Tennessee Democratic Party, a news release states.
Teague will monitor and manage the party’s day-to-day business as well as efforts to build up party strength and elect more Democrats up and down the ballot in 2018, according to the release.
He has more than 30 years of experience in Tennessee politics, serving most recently as president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Middle and East Tennessee. He held senior roles on the Gore 2000, Clinton-Gore 1996, and Clinton-Gore 1992 campaigns, and served in the vice president’s office among other prominent finance and public relations positions.
“I couldn’t be happier to have Jeff in this role,” party Chairwoman Mary Mancini said. “His decades of experience in state party politics and high-level campaigns, as well as his energetic and accessible personality, will serve us well as we move full steam ahead into this very important election year.”
Marsha Blackburn adds Abbi Sigler to campaign
The Marsha for Senate campaign has hired Abbi Sigler as communications director, according to a campaign news release.
Andrea Bozek will continue to serve as a campaign adviser.
“We are thrilled to welcome Abbi to the team,” campaign manager Kevin Golden said in the release. “While we will continue to scale up, we are laying the groundwork for an aggressive, substantive campaign. Abbi will help us share Marsha’s conservative vision with Tennesseans across the state as we work to defeat Phil Bredesen in November.”