Who are these folks who came to Knox County to interrogate our Republican officeholders and candidates, setting criteria for “bona fide Republicans” and asserting authority to disqualify those who don’t meet their standards?
Julia Hurley is a former one-term state representative from Loudon and Roane counties. She currently represents state Senate District 5 (Sen. Randy McNally’s district) on the Republican State Executive Committee. She sponsored the party rules changes and chaired Monday’s meeting.
Scott Golden is from Jackson, Tenn. He chairs the state Republican Party after having worked as deputy chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn and later for U.S. Rep. Stephen Fincher. “There is no litmus test (for being a Republican), but we do have standards,” said Golden.
The “not optional” standard includes voting in at least three of the four most recent statewide Republican primary elections. And that requirement drew criticism from state Sen. Richard Briggs. As Briggs explained his concern that soldiers serving in remote areas might be unable to return a ballot and thus be disqualified from running for office, Hurley interrupted to ask: “Is there a question in there, senator?”
Briggs, a physician, served over 30 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a full colonel. He served in combat during Operation Desert Storm and was awarded the Bronze Star. He also completed tours in Afghanistan and Iraq as a combat trauma surgeon. Generally mild-mannered, Briggs asked Golden whether he had military service. Golden said no.
“Why should a combat veteran come to a person who has never served to seek (a waiver) to run?” Briggs asked.
It wasn’t the question Hurley wanted, and neither she nor Golden had an answer.
Glenn Jacobs, a candidate for county mayor, outlined his credentials. Some have speculated that the new rules are aimed at disqualifying him from the ballot. Jacobs has called a press conference for 9:30 today (Oct. 3) outside the City County Building on Main Street to discuss the rules.
Some officeholders like Mike Hammond and Randy Smith stated their party activities. Others, like Tim Burchett and Charles Busler, just blew off the meeting. Don Ridings, a candidate for Circuit Court clerk, attended but declined to make his case for Golden’s blessing. Others had questions:
Larsen Jay, a candidate for county commission at-large, asked Golden about the time frame for deciding who is eligible. Golden said everyone is assumed to be eligible unless challenged by two bona fide Republicans who live in the candidate’s district. “What makes them bona fide?” yelled someone from the back.
“We’ll respond as soon as we can,” said Golden. “I hope no one is contested. That will make my life easier.”
Jay asked if a candidate could send qualifications to Golden and be “preemptively certified.” Answer: no.
How will the rules be enforced? Golden said he would send a letter to the local election commission stating that someone is not a bona fide Republican if he determines that to be the case. “Anyone can be challenged.” And, according to the new rules, Golden’s decision is final.