NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Republican Gov. Bill Haslam and his Democratic predecessor, Phil Bredesen, have kicked off a campaign in support of a constitutional amendment on how Tennessee Supreme Court justices and appeals judges are appointed and retained.
The Tennessean (https://tnne.ws/1mcGONl) reports Haslam and Bredesen were joined by several others who support the measure at an event Tuesday in the Old Supreme Court Chamber in the state Capitol.
The campaign dubbed “Vote Yes on 2” is in support of the proposed amendment, which would largely mirror the system of having governors appoint justices and then having them stand for elections. A new element would give the Legislature the power to reject the governor’s selections.
Supporters say the amendment would improve the current system and prevent it from being struck down by a court opinion.
Those who attended the event included former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, Memphis Mayor A C Wharton and former Republican Sen. Fred Thompson. Several organizations were also represented including the Farm Bureau and the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“The way we choose our judges - the importance of our judges having the confidence of our people - is the fundamental bedrock of any government,” Thompson said. “If you don’t have that, you don’t have anything else.”
Organizers say the campaign could cost millions of dollars and will last through the fall.
“Some really important issues that really make the most difference in the long run, they’re more below the radar,” Bredesen said. “And I think this is very much one of these issues.”
___
Information from: The Tennessean, https://www.tennessean.com
Please read our comment policy before commenting.