Oak Ridge Today

McKamey suspends state House campaign; Collins will be write-in candidate

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Herman Collins

Herman Collins

Michael McKamey of Clinton, who had been a candidate for the Tennessee House of Representatives in District 33, announced Tuesday that he has suspended his campaign, a party official said.

The campaign suspension was announced by Anderson County Democratic Party Chair Catherine Denenberg.

McKamey is supporting Herman Collins, who has announced as a write-in candidate in the Democratic primary for the same office, Denenberg said. Collins, who also lives in Clinton, now serves as the first vice chair of the Anderson County Democratic Party.

McKamey made his decision to suspend his campaign due to a family illness that is requiring his full attention, Denenberg said. [Read more…]

Updated: Son of former state rep dies in head-on crash on Dutch Valley Road on Thursday

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Note: This story was last updated at 1:10 p.m.

A 42-year-old man, the son of a former state representative, died in a head-on crash on Dutch Valley Road in Anderson County on Thursday afternoon, authorities said.

Michael J. Hackworth, 42, was traveling south on Dutch Valley Road in a 2002 Honda Accord when a 2004 Ford Escape driven north by George E. Ross, 70, crossed the center line, hitting Hackworth’s vehicle head-on, the Tennessee Highway Patrol said.

Hackworth was killed, and Ross was injured, the THP said. Hackworth is the son of former Tennessee Representative Jim Hackworth, a Democrat who is a former Anderson County commissioner and former candidate for Anderson County mayor.

“We’re all pretty devastated by the news,” said Catherine Denenberg, Anderson County Democratic Party chair. “It’s a tragedy…Our deepest sympathies go out to Jim and Brenda (Hackworth) and their family at this sudden loss. Please keep them in your prayers.”

[Read more…]

TN House minority leader to speak to Democrats at fundraising dinner

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Craig Fitzhugh

Craig Fitzhugh

Craig Fitzhugh, Tennessee House minority leader, will speak to Anderson County Democrats at their fall fundraising dinner at 6 p.m. Thursday, November 12, at the Clinton Community Center.

Fitzhugh has represented Tennessee’s 82nd legislative district as a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives since 1994, a press release said. He is the former chairman of the House Finance, Ways, and Means Committee and of the Council on Pension and Insurance. Fitzhugh currently serves as House Democratic leader.

The Thursday dinner is $25 per person, and reservations are required. You can RSVP to Beth Hickman at (865) 964-0611 or Jean Hiser at (865) 272-3077, the press release said. For general information about the dinner contact Catherine Denenberg; see contact information above.

The Clinton Community Center is at 101 South Hicks Street in Clinton.

Anderson County Democrats to celebrate Cinco de Mayo on Tuesday

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Former State Representative John Litz of Morristown will be the guest speaker when the Anderson County Democratic Party meets at 5:30  p.m. Tuesday, May 5, at the Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church at 809 Oak Ridge Turnpike.

The Cinco de Mayo gathering will feature Mexican food, and those attending are invited to bring contributions to a taco bar or a side dish to share. The evening will also feature an auction of baked goods and Democratic-themed items.

Litz, a farmer who represented Hamblen County in the state legislature, will speak at 6 p.m. He served for eight years as a representative. Former State Representative Jim Hackworth of Clinton will introduce Litz.

For more information, contact Anderson County Democratic Chair Catherine Denenberg at (865) 483-4662.

Letter: Shelton has experience, operates with integrity

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To the Editor:

I am writing in support of Tim Shelton, our Anderson County Register of Deeds, who is seeking re-election.

Tim has a total of 22 years experience in the Register of Deeds office and has served as our register for the past 12 years. He has consistently run his office with professionalism and integrity, and he has extensive knowledge of the state laws that govern the records and services that his office maintains and provides.

During Tim’s 12-year tenure as register, his office has been recognized twice as the best Register of Deeds office in the state. Each of his staff members are certified public administrators and provide friendly and exceptional customer service

Also, since 2002, Tim’s office has receipted in over $20 million and has accounted for every penny. His office has not received a single negative audit finding since Tim was elected.

If his office were mishandling money and operating at a deficit, as his opponent would lead us to believe, that would definitely have been reflected in annual audits. [Read more…]

Anderson County Democrats have ‘Meet the Candidates’ on Feb. 27

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The Anderson County Democratic Party will host a potluck supper and “Meet the Candidates” evening at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, at 1660 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge.

County Democratic Party Chair Catherine Denenberg invites all Democrats to attend and meet candidates seeking office in this year’s elections, a press release said. The primary election date for county offices is May 6, and the general election is Aug. 7.

Those planning to attend should RSVP to Jean Hiser at [email protected] or (865) 272-3077.