Smith doesn’t want to be interim judge
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“Nobody wants the endorsement of a tax-and-spend governor,” Smith said in officially withdrawing his application from consideration. “And, I don’t think anyone else is going to apply.”
Smith was the only person who tendered an application for the interim judgeship to temporarily fill the vacancy created by the mid-term retirement of Circuit Court Judge Charles Haston last week. However, the application process was re-opened because at least two candidates are required before their names can be sent to Gov. Don Sundquist for consideration and possible appointment.
The appointee would serve until Sept. 1, when the publicly elected judge would take office. Smith is still a candidate in the Aug. 1 judgeship election.
“I think I could have still won the election, in spite of the governor’s endorsement,” Smith said. “It should be a heck of a race since I don’t believe there’s a single bad candidate running.”