Vaughn won’t challenge state Sen. Jerry Cooper

By DUANE SHERRILL / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

VAUGHN

After considering an end to his decade-long hibernation to seek elected office, local political professor Thomas B. Vaughn has announced he will not challenge incumbent Jerry Cooper in the upcoming state senate election for the 14th District.

“I’ve weighed my options and carefully considered the possibilities and have decided not to make myself a candidate,” Vaughn said, ending rumors he would oppose Cooper as a Republican candidate. “It is true I was considering a run at one point, but after studying it, I’ve decided I’d like to maintain my independent point of view.”

Vaughn, a career military professional, now serves as a professor at Motlow State Community College. He teaches political science and is also known as a radio show host, political expert and song writer.

Vaughn said his reluctance to re-enter the political world comes, at least partly, due to the amount of money it takes to run a campaign.

“While weighing the pros and cons, I came to the reality that it would take between $200,000 and $250,000 to mount a significant campaign,” Vaughn said. “That’s just ridiculous and it’s something that’s hard to justify.”

Had Vaughn sought office, it would have been his first dabbling in politics since his run in 1990 when he was defeated in a three-man race by longtime state Rep. Shelby Rhinehart for the 37th District seat. While losing that year, Vaughn did carry Warren County.

Seeing as the senatorial race is not until next year, candidates still have a wealth of time to qualify for the election. However, Vaughn said he doubts he will change his mind before the filing deadline next spring.