Wood, Walker announce they won’t seek re-election
Wood, 68, of Chattanooga, is one of the longest-serving members of the House. He was first elected in 1976.
“Life is a relay race,” Wood said. “I’m announcing that I’m stepping off the course. It’s been a good race.”
Walker, 68, of Crossville, served as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1976 and was elected to the House in 1996. He said he is stepping aside for health reasons.
“There’s a terminology here that there’s this side of the aisle and that side of the aisle, and we talk about which side we’re on,” Walker said. “As far as I’m concerned there is no aisle. I’ve got just as many Democrat friends as I do Republican.”
There were emotional testimonials to both men. Rep. Jack Sharp, R-East Ridge, who shares a desk on the House floor with Wood, said in a shaking voice: “For 10 years I’ve been privileged to sit beside one of the finest people I have ever met. Thank you.”
Rep. Tre’ Hargett, the House Republican leader, said, “There have been many great men and women who have walked these halls, but there have been none finer than Bobby Wood.”
Wood and Walker are the second and third lawmakers to announce this session that they would not run again, joining Rep. Joe Kent, R-Memphis, who has served in the House for 26 years.
Senate Republican Leader Ben Atchley announced in September that he will not seek re-election next year.
One other House member, Rep. Diane Black, R-Gallatin, has said she intends to run for the state Senate. Another, Rep. Jamie Hagood, R-Knoxville, is widely mentioned as a candidate for Atchley’s seat but has not made a formal announcement.
Copyright 2004 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.