Vincent is eighth House Republican to step down

NASHVILLE (AP) — State Rep. Jim Vincent of Soddy-Daisy said Tuesday he will not seek re-election this fall, making him the eighth Republican House member to announce plans to give up their seats.

Two are seeking higher office: Reps. Jamie Hagood of Knoxville and Diane Black of Gallatin are running for the state Senate. The others are retiring from public office: Reps Joe Kent of Memphis, Raymond Walker of Crossville, Bobby Wood of Harrison, and H.E. Bittle and Steven Buttry of Knoxville.

Most of the seats are considered safe for the Republicans, who are hoping to gain ground this fall in the House, where Democrats currently have a 54-45 majority.

Vincent, 57, said a recent controversy involving Bittle and a fracas in a Nashville bar “caused me to re-evaluate my public service in light of the sacrifice it requires of my family.”

Vincent had to apologize to House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh for claiming falsely that the speaker was present the night police were called to the nightclub after a reported fight or assault. Vincent and Bittle say they didn’t fight but both emerged from the bar with injuries, witnesses say.

Vincent, who defeated Republican incumbent Arnold Stulce in 2000, is in his second two-year term. He previously sat on the Hamilton County Commission.

Two Republicans, Daved Senters and George Thacker, and Democrat James L. Roberts are interested in the District 31 seat.

Meanwhile, Buttry’s wife, Cindy, said Tuesday that she has decided not to run for his 18th District seat.

The filing deadline for legislative candidates is noon Thursday.