Today the Knox County Republican Party held a reorganization at Central High School. Randy Pace was elected Chairman with 6 more votes than Eddie Smith.
The funniest part was everyone wanting to pin a candidate to Brian Hornback. I like both Smith and Pace. A week or so ago, I was told that Robert Lawrence Smith was telling people that Pace was Brian Hornback’s guy. So either way, it seems Hornback won.
Suzanne Dewar was Elected Vice Chair
Gary Loe was Elected Secretary
Judson Davis was Elected Treasurer
Now Former Chairman Buddy Burkhardt with 2005-2007 Former Chairman ME
Eddie Mannis provided that breakfast staple of Chickfila chicken minis. Fletcher Burkhardt provided Orange Juice, both tables in the picture.
Former Knox County Sheriff Jimmy JJ Jones and I trying to influence Bruce Williams to postivity.
People gathering around the food
Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, Knox County Commissioner at Large Seat 11 Justin Biggs and I.
another Former Chairman Gerald Turner and I
The 2005-2007 leadership team, Myself as Chair and Irene McCrary, the first Vice Chair. McCrary then became Chair 2007-2009.
Commissioner Biggs had 100 of these America is Great Again buttons that he was giving away and they were a biggs hit, they went quick
Me having a BIGGS time. Justin Biggs, his mom and dad, Pat and Chief Eddie Biggs.
Republican State Executive Committeewoman Amy Jones, her husband Bill and I
Chairman candidate Randy Pace and I
Chairman candidate Eddie Smith, his wife Lanna and I.
the crowd
Michael Sullivan, Executive Director of the TN Republican Party explaining to the Committee the difference in a mass convention or a delegate convention.
State Representative Martin Daniel offered a motion to give the Executive Committee the authority to compensate the Chairman. Many individuals perceived this was an effort for Smith and likely cost him a significant number of votes.
The party recognized outgoing Chairman Burkhardt.
The party recognizing outgoing First Vice Chair Dewar.
the group counting the Chairman votes
Sheriff Tom Spangler, Kim Glenn and myself as we left.
Very happy to see my beloved Knox County GOP transfer leadership according to the rules! I know Randy and Suzanne will continue the great traditions of the Republican Party here in Knox County! I’m sorry I couldn’t attend, but I had to work today.
We face challenges that need quick attention and strong leadership. I’ve spoken to Randy and I know Suzanne – they will be a great leadership team and attack those challenges head-on!
Congratulations Randy, Suzanne, Gary, Judd, and all of the delegates. Every day is a challenge and an opportunity!
Ray H Jenkins