Republicans rule primary
Knox County voters will mostly likely elect Republicans for their top local legislative body in the 2014 primary.
Only Republicans filed to run for Knox County Commission.
Early voting starts April 16.
And the rest of the May 6 primary ballot is as heavy as an elephant, with a GOP field. Only one race, for the 4th Circuit Court judgeship between Daniel Kidd and David Valone, has a Democratic primary.
Such a heavy GOP presence on the ballot shouldnt be surprising. Knox County heavily favored Mitt Romney in his unsuccessful presidential run in 2012.
A Republican-only field for the commission seats includes three true races and one unopposed at-large race. First-time commission candidate Bob Thomas will walk into the at-large seat Mike Hammond is vacating because of term limits.
All outgoing commissioners are leaving due to term limits.
In the 3rd District, which covers much of West Knoxville, incumbent Tony Norman is leaving his seat for Randy Smith or Billy Stephens. In the 7th District, which is made up of Powell, Halls and part of Fountain City, Larry Smith will step down for either Bo Bennett or Charles Busler.
Photo by Saul Young, 2014 Knoxville News Sentinel // Buy this photo
SAUL YOUNG/NEWS SENTINEL Halls Elementary School third-grade teacher Lauren Hopson returns to her seat after addressing the Knox County Commission on January 27.
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