Republicans to add transparency to selection process for constitutional officers

A good article in the Tennessean on a plan by Senator Mark Norris (R – Collierville) that will “add transparency, weed out unqualified candidates, and iron some of the patronage out of what has long been a political process.” 

The process would apply only to how the GOP chooses their caucus’ candidates. Democrats would be free to select their own candidates as they see fit, but with Republicans now in the majority, it is their nominees that would be likely be appointed.

Also an update on who the candidates are:

Names in circulation for secretary of state include former State Sen. Jim Bryson; Tre´ Hargett, a former House member and currently chairman of the Tennessee Regulatory Authority; and Deborah Tate, a commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission.

Justin Wilson, a chief policy adviser for Gov. Don Sundquist, is interested in being comptroller. Former Sundquist Revenue Commissioner Ruth Johnson has been named as a contender for treasurer, along with Ira Brody, an investment banker and former aide to former New York Gov. George Pataki.

Rosalind Kurita, who was just voted out of her Senate seat, was considered a candidate for secretary of state, but now appears unlikely because of Republican opposition. Former U.S. Rep. Van Hilleary, another early candidate, said he’s no longer interested.