It looks like Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton (pictured below) is trying to separate himself from the rat race of candidates vying to replace Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton.
No special election has been scheduled to replace Herenton. In fact, the mayor hasn't officially stepped down and even rescinded all written statements indicating he would.
But County Commissioner Mike Carpenter's business, the Associated Builders and Contractors, is still planning to host a candidate forum this morning at the University of Memphis' Holiday Inn.
So far the candidates, and would-be candidates, planning to attend include former city councilwoman Carol Chumney, Memphis City School board member Kenneth Whalum Jr. and City Councilman Kemp Conrad. Herenton ally Charles Carpenter (who is no relation the forum's host) also said he's planning to attend after his 11 a.m. press conference.
City Council members Jim Strickland and Myron Lowery were tied up with a trial (Strickland is an attorney) and a National League of Cities meeting in Denver (Lowery).
Wharton had planned to go, but around 9:30 p.m. last night he backed out, telling Carpenter that an appearance with the other candidates was "premature and inconsistent with his campaign strategy." Wharton also said he was unaware of the event's format, even though his staff had been provided with the details for more than a week, according to Carpenter.
Carpenter said he didn't invite pro-wrestler Jerry Lawler, who announced his intention to run yesterday. "I don't consider him a serious candidate -- only a spoiler," Carpenter said in an e-mail this morning.
What do you think, is it premature to host a candidate forum for an election that doesn't actually exist yet?
Shrewd move on Wharton's part. What on earth does Carpenter thing he's going to do here? These "forums" are an obnoxious fact of life during campaign season, and usually accomplish practically nothing except to allow a few inexperienced and underfunded candidates the opportunity to pander to the sponsoring constituency. Good on AC for taking the high road and not getting pulled down into the usual talking-points shouting match this early.
I find it insulting and rude that Mike Carpenter denied an invitation to Jerry Lawler, who has publicly announced his intention to run. To say that Lawler is not a serious candidate is arrogant and very presumptious of Carpenter. At least Lawler has experience as a mayoral candidate, unlike Herenton ally Charles Carpenter who apparently DID get an invite.
This tells me a great deal about Mike Carpenter and shows me that he thinks he knows better than the voters who we should consider when choosing the next leader of Memphis. Little does Mike know, such attitude is exactly what we citizens have grown weary of.
How is Jerry Lawler any more of a spoiler candidate than Kenneth Whalum Jr. or Charles Carpenter.As much of a Circus I think this is, If you let them come you have to let Lawler in as well.
Charles Carpenter will pull out too. Now that he has been linked to the thief Ricky Wilkins. Wilkins has been exposed as a thief and has stolen millions of dollars in taxpayer money. Another one of Willie's crooks. Just like Carpenter. Check out the story. This is only the beginning:
http://www.wreg.com/news/onyourside/wreg-attorneys-defend-billing-story,0,119014.story
Shouldn't the voters, not Mike Carpenter, decide who is a serious candidate and who isn't?
The truth is that Mr. Wilkins made lots of money on both sides of the street. Maybe even more from A C's administration than from Willie's. Check it out.
I think it's all a farce, there's not one serious candidate that can turn this city around from the mess Herenten has created.
However, Jerry Lawler is a citizen of this city and he has just as much right to be at that forum as any of the other clowns that have been invited.
If Carpenter is going to discriminate in who can be there and who can't, then I don't consider that forum worth a plug nickle. I too doubt Lawler will win but every citizen who qualifies with the election and residency rules is just as viable as anyone else and his/her voice should be heard.
Don't laugh,remember Jesse Ventura and Minnesota.
It is amazing that most of the citizens of Memphis can see the city government is a complete joke, but yet they keep voting these people in. a council person that is arrested and apparently on some sort of meds or more. A mayor that resigned last year, and given two dates this year. appears to me everything is racial...everything...look at the votes, listen to the comments. Carpenter is a joke too...he is going to decide for the people of memphis who is a real candidate and who is not? leaves lawler out because he is not a candidate, but a spoiler. I love watching this crap and it's a shame that memphis citizens pay these clowns salaries.
To those concerned that excluding Jerry Lawler was somehow inappropriate, I would encourage you to read the coverage a little more closely. The Associated Builders and Contractors is a PRIVATE organization, not a public organization or civic group. Our purpose is to do determine which candidates would be best to represent the concerns of our membership, who are largely small business owners.
I respect and support the public's right to support Mr. Lawler or anyone else. But it is our organization's right to invite anyone we choose to a PRIVATE, members only function. If Mr. Lawler wins, then I'll eat crow.
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