Press Release: Harrell Withdraws / Kelsey Unopposed in Senate District 31 Republican Primary Race

The Main Street Journal Website

(The following press release is published as it was received by the Main Street Journal.)

REPUBLICAN PARTY OF SHELBY COUNTY
For Immediate Release

HARRELL ANNOUNCES WITHDRAWAL FROM STATE SENATE RACE
Primary opponent Harrell decides not to run, ensuring that
Rep. Brian Kelsey will be GOP nominee.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Contact:
Lang Wiseman, Chairman
Republican Party of Shelby County
(901) 833-0237
Lang@ShelbyGOP.org

Memphis, TN - Today, the Tennessee Republican Party received
a statement from James Harrell of Cordova, Tennessee,
regarding his intention not to seek election in State Senate
District 31.

“In business and in life, I have always been driven by the
big picture.” Mr. Harrell said. “While I was prepared to run
and win the State Senate race, there are causes greater than
oneself, and it is not my intention to jeopardize the gains
our Party has made by stringing out a State House special
election.

“For these reasons, I have decided not to seek election in
the State Senate, but look forward to working with our next
State Senator, Brian Kelsey, and the Republican Party in
advancing the principles we hold dear.” said Mr. Harrell.

Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Chris Devaney was
pleased by the decision. “Jim Harrell has a sincere desire
to improve his community, state, and nation. He is someone
who is a strong defender of our sovereign Constitution. He
understands the principles of our Party and the importance
for the future. Jim’s decision was the right one.”

Shelby County Republican Party Chairman Lang Wiseman echoed
Devaney’s comments. “Mr. Harrell is obviously a principled
man who understands the larger picture, and who is willing
to demonstrate by his actions a willingness to put the
people’s interest ahead of his own.

“His withdrawal allows Brian Kelsey to vacate his House seat
even sooner than originally planned, thereby ensuring that
the District will be well-represented in the coming
legislative session without risking the vital, yet slim
Republican majority in the House.” said Wiseman. “Mr.
Harrell is to be applauded, and I look forward to his
contribution as an integral part of our Party as we move
ahead.”

###

Brian Kelsey - for State Senate

REP. KELSEY UNOPPOSED IN SENATE GOP PRIMARY

For Immediate Release / September 10,
2009 mail@votekelsey.com (901) 213-8683

State Representative Brian Kelsey (R-Germantown) today
praised Jim Harrell of Cordova for withdrawing from the
Republican Primary for state Senate in District 31.

“Many of us have made sacrifices to keep this seat
Republican, and I’m glad Jim Harrell put the interests of
the Republican party above his own,” said Kelsey. “I thank
and commend Mr. Harrell for his efforts in keeping this seat
in Republican hands.”

“I look forward to running as the Republican nominee and
continuing to take on the politicians to keep us safe in our
homes, safe from government-run health care, and safe from
wasteful government spending,” Kelsey said.

The general election for District 31 will be held Dec.
1. District 31 includes parts of Germantown, Bartlett,
Cordova, East Memphis and Hickory Hill.

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