The Commercial Appeal and TeamGOP report that the Tennessee State Senate (actually a special committee made up of the entire senate) has thrown out the special election in District 29. The election had resulted in a very narrow, though dubious, win for Democrat Ophelia Ford, the sister of indicted former Senator John Ford. Republican Terry Roland immediately contested the election, and subsequent investigations by the Roland campaign, the Commercial Appeal, and Deputy Sheriff John Harvey uncovered several cases of fraud, including at least two votes cast by dead people. If upheld on the Senate floor Thursday, attention will shift to the Shelby County Commission, which will select an interim senator to fill the seat until the regular election on November 7. The Senate Committee vote was 17-4, with one Democrat breaking ranks to join the Republicans.

State Representative Beth Harwell today announced she will continue to serve in the Tennessee General Assembly after considering a race for governor. The following is a statement from Harwell regarding this decision:

“I have been encouraged to consider a bid for governor. Over the holidays my family and I decided that, for now, my work is in the State House, and I intend to do everything I can to ensure a better Tennessee for our children and our grandchildren.

“I can think of no higher honor than to serve the people of Tennessee as their governor. But right now my focus is helping to restore trust on Capitol Hill and in state government.”