The slim Republican majority on the Shelby County Commission is in jeopardy this afternoon after incumbent Republican Bruce Thompson withdrew his bid for reelection.

The Memphis Flyer’s Jackson Baker has the details.

Thompson’s absence would leave District 5, considered a swing district, without a Republican candidate.

However:

[I]t would appear that a state law passed in the ’90s governing last-minute withdrawals would call for the re-opening of the filing deadline for a week — thereby allowing the local Republican Party to field another candidate.

Memphis lawyer John Ryder, who also ran in 2002, is said to be seriously considering another campaign.

Above, Jackson Baker and John Ryder appear together at a civic forum held last summer.

Dear Friends & Constituents,

For the last six years I have had the opportunity to represent Cordova and Germantown in the House of Representatives. Today I officially announced my candidacy for State Senate in District 31, in the Republican Primary. Sen. Curtis Person has held this seat for the last forty years and served the district and his constituents with distinction.

With Sen. Person retiring, my decision to seek the State Senate seat was relatively easy. First, my current legislative seat sits in the middle of the Senate district. The exact same issues that I am fighting and voting for in the House will be the same ones I will advocate in the Senate. I voted against the proposed state income tax, and am cosponsoring legislation to freeze boundaries and create special school districts in Shelby County and to promote the proposed marriage amendment you will hopefully be able to vote for this fall. Second, over the course of the past six years I have achieved a 100% voting record with the National Rifle Association, Tennessee Right to Life, National Federation of Independent Businesses and other conservative organizations. I am confident my voting record is reflective of the Senate district I seek to represent and the House district I represent today.

Over the next few weeks and months I would appreciate your prayers, support and comments/suggestions. My ability to serve you is totally in the hands of the voters of our district and I sincerely ask for your vote and support if you live in the Germantown, Cordova and Bartlett areas. Thank you for your confidence in me and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Blessings,

Rep. Paul Stanley

117 War Memorial Building
Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 741-3036
1-800-449-8366 ext. 13036

District 96
Representing Cordova & Germantown
www.paulstanley.org