Main Street Journal: Count Me In! Sheriff Mark Luttrell joins the County mayor’s race

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Count Me In!
By: Jonathan Lindberg

Make no mistake, Sheriff Luttrell announcing his intention to run for Shelby County Mayor is big news with big implications. For months Luttrell had been rumored to be interested in the race, but only from a distance. He is a popular Sheriff and well respected. His perceived reluctance has allowed him now to hold the position of the drafted candidate, comfortable in his present office but willing for the good of the county to run for mayor. In an environment unfavorable to politicians, that is an enviable position.

Rumors over the weekend had the Sheriff conducting polling concerning his mayoral prospects. Obviously the polling came back very favorable. Let’s be honest, Luttrell seemed very happy as Sheriff and was well-respected and would not be entering any race if his chances for success were anything but strong.

Two factors seemed to lead to this decision. One was the professional struggles of one-time candidate Harold Byrd to mount any kind of steady campaign. His sudden (read: inevitable) withdrawal from the race left a very weak field. Second, and perhaps understated, is the renewed energy within the Republican Party, both local and nationally. Less than one hour after the Luttrell announcement, Shelby County Republican Chairman Lang Wiseman sent a press release praising Luttrell as the right candidate for Shelby County Mayor. It is hard to remember in recent history the Shelby County Republican Party endorsing a candidate in an open race so soon, especially before everyone has declared.

Obviously having a popular candidate like Luttrell on top of the ticket helps every Republican running and the Republicans are licking their chops. Republicans also seem intent on being unified this time for mayor, after a tumultuous endorsement process during the 2007 race for Memphis City Mayor.

For Commissioner Diedre Malone and Interim Mayor Joe Ford, it is back to the drawing board. Neither seemed too exciting as county-wide candidates. Both seemed to benefit from an empty Republican field. For now, Luttrell has the Republican bloc to himself while Malone and Ford are left to fight over the Democrats. Compound that with the fact that Luttrell polls much better than most Republicans among Independents and Democrats and this could be a very short race.

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