FAST FACTS:
(Memphis 06/28/2009) The list of candidates for Memphis Mayor continues to grow. Since the resignation announcement by Willie Herenton Thursday, several people have said they want to sit in the city's top seat. Right now, political analysts agree Shelby County Mayor A.C. Wharton is the front-runner.
"He's already got a campaign organization in place. He already has campaign funds in place. He is probably the most respected political figure in town," said WREG Political Analyst Norm Brewer.
Two other people analyst say may be able to compete with Wharton when it comes to name recognition are City Council President Myron Lowery and former State Representative and City Councilwoman Carol Chumney. Then there's Jack Sammons. He served on the city council for four years. Some of the other contenders however could have to play catch up.
"You have others who will put themselves out there who may not have the overall name recognition but who has been a great service to the community," said Political Analyst Cato Johnson.
Some are also first-timers. Though he hasn't decided if he'll run, Jim Strickland, who already has over 800 supporters on Facebook is in his first term as City Councilman. So is former Shelby County Republican Chairman Kemp Conrad and Shelby County Commissioner James Harvey.
"If you've got any, mini and my running against each other, they're all members of the same fraternity as council people ad they have about the same degree of name recognition. Each one is going to hurt each other's chances against someone who has known quantity like AC Wharton," said Political Analyst Jackson Baker.
Charles Carpenter hasn't held an official city position but helped shape Herenton's mayoral campaigns. With the list of contenders still growing, analyst say this election will give voters the chance to really focus on the issues.
"We need to be focusing on do we want that dynamic leader who has a strategic vision of the city that they can articulate," said Johnson.
Other folks said to be considering are school board member Kenneth Whalum, City Councilwoman Wanda Halbert and even Prince Mongo. The deadline to file for the special election is July 16th.
- List Of Mayoral Candidates Continues To Grow
- Political Analyst Say Mayor AC Wharton Front Runner
- Other Candidates Have Little Time To Catch Up
(Memphis 06/28/2009) The list of candidates for Memphis Mayor continues to grow. Since the resignation announcement by Willie Herenton Thursday, several people have said they want to sit in the city's top seat. Right now, political analysts agree Shelby County Mayor A.C. Wharton is the front-runner.
"He's already got a campaign organization in place. He already has campaign funds in place. He is probably the most respected political figure in town," said WREG Political Analyst Norm Brewer.
Two other people analyst say may be able to compete with Wharton when it comes to name recognition are City Council President Myron Lowery and former State Representative and City Councilwoman Carol Chumney. Then there's Jack Sammons. He served on the city council for four years. Some of the other contenders however could have to play catch up.
"You have others who will put themselves out there who may not have the overall name recognition but who has been a great service to the community," said Political Analyst Cato Johnson.
Some are also first-timers. Though he hasn't decided if he'll run, Jim Strickland, who already has over 800 supporters on Facebook is in his first term as City Councilman. So is former Shelby County Republican Chairman Kemp Conrad and Shelby County Commissioner James Harvey.
"If you've got any, mini and my running against each other, they're all members of the same fraternity as council people ad they have about the same degree of name recognition. Each one is going to hurt each other's chances against someone who has known quantity like AC Wharton," said Political Analyst Jackson Baker.
Charles Carpenter hasn't held an official city position but helped shape Herenton's mayoral campaigns. With the list of contenders still growing, analyst say this election will give voters the chance to really focus on the issues.
"We need to be focusing on do we want that dynamic leader who has a strategic vision of the city that they can articulate," said Johnson.
Other folks said to be considering are school board member Kenneth Whalum, City Councilwoman Wanda Halbert and even Prince Mongo. The deadline to file for the special election is July 16th.
