FAST FACTS:
(Memphis 9/24/2009) It's official, state representative Brian Kelsey is stepping down to run for the state senate.
The Germantown Republican's resignation wasn't a surprise since Kelsey's expected to win next month's special election to replace Paul Stanley in the state senate.
Stanley resigned after news broke he was having an affair with an intern.
What's interesting about today's announcement is the timing.
By resigning before November 2nd, voters will be able to pick his replacement in a special election.
Had Kelsey resigned after that date, the county commission would have stepped in and made their own appointment.
Since a majority of county commissioners are Democrats, a Democrat would have likely been appointed for the district which is predominately Republican.
That's a situation Kelsey says he wanted to avoid.
- Rep. Brian Kelsey resigns
- Kelsey expected to win state senate seat
- Timing means voters, not commissioners, can choose Kelsey's replacement
(Memphis 9/24/2009) It's official, state representative Brian Kelsey is stepping down to run for the state senate.
The Germantown Republican's resignation wasn't a surprise since Kelsey's expected to win next month's special election to replace Paul Stanley in the state senate.
Stanley resigned after news broke he was having an affair with an intern.
What's interesting about today's announcement is the timing.
By resigning before November 2nd, voters will be able to pick his replacement in a special election.
Had Kelsey resigned after that date, the county commission would have stepped in and made their own appointment.
Since a majority of county commissioners are Democrats, a Democrat would have likely been appointed for the district which is predominately Republican.
That's a situation Kelsey says he wanted to avoid.
