FAST FACTS:
april.thompson@wreg.com
( Memphis 7/16/2009) - Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton is considered a leading contender in the Memphis Mayor's race.
But the crowded field has Wharton concerned that the winner may not be from a mandate, but a fluke.
"I am troubled but not dismayed about it. But this is something that we need to take a look at." Wharton told us this week.
But is Wharton asking others to jump out of the race?
Mayoral candidate and Shelby County Commissioner James Harvey met with Wharton Wednesday.
"It originated as a business proposition to talk about a development in the small business community." says Harvey.
He says Wharton is seeking his help in creating a coalition to serve small businesses.
Harvey says the job would make running for Mayor almost impossible.
"It would be great if I could support the Mayor's campaign and support mine at the same time, but I haven't discovered how that can be done." he says.
We couldn't reach Mayor Wharton to ask about his meeting with Harvey, but he has said before he isn't asking anyone to stop running.
"I don't do that. Never happened, never will. It think we all ought to talk. Who am I to tell you to get out. Ain't done it, won't do it." Wharton said this week.
Harvey says the offer is an honor, but as for what he will do.
"I haven't made up my decision." says Harvey. Harvey says he does think having 10 or 12 candidates in the race is a disadvantage for the Democrats, but he says it's also an indication of displeasure with politics as usual.
- Crowded field of candidates in Mayor's Race
- Frontrunner A C Wharton concerned about wide field
- Candidate James Harvey meets with Wharton about business proposition
april.thompson@wreg.com
( Memphis 7/16/2009) - Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton is considered a leading contender in the Memphis Mayor's race.
But the crowded field has Wharton concerned that the winner may not be from a mandate, but a fluke.
"I am troubled but not dismayed about it. But this is something that we need to take a look at." Wharton told us this week.
But is Wharton asking others to jump out of the race?
Mayoral candidate and Shelby County Commissioner James Harvey met with Wharton Wednesday.
"It originated as a business proposition to talk about a development in the small business community." says Harvey.
He says Wharton is seeking his help in creating a coalition to serve small businesses.
Harvey says the job would make running for Mayor almost impossible.
"It would be great if I could support the Mayor's campaign and support mine at the same time, but I haven't discovered how that can be done." he says.
We couldn't reach Mayor Wharton to ask about his meeting with Harvey, but he has said before he isn't asking anyone to stop running.
"I don't do that. Never happened, never will. It think we all ought to talk. Who am I to tell you to get out. Ain't done it, won't do it." Wharton said this week.
Harvey says the offer is an honor, but as for what he will do.
"I haven't made up my decision." says Harvey. Harvey says he does think having 10 or 12 candidates in the race is a disadvantage for the Democrats, but he says it's also an indication of displeasure with politics as usual.
