NASHVILLE (AP) - Republican businessman and farmer Paul Bailey has been appointed by the White County Commission to succeed Democratic state Rep. Charles Curtiss in the General Assembly.
Bailey, who is also a county commissioner, said Tuesday he plans to serve out the remainder of Curtiss' term, but will continue to run for the state Senate seat being vacated by Democratic Sen. Charlotte Burks this fall.
"I had several fellow commissioners approach me and ask if I would serve out the remainder of this term, which would allow someone to come forward and run for that position and put everyone on equal footing," he said in a phone interview.
The vote in his favor was 7-6, he said.
Meanwhile, Bailey's state Senate bid will be covered by the state fundraising ban for sitting lawmakers during the legislative session.
"That was a consideration," Bailey said. "But as far as the campaign is concerned, the only thing that will go on hold is the fundraising efforts. All other portions will continue."
Bailey's appointment to the District 43 seat representing all of White and Grundy counties and part of Warren County gives Republicans control of 71 seats in the 99-member chamber.
"The 43rd District is now Republican and we intend to keep it that way," state Republican Party Chairman Chris Devaney said in an email.
Curtiss, who was first elected in 1994, resigned on Jan. 1, to become executive director of the Tennessee County Commissioners Association, an organization that lobbies lawmakers on behalf of counties. Curtiss will have to wait a year before he can begin directly lobbying lawmakers because of the state's revolving door law.
Bailey runs a trucking company and raises American quarter horses and cattle on a farm in rural White County.