NASHVILLE (AP) — The state Senate has put off a vote about a proposal seeking to change the way Tennessee's attorney general gains office.
Under a proposed constitutional amendment sponsored by Republican Sen. Mae Beavers of Mt. Juliet, the attorney general would stand for popular election rather than being appointed by the state Supreme Court.
Critics say making attorney general candidates stand for statewide election would require them to seek heavy campaign contributions that could threaten the nonpartisan and independent nature of the office.
They also question the need for the latest proposal when the full chamber voted 22-9 last year in favor of a proposal to have the attorney general appointed by a joint convention of the General Assembly.
Beavers rescheduled her resolution for a Feb. 3 vote.