Senators consider swinging support to AG election

Friday, March 7, 2014, Vol. 38, No. 10

NASHVILLE (AP) - Senate Minority Leader Jim Kyle says he may swing his support behind a proposed constitutional amendment calling for the popular election of the state's attorney general.

Republican Sen. Mark Green of Clarksville is also considering swinging his vote in favor of the resolution sponsored by Republican Sen. Mae Beavers of Mt. Juliet, which fell two votes short of a majority last month.

Beavers is seeking a re-vote on Thursday.

Under the state's constitution, the attorney general is appointed to an eight-year term by the state Supreme Court.

Kyle said the popular election of the attorney general could present the best opportunity for a Democrat to run a competitive statewide race. The only current positions elected by the entire state are the governor and the Tennessee's two U.S. senators.