Watch the Skies For Flying Pigs

According to the execrable Mike Fleming of WREC radio, Tony Lopez, head of the Tipton County Republican Party, is seriously considering mounting a write-in candidacy against the once-invincible Jimmy Naifeh!

Given that Naifeh hasn't even rated opposition before, being seen as secure and unbeatable, this is fairly impressive and indicative of the mood of voters in Tennessee--ready to cast out any pro-income tax faces, and many incumbents, period.

Lopez will only need to get 5% of the total Republican votes cast in the previous election to qualify as a write-in. The election was lightly attended making reaching the threshold relatively easy. Fortunately, the Legislature never passed the "Incumbent Protection Act of 2002," which was intended to raise the bar on total votes needed, prevent just such a candidacy as Lopez', and protect incumbents who wanted cover for their pro-income tax votes. No doubt Naifeh is regretting that action even now.

UPDATE 07/13/02: The Tipton County Republican Party website contains this message confirming the above story.

Interestingly, although the execrable Fleming only said he'd "heard" from friends about this, the message quoted above is dated two days earlier.

Until next time, that is all.