NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – The deadline to apply to become Tennessee’s next attorney general is Friday, but anyone still on the fence about whether to join the fray won’t have the benefit of sizing up the competition first.
Under a policy set by the state Supreme Court, the names of applicants won’t be released until after the noon application deadline has passed.
Incumbent Attorney General Bob Cooper, whose term expires at the end of the month, and Republican state Sen. Doug Overbey of Maryville are the only candidates who have publicly announced their candidacies.
Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris of Collierville says his decision will hinge on whether Gov. Bill Haslam’s legal counsel, Herbert Slattery, applies. Others reportedly interested include courts administrator Bill Young and former Davidson County Republican Party Chairman Tom Lawless.
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Haslam Legal Adviser Slattery Applies For Tenn. AG
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Republican Gov. Bill Haslam’s top legal adviser is applying to become Tennessee’s next attorney general.
Herbert Slattery (SLAY-tur-ee) has served as Haslam’s legal counsel for the duration of the governor’s first term in office.
Other applicants so far include incumbent Attorney General Bob Cooper, who was previously former Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen’s legal counsel, and state Sen. Doug Overbey of Maryville.
The deadline to apply for the eight-year term is noon Friday. Tennessee is the only state where the Supreme Court names the attorney general.
Democrats have a 3-2 advantage on the state’s highest court after surviving an effort by some conservatives to defeat them in this month’s retention elections.
