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Republicans Make History At Courthouse

Posted on Mar 10, 2010 - 04:48 PM by Administrator

This past Thursday, March 4th, Rutherford County Republican gathered to hold the County’s first Delegated County Caucus.

Murfreesboro - This past Thursday, March 4th, Rutherford County Republican gathered to hold the County’s first Delegated County Caucus. They filled the interior of the historic courthouse with over 330 people for the largest political event in recent memory. The overflow crowd filled both floors of the Commission Room, the side meeting room and the hall.

The historic meeting of 227 delegates, 61 alternates and guests packed the courthouse to nominate Republican candidates for County Mayor, Trustee, Clerk, Sheriff, Register of Deeds and Circuit Court Clerk.

GOP Chairman Rick Womick welcomed the delegates who were elected at precinct meetings throughout the county on February 24th. “I’m humbled by what I see. All of you are making history tonight. We are grateful for your service to the Republican Party and to the community. Said Womick.”

The GOP Caucus was chaired by Tim Rudd. Rudd headed the six member Contest & Credentials Committee that organized and Precinct & County Caucus process that replaces the County Republican Primary. Other members were Lynne Davis, Clint Hall, Annie Uselton and Mike Liles.

Republican incumbents Ernest Burgess and Teb Batey where unopposed for County Mayor and County Trustee respectively. “This is overwhelming to see this many people here for this historic meeting. We’re friends with a common vision…., I’ve been honored to serve.” Burgess said.

Two candidates were nominated for Rutherford County Clerk. Lisa Duke-Crowell worked in the County Clerk’s office as a supervisor of the Title and Renewal Clerks in the Motor Vehicle Division for seven years. Since leaving the Clerk’s office, Mrs. Duke-Crowell has been a Realtor and local businesswoman for more than 11 years. Todd Malone, a local insurance agent and Veteran of the U.S. Air Force was also nominated.

After ballots were passed out to all the delegates and counted, Duke-Crowell was declared the winner with 160 votes to Malone’s 36 votes. Keith Siskin and Jon Jaques oversaw the vote counting and served as Caucus Clerks.

Sheriff’s Deputy Robert Arnold was nominated to run against incumbent Democrat Sheriff Truman Jones. He has been with the Sheriff’s Department for 11 years. He served as detention officer, patrol officer, student resource officer and with the gang unit.

Small business owner Heather Dawbarn was nominated to challenge Democrat Jennifer Gerhart as Register of Deeds. Laura Bohling was nominated for Circuit Court Clerk to challenge Democrat Eloise Gather. Both were unanimously elected by acclamation as the Republican candidate.
“Rutherford County is witnessing the dawn of a new day. We have a fine slate of candidates to offer the public. The local GOP is based in a solid conservative set of beliefs and our candidates reflect this. There has never been a more clear difference in the two political Parties than today.” Said Tim Rudd.

The next step in the Caucus process is for the County Primary Board (County Republican Party) to officially notify the State Primary Board (State Republican Party), the State Election Commission and the Local Elections Commission as to the GOP’s nominated candidates. Chairman Rick Womick stated that would be taken care of this week.

For more information, you may contact the Republican Party of Rutherford County at 615-893-7219 or at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

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