Early voting approaches record

By MIKE WEST, Courier Editor

Early voting in the Cannon  County General Election is proceeding at a record pace, election officials say.
As of last Friday, (July 25) 1,046 ballots had been cast outpacing 2010 totals in a similar general election. The State Election Commission has compiled a running total of votes cast thus far. For the first four days of early voting, Cannon County had cast 550 ballots compared to 467 in 2010.

“We’ve been pleased with the early turn-out thus far,” said Dorinda Mankin, administrator of elections, “and hope it continues.”

The Cannon County Election Commission is keeping a running table on early voting results. To see the latest totals go to http://www.cannoncountyelections.com/1327454899/early-voting-daily-report/ on the Internet.

In other election-related news, the Rutherford and Cannon County Bar Association (RCCBA) released the results of a member poll for the Rutherford and Cannon County August 7, 2014 General Election.

“As attorneys in our local bar we are fortunate to practice in one of the best areas in the entire state.. For many individuals, unless they have a legal issue they may never come across any of the candidates in their capacity as attorneys or judges in open court or in a professional setting. This bar poll is a reflection of our bar’s intent to give the general public an idea of what we think of the candidates in their professional capacity and ability to undertake the responsibilities for the positions they seek. ” said Thomas Parkerson bar association president.

The survey ballot was available to only to local attorneys. The lawyers were asked to comment as to each of the candidates in one of four ways: “Highly Recommend,” “Recommend,” “Do Not Recommend,” or “No Opinion.” They were also asked to rate the each candidates’ experience and judicial demeanor on a scale from one to 10. Responses were received from 110 area attorneys. each of the candidates in mmend,” “Recommend,” “Do Not Recommend,” or “No Opinion.” They were also asked to rate the each candidates’ experience and judicial demeanor on a scale from one to 10. Responses were received from 110 area attorneys.

For Cannon County, incumbent judges received the most favorable measures.

Incumbents who face no challengers include Republican Circuit Court Judge Keith Siskin for Division III; independent Circuit Court Judge Royce Taylor for Division IV and Republican Public Defender Gerald Melton of Woodbury. Republican Jennings Jones has no competition in the race for district attorney general.

Circuit Court Judge Mark Rogers, a Cannon County native, is running as an independent against Republican nominee Jeff Peach for the Division I judicial seat of Circuit Court in the Aug. 7 election.

Rogers got a highly recommended score from 87 attorneys to represent 79.09 of the Rutherford and Cannon County Bar Association. Rogers had another 17 attorneys recommend him.

Peach, past chairman of the Rutherford County Republican Party, only had eight attorneys highly recommend him and 12 recommend him. He also had 68 attorneys not recommend him to represent 61.82 percent of those surveyed. Another 22 attorneys offered no opinion.

Circuit Court Judge David Bragg received high marks for the Division II seat. He’s seeking re-election against Republican nominee Nathan Nichols from Woodbury.

Bragg, a former owner of the Cannon Courier, had 82 attorneys highly recommend him to represent 74.55 percent of those surveyed, and 22 lawyers recommended him.

Nichols only had five highly recommend him and 17 recommend him. He had 65 attorneys not recommend him to represent 59.09 percent of the survey while 23 offered no opinion of him.

In the race for Cannon County General Sessions Judge, incumbent Susan Melton scored better than challenger Dale Peterson.

Melton had 46 highly recommend her to represent 42.20 percent of the survey, and 26 recommended her. Only 13 did not recommend her, and 24 offered no opinion.

Peterson only had five highly recommend him while 16 recommended him. He had 45 not recommend him to represent 41.28 percent of the survey while 43 offered no opinion.