Republican Chancellor Clarence “Eddie” Pridemore (the David that knocked out a Goliath) in Democrat Chancellor Darryl Fansler 7 years ago. In May 2021, he garnered Knoxville Attorney Deno Cole as a May 3, 2022 Republican Primary opponent. Now according to a weekly print publication this evening (July 18, 2021) announcing that former Knox County Law Director Richard Bud Armstrong as a May 3 Republican Primary challenger to Pridemore and Cole.
Chancellor Pridemore listening to the announcements at Concord Farragut Republican Club
a screenshot image of Deno Cole from one of the many Facebook Live video’s, I did with many of the candidates at the Town of Farragut Independence Parade on 7/3/2021
Armstrong speaking at a meeting of the Concord Farragut Republican Club
Armstrong was selected in a District 8 Republican caucus and won in a Special Election to the County Commission District 8 seat. He then ran for and was soundly defeated in an at Large County Commission race by Ed Shouse. Armstrong a long time TVA retiree, then ran from Knox County Law Director, was elected and re-elected serving 8 years.
Armstrong in his eight years as law director had a reputation for wanting to avoid the courtroom, simply settling and writing the checks that the taxpayer had to cover. The one time he wanted to go to a courtroom was to strip the Knox County Sheriff’s Officers of a previous pension benefit.
Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs and Knox County Commission said NO and instructed him to pull the suit of Knox County -vs- Knox County (Pension) The Mayor and Commission wanted it settled
1) to support the officers
2) to avoid the hundreds of thousands that had been paid in both sides of the suit.
However, the lawsuit is still pending as a group of citizens have filed the suit. Many believe that the pension lawsuit by Armstrong was a precursor to the “defund the police” movement.
Armstrong is the President of the Eighth District Republican Club, as a candidate for Judge, I believe there is a requirement NOT be in a partisan leadership position. Criminal Court Judge Kyle Hixson resigned from President of West Knox Republican Club months before announcing his candidacy last year. Judd Davis, this year did not seek the position as Treasurer of the Knox County Republican Party in anticipation of his potential (now announced) candidacy for General Sessions Judge Division II.
We will see what happens…… When there are three, there may become six. Politics sometimes have a multiplying effect.
