There are allot of names circulating for Knox County Mayor in 2010. The campaign will begin by at least next year, August 2009. Let’s first look at the Democrats.

Former Knoxville Mayor and perennial candidate Randy Tyree. – After Thursday in failing in his second bid for the office on L1 of the City County Building. It is expected that he will begin looking for the office on the sixth floor of the City County Building.

Former Knox County Clerk and failed Democrat candidate for U.S. Senate Mike Padgett – Sources have indicated that his bid for the Democrat nomination was to test his fundraising ability and to increase his visibility and to flush his name id and reputation as an ousted term limited County Clerk with a reputation of phantom employees and office mismanagement.

Unknown Party Affiliation

Brad Hill – an early organizer with Knox Charter Petition Group is utilizing his contacts to pursue a run for Mayor.

The likely Republicans today are

Former Sheriff Tim Hutchison

State Senator Tim Burchett

County Commissioner R. Larry Smith

County Commissioner Mike Hammond

County Commissioner and Property Assessor – Elect Phil Ballard

County Clerk – Elect Foster Arnett

Former Trustee Mike Lowe

Knoxville Utilities Board Chairman and Knoxville Attorney Bruce Anderson

Former State Senator and Knoxville Attorney Bud Gilbert