NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - House Speaker Beth Harwell says she favors a Republican bid to require nonpartisan judicial elections in her heavily Democratic hometown of Nashville.
The legislation could benefit Republican Bill Young, who is expected to face Democratic opposition for a full term after being appointed to the chancery court by Gov. Bill Haslam.
Young told a reporter after a meeting in Harwell’s office on Tuesday that he had “nothing to do with” with the legislation. Harwell said the bill is supported by Nashville attorney Tom Lawless, who joined Young at the Capitol complex.
Young said he will leave it to lawmakers to decide whether to make the change. Republicans hold supermajorities in both chambers of the Legislature.
The bill is sponsored by Sen. Steve Dickerson of Nashville and Rep. William Lamberth of Gallatin.
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