Cumberland County could get a new US Representative as Diane Black announces for Governor

Sixth District US Representative Diane Black has announced this morning that she will run for Tennessee Governor in the upcoming race next year.  Current Governor BIll Haslam has served two terms and can not run for reelection.

Black is described as one of the wealthiest members of Congress.  Along with her colleague Marsha Blackburn of the 7th district they prefer to be called Congressman.

She was elected to the Tennessee General Assembly in 1998 and then was elected a state senator in 2004.  Black was elected to Congress in 2010.  Black's district was changed in 2013 and at that time she became the representative for Cumberland County and Crossville.  Prior to her time in politics, Black previously worked as a registered nurse.

Congressman Diane Black

Black gave a statement concerning her run for governor, "The number one job for our next Governor will simply be to fight for what's right. For some in politics, that's a lot harder than it sounds. Some are too weak to stand up for what is right. But I have never backed down, even when I had to stand up to the weak-kneed people in my own party, and I never will.

It's easy to talk. It's something else entirely to put up a fight. But fighting for what's right for the people of Tennessee is what I do."

No word on candidates for the 6th Distrcit Congressional race yet.

Near the new car stores, not near the price!

PARK PLACE MOTORS!

Election Day is today. Polls open 8 AM to 7 PM. VOTE!

Election Day has arrived. Polls in Cumberland County are open from 8 AM to 7 PM today Tuesday November 8. You must vote at the precinct you are assigned to to cast your ballot today.

Voters are required to bring a photo ID issued by the state or federal government however a university ID does not qualify. As long as the ID meets the requirements, it can be expired.

In addition to the presidential election, also on the ballot is selection of the 6th District US Congressional representative and the 25th district state representative. (Sample Ballots are below.)

Crossville city voters will chose 2 of 8 candidates for city council while Crab Orchard voters choose a mayor and Pleasant Hill voters choose members of the town council.

Voters are reminded that they cannot wear political items of clothing, pins or stickers at the polling place.  

For election results tune in to 105.7 The Hog tonight beginning at 7 PM.  Jim Young Reporter will be joining in to help cover the results.  

Could a 6th District US Congressional challenger be indicted on drug related charges?

A Genesis Road resident, identified as the property owner of a location where a large indoor marijuana growing operation was found May 13 is also currently a candidate for a 6th district US Congress seat.

A press release issued by the Crossville Police Department on May 16 states that a search warrant was executed at a property located at 16536 Genesis Road following a multi-agency joint narcotics undercover operation. The property is owned by Florence “Flo” Matheson who is a current democratic candidate for the seat currently held by US Representative Diane Black. Matheson previously ran for the 25th district state representative seat against Cameron Sexton in 2012.

According to the press release concerning the drug operation, evidence is expected to be presented against Matheson seeking an indictment from the Cumberland County grand jury. Matheson is identified as the property's owner and primary resident in the press release as well as state property records. A drug bust earlier in the month was also made at a property owned by Ms. Matheson located on E. First St.

An indictment is also sought against Stephen M. Harrington who is currently on probation from previous charges.

Information online from the website votesmart.org indicates Matheson was born in 1938 in Atlantic City NJ and has three children. The site lists previous jobs for Matheson including an English teacher in New York, a probation officer in the state of Florida, a riding instructor and owner of Pampered Pets in Crossville.