I finally got to meet Randy Walker, also a candidate for the seat, Tuesday night. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that I already knew his wife, Cindy, from some years back when we served together on the Knox County Council PTA's Board of Managers. They also have two grown children.

They're in Farragut these days (I think), although Randy grew up in Oak Ridge. He's worked for ORNL for over 20 years. He holds a B.S. in Logistics and Transportation from UT, he says, and touts job development as his strongest interest/ability.

I had just a short time to get acquainted with him, but I'd describe Randy as a moderate Dem. I think he even spoke of himself as such and I note that his literature assures that he will make us proud "whether (we) are a first-time voter, independent, conservative, progressive, Republican, or Democrat." That's a tall order, Randy.

I asked him what he expected would be his toughest task in the Senate, fishing to see if he'd speak to the state's budget crisis and the imminent shortfall to dwarf all shortfalls past. He answered instead about the difficulty of working with some people and touted his own people skills.

I then revealed what I thought would be his toughest task in the Senate, namely covering that budget gap, and asked how he'd do it. He stammered a bit, then answered that he didn't support a state income tax. He didn't really say how he'd address the problem.

It's early. I'll be listening closely and look forward to hearing from Cortney, too.

I hope this comes true. That would be a pay per view debate. Funny thing is that would probably help Campfield. Can you keep a PR job as a State Senator?

it's probably no more time consuming than being a slumlord.