Just checking in between copying/restoring files, but I couldn't let this pass.

Blake, if you read what I wrote, the "unbelievable" was in reference to the fact that a) term-limits were voted in overwhelmingly by Knox County voters 12 years ago, b) the Knox County Election Commission (nor the voters, nor the candidates) has ever abided by them, c) the Knox County Election Commission nor the County Law Director has ever asked for a definitive ruling, yet d) in the aftermath of a TN Supreme Court decision saying all of that was wrong for twleve years, the Election Commission now wants to ask "permission" from those affected to enforce the law.

And I don't think Rikki's assessment is overblown. I think it's an idea with merit and could help avoid total chaos. I'm just not sure what the legal precedent or authority would be. It would seem to require an amendment to the Knox County Charter. Which would take a referendum. Which there is no way could happen before May 2.

So, see, it really is approaching total chaos. Hell, even Victor Ashe is demanding a new ballot from Poland. How much more screwed up can an election get?

Here's why:

You say "I think this is a bit overblown. What remedies did the TN Supreme Court need to give everyone? "

--The Supreme Court gave no "remedies" regarding the impending election.

"Term limits are constitutional...what else needs to be added? Sure, it's an election year, and the filing deadlines are not that far away (I'm assuming so for Knox...not sure though)...but are you *that* afraid that your local government is going to collapse?"  Are you *that* afraid that capable people won't be running for these offices? They can, I assume, extend the filing deadlines, right?"

--Yes, it is an election year, but aside from that, you are wrong on all counts. Filing deadlines are long since past. Election dates and deadlines are set by law and cannot be "extended."   

 "I'm also not understanding where R is coming from when he said, "Unbelievable. It no longer appears there is government in Knox County by the people, for the people. It's government by the powers that be, for the powers that be.

"What "powers that be?" The powers that be are the ones who are getting booted off the ballot. Or one would think."

--The powers that be are the party executive committee members who will choose the replacements for the egotistical incumbents, who are going to use this damned glitch in election law that denies anyone the right to remove their names from the ballot even though they cannot serve, to continue to campaign as though it were business as usual. And of course, working with those party regulars are the usual big money special interests that keep this body doing things like not passing storm water regs and looking the other way when big developers flout the law--

"This is far from anarchy. Don't get too worked up about it.  :)"

--So what if an election that should, by rights, be a victory for democracy is about to turn into a bonanza for party hackocracy and special interests, eh, Blake?

Instead of making dismissive assumptions, why don't you read one of the many articles RNeal linked to that discuss the particulars. The filing deadline passed several weeks ago. Early voting starts in two weeks. The timing on this decision is horrible.

And what is it about pointing out some of the problems with the decision and how it was handled, mentioning a precedent that could help resolve the situation and proposing a solution that minimizes the disruption that strikes you as "so worked up"? It seems to me you are the one going off half-cocked.

I am advocating the democrats do 3 things if an incumbent wins the primary & is not put on the general election ballot.1.Hold County Commission District Conventions.2.Only allow voters from those districts to vote.3.Allow everyone that voted in the County Commission District Democratic Primary to vote.In the 1st district,4yrs ago,1300 voted