Knox County Commissioner R. Larry Smith hams it up at the shrimp boil!
Last night was the second annual “Peeling, Eating and Politicking” event sponsored by the Knoxville Chamber. Things worked out much better this year. Last year, the state legislature stayed in session through the event and many of the politicians weren’t able to make it. This year they came in droves.
Here’s the recipe for this event’s success. You get a beautiful location — in this case, the Pavilion at Hunter Valley Farm. Throw in some fun food — a shrimp boil by All Occasions catering. Add some festive music — a country sound by “Y’uns.” Mix in about 300 guests and a lot of politicians. Give everybody a couple of drink tickets. Keep the welcome short and sweet. And get out of the way!
Fun will ensue. As it did last night. Here are some of the sights.
Apparently, this is the “money” shot. One candidate told me that getting your picture made with state Sen. Jamie Woodson “is worth 1,000 votes.” I couldn’t take everyone’s photo with her. So I had to pick someone. Congratulations, Ron Leadbetter.
Ron Leadbetter is running against state Rep. Stacey Campfield for Tim Burchett's state Senate seat. Burchett is the Republican candidate for Knox County mayor.
Steve Hill also is running for the Republican nomination for that seat.
Matthew Fentress, left, poses with Steve Hill, who is running for state Senate.
Chuck Williams, left, poses with Joe and Amanda Jarrett. Joe Jarrett was named Knox County law director this week.
Well, all these folks are running for the Senate seat being vacated by Tim Burchett, who is the Republican nominee for Knox County mayor. He attended the event with his lovely (and fun!) wife, Allison.
Tim and Allison Burchett
Burchett’s Democratic opponent, Ezra Maize, made an appearance.
Mayoral candidate Ezra Maize, center, poses with Susie West, left, and Jaime Hatcher.
The food was a huge draw.
Property Assessor Phil Ballard, left, and his wife, Cindy, front, dug into the shrimp.
Chamber board member Dick Goldstine and his wife, Ann
Republican leader Phyllis Severance
Christi Branscom is one lucky woman! Her husband and her brother are two of the best-looking men in Knoxville! Here is her husband.
Scott Branscom of Grace Construction
OK. Let’s look at some more politicians who were there.
State Rep. Bill Dunn, left, chats with Gary Loe, a former newscaster who is running for a state House seat
County Commissioner Dr. Richard Briggs, left, Chamber prez Mike Edwards, center, and Commissioner Brad Anders
From left: State Rep. Ryan Haynes, businessman Joe Dickey, Knoxville City Councilman Brenda Palmer and Alan Carmichael
From left: Mose Lobetti of Congressman Duncan's office, Commissioner R. Larry and Sharon Smith, and lawyer Robert Bowman
County Commissioner Ed Shouse, left, chats with Hugh Nystrom.
Urban League CEO Phyllis Nichols poses with Commissioner Tony Norman. (I really like Commissioner Norman, even though I'm pretty sure he's going to vote against one of my issues at Monday's Commission meeting!)
Randy Vineyard of the Chamber, left, and Commissioner Dave Wright
Tracy Simmons and Tim Romero of Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Tammy Sommers of NAI Knoxville, left, Kyle Touchstone of the Chamber and State Sen. Jamie Woodson
This was the perfect event for a political columnist. Here is Georgiana Vines of the News Sentinel and Gideon Fryer, whom she describes as her "special friend." Sweet.
When you're politicking, you've gotta have a little music. Last night that was provided by "Y'uns." Very fun!
It was a great time and I am VERY proud to have my picture taken with OUR Law Director Joe Jarret and his wife.