KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Tennessee State Representative Gloria Johnson (D-Knoxville) made headlines after announced that she intends to seek reelection to the State House while running against Marsha Blackburn for U.S. Senate.
State Senator Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville) has introduced a bill that would forbid a candidate from running for more than one office, state or federal, at once. It would allow previously elected officials to finish their term if elected to a new office.
TOSHA investigating fatal workplace accident in Rogersville
“It said one, you can not be on the ballot for more than one office at a time and you can not hold two elected offices at a time,” Briggs said.
Briggs feels that holding two offices, however, would not be beneficial to any community.
“You’re giving an awful lot of power to just one person if they start to hold too many duties and also, there’s inevitable conflicts,” Briggs said.
Johnson’s election in both ballots could also cost people in Knox County a lot of money, according to Briggs.