State Senator Jim Kyle of Memphis, the Democrats’ Senate leader whose legislative seat is almost certainly earmarked by the dominant Republicans in Nashville for a serious redistricting, has apparently decided to stay the course there, anyhow.
Kyle announced that he would not run next year as a Democratic candidate for District Attorney General, thereby saying no to what had the makings of a legitimate draft effort among local Democrats seeking an opponent for incumbent DAG Amy Weirich, who will run as a Republican.
Kyle will, however, run for reelection to the state Senate next year, braving whatever contours his northern Shelby County districts will end up having.
Kyle’s announcement of non-candidacy for District Attorney General was in epistulary form to media and potential supporters and went as follows:
Dear _______,
Approximately two weeks ago, several good Democrats contacted me to encourage me to run for District Attorney of Shelby County. I am writing you today to decline their generous offer of support, and wanted to take a moment to explain why.
As you are likely aware, my law partner suddenly passed away earlier this year. Aside from the unexpected loss of a good and dear friend, his passing meant that the future of the business we had spent years building was in question. At that time, I told my lawyers, staff and clients that if they stuck with me, we would continue to move forward. They did, and we have. It would be unfair of me to tell them six months later that I was leaving the practice that I had promised to keep together. I have always tried to do the right thing, and I know that this is the right decision for both my family and the people close to me.
Please know that I still believe that a candidate with strong, united Democratic support can be successful in Shelby County. That’s why I wanted to tell you of my decision before the filing deadline. I wish the circumstances were different, but I am nonetheless thankful for the encouragement and the belief that I could make Shelby County a better place.
Sincerely,
Jim Kyle
Kyle’s announcement of non-candidacy leaves local Democrats still looking for a candidate to run against the GOP’s Weich, who numbers several prominent Democrats among her backers. Another Democratic prospect who has acknowledged considering a race for D.A. is former state representative and city councilwoman Carol Chumney.
