Despite some early hijinks on both sides – chiefly by supporters, not the principals themselves – the special Democratic primary for state House District 89 came to a dignified, mutually respectful close Thursday – with Jeannie Richardson the winner over Kevin Gallagher.
Richardson, an activist long familiar with Nashville’s Capitol Hill through health-care advocacy and other activities, had roughly 65 percent of the party primary vote, which totaled almost 1100 votes. Opponent Gallagher, a youthful veteran of Democratic campaigns and government service, conceded gracefully and pledged his support to Richardson roughly an hour after the polls closed at 7 pm. Thursday.
Richardson will be opposed in the July 17 special general election by Republican Dave Wicker, who defeated Wayne McGinnis in a battle of unknowns in the GOP primary. The two Republicans together polled in the vicinity of 100 votes.
Richardson, who will be heavily favored in the general, had the support of former District 89 representatives Carol Chumney and Beverly Marrero, as well as the district’s interim state rep, Mary Wilder. Gallagher was supported by U.S. congressman Steve Cohen and by numerous local bloggers among other party activists.
–Jackson Baker
