Paris, Tenn.–State Rep. Bruce Griffey (R-Paris) has filed a resolution calling for the Tennessee Attorney General to be an elected instead of an appointed position.
According to Griffey, the State Attorney General is appointed to an eight-year term by the five Tennessee Supreme Court Justices, who are themselves appointed by the Governor. His resolution not only calls for the Attorney General to be elected by popular vote, but also cuts the Attorney General’s term from eight years to four years.
“In 43 other states across the United States, the attorney general is elected by popular vote, and, in all of these states (except Vermont where the term is 2 years), the attorney general is elected to a 4 year term,” Griffey said. “The problem in Tennessee is not only the lengthy eight-year term, but also the fact that the Tennessee Attorney General is appointed by the very body before which he appears and brings cases for decision – the Tennessee Supreme Court. In my opinion, this presents a major conflict of interest.”
Griffey said, “State attorneys general are often referred to as the ‘people’s lawyers’, and, ultimately, it should be the people who select them. It is just common sense and the right thing to do.”
Menu
