independent candidates

Here's a hint: it's not Barack Obama.

I was going over the sample ballot provided by the Hamilton County Election Commission a few days before I voted, and I noticed a name I truly didn't recognize in the list of "independent" candidates that follow the two major party contenders. Moore. Brian Moore.

All eyes are on my hometown and my alma mater tonight as the second U.S. Presidential debate is being held at Belmont University in

After Bob Tuke edged out his relatively unknown but handily named opponent in the Democratic primary two months ago, many probably settled into the notion that the U.S. Senate race was down to two men: Tuke and, of course, incumbent Senator Lamar Alexander.

No, not this one, this one:

Before the presidential debate on Tuesday at Belmont, the Niswonger Performing Arts Center in Greeneville will host an equally historic debate for the 1st Congressional District in Tennessee between Democrat candidate Rob Russell, Republican Candidate

I had to post this ASAP. I certainly can't recall any such event taking place in my lifetime in East Tennessee -- a debate between the candidates for 1st District Congressman. It's an actual debate, not a forum or a Q and A town hall meeting.

Democrat Rob Russell sent out the following email this evening:

The November 4, 2008 general election has been in sight for a very, very long time for a few candidates for President and their associates. This week marks a milestone in the process for down-ticket races being decided on that same day.

Williamson County General Election to Take Place in August

You have been seeing the countdown timer at the top of my sidebar, alerting you to the deadline for filing as a candidate in the elections for the Tennessee General Assembly, whether as a Democrat or Republican OR independent. The major parties force independent candidates to file at the same time as they have to file for their primaries, so they can see independent candidates coming.

Here's how

Somebody please tell me I wasn't the only one listening during yesterday's drive time who heard Ann Lloyd (WUOT-FM, "All Things Considered" Local Host) tell listeners that "Independent voters are not allowed in the state primary" and they won't be able to vote until the general election.