Two Republicans to meet in primary

A pair of local Republicans – one the incumbent and the other a longtime county resident – will square off in the county's August election during the primary for the 57th District seat in the State House of Representatives.
A freshman lawmaker, Rep. Susan Lynn will face fellow Mt. Juliet resident Tom Wood in the Aug. 5 contest. On Friday, Lynn explained she is "still very busy" due to the current legislative session and does not expect to begin a re-election campaign until "late spring."
A businessman and construction executive for more than three decades, Wood has conceded he has little political experience. However, he noted he gained invaluable leadership skills while serving as an officer with the United States Air Force and the Air National Guard.
Wood, who could not be reached for comment Friday, has described himself as a "conservative Republican" and maintains his decision to seek state office was fueled by District 57 residents who are "looking for an alternative."
"I feel like I owe my district an obligation to (run) – to give the people of this district an alternative choice and let them make the final decision," Wood said shortly after forming a campaign exploratory committee for the seat last fall.
Lynn, who also identifies herself as a conservative Republican, has said she was surprised to hear of Wood's claim that some of her constituents are looking for a change.
In fact, Lynn noted, both she and Wood see "eye to eye" on several issues, including support of limited government. On Friday, she restated her position and spoke of her commitment to her constituents.
"I have been so honored to serve, and I have enjoyed serving so much. I really hope to keep serving, and I will run a very fair and honest campaign," Lynn commented. "I've just enjoyed working as a legislator, and I hope to keep doing the people's business."
Lynn added she hopes to be re-elected to the post in order to see work toward reforming TennCare and the state's workers' compensation program completed.
"We're (also) working on several constitutional amendments, and it's hard to say if those things are going to be totally wrapped up this year or if they're going to continue on into next session," she said. "I've been concentrating on those very much and have been working on legislation for those issues."
Meanwhile, on the other side of the aisle, Democratic State Rep. Stratton Bone will run without opposition for his seat as representative of the 46th District, which includes Cannon, Trousdale and part of Wilson counties.
Bone will not be the only uncontested candidate on the ballot, as records filed at the Wilson County Election Commission indicate incumbent District 24 Wilson County Commissioner Paul Abercrombie, incumbent Zone 1 Wilson County Board of Education member Wayne McNeese and Zone 3 newcomer Don Weathers will not face challengers in the August contest.
A pair of Lebanon residents will vie for the county school board's Zone 5 post, as Lynne Jordan and Wilson County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Greg Lasater met Thursday's qualifying deadline for candidacy. In Lebanon city schools, incumbent board member Wendell Kopp will face District 21 Wilson County Commissioner Eugene Murray for an at-large seat on the board of the Lebanon Special School District.
The race for Wilson County Assessor of Property, however, has shaped up to be the largest of all races with five candidates from across the county qualifying to run for the office.
Incumbent Assessor of Property Jimmy Carter Martin will face opposition from Mt. Juliet resident Clifford Allen, Watertown resident Jimmy Locke and Lebanon residents Foster Moore and Paul Murray.