MEMPHIS, Tenn. — I’m not one for conspiracy theories, but you have wonder what – or who – was behind the effort to get well known Republican Party leader Lee Mills off the ballot for a state legislative seat.
Mills is a former Shelby County Republican Party chairman and a state party executive committee member. He filed for the House District 99 seat currently held by Tom Leatherwood. But last month, Mills was informed by state coordinator of elections Mark Goins that his Arlington home is in Fayette County and he cannot run for a Shelby County House seat.
Mills has paid Shelby County property taxes for the past five years. And while a U.S. Census map shows the Mills home just east of the Shelby-Fayette line, a more precise map used by the Shelby County Register’s office has the home just west of the county line, which means it is in Shelby County.
Based on that other testimony, Chancery Court Judge Jim Kyle ruled Friday that Mills could remain on the ballot.
Mills also ran against Leatherwood two years ago and lost in a landslide. Goins did not question his residency in that race. Since then, Leatherwood has faced plenty of criticism – even from fellow Republicans – for some of his legislative moves. And he is viewed as more vulnerable this year.
However, let me repeat, I am not a conspiracy buff, but sometimes you just have to wonder.