Gov. Phil Bredesen called for a special election to be held for this seat in 2005 -- August 4 for the primary election and September 15 for the general election -- when St. Sen. John Ford resigned following his arrest and subsequent trial.

Ford was sworn into office on September 29, 2005, just minutes after the election results were certified. However, she has not been seated by the State Senate, awaiting the results of a State Senate hearing, after which she will be seated or a new special election will be called. [Link]

12/15/05 - The election is currently being contested by Roland on grounds of voter fraud. Additionally, the Shelby County Election Commission and the Tennesse Bureau of Investigation are investigating votes cast in the names of recently deceased voters. [Link]

1/10/06 - Ford was seated in the State Senate without objection, pending a decision by the chamber on the challenge to 9/15/05 election. [Link]

1/18/06 - State Senate votes 17-14 to oust Senator Ford. Another vote will be held on 1/19/06. If the vote is the same, Ford will be immediately ousted from the Senate, and the Shelby County County Commission would appoint an interim until this year's general election. [Link]

[More...]

Gov. Phil Bredesen called for a special election to be held for this seat in 2005 -- August 4 for the primary election and September 15 for the general election -- when St. Sen. John Ford resigned following his arrest and subsequent trial.

Ford was sworn into office on September 29, 2005, just minutes after the election results were certified. However, she has not been seated by the State Senate, awaiting the results of a State Senate hearing, after which she will be seated or a new special election will be called. [Link]

12/15/05 - The election is currently being contested by Roland on grounds of voter fraud. Additionally, the Shelby County Election Commission and the Tennesse Bureau of Investigation are investigating votes cast in the names of recently deceased voters. [Link]

1/10/06 - Ford was seated in the State Senate without objection, pending a decision by the chamber on the challenge to 9/15/05 election. [Link]

1/18/06 - State Senate votes 17-14 to oust Senator Ford. Another vote will be held on 1/19/06. If the vote is the same, Ford will be immediately ousted from the Senate, and the Shelby County County Commission would appoint an interim until this year's general election. [Link]

1/19/2006 - Ford received a temprorary restraining order to prevent the State Senate from ousting her before a court hearing can be held next week. [Link]

4/19/2006 - The State Senate, complying with the rules set forth by Judge Bernice Donald, voided the Sept 15th election and ousted Sen. Ophelia Ford. On May 7th or 8th, the Shelby County Commission will appoint an interim Senator to hold this seat until a winner is certified in the upcoming November election between Ford and Roland. [Link]

[Less...]