Great Smoky Mountain Journal-Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett To Run For Seat To Be Vacated By Retiring U.S. Rep. James "Jimmy" Duncan




The Great Smoky Mountain Journal Staff Reports Posted: Monday, January 01, 2018 12:43 PM

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett To Run For U.S. House Seat To Be Vacated By Retiring U.S. Rep. James "Jimmy" Duncan
Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, a man who has dedicated most of his life to public service, said Tuesday he can't imagine doing anything else. That's why he said he plans to run for office in the United States Senate or House. He said he will officially reveal that announcement on Saturday, August 5. In recent weeks, Mayor Burchett has criticized what he calls bickering and vicious behavior in Washington. He said part of the problem is that we keep electing the same people into office—people he says are more preoccupied with getting re-elected than making important changes. So how does he plan to end the cycle? "If I'm fortunate enough to win and get to Washington, I would just be a small cog in a big machine, and I would know where I could make changes and where I couldn't," said Burchett. "Even if it might not be the most popular thing. I've done that many times, I've sat alone at the legislative plaza many times." Congressman Jimmy Duncan announced Monday he will not run for re-election next year. Burchett won't say if he's eyeing that seat, but he does have experience representing East Tennesseans in Nashville. Burchett served as a state representative and state senator. He said his humorous nature has the ability to lighten the mood in tough situations and bring people together.