Former Metro Law Director Karl Dean made it into the run-off election for mayor along with former congressman Bob Clement. It was a party from the start at the Adventure Science Center – Dean central – but the mood was tense at times.
Stay-at-home mom Alene Weber Arnold was on her tip toes as the numbers scrolled across TV screens set up in the front. When early voting totals came in, Dean had a one percent lead, and the race only got tighter from there.
“Ok, now back to seven votes, woohoo.”
The top spot flip-flopped between Dean and Clement, but both were more than a thousand votes ahead of third place, held by Howard Gentry.
When Dean made his victory speech, he complimented the campaigns of those who didn’t make the run-off. Their support will be critical to Dean securing the mayor’s office. Dean also continued to align himself with the previous administrations of Bill Purcell and Phil Bredesen.
“We need to continue the 16 years we’ve had of progressive, pragmatic, ethical leadership in the mayor’s office. We cannot go back. Our direction is forward.”
Dean committed to making Nashville’s public school system superior to those of surrounding counties in order to keep families from living outside the city.
As far as strategy, Dean says he intends to continue the positive tone of his campaign but vows to be vigorous. He says the campaign’s staff will reevaluate strategy over the next few days.
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