Process of replacing election administrator moves forward

The controversial process of replacing Knox County's election administrator is moving forward with five people interested so far.

The election commission received resumes from Knoxville City Councilman Steve Hall, Calvin Moxley, school board member Cyndy Buttry, Gary Drinnen, who recently led petition drives for charter amendments, and Bob Bartlesmeyer, a former election administrator in Palm Beach, Florida.

Greg Mackay still holds the position, but after a push by the local GOP to have him replaced with a republican, the commission voted last Friday to accept applications.

Lawyer Dennis Francis is representing Mackay. He said Mackay also will go through application process and is exploring other legal options.

Similar moves have generated controversy in counties across the state, and at least one former election administrator is suing after being forced out.

The Tennessee Attorney General has issued an opinion that party affiliation can't be the only reason for replacing an election administrator.