Updated: 8/18/2009 12:58:15 PM
The question remains -- is Willie Herenton the once and future mayor of Memphis. After weeks of playing it close to the vest, Herenton resigned July 30 in his fifth term to seek the congressional seat now held by U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen. Two weeks later, Herenton picked up qualifying papers to again seek the mayor's office. The 69-year-old Herenton has a loyal base of support, but political experts say the maneuver could cost him politically. Dr. Roderick Harrison, an analyst with the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies in Washington, D.C., said the move could appear self-serving and evoke a sense of entitlement. Efforts by The Associated Press to schedule an interview with Herenton were unsuccessful. But in a statement shortly after he got the petition, Herenton said he was displeased with the leadership of interim mayor Myron Lowery.
