Briley draws first primary challenger

Embattled state representative draws first challenger, more expected

Email | Print By Ken Whitehouse

Rob Briley

State Representative Rob Briley has a primary opponent, due in no small part to his run-in with the Watertown police department that resulted in a DUI conviction. Nashville attorney Eric Stansell, 34, tells NashvillePost.com that he will challenge Briley in the August Democratic primary.

Stansell, who will officially be announcing his candidacy at a gathering at his home tomorrow night, said that although he doesn't know Briley personally he feels that "his actions of late are not representative of the district." Stansell added, "I am not saying he is a bad person, I don't know him, and this race isn't about him. We need a more open and ethical government and that's what I want to provide for the people of the 52nd House District."

A graduate of both the University of Tennessee and the UT School of Law, Stansell is a McMinn County native and says that he has lived in the district for "3 or 4 years." He worked for the Department of Commerce and Insurance as an attorney prior to opening up his own one person law shop. His practice focuses on regulatory law and business consulting.

When asked about prior political experience, Stansell said that he had volunteered on the Bob Clement for Mayor campaign and that this is first time as a candidate.

Other names being cycled through the rumor mill as possible primary candidate's are Waller, Lansden, Dortch and Davis attorney Mike Stewart and Metro Councilman Erik Cole.

Briley was unavailable for comment at the time of publication of this article.