Help Wanted: GOP seeking constitutional officers

Application process begins for those seeking secretary of state, treasurer and comptroller posts

Email | Print By Ken Whitehouse

Attention, out-of-work but well-connected Republican Party stalwarts: You, too, can be a statewide office holder! Don't feel like campaigning in Wartburg and Bucksnort? Well, you don't have to anymore!

Seriously, Republican legislative leaders are rolling out their online application to fill the posts of secretary of state, state treasurer and state comptroller, all known as Tennessee's constitutional offices.

This past election day, when Republicans took control of the state legislature, they also gained the right to choose the constitutional officers for Tennessee. In order to fill those positions, they have created a job application form that prospective bureaucrats will have to complete.

Among the guidelines, you can't be an officer of any political party or committee, make campaign contributions or let your name be used in a political campaign (an exception is that your spouse can), nor can you "participate in any way in any election campaign."

While not as detailed or invasive as questions are being thrown at those looking for jobs in the administration of president-elect Barack Obama, you still will have to answer a few like, "How long have you continuously lived in Tennessee?", "List all states in which you have lived since age 21 and dates you have lived in each state," list all your charitable donations for the last 10 years and dish the dirt on any divorces you have had.

One question that will be an interesting read asks applicants – in 150 words or less – to state "information which may reflect positively or adversely" on your nomination. Some on Capitol Hill are openly asking if losing all 95 counties in a statewide run falls into this category.

Potential applicants have until 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 5 to complete and submit the forms. A public hearing will be held for the top three candidates for each position. Applications may be downloaded at www.tnsenate.com or www.tnhousegop.com.