thedailytimes.com : Your 24/7 news source

Blount native Robert J. "Bob" Davis Jr., is reported to be among the top candidates for Secretary of State of Tennessee, a constitutional office that will be filled in January.

For the first time since Reconstruction following the Civil War, the Republican party holds a majority in both the state house and senate. Thus Republicans will have the voice in who serves as Secretary of State, State Treasurer and Comptroller in addition to naming the chairpersons of the committees in both houses and the election commissions in all 95 counties.

Davis, who was in town for the University of Tennessee Homecoming, told The Daily Times that he had not solicited the position but was humbled by being considered. He said he would have to consider what was best for him and his family if the post is ultimately offered.

A 1979 graduate of Maryville High, Davis is the son of Robert J. Davis Sr., former Blount County Executive (mayor), and Lula Belle Eggers Davis, a retired city of Maryville teacher. He earned a B.S. in communications at UT in 1984.

Earlier this year Davis resigned as executive director of the Tennessee Republican Party and established a public relations firm, RJD, in Nashville.

When Fred Thompson was elected to the United States Senate, the younger Davis was his campaign manager and remained as his top advisor during his run for the Republican nomination for president.