Councilman Craddock considers 2010 county-wide campaign

Metro Councilman Michael Craddock has formed an exploratory committee, which will look at his options for a run at a new office in 2010.

Craddock would not divulge which county-wide office(s) he was considering, but promised his name would be on a summer 2010 ballot. Metro's judicial offices are among the positions on next year’s ballot.

“I’m going to run,” Craddock said. “I’m always interested in doing whatever I can to help government run more efficiently and save the taxpayers' money.

“I’m not like most of the folks around the Metro Courthouse. Money is not an aphrodisiac for me. We should be careful how we spend other people’s money and I have always thought our role on Council should be to save the taxpayers’ money.”

Craddock’s name was attached to the juvenile court clerk’s position, currently held by the embattled Vic Lineweaver.

But a crowded field is already potentially forming to challenge Lineweaver, and Craddock says he is not interested in the job.

Court officer David Smith is already actively campaigning for Lineweaver’s spot, while other noteworthy names have also been rumored to be interested. School board member Karen Johnson and Antioch Councilwoman Vivian Wilhoite have both had their names circulated as potential challengers.

Craddock said he would hire a political consulting firm to help consider his options and would make an official announcement as soon as possible.

The conservative second-term District 4 Council member says he has never missed a Council meeting and added that he has only missed committee meetings when they conflicted with another committee meeting time.

“I’m not one of those people who takes vacations during the week of a Council meeting,” Craddock said. “I take the job of representing those who elected me to office very seriously.”