We predict a huge win for Judge Mike Meares in tomorrow's Blount County Primary.

Yes, we realize he is unopposed in the primary, as is his opponent. But fairness and justice for all in Blount County are the winners tomorrow, because we will have an outstanding candidate on the ballot in August: Judge Mike Meares.

Unlike his opponent, who has little or no experience in criminal justice.

And why are more than 50% of his opponent's campaign contributers lawyers? Judge Mike Mears has pledged not to take donations from lawyers.

And why has his opponent accepted more than $5000 in donations from local elected officials, including $1000 from Judge Dale Young, $1000 from Blount Sheriff James Berrong, and $500 from Blount County Mayor Jerry Cunningham, not to mention $5000 from the Blount County Republican party? Why does the local Republican party feel it necessary to control the Blount County courts? Judge Mike Meares believes we should leave politics outside the courthouse.

And why has his opponent accepted in-kind contributions from one of Knoxville's most prominent politically connected public relations firms, which lists Exxon/Mobile, Wackenhut, and a long list of developers among its clients, to create campaign materials for him? Why is Judge Meares' opponent so worried about his message that he has to hire a PR master from outside the county to spin it for him?

All you other folks interested in supporting Judge Mike Mears in his fight for fairness and justice for all, first, go vote for him in tomorrow's primary as a show of support. Then send a campaign contribution to Committee to Elect Mike Meares, 212 High St., Maryville, TN 37804. Then remember to vote for Judge Mike Meares in the August Blount County general election.

Tom Humphrey:

State Sen. Raymond Finney has reported providing his re-election campaign with a $200,050 loan, pushing the cash-on-hand campaign funds to $272,547 for an upcoming primary clash with state Rep. Doug Overbey.

Overbey, meanwhile, raised $82,318 during the past six months and now has $181,185 cash on hand, according to a campaign finance disclosure filed with the Registry of Election Finance. Overbey has announced that he will challenge Finney in the August Republican primary.