Sanford: Liberated state rep. exits politics with harsh words for GOP
Dwayne Thompson current term as District 96 representative ends Nov. 5, 2024. (Patrick Lantrip/The Daily Memphian file)
Otis Sanford
Otis Sanford is professor emeritus of Journalism and Strategic Media at the University of Memphis and political commentator for WATN-TV ABC24 News. Contact him at o.sanford@memphis.edu.
The Daily Memphian welcomes a diverse range of views from guest columnists on topics of local interest and impact. Columns are subject to editorial review and editing for length and clarity. If you’re interested in having a guest column considered by The Daily Memphian, email Eric Barnes.
Democratic state Rep. Dwayne Thompson spent Saturday morning, Sept. 7, at a soccer field in Bartlett, cheering on his 5-year-old grandson, who is just beginning to learn the fundamentals of the sport.
The ebbs and flows of the match — not to mention the frequent misdirection of the young players — were not unlike what Thompson witnessed during his four terms in the Tennessee Legislature.
Except Saturday’s outing was more rewarding and a lot more fun.
State House District 96 will stay blue with a new face
That’s not surprising for a man heading into retirement after opting not to seek a fifth term representing District 96 in the state House. Since January 2017, Thompson has been part of the frustrated Democratic superminority, watching helplessly as Republicans run roughshod over his party from one legislative session to the next.
Thompson’s caucus has repeatedly tried to steer the Legislature, particularly the House, toward more compromise, less rancor and far less dictatorship. It hasn’t worked. And Thompson has had enough.
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