MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 1989 | The Democratic county executive committee held a session shortly after the convention adjourned Tuesday evening and organized by electing J. C. Walker chairman. R. B. Baptist secretary, and J. T. Talley assistant secretary.
We are informed that there were some remarkable proceedings in the committee. Mr. .J. T. Talley was requested to allow his name to be presented for secretary, but told the party that he doubted the wisdom of such a proceeding and asked that it not be done. He was told that he would be elected secretary. He was according elected, so we are told, unanimously and then it was suggested that he was a gold standard man. He was then voted out of the office without further ceremony. The principal place was then given to Mr. R. B. Baptist, and Mr. Talley elected assistant secretary.
Mr. Talley and his friends think this most remarkable proceedings – solicited and elected to a position without the solicitation of himself or friends and then bounce him without rhyme or reason. Mr. Talley would have made one of the the [sic] most efficient and popular secretaries that ever occupied the position. He is an efficient clerk and popular citizen and a man who stands high in the esteem of the community. The committee made a serious blunder. If they want harmony we must say that a poor start has been made.
[The Covington Leader, Covington, Tenn., June 17, 1989]