County mayor mum on re-election

Wilson County Mayor Bob Dedman is keeping the politically ambitious in county government guessing – for now.
Dedman said Monday his decision on whether he will run again for county government's highest office will come in a matter of weeks.
"It'll be pretty soon," Dedman told The Lebanon Democrat on Monday. "I think in the next few weeks I'll have a decision made, and I'll let you know just as soon as I do."
Dedman's decision may set off a chain reaction heading into the 2006 election season, where all major county offices, judicial posts and many County Commission seats are on the ballot except for property assessor.
Dedman was first swept into the county mayor's office in 1998, the last year a major county election including the judiciary, which serves eight-year terms. He beat out incumbent Val Kelley amid an election that saw upheaval prevail and a laundry list of incumbents turned out of office.
Perhaps the most high-profile possible choice to replace Dedman – Wilson County Sheriff Terry Ashe – would not rule out a run when asked this week.
Ashe said his decision to seek his current seat or run for Dedman's would come at the end of the year.
"I'm just focused on what I'm doing now," Ashe said. "I'll make my political decisions after Christmas of 2005. That is how I've always done it. I'm just focused on doing the best job I can right now as sheriff."
Another name surfacing in the possible race to replace Dedman is real estate agent and Republican Party activist Phillip Warren.
Warren, who ran for State Senate in 1998, said he is considering a run if Dedman steps aside.
"I would be very interested in it," Warren said.
Managing Editor Clint Brewer can be reached at 444-3952 ext. 13 or by e-mail at cbrewer@lebanondemocrat.com.