Legislature Lunatic Languishes in Lockup

Tennessee State Senator Tommy Burks, 58, who was running for reelection, has been shot to death on his farm. His Republican opponent, County Property Assessor Byron Looper, 34, who legally changed his middle name to “(Low Tax)” in his bid to win elections, went into hiding after the shooting, but was arrested as he returned home several days later. Looper’s lawyer notes the “bizarre” case “almost has the elements of a made-for-movie-type situation.” Although Looper is being held without bail, his name will remain on the ballot, election officials say. “There’s no particular law that says if someone murders their election opponent, their name is taken off the ballot,” said state election coordinator Brook Thompson. Republican party officials are urging citizens not to vote for him. (AP) ...This is America: thousands will vote for him simply because he helped reduce the number of politicians.