Article on Lawler leaves ring to join
politics
MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- The latest pro wrestler to enter politics
got the 25 signatures he needed to qualify for the election
before even leaving the building where he picked up the
paperwork.
Jerry "The King Lawler, 49, went to the Election Commission
offices Wednesday, and people waiting for jury duty
assignements filled his petition to run for mayor of Memphis.
Many got autographs from Lawler in exchange.
"I think what I bring to the table is somebody who has no
strings attached, no political past, don't owe anything to any
special interest groups or any groups whatsoever and can
look at ever situation with just some common sense," he
said.
Lawler's candidacy adds more interest to what already was
an intriguing race that includes two-term incumbent Willie
Herenton, the city's first black mayor, and City Councilman
Joe Ford, brother of former U.S. Rep. Harold Ford Sr., an
ardent foe of Herenton.
Last November, former WWF wrestler Jesse Ventura was
elected governor of Minnesota. Bob Backlund, another former
WWF wrestler, is running for Congress in Connecticut this
year.
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