It is being said that Judge Pressler will not be nominating Jerry Sutton for the Presidency next week, although he was originally going to do it himself. I think his first thought was that his endorsement would help Sutton. Of course he would think that. In the SBC for the last twenty years his word was golden.
If it had happened, however, it may have been the kiss of death – and may yet be detrimental. The Judge, and at least one other inner circle guy, have both been pulled off the list of potential nominators. It was discussed in several instances that the endorsement of anyone by the Inner Circle would alienate YSBC. According to my poll, assuming that at least 80% of those responding are under 40 years old, they are right. Half of those responding have voted that thwarting the Inner Circle is the most important thing to them about the SBC next week.
The nominator is yet to be announced.
New 1VP candidate Kelly Burris from Virginia Beach, VA is closely tied to Gen. TC Pinckney (Ret.) also of Virginia. Gen. Pinckney is a strongly respected conservative who was one of a small handfull that were the architects of the SBCV (Southern Baptist Convention of Virginia) – an alternate conservative convention in that state.
The General was very influential in the national resurgence as well and is close to Judge Pressler. To a lesser degree, he is close to Dr. Patterson. He is the longtime editor of the Baptist Banner of Virginia, which has become read by many outside that state. It is a conservative paper with a powerful voice.
I am not saying that Gen. Pinckney handpicked Burris himself. I don’t think anyone could prove that, even if it were true. I am only saying that they have been close for years.
Baptist Press referred to Burris as the third official candidate. I guess Dever still doesn’t count, since he says he is willing to serve, but has no official nominator. Some are speculating as to whether Dever will even run at this point, since that would make at least four candidates – not including any who may be nominated at the convention.
Early on I posted the thought that many nominees would confuse the voters who may simply turn to the nominees endorsed by the leaders of the resurgence as secure candidates in whom they can trust. At this point, however, there are several nominees connected to the Inner Circle and many may not know for whom to vote.
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Kevin Bussey
on Jun 7th, 2006
@ 7:54 am:
Confusion may not be the right word. I think it is unraveling! Next week should be fun!
CB Scott
on Jun 7th, 2006
@ 10:26 am:
Art,
I have known Gen. Pinckney for years. We worked closely in the Resurgence in Virginia. During the early days of the formation of the SBCV we were in constant contact along with Terry Collier and Bill Templeton and a couple other guys.
Gen. Pinckney is a fine and honorable man that served God, country and the SBC well.
He is the editor of the Baptist Banner. I think Terry Colier is the chairman of the board of the same publication. I would like to challenge both of them to direct the Banner toward events that have surfaced within the SBC in recent months, especially the IMB situation due to the fact that I know both of them are very missions minded. They are both strong supporters of the CP which is the primary source by which Southern Baptist financially support the work of our missionaries.
If either of you guys read Art’s post please comment. I do not think he would mind hearing from either of you.
cb