Candidates Pile Up to Replace Herenton

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - With Dr. Herenton soon to be out of the picture, the field of potential mayoral candidates is crowded.

We are looking at a field of at least 10 viable candidates. The question is who can raise the most money, and reach the most voters in just 90 days.

As Mayor Herenton announced he is stepping down, he boasted his predecessor had a tough act to follow. But stopped short of saying who should be up next.

The early favorite is Shelby County Mayor AC Wharton, who started raising money last year.

Though political analyst Jackson Baker says the crowded field makes it anybody's race.

"It really comes down to who can raise the money, who can make the connection with the city at large," says Baker.

School Board Member Kenneth Whalum is throwing his hat in the ring; he planned to run in 2010 anyway. As a school board member he received 74,000 votes, more than Herenton got when he won re-election.

"Just because you're a black person in office doesn't mean you're a black person with integrity," says Whalum. "We need change but the right kind of change."

Another candidate of change considering a run, council member Jim Strickland. He's gained a lot of attention over the last few weeks as he tried to slash the budget to avoid a possible tax increase.

"The next mayor of Memphis had to make drastic change," says Strickland. "The number one goal has to be dramatically reducing the crime rate in this city."

Strickland's colleague on the council, Kemp Conrad also tells Fox13 he's interested in the city's top job, and already has the backing of many in the Republican Party.

Sources say Councilwoman Wanda Halbert is also testing the waters, although she is staying mum for the moment.

County Commissioner James Harvey says he's in it to win it.

Charles carpenter also says he's considering the job, he's Mayor Herenton's former campaign chairman.

And the campaign starts immediately for former mayoral candidate Carol Chumney.

"Do they want a clear choice for change and do they want a mayor they can count on?" says Chumney.

Councilman Myron Lowery will be running as the incumbent when he takes over as mayor-pro temp.

"I wouldn't be running if I didn't think I could win," says Lowery. "I've got a history of service to this city, not the county."

And there could be a surprise entry of police Director Larry Godwin, who lately has taken to wearing suit and tie instead of his police uniform. Our sources say he's been asking elected officials for advice, although he would not confirm or deny for our cameras.

"My job right now is the police chief and that's what I'm going to do," says Godwin.

It is a crowded race, with no primary, no run offs. In 90 days, winner takes all.

"Its going to be a very interesting election," says Herenton.