Secretary of State Tre Hargett announced today that he will re-appoint Jeanne Sugg as State Librarian and Archivist. The State Librarian and Archivist is the Chief Administrator for the Library and Archives Division of the Tennessee State Department. The division collects and preserves books and records of historical, documentary and reference value, as well as encourages and promotes library and archives development throughout the state. It also extends public library service to any Tennessee resident who cannot read standard print materials due to a visual, physical or reading disability. “Ms. Sugg has many years of valuable experience within the State Library and Archives,” announced Secretary Hargett. “She has demonstrated her commitment to the division and I am pleased she will continue to serve in this important capacity.” “I am honored to have been re-appointed by Secretary Hargett as the State Librarian and Archivist. I will continue to work passionately to ensure that the Library and Archives effectively and efficiently preserves the documents and records that are important to this state and will continue to promote the statewide development of libraries,” stated Sugg. “I am certain that Ms. Sugg will continue to serve with distinction, handling the complexities of the position and ensuring records important to Tennessee and its’ citizens are preserved for both present and future generations,” said Secretary Hargett. Jeanne Sugg was first appointed to the post in 2005 by then Secretary of State, Riley Darnell. She joined the State Library and Archives Division in 1989 as the Director of Public Services.

Rep. Randy "Bear" Rinks, chairman of the state House Democratic Caucus, has established a new political action committee - Bear PAC - to help in his coming campaign to become the next Tennessee secretary of state. Rinks, who lives in Savannah, is not seeking re-election, and instead plans to ask legislators to chose him to replace Secretary of State Riley Darnell when the 106th General Assembly convenes in January. Bear PAC has a balance of $2,701, according to a report filed last month with the Registry of Election Finance. Donations have come from former Democratic state Reps. Ronnie Cole, Joe Fowlkes and Doyle "Butch" Lewis. Rinks said the plan is to create a fund to be used for making donations to candidates seeking election to the Legislature. They, in turn, will then hopefully be more inclined to vote for Rinks when the secretary of state election is held. No donations to candidates have been made so far.