Published: January 06, 2009 11:34 am         

McKee, Davis sworn in as county’s newest prosecutors

Henderson County’s new district and county attorneys, Scott McKee and Clint Davis, respectively, were sworn in Friday before a standing-room only crowd in the 3rd District courtroom in Athens.

Henderson County Court-at-Law No. 2 Judge Nancy Perryman administered the oath of office for each of the elected prosecutors.

The changes in the county’s two top prosecutor positions were imminent since the March 2008 Republican Primary, when McKee unseated 14-year district attorney incumbent Donna Bennett, while Davis defeated James Owen in his bid for a third term.

“I want to thank my wife (Ashley) who was here for me, and my kids,” McKee said. “I can’t think of how many times in my campaign we were in that truck putting out yard signs — knocking on doors. They were troopers all the way. I tell people the next Karl Rove is over there in that jury box, because if anyone can run a campaign, it’s Ashley.”

McKee thanked his supporters for helping him in his first foray into the election process.

McKee had stints as a prosecutor at the Henderson County and Smith County district attorney offices. Before that he served 20 years in the military reaching the rank of Army captain.

“I’m going to do my best to keep those promises I gave you and try to be a good steward of the money in this office,” McKee said. “It’s not my office — it’s your office and I’m just proud to be in it.

Davis said during the campaign the county needs a full-time county attorney, not one who maintains a private practice as Owen did. Davis promised he would have no other jobs to take away from his duties as county attorney.

“Today is not only a day for Scott and I, but to look into the crowd and thank you sincerely for being here,” Davis said.

Davis said the newly elected prosecutors will join with the new sheriff in an effort to bring criminals to justice in the county.

“Sheriff Ray Nutt is here today. Scott and I attended his swearing (in) yesterday at 6 a.m. Many of you in this room had different ideas about the sheriff’s race, the district attorney’s race and the county attorney’s race,” Davis said. “But right now we have three new office holders showing solidarity.”

     

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