Memphis mayor resigns to seek House seat

MEMPHIS, June 26 (UPI) -- Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton says he is resigning his post in order to seek a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Herenton confirmed Thursday he would step down from his mayoral post effective July 10 so he can focus on his attempt to unseat U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., The (Memphis) Commercial-Appeal said.

"This is getting routine for me," Herenton said of his decision. "You don't have the zeal to face it every day, and I'm the kind of guy, I got to climb mountains."

The announcement from Herenton marks the second time the mayor has said he intends to leave his job.

The 69-year-old Memphis politician said on March 20, 2008, he would resign his position, but he eventually remained in place after not taking on the post of schools superintendent.

The Commercial-Appeal said Herenton, who was the first elected black mayor of Memphis, will be replaced as mayor by City Council chairman Myron Lowery. A special election will be held in October to choose the city's next elected mayor.