Councilwoman Erica Gilmore To Run For Mayor: Report

NASHVILLE, TN -- At-large Councilmember Erica Gilmore will enter the mayoral race, according to WKRN.

The station says it confirmed her plans.

Currently, the only person who has entered the race is Mayor David Briley, who assumed the post after Megan Barry's resignation following her guilty plea to theft charges in the wake of her admission she had an affair with her former bodyguard Rob Forrest.

Briley's announcement came a day after a bold proclamation from the Nashville Business Coalition, a group of powerful local business leaders. In a move that would have shocked their Wataugan antecedents with its brashness and candor, the coalition essentially said it was backing Briley and that everyone else should stay away.

"We encourage all qualified candidates to give the voters of this great city ample opportunity to do what they have done so very well over the last quarter century — elect a great mayor," said Nancy Stabell, the coalition's chair. "We simply don't believe that there is sufficient time between now and the August special election to allow voters that opportunity.

"Additionally, continuity of leadership over the next 18 months is absolutely critical to sustain Nashville's success, and no one candidate's political ambition should take precedence over what's truly best for the city over the long term."

Image via Metro Council Office