I think it is the Deborah Porter that ran for the County Commission, District 2B seat in 2006 (could have been a different year). She did not get the 5% required votes in the republican primary and so was not on the ballot. At the time, she lived 2 houses from us but has since moved. She was also nominated for that seat on Black Wednesday by someone, to the seat that went to Bolus.

Here are some links I found:

http://www.volunteertv.com/home/headlines/5407761.html
http://knoxville.wate.com/node/52
http://web.knoxnews.com/news/charter_candidates/dwporter.pdf

I do not remember any children living in that house with her and her husband, but that is not a requirement for school board.

Deborah Porter is not related to Gailen Porter and has never been married to him Positive about it

You might want to contact one of the stronger PTAs/PTOs among your Eighth District high schools, concerned, and ask if they would organize a Candidate Forum? The high school principals could likely give you contact info for their organizations' presidents (or legislative chairs, if they staff the position)?

I've hosted a couple at Powell High, in my community, and they weren't too difficult to pull off. The candidates are always receptive and several of our local news anchors are known to volunteer as moderators. I was fortunate to get retired WBIR anchor Bill Williams both times. He was excellent (and free).

There is an opportunity to meet the canadiates at the Candidate Expo 2010 March 25 from 4:30pm - 8:30pm. It is optional however I know that a few canadiates from the 8th district will be there.