Hornback grabs 'Burchett' websites

Brian Hornback

UPDATE: Comments from Burchett and Hornback at bottom

They don't call him "the rogue" for nothing.

It appears that local blogger Brian Hornback has fired another shot (sort of) at Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, this time scooping up a number of internet domain name registrations including timburchett.com, timburchett.info and timburchett.org.

In addition, he also snagged electburchett.com, which expired and is the site the mayor typically uses when running for office. And if you click on it, guess where it will take you? Yep, to the rogue's home. Heh.

Anyhoo, this could get interesting because - as the hippie over at knoxviews noted - "if Tim Burchett decides to run for another office, it appears Brian Hornback holds the keys to his online presence."

Tim Burchett

Burchett, who is term-limited - is serving his second four-year term as mayor. He has a little more than two years left in the term.

The mayor on Wednesday did not appear happy about the move:

"It's been reported that Brian apparently has registered my campaign domain and redirected it to his blog," he said in a written statement. "Ultimately, we're talking about someone who doesn't like me personally, and who drags my beautiful wife and sweet daughter into his blog posts. At the end of the day, all I can do is pray for someone like that, and that's what I do for Brian."  

Brian fired back after hearing the mayor's remarks:

"Mayor Burchett has repeatedly stated that he is term limited and now a proud father. He has made no public indications of seeking higher office. Clearly in my opinion this is the strongest indication to date that Mayor Burchett plans on not pursuing any future political aspirations."

"If the Mayor doesn't have the ability or wherewithal to manage a website domain. It really begs the question, can he manage anything of substance?"

"The acquisitions of the domains was a strategic business move in an effort to potentially enlarge the base of political commentary in the Southeastern region of the United States. I thank the Mayor for this business opportunity as he has continually stressed his commitment to small businesses."