A petition drive to recall District 7 City Councilman Chris Anderson is running short of signatures.
Charlie Wysong, drive leader, said,"We have just over 300 signatures and that is about 500 short of where we need to be at this point. We are all meeting tomorrow to make changes.
"The lawsuit has been a distraction.
"We have had a retired executive volunteer to raise money from businessmen. He starts tomorrow. We need $5,000 right away.
"Prayer and fasting is in order. God has given us the victory before and I believe He will again. My prayer is 'For Your name's sake give us the victory in this recall of Chris Anderson.' "
Meanwhile, the lawsuit filed by Councilman Anderson challenging the validity of the recall drive against him has two new defendants.
It was agreed that the city of Chattanooga and the state of Tennessee will be added.
Initial defendants were the Hamilton County Election Commission as well as Mr. Wysong, who does not live in District 7 but has been aiding in the drive.
A motion filed by the election office asked that the lawsuit be dismissed for failure to name an indispensable party.
County Attorney Rheubin Taylor now represents the election office.
Circuit Court Judge Jeff Hollingsworth has been assigned the case.