MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Former Shelby County Commissioner and twice convicted felon Joe Cooper is thinking about returning to politics.
In the 1970's Cooper served on what was then the Shelby County Court. Since then he's served time in prison.
"I think I can still make a contribution," he said, but he acknowledged that he has "more baggage than Carter has little liver pills."
Cooper was convicted of bank fraud in the 1970's and served time in prison again in 2008 for money laundering. "I went through an experience nobody ever wants to go through. It happened, it's over with. I paid the price for it," Cooper said.
He told abc24.com his criminal past may actually be an asset, "Because I've been in trouble I would be more cognizant to make things happen in the right way."
Cooper said he will make a decision whether to run for a seat on the County Commission in 90 days. According to TCA 8-18-101 Cooper may not be eligible to run for public office. It prohibits anyone who has been convicted of bribery or any other offense declared infamous by law from running for public office.
