The potential heavyweight fight between Country Music Superstar Tim McGraw and former Majority Leader Bill Frist for the Nashville Governor’s mansion seems to be quickly fading. Tim McGraw, a Democrat who has called former President Clinton one of his greatest political influences, has expressed interest in the governorship… just not in 2010. He has repeatedly denied that he will be a candidate for the post in 2010. Bill Frist, a heart surgeon and former U.S. Senator, has also stated that he will not seek the spot in 2010. Frist seems to be enjoying private life again though you have to wonder if he is not itching to get back in the spotlight for a future Presidential run.
With the lack of interest from the heavyweights, that begs for an answer to, “Who will run?” There are several names being thrown about on the Republican side, but the Democrats seemingly have few big names with wide popularity that the average Tennessean might know already. The Republicans have some heavy hitters in certain circles, but any one of the candidates may have big trouble in setting themself apart in the Republican Primary.
The Bill Frist announcement has led to a flood of names entering the fray. On the Democratic side State Sen. Andy Berke, Congressman Lincoln Davis, former Congressman Harold Ford Jr., and former State Rep. Kim McMillan are the headliners that may seek the spot. The potential Republican headliners are Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn, Shelby County DA Bill Gibbons, Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam, Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, and Congressman Zach Wamp. I could also very easily see Van Hilleary getting into the mix. I also have to wonder if former Congressman David Davis may get involved. This past election cycle was good for the last name Davis in the US Senate Race in Tennessee as a huge upset nearly happened simply on Davis name recognition. Another interesting figure would be State Rep. Stacey Campfield, though I really have no idea if he would even run.
I must admit that there are several of these figures that I really have no clue about, but I will research each potential candidate a little more, and I will provide some updates about them over the next several months.
***Edit at 9:40 PM January 6, 2008*** Add State Representative Beth Harwell to the possibles. ***Edit at 9:40 PM January 6, 2008***