Democrat Bredesen confirms interest in Tennessee Senate race

[brooklynite]

Source: AP News

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Former Gov. Phil Bredesen, the last Democrat to win a statewide race in Tennessee, is considering a bid to succeed retiring Republican Bob Corker in the U.S. Senate.

Bredesen said in a statement to The Associated Press on Monday that he is mulling an entry into the race after several people urged him to reconsider his initial statements that he had no interest in running.

Bredesen is a wealthy former Nashville mayor who was first elected governor in 2002. He completed his second term in early 2011.

Republican U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn has joined the race on an anti-establishment platform. Former Rep. Stephen Fincher is also considering a Republican bid.

Read more: https://apnews.com/db95e881595c47538824d44c5bdc3559/Democrat-Bredesen-confirms-interest-in-Tennessee-Senate-race

[GaryCnf]

1. It will put Tennessee in play n/t

[Tiggeroshii]

3. Just him running increases our chances of winning back the Senate whether or not he wons

More resources the rethugs have to spread around

[LonePirate]

2. Bredesen would be a good choice as would Nashville Mayor Megan Barry.

[GaryCnf]

4. Both good choices

Bredesen has won statewide before and Tennessee wasn't much better for Democrats then than it is now.

Megan is a star for sure, but Nashville is looked at as full of them "West coasters "

[LonePirate]

5. Could Bredesen or Barry win enough suburban voters in Nashville, Memphis and Chattanooga?

I’m assuming both would run strongly in the cores of those three cities, along with Knoxville. However, it’s the suburbs where they need to overperform. I’m guessing the white rural voters of the state are a lost cause not worth pursuing. Campaigning for the black rural vote around Memphis and the MS border would be good use of resources.

[GaryCnf]

6. You're last sentence

is spot on.

[johnnylol]

7. tennesee race

al gore was a two tern senator from tennessee it would be impossible for him to get elected today... over time tennessee has become a even more red state,,,

[GaryCnf]

10. Very true

However, Bredesen was elected as governor in the "New and Un-improved" version of Tennessee, just before the current governor.

As for Megan, she is the current mayor of Nashville and a rising star. She and Nashville are considered very liberal though and it might be a tough road for her statewide. She ran a strong campaign though and can't be discounted.

The other thing that hasn't been mentioned is that there is a good chance the Republicans will run someone even further right than Blackburn who is herself a nutcase.

They'll have to fight for this seat.

[Initech]

8. Flip that seat!!!!

[Lars39]

9. I would love to be able to vote for him.

Although I've always thought he was too nice.