Who's running for governor in 2010? (Updated)

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March 22, 2009

Who's running for governor in 2010? (Updated)

Well, we know that Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam (R) is, and Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey (R) is, and former House Majority Leader Kim McMillan (D) is, and Shelby County District Attorney Bill Gibbons (R) is.

And we think that U.S. Representative Zach Wamp (R) is, and there's a good possibility that Mike McWherter (D), son of former Gov. Ned McWherter, might.

[UPDATE 1: As alice points out in the comments, Sen. Andy Berke is thinking about it.]

We also know that entertainer Tim McGraw (D) is not, and former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, M.D. (R) is not.

But back to Congressman Wamp: some, such as the Nashville Post's A.C. Kleinheider, are questioning whether he might be experiencing second thoughts. Is the GOP field too crowded? Is the money not showing up as expected?

Or, here's another angle: is Rep. Wamp perhaps uneasy about the prospects lining up to replace him? As Andy Sher reported in the Chattanooga Times Free Press, Bradley County Sheriff Tim Gobble is the only declared candidate for the Third District seat Wamp has held since 1995. A few Hamilton County politicos are said to be considering a run: Sen. Bo Watson, Rep. Gerald McCormick, and Tennessee Republican chair Robin Smith. If I had to guess as to which one of the four above would be "blessed" by Zach Wamp, I'd have to say it's Robin Smith. However, she may not have sufficient backing to run, so is Wamp thinking about keeping his seat?

[UPDATE 2: I've been told by an anonymous source (unverified) that Rep. Wamp's favorite is, in fact, state Rep. Gerald McCormick.]

[UPDATE 3: It was announced today that Knoxville Mayor Haslam has gained the services of veteran campaigner Tom Ingram. Ingram, as you know, was instrumental in getting both of our current U.S. Senators elected, and has served as Sen. Alexander's chief of staff until this move. Hmm.]

I won't mind if you simply agree with Senator Watson, i.e., that it's early yet to be thinking too hard about such matters. We're all campaign-weary. Heck, the Chattanooga City Council race isn't over yet (in three districts, anyway).

But this gubernatorial election will be upon us before we know it, so you can thank me later for keeping an eye on it now (along with, and thanks to, several excellent compatriots).

UPDATE 4, 3/27: As alice pointed out in the comments, I didn't mention Sen. Andy Berke, though I think he's just shrewdly raising his name recognition for other opportunities, at this point. But my real omission was that of Ward Cammack, and I thank the City Paper of Nashville for the reminder. Cammack is scooping up seasoned operatives like Mark Brown, and will likely be a force in the upcoming contest. But, yes, it's early yet.

TN Gubernatorial Elections , US House Elections | By joe lance | 11:43 PM

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