September 1, 2004

Blackburn for Senate?

My congressman, Rep. Marsha Blackburn, is described in yesterday's Knoxville News Sentinel as one of six potential candidates for the U.S. Senate seat that will be vacated by Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist of Tennessee in 2006. Also listed: former U.S. Rep. Ed Bryant, a solid conservative who lost the primary in the Senate race a few years ago to Lamar Alexander, who went on to win the open seat; current U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker, former U.S. Rep. Van Hilleary, who lost the governor's race in 2002, state Republican Chairman Beth Harwell, and former state Republican Chairman Chip Saltsman. Blackburn says she isn't currently eyeing the Senate race, but that could change. My guess is, the race for the nomination is Bryant's to lose, having already run once statewide. I know many Republicans whose hearts were with Bryant but they voted for Alexander because they knew he could beat Democrat Bob Clement in the general election.

As for Blackburn, who faces no serious opposition in her reelection campaign this year, my hope is she'll stay in Congress until 2010, and then run for governor. (Or, run in 2006 if current Gov. Phil Bredesen stumbles badly and blows his 70%-plus approval rating, which is unlikely.) Blackburn was a great state senator and is compiling an impressive record as a member of congress and holds all the right principles and values to make her a truly great governor.