February 11, 2005

2006 Senate Race Update

U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn announced today that she will not run for U.S. Senate. The text of her announcement will complete this post. With Blackburn deciding to forego the race and stay in the House of Representatives, the short take on the race is this for declared candidates: Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker has the early lead in fundraising but former U.S. Rep. Ed Bryant, who lost the 2002 GOP senate primary to Lamar Alexander, would have the lead in the polls thanks to much greater statewide name recognition.

If U.S. Rep. Van Hilleary, who narrowly lost the 2002 governor's race, decides to get in, he'll immediately be the front-runner with a slight edge over Bryant.

The danger for Republicans is that Hilleary and Bryant would split the conservative vote, allowing Corker, friend of Democrats and ally of the unpopular income-tax-pushing former Gov. Don Sundquist, to win the nomination.

As for Blackburn, she is a fast-rising star in Congress and I have no doubt she could have won the Senate race, but I'm glad she's staying in the House. Click "read more" to read her statement...

Marsha Blackburn's Letter to the People of Tennessee:

As a former state senator and now as the 7th District U.S. Representative, my aim has always been to preserve and protect our freedom. I have fought to keep government under control and out of our pockets. And together we have shared wonderful victories -- whether it is the successful battle against a state income tax or the restoration of the federal sales tax deduction. It's been a privilege and an honor to work with and serve the people of Tennessee.

Coming to Congress, I was warned that being one of 435 members in the House would make it difficult to have an impact. I was told not to expect too much in my first term. But, as Tennesseans know, that is not my style. The people of Tennessee didn't elect me to sit idly by as government conducted business as usual.

I was honored in my first few weeks in Washington to be selected as an Assistant Majority Whip, and over the past two years I have developed a close and important working relationship with Congressional leadership. Despite being told that a sales tax deduction bill hadn't passed in 18 years and wouldn't now, I found a group of colleagues who shared my vision, and together we rolled up our sleeves and made it happen.

This year I was selected by the House leadership to serve on the exclusive House Energy and Commerce Committee. With this appointment Tennessee has gained influence on a committee that oversees much of the legislation that comes to the floor of the House for a vote.

I have worked to get the people of! Tennessee a seat at the table and a conservative voice in the debate, and today we can say that has happened.

Reforming government is one of the primary reasons I chose to leave a career and enter public service. For me, now is the time to help shape the agenda in Washington for delivery of government services. We have an opportunity to reduce programs, eliminate duplicative agencies, and lessen the burden government spending places on the American taxpayer. This is the work I have long desired to do, and I now have a unique opportunity to leave an indelible print on how government will look and work in the 21st century. The next three years should prove to be a pivotal time in our nation's history as we work to create a government for the future. It will require focus, dedication, and a skillful approach. I look forward to the work ahead.

I will remain in the House and serve the 7th Congressional District for t! he next two years as we fight to promote a culture of life, protect family values, and reduce government spending. I have been touched and honored by all those across the state who have asked me to consider a run for the U.S. Senate, but now is the time for my focused work in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Tennessee and the Republican Party are fortunate to have an emerging field of talented and dedicated individuals willing to serve the state. I wish them well. And, I want to assure all those who support our ideals that, as in the past, I will be there to lend my voice and my energy to electing a strong conservative Republican senator in 2006.