The boys would be well-advised to watch out for Marsha Blackburn. Her red meat credentials are very appealing to the bunch that appears to be taking over the Volunteer State. She could sneak in and take it while they're duking it out amongst themselves. Oye.

And what the hell are the Dems doing?
Nothing??

Lincoln Davis has all but said he will run. Harold Ford Jr. has also been mentioned. I heard one other name but don't remember who it was. That Purcell guy who was Mayor of Nashville would be good.

Isn't she the only one to form an exploratory committee?

Oh, yeah, that was one other name I heard.

Considering she threw her hat in the ring 8 months ago, its not a good sign that she hasn't come to mind on this blog. I'm surprised at the lack of Dem. movement for this race.

Bill Purcell has made it pretty clear that he will not be running for guv. He has the job he wants:

(link...)

Too bad. I like the heck out of Purcell, and He'd be a good candidate -- although I'm not sure he's electable in the current Tennessee political climate. He's from Philly, I believe, and our politics don't really suit him. I'll be surprised if he ever comes back.

Lincoln Davis has a great name and really good hair.

HFJ? Doubt he'll spend any of his political capital on such a long shot.

Kim McMillan sponsored the income tax bill for Naifeh. That won't work out well for her.

I'm sure inquiring minds would like to know and at one point in time, his intentions of running for governor in 2010 were well communicated.

Since he's been traveling around the state introducing Haslam, I presume he plans to support BH.

He reneged on his pledge for term limits. He opposed the bailout bill -- right up until he voted for it.

Wamp will fold. -- s.

and Wamp sucks. My take.

I don't think Jamie will be a candidate this time. At one time, I thought she'd run this round. However, she is an incredible organizer and would already be well-primed for a run if she was going to jump in.

She would be an interesting candidate pulling votes from all the current field. She has strong family ties in Memphis (Gibbons), represented part of Wamp's district in the State House, and would give Knox Republicans an alternative to Haslam.

I think if she could come up with a fundraising strategy she could be a strong contender. I just don't sense that its happening. I think she's a legislator through and through.

I think she's a legislator through and through.

True she's a very competent legislator, but I think she's also proven herself as a very competent leader, both politically and legislatively.

Oh I'm not at all saying she couldn't do it. I'm saying I think she would be more likely to go for a higher legislative seat than executive position.