Tennessee: A Democrat Hopeful?

Democrats have major national problems in the Senate races because they only have two legitimate targets (Sens. Dean Heller (R-NV and Jeff Flake (R-AZ)) and they need to gain three to wrest Senate control away from the Republicans.  With only six other Republican Senators on the ballot, and each from an ostensibly safe GOP state, the Democrats’ majority chances appear bleak.  Therefore, they are going to have to mount at least one major challenge in a safely red state. 
 
With Sen. Bob Corker (R) still not fully committing to seeking re-election, though indications are that he will run, Tennessee might be their perceived opportunity.  Former Gov. Phil Bredesen, the last Democratic Governor, who served from 2003-11, appears to be the party leaders’ target.  Whether they can convince the 73-year old former state chief executive to actually run for the Senate, in what would be a tough race for any Democrat whether it is a challenger or open race, may be another story, however.

--Jim Ellis