Tennessee: A Surprise Entry

Former Gov. Phil Bredesen, who is clearly the Democrats’ best possible open seat Senate candidate, surprised many in the political world by releasing an announcement video yesterday.  The 74-year old former Governor, Nashville Mayor, and CEO originally said he would not enter the open seat campaign, but then agreed to reconsider when the national party leadership asked him to do so.  Apparently, the recruitment pitch was persuasive because Mr. Bredesen is now in the race.
 
Republicans look to be heading to a race featuring Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Brentwood) and ex-Rep. Stephen Fincher (R-Crockett County).  Though Tennessee is a different state, meaning much more Republican, since the last time Mr. Bredesen was on the ballot in 2006, the upcoming Tennessee Senate race will now not merit a safe Republican rating, though the eventual GOP nominee will still be a favorite when the general election cycle begins.  The Bredesen candidacy is a critical development toward increasing Democratic majority prospects in the 2018 cycle.

--Jim Ellis