Tennessee: New Speculation

Now that Sen. Bob Corker (R) has announced he won’t seek re-election, renewed speculation is beginning to surface that he is considering entering the open Governor’s race.  When asked, the Senator indicated that it “…would have been good to think about that a year ago,” in reference to forming a gubernatorial campaign, but also did not fully close the door on running.  With Gov. Bill Haslam (R) ineligible to seek a third term, the state’s top political position will be open in 2018. 
 
Among the top Republicans already in the Governor’s race are House Budget Committee chair Diane Black (R-Gallatin), former state Sen. Mae Beavers (R-Wilson County), ex-state Economic Development Commissioner Randy Boyd, and state House Speaker Beth Harwell (R-Nashville).  For the Democrats, former Nashville Mayor Karl Deen and state House Minority Leader Craig Fitzhugh (D-Ripley) are the announced candidates.

--Jim Ellis