Tennessee: Strong $ Quarters

Since it is now clear that Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Brentwood) and former Gov. Phil Bredesen (D) will be their respective party nominees in the open Tennessee US Senate race, both are already raising copious amounts of money.  According to their campaigns, Mr. Bredesen raised over $1.8 million during the quarter just ended, and Ms. Blackburn slightly more at approximately $2 million.  Mr. Bredesen added to his campaign account with a $1.4 million self-contribution. 
 
The Blackburn Campaign will report more than $6 million cash-on-hand.  The Bredesen operation did not release their available resource number, but it appears the related figure will fall between $3.5 and $4 million.  The Tennessee Senate campaign is shaping up to be long in duration, since both candidates are proceeding to the general election well in advance of the August 2nd Tennessee primary, and expensive.  Rep. Blackburn is favored because of Tennessee’s strong Republican voting history since Mr. Bredesen was last on the ballot in 2006, but this contest promises to be very active with well-run efforts coming from both candidates.

--Jim Ellis