Mike McWherter Eyeing Run For Governor
Mike McWherter is back in the news.
Democrat Mike McWherter, son of former Gov. Ned McWherter, says he is interested in running for governor in 2010, but likely will wait until “the first of the summer” to make a decision on whether to join the fray.
“I will continue to meet with some of my friends and my family and assess the situation,” he said. “I’ve been raised in a family where I’m used to seeing people be in public service. This state has been very good to me, and I’d like to give something back.”
McWherter set up an exploratory campaign for the 2008 U.S. Senate campaign, but wound up deciding not to run because “the timing was not right for me.” With his children growing older, he said the timing would be better in 2010.
The Dresden businessman said he is willing to join Doug Horne, former state Democratic chairman, and other prospective Democratic candidates in a meeting to discuss the possibility of uniting behind one candidate.
But McWherter also said he thinks primary elections can be “very healthy for any campaign.” He recalled his father’s 1986 primary, wherein he defeated Nashville Mayor Richard Fulton and Public Service Commissioner Jane Eskind, then went on to defeat Republican Winfield Dunn, a former governor, in November.
“We ran a much better campaign in the general election because of that primary. We found out what worked and what didn’t work,” McWherter said.
I only really have one thing to say and I don’t mean it negatively. But this time, don’t, as Kleinheider said so eloquently, lollygag or play backroom politics.
It’s a new world in politics where accessibility is very important.
Just saying, Mike. I sent Andy Berke a twitter and he responded immediately.
Actually, this is advice to all you politicos right now.
Word to the wise, dude.
P.S. As I have a home in Dresden, and I sort of know the terrain here, McWherter works and lives in Jackson. He may have property here but I don’t see him around other than at local political events. I know I’m being nitpicky but still …
Time is a luxury which Democrats neither have nor can afford for the 2010 cycle.
I agree wholeheartedly.
I read at KnoxViews that McWherter said he was “waiting to see if Harold Ford runs”. That he was reluctant to challenge Ford.
Which makes McWherter completely and totally out of touch with Progressive Democrats. Exactly what I would expect from a former Republican.
They are indeed playing games and it’s going to cost us the Govs office too. If he’s going to run he needs to be on the back of a flatbed truck moving across this state starting tomorrow and telling average people what we stand for.
Trouble is, TN Dems don’t want to do the work it takes, spend the money it takes, or take principled stands on any issue. They want to pander to us for votes, then pander to the Right for longevity.
I need something more sincere and more in-tune than a McWherter. I need something less bullshit and chickenshit than a Ford.
No fake Democrat is going to get my vote anymore. I need a big surprise and a bigger effort or I am voting and contributing Green, or not at all.
If we’re going to suffer Republican policies, we might as well suffer them at the hands of Republicans instead of Blue Dog losers are in it for the money and never change a thing.
No more Jellyspines.
Don’t know about banker and beer baron being elected. What can Mike offer other than being the son of a Governor who was elected about 25 years ago. Isn’t that what happened to Clements?