McWherter, Herron And The Big Question
An ongoing conversation that was played out yesterday with five different people concerns Sen. Roy Herron and Mike McWherter both running for governor. I keep getting asked questions about why the Dresden politician and the son of popular former Governor Ned McWherter are both in the race.
As neither of them have me on speed dial and do not call me, all I can say is “I don’t know.”
I must say that it is curious. McWherter the son. is actually from Union City, has lived in Nashville and currently resides in Jackson and is a successful businessman. He is a relative of Rep. John Tanner on his mother’s side. His dad has a home here and one at the lake. He was a major player in getting Lowe Finney elected to the Senate. He also danced with running against Sen. Lamar Alexander and opted not to do it, which is still a bit stinging to some dems in the state.
Herron is also from the area. Been around awhile, knows politics pretty well, etc.
The connecting factor actually is Ned on this one. Politics is pretty tight knit around here. Mike has his website up (although it needs a ton of work if you ask me) says he’s in and is granting interviews. Roy has released one statement, says he’s in and has said he won’t officially announce until later this spring.
It’s a long time to next year’s elections so this could go anyway.
The questions that I keep getting asked from the fine people in Hoots is where does Ned stand on all of this.
Who knows?
I spoke to several younger folks who do not remember the days of Ned as Speaker of the House and as governor. We sandwichers and the older generation remembers what he did in Nashville but for a new generation, his tenure is what they studied in history class. They don’t remember the Nilla Wafers statement he made the day he took office which landed him in People magazine (here’s the actual article from 1987. Thanks Innertubes!)
So what’s going to happen? As those who care about politics in Hoots buzzed over the weekend regarding these two whippersnappers being tied to one of the most powerfully political icons from West Tennessee, the issue comes down to one question.
Which candidate, McWherter or Herron, is the anointed one of Ned McWherter? I’m going with his kid but that’s just me.
It would probably behoove both of them to start talking to their local party and let them in on what’s going on, because right now, it’s just confusing.
Good ?, but surely you are correct. If not, that’s weird.
My question: Where are the strong D votes in TN these days, and what kind of D will they elect? Are McWherter & Herron stalwarts of a conservative Democratic party that can no longer win statewide? What kind of D WOULD this state elect?
I’m not sure Laura. I honestly believe both parties are changing right now. This transition is something that I don’t see politicos talking about very much. You have the far right and the Yellowdogs, but it’s that middle ground that is changing. We have to remember that folks over here voted local and state democratic, but didn’t all vote for Barack Obama for president.
I honestly don’t know where Daddy McWherter stands on this. He was VERY bipartisan, but we are looking at almost fifteen years where he has been behind the scenes. Naifeh is out of a leadership role (although he still has a lot of power) and the new guys really haven’t made much of a mark other than being blue dogs.
Lots of folks are asking questions here. It’s all very strange.
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I’m going to wait a while on this one to see who is the chaf and who is for real. Will the real Democrat please stand up.
GoldnI had a thoughtful post on a similar topic yesterday.