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Mike McWherter Eyeing Run For Governor
Posted by newscoma | Posted in Tennessee | Posted on 08-01-2009
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 …









