Get ready to hear the names of a lot of Republicans running for Governor of Tennessee. Some have already gotten in the race, but within the next week or so, around a half dozen other top GOP figures could announce their candidacy.
There are a lot of republicans who may want the corner office now occupied by Governor Bill Haslam, who is term-limited from running for a third term.
State Senator Mark Green (R- Clarksville) got in the Governor’s race, then suspended his campaign while being considered for Secretary of the Army. But he may get back in after withdrawing his name for the D.C. post.
Former state economic development director Randy Boyd was the second Republican to announce his candidacy.
Franklin businessman Bill Lee soon followed as the third announced GOP candidate.
Those three along with TN House speaker Beth Harwell (R- Nashville), TN Senate majority leader Mark Norris (R- Collierville), State Senator Mae Beavers (R- Mt. Juliet), and middle Tennessee Congressional member Diane Black (R- TN 6th District) are all scheduled to speak next week at the Rutherford County Reagan Day dinner.
Some may announce then, but all seven have been literally bumping into each other at similar events around the state.
“It’s like the runway at Chicago O’Hare, the morning with all the planes ready to take off,” says Steve Gill, who once narrowly lost a Tennessee Congressional race. Gill has been a longtime observer and strategist for many Republicans. He knows what will ultimately decide who gets in or stays out.
“It’s all about money. Some people say money talks in politics. Money screams in politics and you have Randy Boyd and Diane Black who are self-funders and could easily put $15-million in a state-wide race.”
While that kind of money may scare a few away from running for the Governor’s office, we will know a lot more next week about the Republican candidates.
As for the Democrats, we’ll hear about their candidates for Governor Friday. That’s when they have their statewide Jackson Day dinner.
