MEMPHIS, Tenn. — As usual of late, the presidential election is a nail biter, but there was absolutely no suspense in the race for U.S. Senate in Tennessee. Republican Bill Hagerty won easily, as expected, with over 60% of the total vote. In anyone’s book, that’s a landslide win over Democrat Marquita Bradshaw of Memphis, which means it’s unfortunate and ill-advised that Bradshaw is refusing to concede – and is even implying that some of her votes are missing.
When she appeared Tuesday night at her watch party downtown, Bradshaw alleged that uncounted votes for her were somewhere in the bottom of a basement. If that’s true, it’s an awfully big basement. The fact is, it’s not true. And Bradshaw is doing a disservice by making such a ridiculous claim. We’ve already heard enough nonsense at the national level about rigged elections and hidden votes. That was irresponsible, and so is what Bradshaw is saying.
What she should have done is take credit for an impressive effort just to get this far. Thank her supporters for putting in the work – concede defeat and congratulate Hagerty. Instead she came across as a sore loser, which won’t help if she plans to remain in politics.
No one expected Bradshaw to even get past the primary. Once she did, she was clearly underfunded in a solidly red state. So here’s hoping she reconsiders – and returns to fight another day. And that’s my point of view.