As the Tennessee Republican Party continues into 2006 without a satisfactory gubernatorial candidate, the commotion and unrest builds. Of the current picks, Carl “Two Feathers” Whitaker has drawn the most attention; Jackson Baker of The Memphis Flyer takes a look at Whitaker’s campaign strategy and the state of the GOP in his latest column.
Meanwhile, there are continued calls for one of the three Senate candidates to make the switch and face Gov. Phil Bredesen instead, along with persistent rumors about one or the other’s intentions of doing just that (followed by strong denials and counter-theories).
This calls to mind a scene from O Brother, Where Art Thou?, but perhaps in reverse — with each man saying “not me” instead:
Pete: Wait a minute. Who elected you leader of this outfit?
Ulysses Everett McGill: Well Pete, I figured it should be the one with the capacity for abstract thought. But if that ain’t the consensus view, then hell, let’s put it to a vote.
Pete: Suits me. I’m voting for yours truly.
Ulysses Everett McGill: Well I’m voting for yours truly too.
[Everett and Pete look at Delmar for the deciding vote]
Delmar O’Donnell: Okay… I’m with you fellas.
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Bredesen’s first term and his handling of some of the problems that have come up — TennCare, the Tennessee Highway Patrol scandals, ethics reform, spending, more educational programs etc. — make him definitely beatable. And yet no one will try it?
I’ll repeat what I’ve said on my blog: the Tennessee Republican Party is once again colluding with ultra-wealthy Tennesseans to get a lame duck Governor in place for yet another run at the state income tax. *That’s* why no one wants to run, because it will effectively end their political career and their public life! Just look at Don Sundquist.
You watch.