Leo Daughtry was his closest competitor; I don't know how he would have fared statewide. Maybe it's a little unfair to blame it all on Vinroot, but the state GOP ticket got wiped out while Bush was winning the state by 13 points, and Vinroot trailed most of the GOP ticket. GOP turnout could have been much better, among other things. Point is, Merritt and Troxler would have won in slightly more favorable circumstances.