I have been relatively impressed with Bredeson. The RATS would be smart to run him in 2008. But, I imagine he is too conservative for them to consider---he would never make it out of the primaries.
Meanwhile, the Republicans in Tennessee act more like Democrats, ala Sundquist and Knox County Mayor Ragsdale who extorted the voters to vote for one tax or the other. I will personally campaign against him even if I have to vote for the first Democrat in my life.
I have to give it to Bredesen he is a fiscal conservative unlike Sundquist, the supposed Republican. So far, he hasn't pressed any Democratic social agenda that I'm aware. My only concern is would he break it out in a second term where he has no fears of being reelected.
Exaclty..
A few years ago when Bredesen was running for Nashville mayor he admitted that the 2 politicians he admired the most were Bobby Kennedy and Hillary Clinton. Caveat emptor.
That said, what he has apparantly done with TennCare is what should be done with every government program when the ingrates who are getting taxpayer-funded freebies and their "advocates" start squalling about it not being enough. Might make a few of them appreciate what they are getting.
BTW, government-provided insurance through a convoluted deal with insurance companies (TennCare) is exactly what Kerry was proposing.