Wasn't it Bredesen's Republican predecessor who raised taxes in Tennessee? Didn't Bredesen make a no new taxes pledge when he ran? From what I've heard, Bredesen is pretty conservative (used to be a Republican, but changed parties for political expediency). If Bredesen got the nomination, I think he would have a great chance at winning his state. The problem is he's way too far right to win the Democratic nomination.
Bredesen is actually pretty popular in the state. The last Rep governor almost did in the party in TN. Bredesen is way too conservative to get anywhere in a Dem primary.