Fred Thompson to leave Senate after only one full term (DRAFT MARSHA BLACKBURN!)

U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson, R-Tennessee, announced today he will not seek re-election as planned, saying, ''I simply do not have the heart for another six-year term.''

Last year, Thompson had considered not seeking another term but then announced he would, saying the events of last September renewed his desire to serve his country, he said.

Just wanted to give you another opportunity to rethink your statement. If my scenario comes true, I hope you enjoy Senator Harold Ford JR. For myself and my fellow Colorado conservatives, we definitely won't enjoy a Ford victory.

Otherwise, I hope Tennessee republicans pick the best man or woman for the job. Preferably, the most cosnervative individual available and the one with the best track record at getting elected. If its a newcomer, hold on Nellie! All bets are off.

I still like Lamar.

Best of luck.

Just wanted to give you another opportunity to rethink your statement. If my scenario comes true, I hope you enjoy Senator Harold Ford JR.

Look up info on Southern Industrial Banking Corporation and United American Bank failure of Tennessee. Then maybe you will see why Ford will not be our senator. Many farmers and even more investors lost their shirts over the 1982 Worlds Fair along bad investments and frauds made by the officers of these institutions which included scandle with Harold Ford Sr. Ford Sr was the only untouchable in it thanks to Clinton. That BTW was a state wide failure from Bristol to Memphis. Look up the failed 1982 governors race of Jake Butcher as well as his brother CH Butcher Sr. Ford could not carry East Tennessee nor Nashville. Bob Clements on the other hand might.

Ok Tennessee Political History buffs a question for you. Who was the last governor of this state to hold an elected office after serving as governor of Tennessee excluding Buford Ellington who was re-elected in a broken second term as governor? A serious question to ponder and take into account. So far I've found only one sucessfull? If I'm seeing it right it was nearly 100 years ago. All other former Tennessee governors to follow who attempted elected public office were unsucessfull in their bid after serving as governor.

Frazier, James Beriah (1856-1937) -- also known as James B. Frazier -- Father of James Beriah Frazier, Jr.. Born in Pikeville, Bledsoe County, Tenn., October 18, 1856. Democrat. Governor of Tennessee, 1903-05; U.S. Senator from Tennessee, 1905-11.

I just received the following from former Tennessee Republican Party chairman Tommy Hopper:

Friends,

I think Fred Barnes summed the Tennessee senate race up pretty well on Fox News Thursday: "Lamar Alexander could be Tennessee's Richard Riordan."

I have been involved in Tennessee politics for over 20 years. I have worked for Governor Alexander. I have worked for Governor Alexander's state party. I have supported him in the past.

But, plainly spoken, he's had his chance. This is the feeling among many, many Republicans. He's been governor, and he's run two failed campaigns for president. He's also picked up a lot of baggage along the way. There are ethics problems, which are well known and documented. There are problems with being a moderate, then becoming a conservative in the presidential primaries. Hypocrisy is not something quickly forgotten.

A good man and principled conservative is opposing Governor Alexander in the primary. Congressman Ed Bryant has served since 1994. He is a dedicated conservative, a fresh face, and has the fire in the belly for the race.

This will be a spirited campaign, and Governor Alexander will be able to count on the monied interests in the states -- the ones who play both sides to gain access to power. But Congressman Bryant will be able to count on thousands of grassroots Republicans across the state.

Congressman Bryant has not solicited my help nor does he know I'm sending this message. I just believe it's time for new leadership and Republicans who think and vote like Republicans.

The Democrats under Governor McWherter had a three inch file on Governor Alexander. We'll see that information in the fall if Governor Alexander is the nominee. I know this is true because Governor Alexander's folks admitted it when they asked me to back off the income tax fight in 1991.

I hope all of you will consider supporting Ed Bryant. He is exactly what we need in Washington.

And remember, Lamar has been in the background in the attempts to pass a state income tax and passed the largest tax increase in Tennessee history.

Ed is in the process of setting up a campaign, and I'm sure he'll be in touch soon. With all the media bias, I thought it important to let you know that Ed's running and I fully trust and support him.

Thanks.

Tommy

Make no mistake we will have to fight Washington, DC to elect our own. I can off the top of my head think of half a dozen more respected and qualifed canidates than Lamar Alexander. The income tax issue is interesting as well. Tommy Thompsons word on that is good enough for me Tommy fhas fought the good fight.

I think as well the state and the city of Knoxville is still paying on bonds for a 1982 pipe dream called the Worlds Fair. It was pathetic and as a result two banking empires under Lamars term crashed. He is a has been and as I posted it has been 100 years since a Tennessee Governor sucessfully got elected to another office after serving as governor.

Ok Tennessee Political History buffs a question for you. Who was the last governor of this state to hold an elected office after serving as governor of Tennessee excluding Buford Ellington who was re-elected in a broken second term as governor? A serious question to ponder and take into account. So far I've found only one sucessfull? If I'm seeing it right it was nearly 100 years ago. All other former Tennessee governors to follow who attempted elected public office were unsucessfull in their bid after serving as governor.

If you are considering popular elections, you might have to go back further. Governor Frazier was elected to the US Senate under the old constitutional scheme in which federal senators were elected by the State legislature. The 17th Amendment which changed to the current system of direct popular election of US Senators was not ratified until 1913.

Ellington was not the only governor to have leap-frog terms. Others included Frank Clement (who took turns with Ellington being governor) and Gordon Browning. Alexander was the first governor to serve after the constitution was amended to allow consecutive terms. But you may be right that no Tennessee governor has gone on to hold other elective office in 100 years or more.

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