But does Alexander have a back bone to stand up for Reagan's policies of smaller leaner government?
Yes.
No. Lamar had one of those State roads built by his wife's property as he left office. Deja Vu! He raised taxes during his terms as Governor. Government grew larger under his leadership. While I have not heard him say so, his associate on all the Nashville talk shows are the RINOs leading the charge for a state income tax. (Lou Conner/Ted Welch/Daniel Casse, etc.)
Of course I would hold my nose and vote for him over any Democrat just like the North Carolina people will have to do with Lizzy Dole.
Alexander will vote like Dole-- in-step with the White House (which can't be said for Erskine Bowles or Harold Ford, Jr.).