[Decentralize]

I'm not from TN (I'm from NC) so I'm not familiar with Marsha Blackburn.

That's what the links are for. Learn all about her. She spearheaded the TN Tax revolt by dropping a dime to radio host Phil Valentine. Thousands decended upon the Capitol to protest an income tax that was about to be covertly passed.

Wouldn't Lamar Alexander be the favorite for the GOP to hold the seat?

Maybe, maybe not. A plaid shirt does not a conservative make.

[SP67]

I agree, he may not be a strong ideological conservative. I think TN may have the same problem we have in NC with Elizabeth Dole- she's the best chance we have to keep Jesse Helms's seat in November, even though she has alienated a lot of conservatives. Bush has made several trips here to support her. I wouldn't be surprised if Alexander made a big push for the nomination, and you can bet he'll get a lot of support from Bush- even before the state's primary. TN is too valuable a state to lose in November, especially since it carried Bush in 2000.