[kabar]

.Fred was likely politically over with and done. He might have won but it would have been close. As a matter of fact he may not have made it past the primaries

LOL. That's not a source, just a personal observation. Do you have something more authorative showing that Thompson, a two term incumbent who won his last election 61% to 37%, was in trouble in TN prior to running for a possible third term? A poll? Newspaper articles? You are long on opinion but short on facts.

[cva66snipe]

Like I said two other Republicans besides Alexander were wanting Fred's seat. Bryant could have likely taken it. That alone says there was trouble in paradise for Fred. His performance in the impeachment hearings is something Fred could take lessons from.