Here they are -- the candidates. Democrat and Republican. Sort of ranked by likelihood they can win their party's primary.
First, the GOP:
Bill Haslam: The favorite. TONS of cash (over $3 million), progressive record as Mayor, access to personal cash, and fairly appealing publicly.
Zach Wamp: The Congressman. And the most likely conservative candidate to win. Strong statewide name ID, a solid conservative record in Congress, decent ability to raise money.
Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey: competing with Wamp for conservative votes. Should do well in NE Tennessee, decent fundraising, lots of name ID from beating John Wilder for LG in 2007 and holding the job - the official GOP answer to Gov. Bredesen.
Bill Gibbons: the only GOP candidate NOT from East TN. Tough on crime, not sure he can raise much cash, but may be able to lock down West TN Republican votes which could help if the race stays a 4-way contest
Now, the Democrats
Senator Roy Herron: a solid fundraiser, good connections, probably the best Democrat on the stump and a tireless campaigner. Lots of attention this session on paper ballots, ethics.
Mike McWherter: also from West TN, son of very popular former Governor Ned Ray McWherter, successful businessman, solid fundraising.
Senator Jim Kyle: not officially in, but looks like a candidate. Great job navigating this year's tough legislative session, good fundraiser, getting better on the stump, great recent article in the Tennessean -- Memphis base could be very helpful, depending on how the local pols play out for/against him
Ward Cammack: wealthy investment banker, Nashville, access to money, easily the most "liberal" of all the Democrats, very strong on the environment/economy -- which should help him in the primary. Still needs work on education, not super-exciting on the stump
Kim McMillan: former House Majority Leader, the first candidate in, decent money raised so far. The only female candidate on either side -- playing for the votes of Democratic women could be helpful in a very crowded primary -- if all 5 stay in and she keeps up her aggressive schedule and can raise decent money, she could win.
