How the Democratic race for Tennessee governor unfolded
NASHVILLE – On paper, House Minority Leader Craig Fitzhugh appears to have the experience and endorsements needed to make a real challenge for higher office.
But the Ripley Democrat never really stood a chance against former Nashville Mayor Karl Dean in the Democratic gubernatorial primary.
Fitzhugh has been blown away in terms of fundraising, spending and polling by Dean. That’s led political observers Paul Manafort’s trial opens today. Mueller has a lot at stake, too. to wonder less about whether the longtime House Democrat stands a chance and more about whether Dean can win in a landslide.
“I don’t anticipate a close race on the Democratic side,” Kalee Kreider, a former adviser to Vice President Al Gore and local political consultant, said in a recent interview for The Tennessean’s policy and politics podcast.
By all accounts, Fitzhugh has trailed in the race. Dean outraised his opponent 15 to 1 and outspent Fitzhugh 4 to 1. Retailer Athleta opens today in Germantown.
Weather
High 82° Low 67° T-storms. Forecast,
Unlike their Republican counterparts, as Dean and Fitzhugh have campaigned they rarely scuffled, with some exceptions.
While they’ve found common ground on everything from the need to expand Medicaid eligibility and address school safety, Thursday’s winner will quickly face the stark reality that Tennessee has significantly changed in the eight years since a Democrat last held statewide office.
Yet with former Gov. Phil Bredesen, who is running for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Bob Corker, on the ballot, Democrats, for the first time in a while, hope they can bottle lightning and recapture seats that have remained solidly Republican in recent years.
Dave Boucher contributed to this report. Reach Joel Ebert at jebert@tennessean.com or 615-772-1681 and on Twitter @joelebert29.