Bob Tuke says he may give it a try.

"Bless his heart."

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With the possible exception of things like box scores, race results, and stock market tabulations, there is no such thing as Objective Journalism. The phrase itself is a pompous contradiction in terms.

Granted Alexander hasn't done anything to derail a re-election strategy, but in all candor, what has he really done as a US Senator from Tennessee. He's a failed presidential candidate that got inside information from Fred Thompson and knew how to get ready for a short run at an open seat.

I am disappointed that the Democratic Party doesn't have a candidate ready to go on a statewide race. But again, aside from Mike Ragsdale in 2010, the Republican Party doesn't have a candidate ready to go statewide anytime soon either.

But, more than that, Lamar has done a good job in Washington.

How insightful.

I hadn't seen RagsdaleXXXX's comment, but I will give Lamar some credit for pushing the Northshore Road settlement, even if the NPS recommendation was independent and took precedence.

Maybe that was tongue-in-cheek. (?)

I, too, give Lamar! credit on the North Shore Road deal and environmental issues in general. It's about the only thing he has departed from the Bush agenda on.

On the other hand, he could, quite possibly, be protecting the family business at Blackberry Farm (including his support for the I-140 tourist thruway extension to Townsend, although I could be mistaken on that, too lazy to google).

he could, quite possibly, be protecting the family business at Blackberry Farm

No doubt. That, his wind turbine anti-bias, and all his talk about "clean coal" pretty much washes out his greenness. Then again, it's also embarrassing that pretty much all the Dem candidates think clean coal might be an option and don't seem to mind corn ethanol either. (We're doomed.)

Wife attended a city luncheon last week where BOB CORKER was the featured speaker. "Bob" proceeded to "depart from Bush" on just about every topic he spoke on. Apparently there was a lot nervous laughter in the room which was full of GOP KnoxGOBs (as one might imagine).

As long as Lamar doesn't replace Lott as Whip, I expect him to break with the GOP caucus even more in the next Senate as the Dems will almost certainly expand their presence to over 55 seats (and likely more). Lamar will be useful in getting up to 60 votes to pass some progressive legislation with a Democratic President. Corker is less likely to go along with Dems than Lamar.

McWherter had not done a thing.A few blurbs in the press is not a campaign.But,next year,if ya start hearing about McWherter popping up @ Democratic bean dinners & picnics...that would mean a run for governor is gearing up.

the Republican Party doesn't have a candidate ready to go statewide anytime soon either.

Frist can flip a switch and turn on a statewide 'organization'. It won't take much gearing up for someone who's run statewide a number of times. Plus, he has an existing bankroll.

Wamp's been talking and has a good organization in his district and friends elsewhere. Marsha Blackburn is less well-known outside the 7th district, but has apparently expressed interest. Same for Rep. Beth Harwell, who is also former State GOP chair.

Maybe our own Bill Haslam as well, who's family has ties statewide and a substantial fundraising network. As for our county mayor, anyone think he still has an interest or chance to win the nomination? As previously predicted, new faces on Commission are critically important to Ragsdale's future political aspirations. We're seeing that play out now with the 11 and we will see more in next year's elections. So, is a new Commission enough?

All these folks who may have an interest will roll along, making sure to get out, make friends and maybe talk privately about a possible run. Nothing will gel publicly until after the 2008 Presidential race. My prediction is if Frist runs, everyone else except maybe Wamp takes a pass.

As for Lamar and windmills, his opposition to these giant things is based on the number required and mountaintops they would cover. I believe this was discussed sometime back in another thread.

As for Lamar and windmills, his opposition to these giant things is based on the number required and mountaintops they would cover. I believe this was discussed sometime back in another thread.

Required? For what? I don't think the proposal included a minimum number, as if we had to replace all our present electrical generation with the number of wind turbines (not windmills--that's in Holland) it would take to do that.

And speaking of mountain tops, where does Lamar! stand on mountaintop removal that also ends up being burned as coal which severely pollutes the air we all breathe? Not just the vistas that people like those who get to visit Blackberry Farms see? If he's against MTR, he's needed right now to do something about it.

And where is he on cell towers and billboards regarding the same objections he has with wind power?

cell towers and billboards are local issues and are rarely placed accross the ridges of mountaintops. I don't think Senator Alexander has a dog in the fight over placement of cell towers and billboards, unless they're in a national park or other federal land.

Required? For what? Enough to make is sensible to put these dang things on mountaintops accross East Tennessee. Put 'em out in the flatlands. There are better solutions for us hillbillies.

wind turbines (not windmills--that's in Holland) Thanks for the meaningless correction.

As for MTR, send the Senator an email and ask.