Candidates lining up to run for Tanner's 8th Congressional

[Tim Nunan]

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/20 ... rict-seat/

Reaction quick to news of vacancy
By Richard Locker

Originally published 07:21 p.m., December 2, 2009
Updated 11:20 p.m., December 2, 2009

NASHVILLE -- U.S. Rep. John Tanner's surprise decision to retire next year creates the most wide-open race for the 8th District congressional seat in 50 years.

State Sen. Roy Herron, D-Dresden, immediately withdrew his monthslong bid for governor and declared his candidacy for the seat that includes parts of Memphis and Shelby County.

Also on the Democratic side, state Sen. Doug Jackson of Dickson and former state Rep. Phillip Pinion of Union City said they're strongly considering running. So is Mary Kate Ridgeway of Paris, a veteran Agricultural Extension Service leader, according to her husband, former state representative Don Ridgeway.

Others said to be exploring the race but who could not be reached Wednesday are state Rep. Jimmy Naifeh, D-Covington, the former House speaker; Rep. Judy Barker, D-Union City; and state Sen. Lowe Finney, D-Jackson.

On the Republican side, Crockett County farmer and gospel singer Stephen Fincher and network systems engineer Donn James of Brighton announced their candidacies this summer.

The 19-county district includes Frayser and Raleigh in Memphis, Millington and northwest Shelby County, and stretches through Jackson to Clarksville.

Republicans spent Wednesday painting the election as a virtual certain win for Fincher, citing the district's conservative trend and Sen. John McCain's victory there in last year's presidential race.

But Democrats countered that the 8th is competitive for conservative to moderate Democrats like the Blue Dog Tanner, who consistently won with around 70 percent of the vote. In 2006, Democrat Harold Ford Jr. narrowly won the district, but lost the state to Republican Bob Corker. Gov. Phil Bredesen won it with 55 percent in 2002 and 73 percent in 2006. Twenty percent of the district's voters are black.

It could take at least $3 million to campaign through the November 2010 general election. Candidates must buy TV campaign ads in Memphis, Jackson, Nashville and Paducah, Ky.

Herron, 56, stressed his 23 years of experience in the state legislature and deep roots in Northwest Tennessee. His state Senate district covers six of the district's counties.

"In 23 years, I've missed only one day of a legislative session, the day our youngest son was being born. I have held more than a thousand listening meetings with those I represent, and believe I understand their needs and can represent their values," Herron said in a statement.

The seat has been occupied by only three people -- Democratic Reps. Robert "Fats" Everett, Ed Jones and Tanner -- since 1958. Everett and Jones first won in special midterm elections after the deaths of their predecessors. Tanner easily won in 1988 against three Democratic primary opponents and then over Republican Ed Bryant in the general election. Bryant later won the 7th congressional seat.

The National Republican Campaign Committee appears to back Fincher, making it difficult for other potential GOP candidates.

Fincher said of Tanner's decision, "Everything has changed, and nothing has changed. One candidate will go to Washington to fight the Obama-Pelosi agenda, and the other will go to embrace and support it. That's the fundamental difference in this race, regardless of who the Democrats nominate."

-- Richard Locker: (615) 255-4923

8th CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

Announced candidates

Democrat: State Sen. Roy Herron

Republican: Stephen Fincher, Donn James

Considering running

Democrats: Sen. Doug Jackson of Dickson, former state representative Phillip Pinion of Union City, and Mary Kate Ridgeway of Paris, an Extension Service leader

Other possible candidates

Democrats: Rep. Jimmy Naifeh, D-Covington; Rep. Judy Barker, D-Union City, and Sen. Lowe Finney, D-Jackson