Ramsey says he won't enter race

Southern Standard
November 21, 2005

KINGSPORT, Tenn.  — State Senate Majority Leader Ron Ramsey said Friday he will not run for governor next year.

Ramsey, a Republican from Blountville, had been contemplating making a run for his party's nomination to challenge incumbent Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen. But he said 2006 is not the right time for him to run.

"I guess it was timing for me personally," Ramsey said. "I have daughters still in college. I think it would be better for me to consider this later on."

Ramsey said for now he will focus on his work in the Senate, in which the Republicans hold a one-seat majority.

"The most important thing is representing the citizens here in Sullivan and Johnson counties as state senator," he said. "I have thoroughly enjoyed being the majority leader of the Senate. Obviously, there is a chance on down the road that I could be lieutenant governor."

Rep. Beth Harwell of Nashville, Sen. Jim Bryson of Franklin and Sen. Mark Norris of Collierville are Republicans still considering entering the race. Nashville radio talk show host Steve Gill has also been mentioned as a possible Republican candidate.

State GOP Chairman Bob Davis has said he expects the party will field a strong nominee to challenge Bredesen.

Davis said the party's lone declared candidate, former independent Carl "Two Feathers" Whitaker, can't win.