Nashville News Blog

What is it about a political campaign that Tennessee Democrats can't understand? Zach Wamp, Bill Haslam, Ron Ramsey and Bill Gibbons all have declared they are running for governor as Republicans. They proudly put out statements selling themselves to the public. Now, they're crisscrossing the state talking to any reporters who'll listen.

Democrats hide from reporters. Eventually, if they're backed into a corner, they might admit they're running. It's like they're confessing to a crime.

Kim McMillan declared her candidacy in a timid, virtually unnoticed statement to her hometown newspaper. I can't even remember how Ward Cammack made his announcement. That's how momentous that was. McMillan has been avoiding reporters for fear they'll ask her whether she still supports the income tax. I'm not sure what Cammack is doing. I've never actually seen him in person, and I don't know any reporters who have. Today, Sen. Roy Herron put out this pathetic little statement after supporters leaked his intentions and reporters started nagging him for confirmation:

"My family and I have carefully and prayerfully considered this and I'm getting in the governor's race. A formal announcement and more details will be forthcoming."

Why is he running? What would he do if he wins? Who knows? Herron isn't saying. Meanwhile, Mike McWherter is wringing his hands. It seems like he's been doing that since he was thinking about running for the Senate.

I realize it's a long time until the election, but we're talking about Communications 101 here. Democrats are missing opportunities and coming across as clueless. That impression eventually sinks in with the public and it's hard to shake. Especially after their 2008 drubbing, Tennessee Democrats should step up now to explain why they're still relevant, assuming they believe it themselves.

Update: The rest of the field reacts to Herron's "announcement." Cammack: "I'm glad that he is running. I think we need lots of competition in the field. It makes the election better, and gives us the opportunity individually as candidates to differentiate ourselves." McMillan: "I look forward to a spirited primary debate." Well, at least they're moving their lips. That's a start.