GovRace ‘10: Sen. Andy Berke Jumps In

UPDATE: If you’re visiting this site because you’ve been directed here by an e-mail from State Senator Andy Berke, then I implore you to check out the rest of my blog, and contribute to the open forum of discussion I offer on local, state, and national politics.

Many of you who read this blog understand that my political leanings are generally right-of-center. I would imagine that still more of you (particularly, those of you who used to read my weekly column in The Daily News Journal) have conjured up some mental image of a strikingly-partisan, hardline conservative with no time for the views of those with whom I do not agree. In fact, I was at a Christmas party recently, and I learned that – after I left – some people discussed by previous political involvement (i.e. my columns), and they had these insane notions that I was a wholly unreasonable individual.

Well, you’re all wrong.

In my rather frequent discussions with State Senator Andy Berke (D-Chattanooga), I have found him to be an intelligent and committed representative of the people of his district. That’s right, I have civilized political discussions with a Democrat.

Whew. I said it.

Well, he’s recently announced (through Sean Braisted) that he thinks he wants to run for governor. I’ll be the first conservative to wish Senator Berke good luck in his race. He is a competent and effective legislator, and while I cannot throw my full support behind Senator Berke, I wish him all the luck that I can.

I am – as of today – unwilling to throw my support behind any potential gubernatorial candidate; however, I have met Congressman Wamp, and I believe he represents the conservative values that most Tennesseans hold.

That being said, it is not an endorsement by any stretch, and I am eagerly awaiting a crowded field of competent Democrats and Republicans.

Kleinheider also has the scoop.