And with a brief, carefully-worded written statement Tuesday afternoon, U.S. Senator Bob Corker has blown up the forming-2018 race for the Senate seat he will give up at the end of 2018 and that probably applies to the 2018 race for Tennessee Governor. That’s even if Corker doesn’t follow Tuesday’s announcement by getting into the race for Governor at some point. Corker said nothing about what is next beyond his remaining time in office.

2. Last Word: Spring Votes, Those Tax Bills and Tim McCarver on Baseball Changes - Friday, April 7, 2017

Look for more details on the specifics of the “Gateway” project to start to emerge now that a crucial if overlooked piece of the geographic puzzle in the north Downtown area has come into public view. The city’s largest hotel, also the city’s original convention center hotel, is about to change hands and go back to flying the Marriott flag.

3. House Committee Postpones School Voucher Bill Again - Friday, April 7, 2017

A House committee amended legislation setting up a pilot voucher program for low-income students in Shelby County, enabling private schools who take students from struggling public schools to opt out of state-required tests.

4. Contenders Emerge for Fincher’s Seat - Wednesday, February 3, 2016

The line for the 8th Congressional District seat began forming within half an hour of incumbent Stephen Fincher’s announcement Monday, Feb. 1, that he would not seek re-election in the August primaries.

5. Herron Recovering from Heart Attack - Saturday, January 3, 2015

Tennessee's Democratic Party chairman is recovering from a heart attack.

Roy Herron's wife, Nancy, said in a Dec. 28 email that her husband is recuperating from a heart attack he had earlier this month. She said he had gone to the hospital after experiencing chest pains and doctors discovered he had a blocked artery.

6. Herron Recovering From Heart Attack - Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Tennessee’s Democratic Party chairman is recovering from a heart attack.

Roy Herron’s wife, Nancy, said in an email on Sunday that her husband is recuperating from a heart attack he had earlier this month. She said he had gone to the hospital after experiencing chest pains and doctors discovered he had a blocked artery.

7. Early Voting Opens in Midterm Elections - Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Early voting opens Wednesday, Oct. 15, across Shelby County as well as Tennessee in the mid-term general elections that are the second most popular election cycle in Shelby County by voter turnout.

8. Sara Kyle Claims Democratic Senate Nomination - Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Tennessee Democratic Party chairman Roy Herron came to Memphis Monday, Sept. 8, armed with 77 Bible verses on unity to use as Shelby County Democrats gathered to pick their nominee in a November special general election for state Senate District 30.

9. Kyle Gets Democratic State Senate Nod - Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Shelby County Democratic Party leaders chose former Public Service Commissioner and Tennessee Regulatory Authority Commission Sara Kyle Monday, Sept. 8, as the Democratic nominee for State Senate District 30.

10. Kyle Senate Replacement Process Slows - Monday, August 25, 2014

Shelby County Democratic Party Chairman Bryan Carson has slowed down the process of picking a Democratic nominee for the state Senate seat Jim Kyle is giving up effective Sept. 1 to become a Chancery Court judge.

11. Tennessee Democrats Hire Abortion Amendment Staffer - Wednesday, June 11, 2014

NASHVILLE (AP) – The Tennessee Democratic Party has hired a new staffer to work against a proposed constitutional amendment to give lawmakers more power to regulate abortion in the state.

12. Tennessee Democrats Net $500,000 in Annual Fundraiser - Wednesday, May 21, 2014

NASHVILLE (AP) – Tennessee Democrats say the $500,000 netted from its Jackson Day fundraiser set a new record for the beleaguered party.

The event headlined by Kentucky U.S. Senate candidate Alison Lundergan Grimes was held at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville on Saturday.

13. Health Care Law-Holocaust Comparison Criticized - Tuesday, May 6, 2014

NASHVILLE (AP) – A state Senator's blog post likening the insurance requirement under President Barack Obama's health care law to the forced deportation of Jews during the Holocaust drew swift condemnation Monday from leaders of both parties in Tennessee.

14. Tennessee Democrats Struggle With New, Old Factions - Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Tennessee Democratic Party Chairman Roy Herron realizes the party faithful in Memphis see some challenges in keeping the faith these days.

15. Turner to Remain Democratic Caucus Chairman - Wednesday, December 18, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – State Rep. Mike Turner has decided to remain House Democratic Caucus chairman.

16. Turner to Step Down as Democratic Caucus Chairman - Wednesday, November 6, 2013

State Rep. Mike Turner says he will step down in January as the House Democratic Caucus chairman.

17. Democrats Hit Speaker Ramsey Over Obama Tweet - Friday, September 13, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – State Democrats are criticizing Republican Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey over a Twitter post that said President Barack Obama was trying to become an ally with al-Qaida in Syria.

18. Democrats Want Out of Bill Changing Senate Nominations - Tuesday, April 2, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – Democrats want to opt out of a bill that would give Tennessee lawmakers the power to select nominees to the U.S. Senate.

Under the bill scheduled for a vote in the state Senate on Monday, primary elections would be replaced with caucus votes in the General Assembly.

19. Haslam Rejects Medicaid Expansion - Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Tennessee will not accept an expansion of Medicaid funding under the Affordable Care Act, Gov. Bill Haslam announced Wednesday, March 27, to a joint session of the state’s General Assembly.

But Haslam also told legislators he is pursuing a “third option” between acceptance and rejection of the funding that would use the federal funding to allow uninsured Tennesseans eligible for TennCare, the state’s version of Medicaid, to buy private health insurance.

20. Future Talk - Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Years off the campaign trail haven’t diminished the typical features of an Al Gore speech.

When the former vice president’s book tour swung through The Booksellers at Laurelwood Monday, Feb. 18, there were the requisite shout-outs to familiar faces in the crowd, with Gore acknowledging by name people like Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr. and Roy Herron, chairman of the Tennessee Democratic Party.

21. House, Senate OK Bill Targeting Vanderbilt Policy - Wednesday, May 2, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – Lawmakers have given final approval to a bill seeking to rescind Vanderbilt University's "all-comers" policy, which requires school groups to allow any interested students to join and run for office.

22. Bill to Require Older Kindergarten Students - Monday, April 30, 2012

A proposal to move up the cutoff date to meet kindergarten age requirements is headed to Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam.

The measure sponsored by Republican Sen. Jack Johnson of Franklin was approved 21-10 by the Tennessee Senate on Thursday, April 26. The companion bill passed the House 68-30 earlier last week.

23. Ramsey: No Grant Secrecy Without Disclosing Owners - Friday, February 24, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – A full Senate vote was delayed Thursday on Republican Gov. Bill Haslam's proposal to close records used to make economic development grant decisions, as some lawmakers questioned why ownership details should be sealed.

24. Grant Secrecy Bill Returned to Senate Committee - Friday, February 24, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – A full Senate vote was delayed Thursday, Feb. 23, on Republican Gov. Bill Haslam's proposal to close records used to make economic development grant decisions, as some lawmakers questioned why ownership details should be sealed.

25. Bill to Close Grant Records Stalls Again in Tenn. Senate - Friday, February 17, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – Ownership records of companies seeking economic development grants should be available to the public, Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey said Thursday.

26. Sen. Herron Says He Won't Seek Re-Election in 2012 - Monday, January 30, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – Sen. Roy Herron won't seek re-election in 2012, he announced last week. Instead, he will focus on helping more young people in Tennessee attend college.

27. Bill to Strip Courts' Power to Block Laws Dropped - Wednesday, January 25, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – The sponsor of a proposal to strip state courts of the power to block laws enacted by the Tennessee General Assembly quietly withdrew the bill on Monday after receiving heavy criticism from both sides of the political aisle.

28. Tenn. Senate OKs Ban on Teaching of Homosexuality - Monday, May 23, 2011

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — State law would forbid Tennessee public school teachers and students in grades kindergarten through eight from discussing the fact that some people are gay, under legislation that passed Friday in the state Senate.

29. Bill Allows Tenn. to Join Health Care Compact - Thursday, May 19, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – The Senate has passed a proposal that would allow Tennessee to join an interstate compact challenging the federal health care law.

The measure sponsored by Republican Sen. Mae Beavers of Mt. Juliet was approved 22-9 on Wednesday. But the legislation is unlikely to pass this session because the companion bill has been delayed until next year in the House Health and Human Resources Committee.

30. Haslam Close to Signing State Civil Justice Act - Thursday, May 19, 2011

There were still some differences to be worked out between the state House and the state Senate. But the Civil Justice Act, limiting lawsuit damages in Tennessee, is on its way to the desk of Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam as one of the last acts of the state legislature before it gets to the final act of this year’s session, the state budget.

31. Tenn. Senate Passes Bill to Limit Lawsuit Payouts - Monday, May 16, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – Gov. Bill Haslam's proposal to limit lawsuit damages in Tennessee passed the Senate on Thursday despite passionate arguments from opponents that the measure would unfairly target victims.

32. Collective Bargaining Bill Passes Tenn. Senate - Wednesday, May 4, 2011

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A proposal to repeal Tennessee teachers' collective bargaining rights passed the Senate 18-14 on Monday after a measure failed that would allow school boards to maintain them if they choose.

33. Abortion Resolution Gets Two-Thirds State Senate Votes - Wednesday, April 20, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – A proposal to change the Tennessee Constitution to allow the state to impose stricter limits on abortion has come a step closer to voters after once again being approved by the Senate on Monday.

34. Bill to Change Method of Placing Teachers on Board - Thursday, March 10, 2011

A proposal that would prevent teacher organizations from voting members onto the state pension board has passed the Senate.

The measure sponsored by Sen. Dolores Gresham, a Somerville Republican and chairwoman of the Senate Education Committee, was approved 20-13 on a party-line vote Wednesday.

35. Union City Goodyear Plant to Close by End of Year - Monday, February 14, 2011

Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. will close its Union City, Tenn., plant at the end of the year, eliminating 1,900 jobs, the company announced Thursday as part of its quarterly earnings report.

36. Split Vote Takes Down Metro Charter Proposal - Wednesday, November 3, 2010

The metro consolidation charter won a narrow victory with Memphis voters Tuesday but was crushed by Shelby County voters outside Memphis.

The first consolidation charter to go to voters in 39 years had to win both in Memphis and outside Memphis in order to consolidate the city of Memphis and Shelby County governments.

37. Election Day Promises Big Turnout - Tuesday, November 2, 2010

The final election of 2010 on Tuesday could draw nearly half of Shelby County’s 603,000 voters.

That estimate is based on a healthy early voter turnout of 109,673 voters, or 18.2 percent of the county’s voters.

38. Outgoing Rep. Tanner Touts 8th District as Bipartisan - Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Outgoing U.S. Rep. John Tanner of Union City says Congress is a more partisan place than it was 22 years ago when he arrived.

39. Herron Still Scolding Fincher for no Disclosure - Wednesday, October 20, 2010

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Democratic state Sen. Roy Herron said Tuesday that his opponent in the 8th Congressional District race should disclose financial documents like his fellow Republican congressional candidate in the 6th District.

40. Election Guide 2010 - Monday, October 18, 2010

A rundown of the key issues and races that voters will decide when they go to the ballot  for early voting through Oct. 28 or on Election Day, Nov. 2.

GOVERNOR'S RACE

Tennessee voters choose a successor to Gov. Phil Bredesen in the Nov. 2 elections. Here’s a summary of where Democratic nominee Mike McWherter and Republican nominee Bill Haslam stand on the major issues:

41. Early Voters Face Slate of Local, Statewide Races - Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Shelby County voters begin making their choices Wednesday as early voting in advance of the Nov. 2 Election Day gets under way.

Early voting sites, 21 in all, open Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. – all at the same time and with the same hours through Oct. 23, the end of the early voting period.

42. Dem Lawyer Questions Fincher's Disclosure to House - Monday, August 30, 2010

NASHVILLE (AP) – A prominent Democratic lawyer is asking federal prosecutors to investigate whether Republican congressional candidate Stephen Fincher omitted debts and assets in financial disclosures maintained by the U.S. House.

43. Shelby County Looks to Play Role in Governor’s Race - Monday, August 9, 2010

The race for governor of Tennessee begins its second and final round this week. The results in last week’s Democratic and Republican primaries suggest Shelby County will remain a battleground.

Slightly more county residents, 58, voted for Jackson businessman Mike McWherter in the uncontested Democratic primary than voted in the GOP primary in which Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam carried Shelby County.

44. Candidates Pour Own Money Into Congressional Races - Wednesday, July 21, 2010

NASHVILLE (AP) – Primary contests for each of Tennessee's three open congressional seats feature at least one candidate spending a hefty amount of their own money in efforts to secure the Republican nomination.

45. Bredesen Endorses Democrat McWherter for Governor - Thursday, June 24, 2010

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Gov. Phil Bredesen on Wednesday endorsed fellow Democrat Mike McWherter’s gubernatorial bid, citing his experience as a small-businessman as making him best qualified to guide Tennessee out of the recession.

46. State to Inspect Unregulated Dams This Year - Monday, May 24, 2010

JACKSON, Tenn. (AP) - The state will inspect unregulated dams this year, starting with about 70 that could result in deaths if they break, but state conservation officials want legislation giving them authority to inspect and regulate all of the state's 1,200 nonfederal dams.

47. Sen. Herron Wants Tenn. Hazardous Dams Inspected - Wednesday, May 19, 2010

JACKSON (AP) - State Sen. Roy Herron wants authorities to begin inspecting dams that are considered "high hazard" but currently exempt from inspection.

48. Measure to Call for Popular Election of Tenn. AG - Friday, April 23, 2010

NASHVILLE (AP) - The sponsor of a proposed constitutional amendment calling for the popular election of Tennessee's attorney general says the current process lacks accountability.

Currently, the state's attorney general is appointed by justices of the Tennessee Supreme Court. Opponents of the proposal – which was approved 19-14 on Thursday – said that process is fine and doesn't need to be changed.

49. Heavy Fundraising in Open US House Seats in Tenn. - Monday, April 19, 2010

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Candidates for three open congressional seats in Tennessee have reported heavy fundraising activity through the first quarter.

The retirements of Republican Zach Wamp of Chattanooga and Democratic Reps. Bart Gordon of Murfreesboro and John Tanner of Union City have led to spirited campaigns to succeed them in the U.S. House.

50. McWherter Fights to Get Ahead of Rivals - Wednesday, April 7, 2010

The last major candidate standing in the Democratic primary for Tennessee governor vowed this week to put Tennesseans back to work with targeted tax breaks and job training programs.

Jackson businessman Mike McWherter’s trip around the state wasn’t as much of a victory lap for the August statewide primary as it was a starting point for the November general election.

51. Tenn. Rep. Donna Rowland Not Seeking Re-Election - Friday, April 2, 2010

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The list of Tennessee House members not seeking re-election grew longer on Thursday with Republican Rep. Donna Rowland's announcement she plans to retire after a decade of service.

52. Filing Deadline Hits for August Primaries - Thursday, April 1, 2010

The stage is set for the county’s most anticipated political showdown in the Aug. 5 state and federal primary elections.

Noon today is the deadline for candidates in the primaries, as well as those vying for nonpartisan seats on the Shelby County school board and the three judicial positions, to file their qualifying petitions for the ballot.

53. Tenn. Senate Votes for Fish, Birds in Barber Shops - Thursday, March 18, 2010

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Let the record reflect that the Tennessee state Senate has endorsed fish tanks and live birds in barber shops.

The Senate on Wednesday voted 30-1 for a measure allowing Tennessee barber shops to display live fish and birds. A companion bill passed the House 95-1 earlier this month and the legislation is now headed to Gov. Phil Bredesen.

54. Memphis' Kyle Drops Out of Governor's Race - Friday, February 26, 2010

State Sen. Jim Kyle of Memphis is out of the Democratic primary race for governor.

Kyle, the Senate Democratic leader, withdrew in an afternoon news conference in Nashville.

55. Kyle Says Bid For Governor Hit Wall - Monday, March 1, 2010
 

State Sen. Jim Kyle of Memphis is out of the Democratic primary race for governor.

Kyle, the Senate Democratic leader, withdrew in a Friday news conference in Nashville.

“I was certainly going to have to win this campaign on message instead of money – the general election,” Kyle told The Daily News after the press conference.

But Kyle acknowledged he suffered money problems in a spirited primary field on the way to the Aug. 5 ballot.

Kyle entered the race for the Democratic nomination for governor in August at the University of Memphis. He pledged to freeze the tuition of students at Tennessee colleges and universities at the amount they pay in their freshman year. He also has been closely aligned with outgoing Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen guiding much of the administration’s legislation through a House and Senate that are majority Republican.

“Not to make excuses, but we weren’t the first guy. We were the last guy,” Kyle said. “We had ground to make up. We were making that ground up.”

The Democratic field now lines up to be Jackson businessman Mike McWherter and former state legislative leader Kim McMillan of Clarksville. Two other contenders dropped out in December. State Sen. Roy Herron of Dresden dropped out to run for the 8th Congressional District seat when John Tanner announced he would not seek re-election. Nashville businessman Ward Cammack also called it a day in December and later endorsed Kyle’s campaign.

“I was real optimistic,” Kyle said of his fundraising at the start of the year.

Kyle reported earlier in February that his campaign had raised more than $740,000 and had $580,000 in cash on hand. Kyle had loaned his own campaign $300,000.

The amount represented a “wall” Kyle said he couldn’t surmount once the legislative session began in January. Legislators are banned by state law from holding fundraisers during a legislative session.

“We got a lot of endorsements. We had as much money as our opponents – at least the Democratic opponents,” Kyle said. “We felt like we had a lot going our way. Then the session began. … It just seemed to me that every week the campaign kept running slower and slower and slower. My time being devoted to what I have to do up here, I just wasn’t getting where I need to go.”

Kyle’s exit leaves Shelby County District Attorney General Bill Gibbons in the GOP primary as the only Memphis contender for governor.

56. Lawmakers Concerned About Bredesen's Revenue Plan - Wednesday, February 3, 2010

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Some Tennessee lawmakers say they're concerned about how their constituents will react to a state revenue proposal that includes taxing cable TV and hiking driver's license fees for the first time in more than 20 years.

57. Cohen Readies for Primary With $1M on Hand - Tuesday, February 2, 2010

NASHVILLE (AP) – U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis, has more than $1 million on hand as he gears up for a primary challenge by former Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton.

58. Herron Hires Veteran Operative for US House Bid - Friday, January 15, 2010

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - State Sen. Roy Herron has hired veteran political operative Carol Andrews as a senior adviser to his campaign to succeed fellow Democrat John Tanner in Congress.

59. Update: Senate Delays Requiring Paper on Voting Machines - Wednesday, January 13, 2010

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The Senate on Tuesday passed a bill to delay a law requiring a paper trail on voting machines until the 2012 election cycle.

The 22-10 vote was the chamber's second run at the measure after it failed to gain a majority by one vote on the last day of last year's legislative session.

60. 8th District Candidate Janes Drops Out of GOP Race - Tuesday, January 12, 2010

BRIGHTON, Tenn. (AP) - A Republican candidate running to succeed Rep. John Tanner in Congress says he will now run as an independent.

61. GOP's Stephen Fincher Nets $320K for Congress Bid - Thursday, January 7, 2010

DYERSBURG, Tenn. (AP) - Republican congressional candidate Stephen Fincher's campaign announced Wednesday it raised about $320,000 in the fourth quarter.

Fincher is seeking to replace Democratic Rep. John Tanner, who announced in December he won't seek a 12th term.

62. Tenn. State Sen. Herron has $675K for Congress Bid - Wednesday, January 6, 2010

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - State Sen. Roy Herron said Monday he has accumulated more than $675,000 in his bid to succeed fellow Democrat John Tanner in Congress.

63. 2009 Year In Review - Monday, December 28, 2009

2009 was a year without a script – and plenty of improvising on the political stage.

It was supposed to be an off-election year except in Arlington and Lakeland.

2008 ended with voters in the city and county approving a series of changes to the charters of Memphis and Shelby County governments. Those changes were supposed to set a new direction for both entities, kicking into high gear in 2010 and ultimately culminating two years later.

64. Tenn. Rep. Gordon Won't Seek Re-Election Next Year - Tuesday, December 15, 2009

WASHINGTON (AP) - Rep. Bart Gordon, a 13-term congressman from Tennessee, announced Monday he will not seek re-election next year, the latest Democrat in a string of retirements.

Gordon, 60, won re-election easily last year, garnering 74 percent of the vote, but was still on a list of Democrats targeted by Republicans in midterm elections.

65. Democrat Luther Mercer II Declares Run for Tanner Seat - Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Educator Luther Mercer II has announced he will run for the Democratic nomination to succeed U.S. Rep. John Tanner in Congress.
Thirty-four-year-old Mercer is a Jackson, Tenn., native who works as coordinator of global education for St. George’s Independent School in Collierville and teaches classes at Bethel College.
Mercer told The Jackson Sun that his family history of public service and international experience from studying and working in Egypt, China and Italy have helped prepare him for the job.
Mercer is the son of political activist Shirlene Mercer, who worked as a district field director for Tanner, and Madison County Commissioner Luther Mercer.
He joins state Sen. Roy Herron of Dresden in the Democratic field. Crockett County farmer Stephen Fincher and network engineer Donn Janes of Brighton have declared for the Republican nomination.

66. Bredesen: Democrats See Tough Race in 8th District - Tuesday, December 8, 2009

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (AP) – Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen said Monday that the West Tennessee congressional seat being vacated by Rep. John Tanner won't be easy for his party to hold on to next year.

67. Analysts: Herron Has Slight Edge in 8th District - Monday, December 7, 2009

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - As a political battle begins taking shape in Tennessee's 8th congressional district, Democratic state Sen. Roy Herron's name recognition gives him a slight advantage over GOP newcomer Stephen Fincher, political analysts say.

68. Democrat Ward Cammack Drops Out of Governor's Race - Friday, December 4, 2009

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Nashville businessman Ward Cammack on Thursday became the second Democrat to drop out of the governor's race this week.

Cammack in a press release said he is ending his campaign because "long-standing political alliances proved impenetrable and fund raising ground to a halt."

69. Herron Drops Governor’s Race For Congress Bid - Thursday, December 3, 2009

NASHVILLE (AP) – Democratic state Sen. Roy Herron says he is dropping his gubernatorial bid to seek the northwest Tennessee congressional seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. John Tanner.

70. Bredesen Says He Won't Endorse in Dem Primary - Thursday, November 19, 2009

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) - Democratic candidates seeking the nomination to succeed Gov. Phil Bredesen will have do so without the incumbent's help.

The term-limited governor told The Associated Press this week that he doesn't plan to get involved in the contest because "people are entitled to run and have a free shot at it."

71. Herron Makes $4,000 Fix to Campaign Finance Filing - Wednesday, August 26, 2009

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Democratic gubernatorial candidate Roy Herron has filed a nearly $4,000 correction to his recent campaign finance report.

The state senator from Dresden failed to include fees charged by vendor ActBlue for collecting more than $100,000 in online contributions.

72. Kyle Crafts Run for Governor in Common Terms - Wednesday, August 12, 2009

A few minutes before noon Tuesday, the voices of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell burst out of loudspeakers, launching into “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”

When state Sen. Jim Kyle mounted the podium amid those speakers arrayed in front of the McWherter Library at the University of Memphis, he and his supporters outlined different versions of that same idea in announcing Kyle’s 2010 gubernatorial bid.

73. Kyle Bid for Governor To Be Announced Tues. - Monday, August 10, 2009

Memphis attorney and state Sen. Jim Kyle brushed off a question a little less than two months ago about when he’d announce his plan to run or to sit out the 2010 governor’s race.

The legislative session was drawing to a close, and he was too caught up in “the center of the storm,” as he put it, to talk about running for governor.

74. Democrats Herron, McWherter Each Raise $650K - Thursday, July 16, 2009

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Three of the top Democratic candidates for Tennessee governor have combined to raise close to $1.6 million through the first six months of the year, but still trail the top three Republican candidates who collectively have about $6.3 million.

75. McWherter Talks About Personal Identity, Jobs Creation - Monday, July 6, 2009

The Republican pack of candidates for governor in 2010 emerged early this year, but Democrats are assembling a pack of their own for the governor’s mansion.

Among the Democratic pack is Jackson businessman Mike McWherter, the son of former Gov. Ned McWherter.

76. Gov. Candidates Raise Big Money In Bad Economy - Thursday, July 2, 2009

NASHVILLE (AP) – Two top candidates for Tennessee’s Republican gubernatorial nomination say they expect to report large fundraising totals despite the poor economy.

For the six-month period that ended midnight Tuesday, Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam’s campaign said he expects to report raising about $3.8 million, while U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp of Chattanooga said he will come in at about $1.2 million.

77. Weekend Events Draw Politicians in Droves - Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Before candidates take their quests for elected office to the public, they usually give them a road test before other politicos – allies and adversaries – to see if this is really what they want to do for the next year or so.

78. Brown Leaving Cammack's Gubernatorial Campaign - Tuesday, June 23, 2009

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Democratic strategist Mark Brown is leaving the gubernatorial campaign of Nashville businessman Ward Cammack.

Brown declined to give specific reasons for his departure Monday other than to say: "It was time to move my career in another direction."

79. Measure to Close Handgun Records Fails in Tenn. Senate - Friday, June 19, 2009

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Opponents of a measure to close access to the names of people who hold state-issued permits to carry loaded handguns say its failure Wednesday night is a victory for those who support open government.

80. Ramsey’s Entry Marks New Phase In Governor’s Race - Tuesday, June 2, 2009

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (AP) – State Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey’s entry Monday into the Tennessee governor’s race marks a new phase of an arduous – and expensive – Republican primary campaign.

81. Senate to Vote On Delaying Paper Ballot Rules - Friday, May 22, 2009

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – The state Senate is expected to vote soon on whether to delay starting a new Tennessee law that requires a paper trail from voting machines.

The Senate Finance Committee voted 7-3 on Wednesday to advance the measure sponsored by Republican Sen. Bill Ketron of Murfreesboro.

82. Bill Would Let Sitting Lawmakers Raise Money - Thursday, May 14, 2009

NASHVILLE (AP) – Tennessee lawmakers running for governor could raise campaign money during the legislative session under a bill advanced by a Senate committee on Tuesday.

The bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Randy McNally of Oak Ridge would also increase maximum campaign contributions by retroactively adjusting for inflation the amounts allowed in a law passed in 1995.

83. Senate Democrats Elect Finney Caucus Chairman - Friday, May 1, 2009

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Senate Democrats have elected Sen. Lowe Finney of Jackson to be their next caucus chairman.

Finney will replace Sen. Roy Herron of Dresden at the end of the legislative session. Herron has announced he is stepping down from the caucus leadership position to focus on his gubernatorial bid.

84. Sen. Roy Herron Drops Leadership Role - Friday, April 24, 2009

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - State Sen. Roy Herron says he will step down as chairman of the Senate Democratic Caucus after this legislative session to focus on his run for governor.

85. Dem Chairman Says Horne Won't Run for Governor - Monday, April 20, 2009

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Knoxville real estate developer Doug Horne has decided against joining the 2010 governor's race, state Democratic Party Chairman Chip Forrester said.

86. Ford on Governor’s Race: ‘Not the Right Time’ - Wednesday, April 15, 2009

As he passed on the 2010 governor’s race this week, former U.S. Rep. Harold Ford Jr. took a swipe at the already massed and mostly active Republican field for governor.

87. Jim Kyle Elected Democratic Minority Leader - Friday, November 28, 2008

Members of the state Senate Democratic Caucus have elected Jim Kyle of Memphis to be their minority leader.

88. Corps Approves Plans for New Reelfoot Spillway - Wednesday, August 20, 2008

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has granted the state a long-sought permit to build a new spillway at Reelfoot Lake.

"I'm extremely excited," Rep. Phillip Pinion, D-Union City, said on Monday. "For six years, we've been working diligently on this."

89. Parents Will be Notified of Students' Discipline - Tuesday, June 24, 2008

NASHVILLE (AP) - State colleges and universities will have to notify parents of students who are disciplined for alcohol or drug violations.

Gov. Phil Bredesen signed the measure last week. It applies to students who are younger than 21 years old.

90. College Students’ Parents To be Alerted To Misbehavior - Friday, May 16, 2008

The state Senate has passed a proposal to require state colleges and universities to notify parents of students who are disciplined for alcohol or drug violations.

The measure would apply to students who are younger than 21.

91. Proposal to Require Deposits for Drink Containers Stalls - Wednesday, May 7, 2008

NASHVILLE (AP) - A legislative proposal to require 5 cent deposits for drink containers in Tennessee is likely dead for the year.

Sen. Doug Jackson, a Dickson Democrat and the main sponsor of the measure, asked on Tuesday to place the bill on the next schedule of the Senate Environment Committee, even though the panel has wrapped up its business for the year.

92. Bill Would Allow Nonsectarian Study of the Bible - Wednesday, April 23, 2008

NASHVILLE (AP) - A proposal that would allow the state Department of Education to develop a curriculum for the nonsectarian study of the Bible in public schools is headed for a vote on the Senate floor.

93. Bill Seeking Informed Consent Before an Abortion Fails - Friday, April 18, 2008

NASHVILLE (AP) - A legislative proposal to require informed consent before an abortion has failed this session and will be studied over the summer.

The Republican-controlled Senate Judiciary Committee voted 5-3 on Thursday to send the measure to a summer study committee.

94. Advancing Bill Would Offer Lottery Scholarships to Veterans - Thursday, April 10, 2008

NASHVILLE (AP) - Honorably discharged Iraq and Afghanistan veterans could use lottery funds to attend school under legislation advancing in the Senate.

The measure sponsored by Democrats Jim Kyle of Memphis and Joe Haynes of Goodlettsville was among bills that passed the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday.

95. Proposals Would Enhance Secrecy for Lawmakers - Tuesday, March 25, 2008

NASHVILLE (AP) - Elected officials would be granted enhanced confidentiality protections under two measures scheduled for state Senate votes this week.

One proposal would grant lawmakers and local officials anonymity when filing complaints against businesses suspected of employing illegal immigrants. The other would close elected officials' personal contact information from public view.

96. Tenn. Senate Rejects Bill to Allow Minors to Work Where Smoking Allowed - Wednesday, March 5, 2008

NASHVILLE (AP) - The state Senate on Monday rejected a proposal to allow people younger than 21 to work in restaurants that allow smoking.

The Senate voted 15-8 against the bill sponsored by Sen. Paul Stanley, a Memphis Republican. There were seven abstentions.

97. Bill Would Require Parental Consent Before Prevention Discussion - Friday, February 15, 2008

NASHVILLE (AP) - A proposal that would require parental consent before child care agencies can discuss sexual abuse prevention with a child is advancing in the Legislature.

The measure sponsored by Sen. Jack Johnson, R-Brentwood, passed the Senate 26-6 on Wednesday. The companion bill remains in a House committee.

98. Bill Requiring Informed Consent Prior to an Abortion Delayed - Thursday, February 7, 2008

NASHVILLE (AP) - A proposal that would require informed consent before an abortion has been delayed to allow senators a chance to see how the House acts on the measure.

The Republican-controlled Senate Judiciary Committee voted 5-4 on Tuesday to delay until April 16 the measure sponsored by Sen. Roy Herron.

99. Wilder Lends $500K to his Re-Election Campaign - Tuesday, February 5, 2008

NASHVILLE (AP) - If state Sen. John Wilder doesn't win re-election this year, it won't be for lack of money.

Wilder's most recent campaign finance report shows the 86-year-old Mason Democrat lent his own campaign $500,000 earlier this month. Wilder has served in the state Senate continuously since 1967.

100. Abortion Resolution Passes State Senate Again - Thursday, January 31, 2008

NASHVILLE (AP) - A resolution that would change the state's constitution to allow more limits on abortion has again passed the Senate but still may face challenges in the lower chamber.

The measure sponsored by Sen. Diane Black, R-Gallatin, passed 23-9 on Wednesday. It has passed the Senate before, but repeatedly failed in a subcommittee of the Democrat-controlled House.