2010 Governor's Race
A vote for Governor of Tennessee is an important one. The leader of the state's administrative branch has responsibility for many critical programs and services that affect every person in Tennessee. Special education, vocational rehabilitation, long term care, family support, health care, and employment are just a few of the state issues that affect people with disabilities most directly.
The Coalition board has established a Gubernatorial Task Force to gather and share information on the candidates, their records, and their positions on issues that we care about. While the Coalition does not endorse candidates or get involved in partisan politics, we do believe that all voters with disabilities should have accurate and timely information in order to make an informed choice as each casts a valuable vote.
As you can see the page is under construction as we await feed back from the candidates and begin to develop supplemental materials. Please check back every few weeks and to stay up-to-date on all the latest happenings sign-up for our weekly ENews that goes out to 10,000 Tennesseans each week.
The Candidates
The Coalition does not endorse candidates for public office.
Bill Gibbons (Republican)
District Attorney General for Shelby County
Bill Gibbons, formerly an attorney in private practice, was appointed to be the District Attorney in 1996. His campaign focuses on his experiences making tough decisions, doing tough jobs. Crime, jobs and schools are themes for his candidacy.
The Coalition has not yet been able to schedule a meeting with Mr. Gibbons.
Bill Haslam (Republican)
Knoxville Mayor (age 51)
Bill Haslam is in his second term as Mayor of Knoxville, and he previously served as President of Pilot Travel Centers for 18 years. He emphasizes his public/private business experience and leadership, and says that the next governor must focus on job creation, improving education and providing sound fiscal stewardship — with an absolute commitment to not having an income tax.
The Coalition met with Mayor Haslam on August 27.
Jim Kyle (Democrat)
TN State Senator (age 59)
Jim Kyle is a Memphis attorney and Senate Democratic leader. He has been in General Assembly for 26 years. His campaign theme is "Keep Tennessee Moving Forward". Education, particularly higher education, is Senator Kyle's top priority.
The Coalition met with Senator Kyle on October 14.
Kim McMillan (Democrat)
Former TN State Representative (age 48)
Kim McMillan served in the House of Representatives for 12 years, the last 4 as majority leader and later as Senior Adviser in Governor Bredesen's cabinet. She is an attorney currently working at Austin Peay State University. Emphasizing her legislative experience, Kim pledges to be a Governor that will listen and lead; her top issues are jobs/economic development, education, and health care.
The Coalition met with Rep. McMillan on August 19.
Mike McWherter (Democrat)
Attorney and businessman (age 53)
Mike McWherter is son of former Governor Ned McWherter. He lives in Jackson. His campaign emphasizes his business skills, especially as it relates to budgeting, fiscal transparency, and jobs.
The Coalition met with Mr. McWherter on October 27.
Ron Ramsey (Republican)
Lt. Governor of Tennessee (age 54)
The Lt. Governor is from Upper East Tennessee. He is a real estate auctioneer who has served in the General assembly since 1993. His election as Lt. Governor and Speaker of Senate in 2007 marked the first change of Speaker since1971. He emphasizes his legislative background and activities that demonstrate his positions on state issues.
The Coalition met with Lt Gov. Ramsey on September 22.
Zach Wamp (Republican)
3rd District US Congressman (age 52)
Zach Wamp has been a U.S. Representative from Tennessee for 15 years. Prior to that, he worked in commercial real estate. As a Congressman, he emphasizes his role in economic development in his district. His campaign also points out the importance of education as a workforce development tool.
The Coalition has not yet been able to schedule a meeting with Rep. Wamp.
Photos: All photos were culled from the candidate's websites and adapted for use here. We have issued a request for official photos and introductions.
