Harold Ford Jr. announces U.S. Senate candidacy.

[Moooooo]

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. Democratic Congressman Harold Ford Junior of Memphis says he will not be outworked in trying to become Bill Frist's successor in the Senate in 2006.

Speaking to more than 200 people in Chattanooga, Ford also said the Democratic party can succeed.
But he said it will take ideas and vision --- something Democrats need to focus on in Tennessee and nationally.

Ford plans to run for the seat that Frist has said he will give up because of self-imposed term limits.

Frist, a Nashville Republican, is wrapping up two terms in the Senate.

Link: http://www.volunteertv.com/Global/story.asp?S=2697863

[PADem]

Good. I'm not very familiar with Tenessee politics, so what are his chances? Has a GOP candidate thrown his/her hat in the ring?

[opebo]

I wish him luck, but it is very hard to imagine an African-American candidate winning statewide in Tennessee.

[Moooooo]

Good. I'm not very familiar with Tenessee politics, so what are his chances? Has a GOP candidate thrown his/her hat in the ring?

Id say his chances are ok, but not great.  I guess it really depends on who the GOP decides to run.  Fords base is in Memphis and outside of that he really doesnt have to much support.  Plus, Ive heard from a couple members at other boards that he has been pissing of his base alot latley.  If your a Democrat in Tennesee its not a good idea to piss off your base.   Im hoping his "start power" can help pull off a win, but Im not gonna' hold my breathe.

[danwxman]

I really hope he wins, I've always admired him.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

Memphis. Ford is from Memphis. Methinks you mixed him up wi' Frist

[○∙◄☻¥tπ[╪AV┼cVê└]

He's pretty conservative.

[Cashcow]

I wish him luck, but it is very hard to imagine an African-American candidate winning statewide in Tennessee.

Ford is an extremely popular conservative Democrat. I think he'll bring out the black vote and win easily.

[patrick1]

I wish him luck, but it is very hard to imagine an African-American candidate winning statewide in Tennessee.

Ford is an extremely popular conservative Democrat. I think he'll bring out the black vote and win easily.

Tennessee is only 16.5% black and has very few hispanics.  Ford's key to success is winning in Middle Tenn. rather than counting on the black vote.  Despite being in the South Tennessee is a very Anglo state.

[MAS117]

HAROLD FORD FOR SENATE!

[AuH2O]

He's gonna get trashed.

[ian]

Wouldn't it be awesome if an African-American got voted in the South?  I dream such dreams.

[J.R. Brown]

That's great. I hope he succeeds in his bid for the seat in Tennessee. I don't know a lot about Tennessee politics but I wish him luck.

[Rob]

I hope he wins. He's a solid moderate.

[Democratic Hawk]

I hope Ford runs and wins in Tennessee. There are far too many 'Party of Lincoln' senators representing the Old Confederacy for my tastes

Dave