WASHINGTON — Bob Tuke and Mike Padgett have directed most of their campaign talk toward criticizing Republican incumbent Sen. Lamar Alexander, but before either faces off against him in the general election, one will have to emerge from the Democratic primary.
But so far, the two leading Democratic candidates have little negative to say about each other.
“Mike seems like a nice guy, and he’s got good contacts across the state, but when it comes to contesting Lamar, I think it’s going to take a substantial resume and a substantial war chest,” said Mr. Tuke, a Nashville attorney and former chairman of the state Democratic Party.
Jed Brewer, campaign manager for Mr. Padgett, a former Knox County clerk, said his boss’s record of public service will make him the stronger contender.
“Bob’s a great guy and a good attorney, but Mike’s been in public service for over 20 years,” Mr. Brewer said. “He’s been elected seven times in arguably one of the most Republican counties in the state, so he has a track record.”
Nashville businessman Kenneth Eaton is also in the Democratic field.
The primary is Aug. 8.
ALEXANDER CALLS FOR BIPARTISANSHIP
Meanwhile, Sen. Alexander continued to talk up his bipartisan credentials during a campaign swing through Chattanooga this week.
In recent months, Sen. Alexander has decried what he calls “playpen politics” in Washington and said he is working with members on both sides of the aisle to improve civility in Congress.
He also has touted his support among Democrats and independents.
“The Senate isn’t going to get results simply by beating our chests and sticking our fingers in the eyes of the other party,” said Sen. Alexander, the No. 3 ranking Republican in the Senate.
WAMP: INCREASE EFFICIENCY AND ENERGY PRODUCTION
Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., is calling for a “broad strategy” on energy to help reduce costs.
He said the United States needs to consider increasing offshore drilling for oil and building new refineries. He also said the country needs to invest more heavily in nuclear energy, along with renewable sources.
“In the short term, conservation is important,” he wrote in a column. “Any sound energy policy must both increase production and reduce consumption.... Without increasing domestic capacity, and until new technologies are readily available to consumers, we will continue to slog through the adverse economic impacts of high energy costs.”
