Frist, Corker urge civility in Tennessee gov's race

ERIK SCHELZIG,Associated Press Writer

NASHVILLE — Two veterans of some of Tennessee's more fierce Republican primaries have some advice for the three Republican gubernatorial candidates as they head into the last 100 days of the nomination fight: Keep it civil.

Former Sen. Bill Frist and current Sen. Bob Corker, who faced each other a mudslinging primary in 1994, said hard-fought contests can help sharpen the eventual nominee's skills for the general election. But they can also take their toll.

Tuesday marks 100 days remaining until the Aug. 5 gubernatorial primary. Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen can't run again because of term limits.

The Republican candidates are Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam, state Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey of Blountville and U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp of Chattanooga.