NASHVILLE - A prominent gun-rights supporter who surprised many Republicans by endorsing Democrat Mike McWherter for governor said today he has switched his support to Republican Bill Haslam.
Bob Pope, who formerly operated gun shows and now publishes the Tennessee Patriot, said in an interview that he changed his mind after the McWherter campaign decided to bring in former President Bill Clinton for a rally and fundraiser.
"It is Clinton coming in and endorsing him," said Pope, a longtime Clinton critic who still faults Clinton for pushing the so-called "assault" weapons ban as president. "There's no way I can be associated with Bill Clinton in any way."
The rally is set for Thursday in Nashville.
During the GOP gubernatorial primary, Pope had endorsed Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, R-Blountville.
Pope said he didn't like Knoxville Mayor Haslam's positions on several Second Amendment-related issues, including his one-time membership in New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's group called Mayors Against Illegal Guns.
Haslam quit the Bloomberg group when it became an issue in the primary issue.
"Let me tell you something," Pope said. "Bill Clinton trumps Bloomberg."
McWherter spokesman Shelby White said Pope is "being pressured to take this position."
"And clearly, Bill Haslam feels he needs some cover on the Second Amendment because of his history on this issue," White said.
Pope said he's not happy that McWherter sees a need for "tweaking" a law passed this year to allow permit-holders to bring their guns in to places where alcohol is served.
Pope said a Republican state senator, whom he would not identify, told him about the planned Clinton appearance "and said I need to come aboard and go with Haslam."
He said he doesn't believe Haslam was ever "anti-gun" and added that the nominee in recent weeks has outlined positions that he is more comfortable with on Second Amendment issues.