NASHVILLE – Republican Bill Haslam, fresh off his victory in the Tennessee governor’s race, is warning about “sobering challenges” facing his incoming administration.
Haslam, who defeated Democrat Mike McWherter, said he will go to Nashville on Wednesday to work on transition issues. His top priority is preparing for a state budget that he said will shrink up to $1.5 billion after federal stimulus money runs out next year.
With 57 percent of precincts reparation, Haslam had 736,228 votes, or 67 percent, to McWherter’s 337,992, or 31 percent.
McWherter in his concession speech in Jackson wished Haslam success as governor, “because if he does well, the state will progress.”
Democratic incumbent Gov. Phil Bredesen couldn’t run again because of term limits.