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.