Alexander for Senate

Thirty prominent Tennesseans, active as Democrats and Independents in most political campaigns, were named today as the first members of Tennesseans for Alexander, a statewide group supportive of GOP Sen. Lamar Alexander’s re-election.

“We are Democrats and Independents and want to stay that way,” said Patsy Mathews, who has been active in Democratic circles for years, “but we admire Lamar’s commitment when he was Governor to working cooperatively across party lines to get things done and his commitment now as Senator to change the way Washington does business.”

Ms. Mathews’ spouse, Harlan Mathews, served as Gov. Ned McWherter’s Deputy and was appointed in 1992 by McWherter to fill then Sen. Al Gore’s unexpired term after Gore became a Vice Presidential candidate.  Mathews filled the Senate seat held by Alexander until Fred Thompson was elected in 1994.

“I’m honored that so many Democrats and Independents are willing to publicly support my candidacy,” Alexander said.  “I always have tried to be a Governor and a Senator for all Tennesseans, Democrats and Independents as well as Republicans.

“I think it’s not only the right thing to do, but it’s more important than ever, given the public’s loss of confidence in elected officials, to insist on commitments to bipartisan cooperation from all of us in public service instead of petty, immature political games.  That’s the only way we can effectively address the serious issues facing our country.”

The first members of Tennesseans for Alexander include:

• * Dale Allen, a Nashville attorney and State Judge Advocate for the Tennessee National Guard.
• * Gordon Ball, a Knoxville-based attorney.
• * Chattanooga City Councilman Jack Benson.
• * Andy Daniels, Dickson-based attorney and consultant.
• * Jack Fishman, Morristown-based businessman, civic leader and newspaper publisher.
• * Bishop William H. Graves of Memphis, Senior Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church.
• * Franklin Haney, Chattanooga-based businessman.
• * State Sen. Douglas Henry of Nashville.
• * Memphis City Mayor Dr.Willie W. Herenton.
• * John Hollins, Nashville attorney.
• * Frances Hooks of Memphis, who has served as assistant, secretary and adviser to her spouse, Dr. Benjamin Hooks, former Executive Director of the NAACP.
• * Carmichael Johnson, Memphis realtor.
• * Cato Johnson, Memphis hospital executive.
• * Dr. Joe Johnson, former President of the University of Tennessee.
• * Sam Kennedy, Columbia-based newspaper executive.
• * Johnny Majors, former head coach at the University of Tennessee.
• * Patsy Mathews (identified and quoted above).
• * Carl Moore, businessman and former State Senator from the Tri-Cities.
• * Wesley Cornelius McClure, President of Lane College in Jackson.
• * Clayton McWhorter, Nashville-based businessman.
• * Rachel Parsons of Jasper and Chattanooga, recent graduate of the University of Tennessee where she was a student government leader and recipient of the “Torchbearer” award.
• * James Pratt of Nashville, who was Communications Director for former U. S. Sen. Jim Sasser.
• * Clinton Mayor Wimp Shoopman.
• * Billy Stair of Oak Ridge, who was Senior Policy Adviser to former Gov. Ned McWherter.
• * Sandra Franklin Wade of Sevierville.
• * Jimmy Wallace, Jackson businessman who served in Tennessee Legislature as an Independent.
• * Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton Jr.
• * Emily Wiseman of Nashville, former Executive Director of the Tennessee Commission on Aging.
• * H. Pat Wood, Knoxville businessman.
• * Shirley Zeitlin, Nashville realtor.