fbpx
Wikipedia

2006 United States Senate election in Tennessee

The 2006 United States Senate election in Tennessee was held on November 7, 2006. Incumbent Republican Senator Bill Frist, the Majority Leader, retired after two terms in office. The open seat was won by Republican nominee Bob Corker, who defeated Democratic nominee Harold Ford Jr.

2006 United States Senate election in Tennessee

← 2000 November 7, 2006 2012 →
Turnout49.97% [1] 13.06 pp
 
Nominee Bob Corker Harold Ford Jr.
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 929,911 879,976
Percentage 50.71% 47.99%

Corker:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Ford:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      90%
Tie:      40–50%      50%

U.S. senator before election

Bill Frist
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Bob Corker
Republican

The race between Ford and Corker was one of the most competitive Senate races of 2006, with Corker winning the race by less than three percent of the vote. Corker was the only non-incumbent Republican to win a U.S. Senate seat in 2006. Since 1995, the Republican Party has held both of Tennessee's U.S. Senate seats.

Since this election (along with the gubernatorial election held the same day), only seven of the state's 95 counties–Davidson, Shelby, Haywood, Hardeman, Houston, Jackson, and Lake–have gone to the Democratic candidate in a statewide election, with Jackson and Lake only going Democratic once. Only five counties have voted for a Democratic candidate in a Presidential, Senate, or gubernatorial race multiple times since 2006. Only three–Davidson, Shelby, and Haywood–have voted Democratic in a Senate race since 2006.

The election marks the last very competitive statewide election in Tennessee history, as the Republican Party has gained intense strength in both Tennessee and predominantly white, rural Southeast regions that were usually Democratic-leaning outside of presidential elections.

Republican primary edit

Candidates edit

Campaign edit

 
Election winner Bob Corker.

Only 11 percent of Tennesseans knew who Corker was when he began running for the Senate race.[2] All three have run statewide campaigns in the past, albeit unsuccessful ones: Bryant for the 2002 Republican Senate nomination, losing to Lamar Alexander; Corker for the U.S. Senate in 1994, losing to Frist in the Republican primary; and Hilleary for Tennessee Governor in 2002, losing to Democrat Phil Bredesen.

Debates edit

The three Republican candidates met for a debate at the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville on June 29, 2006. All three candidates expressed skepticism regarding global warming and recent publication of scientific consensus on the issue, supported continued American involvement in Iraq, opposed income tax increases, and "showed varying degrees of interest in replacing the federal income tax with a national sales tax," prompting Corker to state in his closing statement "[t]here's not any difference, that I can tell, on the issues."[3]

Polling edit

Source Date Hilleary Bryant Corker Other Undecided
May 9, 2006 34% 23% 19% 24%
SurveyUSA May 16, 2006 40% 28% 23% 9%
SurveyUSA May 23, 2006 28% 23% 38% 8%
University of Tennessee July 20, 2006 15% 26% 37% 4% 17%
Mason-Dixon/Chattanooga Times Free Press[permanent dead link] July 23, 2006 22% 23% 39% 16%
SurveyUSA July 24, 2006 15% 29% 49% 3% 4%
SurveyUSA August 2, 2006 20% 31% 45% 1% 3%

Results edit

 
Republican primary results by county
Corker
  •   30–40%
  •   40–50%
  •   50–60%
  •   60–70%
  •   70–80%
Bryant
  •   40–50%
  •   50-60%
Hilleary
  •   40–50%
  •   50–60%
  •   60-70%
  •   70-80%
Republican primary results
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Bob Corker 231,541 48.13%
Republican Ed Bryant 161,189 33.50%
Republican Van Hilleary 83,078 17.27%
Republican Tate Harrison 5,309 1.10%
Total votes 481,117 100

Democratic primary edit

Candidates edit

Campaign edit

Harold Ford was a Congressman from the 9th Congressional District, based in Memphis, and he was a member of a political family, with many relatives also serving or formerly in political office. He was known nationally for his keynote address at the 2000 Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles, and for a challenge to Nancy Pelosi for leadership of the House Democrats in 2002.[4][5] He had also served as a national campaign co-chair for the John Kerry presidential campaign in 2004.[6]

Ford filed paperwork to run for the U.S. Senate in May 2005.[7]

Democratic State Senator Rosalind Kurita, from the 22nd District, centered on Clarksville, Tennessee had entered the race prior to Ford,[8] and initially appeared to be competitive, releasing internal polls showing her as strong as Ford in the general election.[9] But she dropped out of the race in early April 2006, as a result of financial and organizational challenges.[10][11]

Ford enjoyed substantial support from Democratic leaders in Washington and Nashville and held a substantial lead in fundraising.

Results edit

Democratic primary results
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Harold Ford Jr. 333,789 79.10%
Democratic Gary Gene Davis 41,802 9.91%
Democratic John Jay Hooker 27,175 6.44%
Democratic Charles Smith 14,724 3.49%
Democratic Alvin Strauss 4,410 1.05%
Total votes 421,900 100

General election edit

Candidates edit

Major edit

Minor edit

  • Ed Choate (I)[12]
  • Gary Keplinger (I)[13]
  • Bo Heyward (I)
  • Chris Lugo (G), peace activist
  • David "None of the Above" Gatchell (I)[14][15]

Campaign edit

 
Harold Ford Jr. on the campaign trail

Not long after Corker's primary victory was assured, Ford, at a rally of his supporters attended by Bill Clinton, challenged Corker to seven televised debates across the state. In response, Corker said he will debate Ford but did not agree to Ford's request of seven debates.[16] Both of Corker's primary opponents endorsed Corker immediately after they conceded the race.[16]

On August 8, 2006, the Tennessee Democratic Party filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission against Corker for allegedly violating campaign financial disclosure rules.[17]

On August 25, the Chattanooga Times Free Press reported that Corker had received a subpoena regarding an environmental lawsuit filed three years ago. The lawsuit centers on the actions Corker took as mayor to allegedly demolish a conservation site to build a road that leads to a Wal-Mart SuperCenter. Corker was scheduled to testify on October 18,[18] but the case was settled on October 13.[19]

Ford, a member of the Blue Dog Coalition in Congress, sought to run as a centrist, recognizing that Tennessee was a conservative state. While he was a member of a political dynasty in Memphis, this also served as a liability, as his state senator uncle was indicted on federal corruption charges the day after he announced his Senate candidacy.[20]

On October 1, Corker replaced his campaign manager.[21]

As the campaign entered October, Ford was leading in some polls.[22] Despite running a strong campaign, he was hampered by his family's legal issues and the fact that his base was in West Tennessee, as opposed to Corker's base in East Tennessee.[23]

Before a Corker press conference in Memphis on October 20, Ford approached Corker in a parking lot and confronted his opponent about Iraq in front of local news cameras, pointing out that some of Corker's fellow Republicans are changing their minds on the war and wanting to debate him about the issue. In response, Corker said, "I came to talk about ethics, and I have a press conference. And I think it's a true sign of desperation that you would pull your bus up when I'm having a press conference." Ford replied that he could never find Corker. Corker then walked away to his press conference.[24]

On November 2, Nielsen Monitor Plus indicated that the Corker campaign had purchased more television advertising than any other Senate candidate in the country through October 15.[25]

Debates edit

3 debates were held between Corker and Ford. They participated in a televised debate in Memphis on October 7, in Chattanooga on October 10, and in Nashville on October 28.[26]

In the October 7, 2006 debate in Memphis, the candidates covered a wide range of issues, including immigration, Iraq, cutting health care costs, abortion, and Social Security.[27] Commenting on Ford's political family, Corker said, "I think it's evident there's been a Ford in this (9th District congressional district) seat for 32 years, and if you look at the number of Fords that are on the ballot—especially I think the most recent one, I know it concerns a lot of people right here in Memphis." Ford responded, "I don't know why Mr. Corker keeps bringing up my family. . . . It's you and I running for the Senate. It's our ideas, our plans to make the future better for everybody. Let's stick to you and I. And if you come up with a recipe to pick family, say it. Otherwise be quiet and let's run for the Senate."[27]

  • Complete video of debate, October 7, 2006

The October 10 Chattanooga debate covered many of the same issues, with Corker again attempting to make Ford's family an issue and Ford claiming that Corker would be merely a "rubber stamp" for the Bush administration and Republican Party in the Senate.[28]

  • Complete video of debate, October 10, 2006

The final debate took place on October 28, in Nashville and mostly covered the economy.

  • Complete video of debate, October 28, 2006

Controversial advertisement edit

 
"Harold, call me," says a blonde woman in RNC's controversial attack ad against Ford.

A negative ad titled "Who Hasn't?" sponsored by the Republican National Committee ("RNC") that aired during the third and fourth weeks of October gained national attention and was condemned by both Ford and Corker. The ad ridiculed Ford through interviews of fictional citizens giving deadpan endorsements that satirized Ford's policies and reputation, such as "terrorists need their privacy" and "taxes after I'm dead". The last of these is a scantily clad white woman (Johanna Goldsmith) acting as a Playboy bunny who "met Harold at the Playboy party", who invites Ford to "call me".[29][30]

Responding to questions about the ad, a Ford spokesperson said that Ford went to a 2005 Playboy-sponsored Super Bowl party that was attended by more than 3,000 people,[31] and Ford himself said that he likes "football and girls" and makes no apology for either.[32]

The NAACP described the ad as "a powerful innuendo that plays to pre-existing prejudices about African-American men and white women", and a former Republican Senator called it "a very serious appeal to a racist sentiment.[33] Corker condemned the RNC ad, calling it "tacky" and stating that his campaign has asked to have it pulled.[30] The RNC, however, continued to endorse the ad, said it had no plans to stop airing it, and dismissed charges of racism, saying it "wouldn't even entertain the premise" that the ad was racist.[29][30] In an October 24 interview with Tim Russert, RNC chairman Ken Mehlman said that he thought the ad was "fair" and that he did not have the authority to pull it.[34]

The ad was also denounced by Canada's ambassador to the United States, Michael Wilson, and in the Parliament of Canada by MP Omar Alghabra. The ad became an issue in Canada because of an actor's statement in the advertisement, "Canada can take care of North Korea. They're not busy." Alghabra, in the House of Commons, responded, "Is this what Canadians should be expecting as the outcome of cozying up to Mr. Bush by the prime minister and his Conservatives?"[35]

On October 25, Mehlman announced that the ad was "down now" during an interview with Wolf Blitzer on CNN.[36] In its place, Tennessee television stations ran a different RNC ad.[37]

Endorsements edit

Ford received endorsements from, among others, The Tennessean (Nashville's predominant daily newspaper),[38] The Commercial Appeal (Memphis's predominant daily newspaper),[39] the Jackson Sun (Jackson's predominant daily newspaper),[40] the Bristol Herald Courier,[41] Metro Pulse (Knoxville),[42] the Professional Firefighters Association of Tennessee, and the Tennessee State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police.[43]

Corker was endorsed by, among others, the NRA Political Victory Fund,[44][45][46] the Knoxville News-Sentinel, the United States Chamber of Commerce, Clarksville Leaf Chronicle, Lebanon Democrat, Kingsport Times News, Nashville City Paper, the National Federation of Independent Businesses,[47] and the National Right to Life Committee,[48] though the Tennessee Right to Life Committee has refused to endorse Corker, claiming he is a "pro-abortion" politician.[49]

Both Corker and Ford were endorsed by the Chattanooga Times Free Press (Chattanooga's predominant daily newspaper still maintains two separate editorial pages left over from when its two daily newspapers merged): Ford by The Times editors,[50] and Corker by Free Press editors.[51]

Individuals

Fundraising edit

Through October 18, 2006, Corker had raised more money than Ford and had also spent more, according to the candidates' most recent filings with the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Corker tapped into his personal fortune to help fund his campaign, loaning his campaign a total of $4.1 million.[53] Corker loaned $2 million of this amount on Wednesday, November 1, less than a week before the election, triggering the "millionaire's amendment" of the 2002 Campaign Reform Act and allowing Ford to seek $12,600 from individual donors instead of $2,100, the normal limit, for the final days of the campaign.[53]

President Bush attended two fund raiser dinners on behalf of the Corker campaign in Nashville and Memphis which raised $2.6 million for Corker's campaign by charging over $2,000 a plate. Former President Bill Clinton attended a rally for the Ford campaign in Nashville that raised about $1 million.[54]

None of the third party candidates filed reports with the FEC.

Candidate Funds Raised Cash On-Hand
Bob Corker (R)[55] $13,145,585 $973,171
Harold Ford (D)[56] $9,889,498 $356,175

Predictions edit

Source Ranking As of
The Cook Political Report[57] Tossup November 6, 2006
Sabato's Crystal Ball[58] Tossup November 6, 2006
Rothenberg Political Report[59] Tossup November 6, 2006
Real Clear Politics[60] Lean R November 6, 2006

Polling edit

In the general election, polls showed Corker with a statistically insignificant lead in the week before the election.

Source Date Harold
Ford Jr. (D)
Bob
Corker (R)
Global Strategy Group March 2005 39% 34%
Global Strategy Group October 31, 2005 39% 36%
December 20, 2005 42% 36%
January 30, 2006 40% 42%
March 6, 2006 35% 39%
May 7, 2006 39% 43%
June 13, 2006 42% 46%
Zogby/WSJ June 21, 2006 41% 42%
University of Tennessee July 20, 2006 35% 42%
Zogby/WSJ July 24, 2006 44% 43%
Mason-Dixon July 24, 2006 36% 49%
July 26, 2006 37% 49%
August 10, 2006 42% 48%
August 21, 2006 44% 42%
Zogby/WSJ August 28, 2006 44% 48%
September 5, 2006 44% 45%
Zogby/WSJ September 11, 2006 43% 45%
SurveyUSA September 11, 2006 48% 45%
September 23, 2006 45% 39%
Zogby/WSJ September 25, 2006 42% 48%
September 27, 2006 43% 42%
Middle Tennessee State University September 30, 2006 42% 43%
October 1, 2006 48% 43%
October 5, 2006 40% 40%
USA Today/Gallup (RV) October 5, 2006 46% 36%
USA Today/Gallup (LV) October 5, 2006 50% 45%
SurveyUSA October 10, 2006 46% 48%
Hamilton Beattie (D) October 10, 2006 51% 44%
October 13, 2006 48% 46%
Zogby/Wall Street Journal October 19, 2006 42% 49%
October 24, 2006 44% 49%
Mason-Dixon/MSNBC-McClatchy October 24, 2006 43% 45%
October 24, 2006 46% 47%
SurveyUSA October 25, 2006 48% 48%
Hamilton Beattie (D) October 26, 2006 47% 45%
October 30, 2006 48% 43%
CNN October 31, 2006 44% 52%
CNN October 31, 2006 45% 47%
Zogby/Wall Street Journal October 31, 2006 48% 49%
Mason-Dixon November 1, 2006 38% 50%
November 1, 2006 47% 49%
November 2, 2006 45% 53%
November 2, 2006 43% 53%
November 3, 2006 46% 40%
November 4, 2006 45% 53%
USA Today/Gallup November 4, 2006 46% 49%
Survey USA November 5, 2006 46% 51%
November 5, 2006 47% 51%
November 6, 2006 47% 48%

Results edit

United States Senate election in Tennessee, 2006[61]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Bob Corker 929,911 50.71% -14.39
Democratic Harold Ford, Jr. 879,976 47.99% +15.78
Independent Ed Choate 10,831 0.59% N/A
Independent David Gatchell 3,746 0.20% N/A
Independent Emory "Bo" Heyward 3,580 0.20% N/A
Independent H. Gary Keplinger 3,033 0.17% N/A
Green Chris Lugo 2,589 0.14% N/A
Write-in 29 0.00% N/A
Majority 49,935 2.72%
Turnout 1,833,695 47.49%
Republican hold Swing -14.39

Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic edit

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ "Tennessee Voter Turnout in 2006". Tennessee Secretary of State. November 7, 2006. Retrieved February 28, 2023.
  2. ^ . The Chattanoogan. March 9, 2009. Archived from the original on March 13, 2009. Retrieved March 9, 2009.
  3. ^ "Republican candidates harmonize at televised debate". Knoxville News Sentinel. June 30, 2006. Retrieved May 9, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ "Pelosi beats Ford in House minority leader race". Nashville Post. November 14, 2002. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  5. ^ Miller, Sean J.; Cusack, Bob (January 18, 2010). "Ford's willingness to defy Democratic establishment may be an asset in 2010". The Hill. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  6. ^ Marissa, Montenegro (September 1, 2005). "Alumnus to seek Senate seat in Tennessee". The Daily Pennsylvanian. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  7. ^ "National Briefing - Tennessee Congressman To Run For Senate". Associated Press. May 26, 2005. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  8. ^ Neal, R (August 31, 2005). "Six questions for Tennessee State Senator Rosalind Kurita". Facing South. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  9. ^ "Kurita Poll Suggests She's as Strong as Ford". Roll Call. March 2, 2005. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  10. ^ Baker, Jackson (April 12, 2006). "KURITA WITHDRAWS FROM SENATE RACE". Memphis Flyer. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  11. ^ "Kurita drops out of Senate race". Associated Press. April 12, 2006. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  12. ^ . Archived from the original on October 31, 2006.
  13. ^ (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on April 12, 2006.
  14. ^ . Noneoftheabove-tn.org. Archived from the original on August 31, 2018. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
  15. ^ . Archived from the original on July 6, 2006. Retrieved July 17, 2006.
  16. ^ a b . August 3, 2006. Archived from the original on August 18, 2006.
  17. ^ . Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved August 17, 2006.
  18. ^ . Archived from the original on August 31, 2006.
  19. ^ . Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved October 26, 2006.
  20. ^ Montenegro, Marissa (September 1, 2005). "Alumnus to seek Senate seat in Tennessee". The Daily Pennsylvanian. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  21. ^ . Archived from the original on October 4, 2006. Retrieved October 3, 2006.
  22. ^ "Tennessee Senate Race". RealClearPolitics. RealClear. Retrieved July 5, 2021.
  23. ^ "Tennessee Senate Race". RealClearPolitics. RealClear. Retrieved July 5, 2021.
  24. ^ . Archived from the original on October 26, 2006.
  25. ^ . Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved November 3, 2006.
  26. ^ . Archived from the original on July 9, 2007. Retrieved September 7, 2006.
  27. ^ a b . Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved October 8, 2006.
  28. ^ . Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved October 11, 2006.
  29. ^ a b . Archived from the original on November 3, 2006.
  30. ^ a b c . Archived from the original on October 25, 2006.
  31. ^ Toner, Robin (October 26, 2006). "GOP pulls ad versus black candidate". The San Francisco Chronicle.
  32. ^ "Harold Ford Jr. on His Playboy Party". YouTube. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
  33. ^ ". Archived from the original on November 3, 2006. Retrieved October 24, 2006.
  34. ^ "Mehlman: Controversial Ford attack ad is 'fair'". NBC News. October 24, 2006. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
  35. ^ Austen, Ian (October 27, 2006). "Republican Attack Ad Offends Canada". The New York Times. Retrieved May 27, 2010.
  36. ^ "CNN.com". CNN. Retrieved May 27, 2010.
  37. ^ O'Donnell, Norah (October 25, 2006). "GOP retires 'Playboy' ad in Tennessee". NBC News. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
  38. ^ http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006610150344[permanent dead link]
  39. ^ . Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved October 23, 2006.
  40. ^ http://www.jacksonsun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061022/NEWS01/610220311&SearchID=73260756083392[permanent dead link]
  41. ^ . www.tricities.com. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved January 15, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  42. ^ Cagle, Frank. . Archived from the original on October 17, 2006.
  43. ^ . Archived from the original on October 19, 2006. Retrieved October 17, 2006.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  44. ^ . nrapvf.org. NRA-PVF. September 12, 2006. Archived from the original on August 19, 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  45. ^ . nrapvf.org. NRA-PVF. September 28, 2012. Archived from the original on August 12, 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  46. ^ . Archived from the original on October 18, 2006.
  47. ^ . Archived from the original on November 9, 2006.
  48. ^ . Archived from the original on October 18, 2006.
  49. ^ . Archived from the original on March 5, 2007. Retrieved October 17, 2006.
  50. ^ "For the Senate: Harold Ford". Chattanooga Times Free Press. Archived from the original on June 25, 2007.
  51. ^ "Elect Bob Corker U.S. senator". Chattanooga Times Free Press. Archived from the original on June 25, 2007.
  52. ^ . November 4, 2006. Archived from the original on November 4, 2006. Retrieved April 8, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  53. ^ a b . Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved November 2, 2006.
  54. ^ Abdullah, Halimah. . Archived from the original on October 5, 2006.
  55. ^ "FEC Candidate 2005/2006 Summary Reports: Corker, Robert P Jr". Herndon1.sdrdc.com. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
  56. ^ "FEC Candidate 2005/2006 Summary Reports: Ford, Harold Jr". Herndon1.sdrdc.com. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
  57. ^ (PDF). The Cook Political Report. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 5, 2008. Retrieved September 30, 2021.
  58. ^ "Election Eve 2006: THE FINAL PREDICTIONS". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  59. ^ "2006 Senate Ratings". Senate Ratings. The Rothenberg Political Report. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  60. ^ "Election 2006". Real Clear Politics. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  61. ^ (PDF). Tennessee State Government. November 7, 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 18, 2012.

External links edit

  • Bob Corker's Campaign Site
  • Harold Ford, Jr.'s Campaign Site
  • Call Me Ad on YouTube
  • Democrats' Senate Hopes May Ride on Tennessee, by Robin Toner, The New York Times, May 31, 2006
  • Dems pin hopes on candidate who's no liberal, by Zachary Coile, San Francisco Chronicle, September 17, 2006
  • , by Rebecca Ferrar, Knoxville News-Sentinel, September 24, 2006
  • New Hope for Democrats in Bid for Senate, by Robin Toner, The New York Times, September 28, 2006
  • , by Richard Locker, The Commercial Appeal, October 1, 2006
  • from The Commercial Appeal
  • from The Commercial Appeal

2006, united, states, senate, election, tennessee, related, races, 2006, united, states, senate, elections, held, november, 2006, incumbent, republican, senator, bill, frist, majority, leader, retired, after, terms, office, open, seat, republican, nominee, cor. For related races see 2006 United States Senate elections The 2006 United States Senate election in Tennessee was held on November 7 2006 Incumbent Republican Senator Bill Frist the Majority Leader retired after two terms in office The open seat was won by Republican nominee Bob Corker who defeated Democratic nominee Harold Ford Jr 2006 United States Senate election in Tennessee 2000 November 7 2006 2012 Turnout49 97 1 13 06 pp Nominee Bob Corker Harold Ford Jr Party Republican DemocraticPopular vote 929 911 879 976Percentage 50 71 47 99 County resultsPrecinct resultsCorker 40 50 50 60 60 70 70 80 80 90 Ford 40 50 50 60 60 70 70 80 80 90 90 Tie 40 50 50 U S senator before electionBill FristRepublican Elected U S Senator Bob CorkerRepublicanThe race between Ford and Corker was one of the most competitive Senate races of 2006 with Corker winning the race by less than three percent of the vote Corker was the only non incumbent Republican to win a U S Senate seat in 2006 Since 1995 the Republican Party has held both of Tennessee s U S Senate seats Since this election along with the gubernatorial election held the same day only seven of the state s 95 counties Davidson Shelby Haywood Hardeman Houston Jackson and Lake have gone to the Democratic candidate in a statewide election with Jackson and Lake only going Democratic once Only five counties have voted for a Democratic candidate in a Presidential Senate or gubernatorial race multiple times since 2006 Only three Davidson Shelby and Haywood have voted Democratic in a Senate race since 2006 The election marks the last very competitive statewide election in Tennessee history as the Republican Party has gained intense strength in both Tennessee and predominantly white rural Southeast regions that were usually Democratic leaning outside of presidential elections Contents 1 Republican primary 1 1 Candidates 1 2 Campaign 1 3 Debates 1 4 Polling 1 5 Results 2 Democratic primary 2 1 Candidates 2 2 Campaign 2 3 Results 3 General election 3 1 Candidates 3 1 1 Major 3 1 2 Minor 3 2 Campaign 3 3 Debates 3 4 Controversial advertisement 3 5 Endorsements 3 6 Fundraising 3 7 Predictions 3 8 Polling 3 9 Results 3 9 1 Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic 4 See also 5 References 6 External linksRepublican primary editCandidates edit Ed Bryant former U S Representative Bob Corker businessman former Mayor of Chattanooga and candidate for the United States Senate in 1994 Van Hilleary former U S Representative and nominee for Governor of Tennessee in 2002Campaign edit nbsp Election winner Bob Corker Only 11 percent of Tennesseans knew who Corker was when he began running for the Senate race 2 All three have run statewide campaigns in the past albeit unsuccessful ones Bryant for the 2002 Republican Senate nomination losing to Lamar Alexander Corker for the U S Senate in 1994 losing to Frist in the Republican primary and Hilleary for Tennessee Governor in 2002 losing to Democrat Phil Bredesen Debates edit The three Republican candidates met for a debate at the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville on June 29 2006 All three candidates expressed skepticism regarding global warming and recent publication of scientific consensus on the issue supported continued American involvement in Iraq opposed income tax increases and showed varying degrees of interest in replacing the federal income tax with a national sales tax prompting Corker to state in his closing statement t here s not any difference that I can tell on the issues 3 Polling edit Source Date Hilleary Bryant Corker Other UndecidedCity Paper Supertalk 99 7 WTN May 9 2006 34 23 19 24 SurveyUSA May 16 2006 40 28 23 9 SurveyUSA May 23 2006 28 23 38 8 University of Tennessee July 20 2006 15 26 37 4 17 Mason Dixon Chattanooga Times Free Press permanent dead link July 23 2006 22 23 39 16 SurveyUSA July 24 2006 15 29 49 3 4 SurveyUSA August 2 2006 20 31 45 1 3 Results edit nbsp Republican primary results by county Corker 30 40 40 50 50 60 60 70 70 80 Bryant 40 50 50 60 Hilleary 40 50 50 60 60 70 70 80 Republican primary results Party Candidate Votes Republican Bob Corker 231 541 48 13 Republican Ed Bryant 161 189 33 50 Republican Van Hilleary 83 078 17 27 Republican Tate Harrison 5 309 1 10 Total votes 481 117 100Democratic primary editCandidates edit Harold Ford Jr U S RepresentativeCampaign edit Harold Ford was a Congressman from the 9th Congressional District based in Memphis and he was a member of a political family with many relatives also serving or formerly in political office He was known nationally for his keynote address at the 2000 Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles and for a challenge to Nancy Pelosi for leadership of the House Democrats in 2002 4 5 He had also served as a national campaign co chair for the John Kerry presidential campaign in 2004 6 Ford filed paperwork to run for the U S Senate in May 2005 7 Democratic State Senator Rosalind Kurita from the 22nd District centered on Clarksville Tennessee had entered the race prior to Ford 8 and initially appeared to be competitive releasing internal polls showing her as strong as Ford in the general election 9 But she dropped out of the race in early April 2006 as a result of financial and organizational challenges 10 11 Ford enjoyed substantial support from Democratic leaders in Washington and Nashville and held a substantial lead in fundraising Results edit Democratic primary results Party Candidate Votes Democratic Harold Ford Jr 333 789 79 10 Democratic Gary Gene Davis 41 802 9 91 Democratic John Jay Hooker 27 175 6 44 Democratic Charles Smith 14 724 3 49 Democratic Alvin Strauss 4 410 1 05 Total votes 421 900 100General election editCandidates edit Major edit Harold Ford Jr D U S Representative Bob Corker R former Mayor of ChattanoogaMinor edit Ed Choate I 12 Gary Keplinger I 13 Bo Heyward I Chris Lugo G peace activist David None of the Above Gatchell I 14 15 Campaign edit nbsp Harold Ford Jr on the campaign trailNot long after Corker s primary victory was assured Ford at a rally of his supporters attended by Bill Clinton challenged Corker to seven televised debates across the state In response Corker said he will debate Ford but did not agree to Ford s request of seven debates 16 Both of Corker s primary opponents endorsed Corker immediately after they conceded the race 16 On August 8 2006 the Tennessee Democratic Party filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission against Corker for allegedly violating campaign financial disclosure rules 17 On August 25 the Chattanooga Times Free Press reported that Corker had received a subpoena regarding an environmental lawsuit filed three years ago The lawsuit centers on the actions Corker took as mayor to allegedly demolish a conservation site to build a road that leads to a Wal Mart SuperCenter Corker was scheduled to testify on October 18 18 but the case was settled on October 13 19 Ford a member of the Blue Dog Coalition in Congress sought to run as a centrist recognizing that Tennessee was a conservative state While he was a member of a political dynasty in Memphis this also served as a liability as his state senator uncle was indicted on federal corruption charges the day after he announced his Senate candidacy 20 On October 1 Corker replaced his campaign manager 21 As the campaign entered October Ford was leading in some polls 22 Despite running a strong campaign he was hampered by his family s legal issues and the fact that his base was in West Tennessee as opposed to Corker s base in East Tennessee 23 Before a Corker press conference in Memphis on October 20 Ford approached Corker in a parking lot and confronted his opponent about Iraq in front of local news cameras pointing out that some of Corker s fellow Republicans are changing their minds on the war and wanting to debate him about the issue In response Corker said I came to talk about ethics and I have a press conference And I think it s a true sign of desperation that you would pull your bus up when I m having a press conference Ford replied that he could never find Corker Corker then walked away to his press conference 24 On November 2 Nielsen Monitor Plus indicated that the Corker campaign had purchased more television advertising than any other Senate candidate in the country through October 15 25 Debates edit 3 debates were held between Corker and Ford They participated in a televised debate in Memphis on October 7 in Chattanooga on October 10 and in Nashville on October 28 26 In the October 7 2006 debate in Memphis the candidates covered a wide range of issues including immigration Iraq cutting health care costs abortion and Social Security 27 Commenting on Ford s political family Corker said I think it s evident there s been a Ford in this 9th District congressional district seat for 32 years and if you look at the number of Fords that are on the ballot especially I think the most recent one I know it concerns a lot of people right here in Memphis Ford responded I don t know why Mr Corker keeps bringing up my family It s you and I running for the Senate It s our ideas our plans to make the future better for everybody Let s stick to you and I And if you come up with a recipe to pick family say it Otherwise be quiet and let s run for the Senate 27 Complete video of debate October 7 2006The October 10 Chattanooga debate covered many of the same issues with Corker again attempting to make Ford s family an issue and Ford claiming that Corker would be merely a rubber stamp for the Bush administration and Republican Party in the Senate 28 Complete video of debate October 10 2006The final debate took place on October 28 in Nashville and mostly covered the economy Complete video of debate October 28 2006Controversial advertisement edit nbsp Harold call me says a blonde woman in RNC s controversial attack ad against Ford A negative ad titled Who Hasn t sponsored by the Republican National Committee RNC that aired during the third and fourth weeks of October gained national attention and was condemned by both Ford and Corker The ad ridiculed Ford through interviews of fictional citizens giving deadpan endorsements that satirized Ford s policies and reputation such as terrorists need their privacy and taxes after I m dead The last of these is a scantily clad white woman Johanna Goldsmith acting as a Playboy bunny who met Harold at the Playboy party who invites Ford to call me 29 30 Responding to questions about the ad a Ford spokesperson said that Ford went to a 2005 Playboy sponsored Super Bowl party that was attended by more than 3 000 people 31 and Ford himself said that he likes football and girls and makes no apology for either 32 The NAACP described the ad as a powerful innuendo that plays to pre existing prejudices about African American men and white women and a former Republican Senator called it a very serious appeal to a racist sentiment 33 Corker condemned the RNC ad calling it tacky and stating that his campaign has asked to have it pulled 30 The RNC however continued to endorse the ad said it had no plans to stop airing it and dismissed charges of racism saying it wouldn t even entertain the premise that the ad was racist 29 30 In an October 24 interview with Tim Russert RNC chairman Ken Mehlman said that he thought the ad was fair and that he did not have the authority to pull it 34 The ad was also denounced by Canada s ambassador to the United States Michael Wilson and in the Parliament of Canada by MP Omar Alghabra The ad became an issue in Canada because of an actor s statement in the advertisement Canada can take care of North Korea They re not busy Alghabra in the House of Commons responded Is this what Canadians should be expecting as the outcome of cozying up to Mr Bush by the prime minister and his Conservatives 35 On October 25 Mehlman announced that the ad was down now during an interview with Wolf Blitzer on CNN 36 In its place Tennessee television stations ran a different RNC ad 37 Endorsements edit Ford received endorsements from among others The Tennessean Nashville s predominant daily newspaper 38 The Commercial Appeal Memphis s predominant daily newspaper 39 the Jackson Sun Jackson s predominant daily newspaper 40 the Bristol Herald Courier 41 Metro Pulse Knoxville 42 the Professional Firefighters Association of Tennessee and the Tennessee State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police 43 Corker was endorsed by among others the NRA Political Victory Fund 44 45 46 the Knoxville News Sentinel the United States Chamber of Commerce Clarksville Leaf Chronicle Lebanon Democrat Kingsport Times News Nashville City Paper the National Federation of Independent Businesses 47 and the National Right to Life Committee 48 though the Tennessee Right to Life Committee has refused to endorse Corker claiming he is a pro abortion politician 49 Both Corker and Ford were endorsed by the Chattanooga Times Free Press Chattanooga s predominant daily newspaper still maintains two separate editorial pages left over from when its two daily newspapers merged Ford by The Times editors 50 and Corker by Free Press editors 51 Harold Ford Jr D IndividualsWesley Clark General 2004 Democratic presidential candidate 52 Fundraising edit Through October 18 2006 Corker had raised more money than Ford and had also spent more according to the candidates most recent filings with the Federal Election Commission FEC Corker tapped into his personal fortune to help fund his campaign loaning his campaign a total of 4 1 million 53 Corker loaned 2 million of this amount on Wednesday November 1 less than a week before the election triggering the millionaire s amendment of the 2002 Campaign Reform Act and allowing Ford to seek 12 600 from individual donors instead of 2 100 the normal limit for the final days of the campaign 53 President Bush attended two fund raiser dinners on behalf of the Corker campaign in Nashville and Memphis which raised 2 6 million for Corker s campaign by charging over 2 000 a plate Former President Bill Clinton attended a rally for the Ford campaign in Nashville that raised about 1 million 54 None of the third party candidates filed reports with the FEC Candidate Funds Raised Cash On HandBob Corker R 55 13 145 585 973 171Harold Ford D 56 9 889 498 356 175Predictions edit Source Ranking As ofThe Cook Political Report 57 Tossup November 6 2006Sabato s Crystal Ball 58 Tossup November 6 2006Rothenberg Political Report 59 Tossup November 6 2006Real Clear Politics 60 Lean R November 6 2006Polling edit In the general election polls showed Corker with a statistically insignificant lead in the week before the election Source Date HaroldFord Jr D BobCorker R Global Strategy Group March 2005 39 34 Global Strategy Group October 31 2005 39 36 Rasmussen December 20 2005 42 36 Rasmussen January 30 2006 40 42 Rasmussen March 6 2006 35 39 Rasmussen May 7 2006 39 43 Zogby June 13 2006 42 46 Zogby WSJ June 21 2006 41 42 University of Tennessee July 20 2006 35 42 Zogby WSJ July 24 2006 44 43 Mason Dixon July 24 2006 36 49 Rasmussen July 26 2006 37 49 Rasmussen August 10 2006 42 48 Benenson Strategy Group D August 21 2006 44 42 Zogby WSJ August 28 2006 44 48 Rasmussen September 5 2006 44 45 Zogby WSJ September 11 2006 43 45 SurveyUSA September 11 2006 48 45 Benenson Strategy Group D September 23 2006 45 39 Zogby WSJ September 25 2006 42 48 Mason Dixon September 27 2006 43 42 Middle Tennessee State University September 30 2006 42 43 Rasmussen October 1 2006 48 43 Reuters Zogby October 5 2006 40 40 USA Today Gallup RV October 5 2006 46 36 USA Today Gallup LV October 5 2006 50 45 SurveyUSA October 10 2006 46 48 Hamilton Beattie D October 10 2006 51 44 Rasmussen October 13 2006 48 46 Zogby Wall Street Journal October 19 2006 42 49 Los Angeles Times Bloomberg October 24 2006 44 49 Mason Dixon MSNBC McClatchy October 24 2006 43 45 Rasmussen October 24 2006 46 47 SurveyUSA October 25 2006 48 48 Hamilton Beattie D October 26 2006 47 45 Benenson Strategy Group D October 30 2006 48 43 CNN October 31 2006 44 52 CNN October 31 2006 45 47 Zogby Wall Street Journal October 31 2006 48 49 Mason Dixon November 1 2006 38 50 Rasmussen November 1 2006 47 49 Rasmussen November 2 2006 45 53 Reuters Zogby November 2 2006 43 53 Hamilton Beattie D November 3 2006 46 40 Rasmussen November 4 2006 45 53 USA Today Gallup November 4 2006 46 49 Survey USA November 5 2006 46 51 Rasmussen November 5 2006 47 51 OnPoint Polling and Research November 6 2006 47 48 Results edit United States Senate election in Tennessee 2006 61 Party Candidate Votes Republican Bob Corker 929 911 50 71 14 39Democratic Harold Ford Jr 879 976 47 99 15 78Independent Ed Choate 10 831 0 59 N AIndependent David Gatchell 3 746 0 20 N AIndependent Emory Bo Heyward 3 580 0 20 N AIndependent H Gary Keplinger 3 033 0 17 N AGreen Chris Lugo 2 589 0 14 N AWrite in 29 0 00 N AMajority 49 935 2 72 Turnout 1 833 695 47 49 Republican hold Swing 14 39Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic edit Cannon Largest city Woodbury Crockett Largest city Bells DeKalb Largest city Smithville Dickson Largest city Dickson Franklin Largest city Winchester Giles Largest city Pulaski Henry Largest city Paris Hickman Largest city Centerville Lewis Largest city Hohenwald Marion Largest city Jasper Marshall Largest city Lewisburg Warren Largest city McMinnville White Largest city Sparta Benton largest municipality Camden Clay largest municipality Celina Lake largest municipality Tiptonville Lauderdale largest municipality Ripley Overton largest municipality Livingston Perry largest municipality Linden Stewart largest municipality Dover Trousdale largest municipality Hartsville Van Buren largest municipality Spencer Hardeman largest city Bolivar Macon Largest city Lafayette Montgomery Largest city Clarksville Sequatchie Largest city Dunlap Haywood largest city Brownsville Shelby largest city Memphis Davidson largest city Nashville See also edit2006 United States Senate elections 2006 Tennessee gubernatorial election 2006 Tennessee electionsReferences edit Tennessee Voter Turnout in 2006 Tennessee Secretary of State November 7 2006 Retrieved February 28 2023 Haslam Has 2 Million In The Bank For Governor Bid The Chattanoogan March 9 2009 Archived from the original on March 13 2009 Retrieved March 9 2009 Republican candidates harmonize at televised debate Knoxville News Sentinel June 30 2006 Retrieved May 9 2023 via Newspapers com Pelosi beats Ford in House minority leader race Nashville Post November 14 2002 Retrieved June 25 2021 Miller Sean J Cusack Bob January 18 2010 Ford s willingness to defy Democratic establishment may be an asset in 2010 The Hill Retrieved June 25 2021 Marissa Montenegro September 1 2005 Alumnus to seek Senate seat in Tennessee The Daily Pennsylvanian Retrieved June 25 2021 National Briefing Tennessee Congressman To Run For Senate Associated Press May 26 2005 Retrieved June 25 2021 Neal R August 31 2005 Six questions for Tennessee State Senator Rosalind Kurita Facing South Retrieved June 25 2021 Kurita Poll Suggests She s as Strong as Ford Roll Call March 2 2005 Retrieved June 25 2021 Baker Jackson April 12 2006 KURITA WITHDRAWS FROM SENATE RACE Memphis Flyer Retrieved June 25 2021 Kurita drops out of Senate race Associated Press April 12 2006 Retrieved June 25 2021 Ed Choate for Senate Home Archived from the original on October 31 2006 Unofficial U S Senate Candidates PDF Archived from the original PDF on April 12 2006 None Of The Above Tennessee Noneoftheabove tn org Archived from the original on August 31 2018 Retrieved January 11 2012 Index of Archived from the original on July 6 2006 Retrieved July 17 2006 a b Corker wins Ford challenges him to debates August 3 2006 Archived from the original on August 18 2006 Commercial Appeal Memphis News Business Homes Jobs Cars amp Information Archived from the original on September 27 2007 Retrieved August 17 2006 Corker receives subpoena in environmental lawsuit Archived from the original on August 31 2006 Commercial Appeal Memphis News Business Homes Jobs Cars amp Information Archived from the original on September 30 2007 Retrieved October 26 2006 Montenegro Marissa September 1 2005 Alumnus to seek Senate seat in Tennessee The Daily Pennsylvanian Retrieved June 25 2021 The City Paper Smart Fast Free Archived from the original on October 4 2006 Retrieved October 3 2006 Tennessee Senate Race RealClearPolitics RealClear Retrieved July 5 2021 Tennessee Senate Race RealClearPolitics RealClear Retrieved July 5 2021 Ford Jr confronts Corker on Memphis parking lot about Iraq Archived from the original on October 26 2006 Commercial Appeal Memphis News Business Homes Jobs Cars amp Information Archived from the original on September 30 2007 Retrieved November 3 2006 Memphis Commercial Appeal Memphis Source for News and Information Politics Archived from the original on July 9 2007 Retrieved September 7 2006 a b Commercial Appeal Memphis News Business Homes Jobs Cars amp Information Archived from the original on September 30 2007 Retrieved October 8 2006 Commercial Appeal Memphis News Business Homes Jobs Cars amp Information Archived from the original on September 30 2007 Retrieved October 11 2006 a b Republican TV ad being denounced as racially divisive Archived from the original on November 3 2006 a b c Ford s move on Corker gets national attention Archived from the original on October 25 2006 Toner Robin October 26 2006 GOP pulls ad versus black candidate The San Francisco Chronicle Harold Ford Jr on His Playboy Party YouTube Archived from the original on December 21 2021 Retrieved January 11 2012 Republican TV ad being denounced as racially divisive Archived from the original on November 3 2006 Retrieved October 24 2006 Mehlman Controversial Ford attack ad is fair NBC News October 24 2006 Retrieved January 11 2012 Austen Ian October 27 2006 Republican Attack Ad Offends Canada The New York Times Retrieved May 27 2010 CNN com CNN Retrieved May 27 2010 O Donnell Norah October 25 2006 GOP retires Playboy ad in Tennessee NBC News Retrieved January 11 2012 http www tennessean com apps pbcs dll article AID 2006610150344 permanent dead link Commercial Appeal Memphis News Business Homes Jobs Cars amp Information Archived from the original on September 30 2007 Retrieved October 23 2006 http www jacksonsun com apps pbcs dll article AID 20061022 NEWS01 610220311 amp SearchID 73260756083392 permanent dead link Archived copy www tricities com Archived from the original on September 30 2007 Retrieved January 15 2022 a href Template Cite web html title Template Cite web cite web a CS1 maint archived copy as title link Cagle Frank Ford Is Your Answer Archived from the original on October 17 2006 Archived copy Archived from the original on October 19 2006 Retrieved October 17 2006 a href Template Cite web html title Template Cite web cite web a CS1 maint archived copy as title link NRA PVF Endorses Bob Corker for U S Senate nrapvf org NRA PVF September 12 2006 Archived from the original on August 19 2014 a href Template Cite web html title Template Cite web cite web a CS1 maint unfit URL link NRA PVF Endorses Bob Corker for U S Senate nrapvf org NRA PVF September 28 2012 Archived from the original on August 12 2014 a href Template Cite web html title Template Cite web cite web a CS1 maint unfit URL link NRA endorses Corker Ford chair displeased Archived from the original on October 18 2006 With Polls Showing Strong Corker Momentum Corker Also Leads in Media and Organizational Endorsements Archived from the original on November 9 2006 National Right to Life group wants Corker in Senate Archived from the original on October 18 2006 The City Paper Smart Fast Free Archived from the original on March 5 2007 Retrieved October 17 2006 For the Senate Harold Ford Chattanooga Times Free Press Archived from the original on June 25 2007 Elect Bob Corker U S senator Chattanooga Times Free Press Archived from the original on June 25 2007 Harold Ford Senate TN WesPAC November 4 2006 Archived from the original on November 4 2006 Retrieved April 8 2023 a href Template Cite web html title Template Cite web cite web a CS1 maint bot original URL status unknown link a b Commercial Appeal Memphis News Business Homes Jobs Cars amp Information Archived from the original on September 30 2007 Retrieved November 2 2006 Abdullah Halimah President helps GOP pal in Ford s backyard Archived from the original on October 5 2006 FEC Candidate 2005 2006 Summary Reports Corker Robert P Jr Herndon1 sdrdc com Retrieved January 11 2012 FEC Candidate 2005 2006 Summary Reports Ford Harold Jr Herndon1 sdrdc com Retrieved January 11 2012 2006 Senate Race Ratings for November 6 2006 PDF The Cook Political Report Archived from the original PDF on June 5 2008 Retrieved September 30 2021 Election Eve 2006 THE FINAL PREDICTIONS Sabato s Crystal Ball Retrieved June 25 2021 2006 Senate Ratings Senate Ratings The Rothenberg Political Report Retrieved June 25 2021 Election 2006 Real Clear Politics Retrieved June 25 2021 General Election United States Senate PDF Tennessee State Government November 7 2006 Archived from the original PDF on April 18 2012 External links editBob Corker s Campaign Site Harold Ford Jr s Campaign Site Call Me Ad on YouTube Democrats Senate Hopes May Ride on Tennessee by Robin Toner The New York Times May 31 2006 Dems pin hopes on candidate who s no liberal by Zachary Coile San Francisco Chronicle September 17 2006 Senate race is looming large by Rebecca Ferrar Knoxville News Sentinel September 24 2006 New Hope for Democrats in Bid for Senate by Robin Toner The New York Times September 28 2006 A photo finish in Corker Ford race by Richard Locker The Commercial Appeal October 1 2006 Bob Corker s questionnaire responses from The Commercial Appeal Harold Ford Jr s questionnaire responses from The Commercial Appeal Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title 2006 United States Senate election in Tennessee amp oldid 1213172702, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

article

, read, download, free, free download, mp3, video, mp4, 3gp, jpg, jpeg, gif, png, picture, music, song, movie, book, game, games.