NewsChannel 5.com - Nashville, Tennessee - Democrats Say McWherter Will Not Run For U.S. Senate

Democrats Say McWherter Will Not Run For U.S. Senate

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Two potential Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate in Tennessee said Mike McWherter decided not to run.

The Jackson businessman and son of former Governor Mike McWherter formed an exploratory committee in September.

Former Democratic Party Chairman Bob Tuke and Nashville insurance lawyer Kevin Doherty told The Associated Press that they received phone calls from McWherter to inform them of his decision not to run.

Tuke and Doherty agreed to defer to McWherter if he chose to run. Now they said they will have to decide quickly whether to get into the race.

The Democratic candidate will likely face incumbent Republican Sen. Lamar Alexander, who currently has no challengers in his party.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)