You do not have to look far to find Karl Dean's legacy in Nashville, but the man who once called the city's most prominent office his, has now set his aspirations for a seat which sits much higher above town.
"I've been all over the state, but it's a good time right now to listen," Dean said in an interview Friday.
Earlier in the week, Dean made his run for governor official. As a Democrat in a deeply Republican state, he said he knows he will be the underdog come November 2018.
"I don't think they're looking for a partisan answer," he said.
History though could be on his side. The state's last two governors were former mayors, and since 1971 Democrats and Republicans have split their time equally controlling the governorship.
"What you have to do for a campaign at this stage is build the organization, fundraise, there's a lot of groundwork you have to do," Dean added.
Dean, who brought Nashville through the great recession, said he'll focus on education and infrastructure and added he'll push back when necessary.
"I care about the state and these issues deeply, and one thing I learned as mayor is I loved the job," Dean said.
