Henry bows out of GOP gubernatorial race
His time to run, isn't now, he says

By TOM HUMPHREY for KnoxNews.com
November 2, 2005

NASHVILLE - Former state House Republican Leader Jim Henry said Tuesday that, for both professional and personal reasons, he has decided against seeking his party's gubernatorial nomination next year.

At least four current state legislators still say they are interested in running for the Republican gubernatorial nomination, with perhaps most attention focused on Rep. Beth Harwell, R-Nashville, who is also former state Republican chairwoman.

Henry, who lost to Van Hilleary in the 2002 GOP gubernatorial primary, said the business he heads, Omni Vision Inc., is in the process of expanding and needs his full attention.

At the same time, he said his son, who has several disabilities, recently returned from treatment and needs extensive family attention.

Those two factors, Henry said, preclude him from devoting time and energy to a gubernatorial race.

"It just isn't the right time," he said.

Henry, who lives in Kingston, had previously said he intended to wait until January to decide on his candidacy. He said he advanced the timetable after getting a "great response" to his potential candidacy while attending several events, leading him to believe it would be fairer to potential supporters and other would-be candidates to act now.

Henry underwent cancer treatments almost two years ago. He said doctors have assured him the chances for recurrence are low and that his own health was not a factor in his decision.

"I intend to be involved in campaigns next year and help Republican candidates," he said. "I will keep the options open for the future."

Henry said he is not backing any other prospective candidate at this time, but expects Harwell to run and said she would be "a great governor."

Harwell, in turn, said the same thing about Henry. Harwell said she is still considering the race, but will make no decision until after "the holiday season."

"Jim Henry has been a mentor of mine as long as I've been in the political process," said Harwell. "I know it was a tough decision for him because I don't know anyone who would be a better governor than he would. But I understand he has personal and professional priorities."

Other legislators considering a race include Senate Majority Leader Ron Ramsey, R-Blountville; Sen. Jim Bryson, R-Franklin; and Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville. All three, however, have indicated they likely would step aside should Harwell run.

State Republican Chairman Bob Davis said any of the four lawmakers would be a good candidate, along with Nashville radio talk show host Steve Gill, also mentioned as a prospective Republican candidate.

He said it remains a "good question" who will ultimately seek the nomination to run against incumbent Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen, who "a lot of people think can be beaten."

Carl "Two Feathers" Whitaker, of Sevier County, has announced as GOP gubernatorial candidate and set up a Web site, www.whitakerforgovernor2006.com. Davis said he had received "a couple of notes" from Whitaker, who ran as an independent candidate for governor in 2002. He said Whitaker is welcome to run, but voiced doubt about his electablity compared to other prospective candidates.

"Beth Harwell could be elected governor if she decides to run," Davis said. "He could not."