Despite Rumors, Norris Won’t Run for Governor

By Ed Farrell The Collierville Herald
November 10, 2005 

State Sen. Mark Norris won’t deny he’d like to be governor of Tennessee some day.   

But he is downplaying his inclusion on a short list of Republican candidates to seek the State house in 2006.   

Norris, a Collierville resident, was first elected to the Senate in 2000, and won reelection in 2004.  His District 32 includes Shelby, Dyer, Lauderdale and Tipton counties.

Norris’ name has appeared recently in published stories in Nashville and Chattanooga newspapers as having expressed interest in unseating Gov. Phil Bredesen.

“That’s really news to me, since none of them have asked me about it,” Norris said.  “It is flattering in its way, but I really have no plans to seek the nomination next year.”

Norris, however, couldn’t resist sounding like an interested candidate.

He proclaimed Bredesen’s tenure in Nashville as “a failure,” and said any final decision on his part would ultimately hinge on the decisions of other Republican hopefuls.

Norris described Bredesen as “unresponsive,” and “not available” on a variety of key issues.

“I’ve pressed him on a number of occasions and he’s just not responsive,” Norris said.  “Particularly in areas such as the state’s emergency preparedness, or lack thereof, and the state of Tennessee’s infrastructure.  When it comes to long-term needs, (Bredesen) is just not available.”

Other Republicans said to have interest in the governor’s office next year include Rep. Beth Harwell of Nashville, Majority Leader Ron Ramsey of Blountville, and Sen. Jim Bryson of Franklin.

“I’m basically going to be watching what Beth Harwell does,” Norris said.  “She seems to be the most serious about this campaign…the most determined to win the nomination.”

Norris is chairman of the Transportation and Safety Committee and serves on the Judiciary Committee, the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Veterans’ Affairs and the Select Committee on Corrections Oversight.

He has been active in pursuing special district status for Shelby County Schools, in drafting a Homestead Exemption of Tennessee seniors, and at the forefront of ethics reform in Tennessee. 

Party primaries are set for Aug. 3.