2002 United States Senate election in Tennessee

The 2002 United States Senate election in Tennessee was held on November 5, 2002. Incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Fred Thompson decided to retire. Former Republican Governor Lamar Alexander won the open seat.

Republican primary

Candidates

Lamar Alexander, former U.S. Secretary of Education, former Governor of Tennessee
Ed Bryant, U.S. Representative
Mary Taylor-Shelby, perennial candidate
June Griffin, activist
Michael Brent Todd
James E. DuBose
Christopher G. Fenner

Results

Democratic primary

Candidates

Bob Clement, U.S. Representative and candidate for Governor in 1978
Gary G. Davis, perennial candidate
Cher A. Hopkey
Michael L. Hampstead
Alvin M. Strauss

Results

General election

Campaign

Alexander raised $2 million through June 2002. Clement attacked the Governor for his corporate connections and business dealings. By October, Clement had nearly raised $900,000, while Alexander raised almost $3 million. Bush, who had a 60% approval rating in the state, helped campaign and raise money for Alexander. Alexander was also endorsed by the NRA Political Victory Fund.

Debates

Complete video of debate, September 30, 2002
Complete video of debate, October 6, 2002
Complete video of debate, October 13, 2002
Complete video of debate, October 20, 2002

Predictions

Polling

In a September poll from the Knoxville News Sentinel, Alexander was up 45% to 27%. In a DNSC poll during the same month, Alexander was up 49% to 42%. In a mid October Zogby poll had the governor leading 49% to 36%. A late October WREG-TV poll had Alexander leading 45% to 36%.