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The Day the Democrats Ousted Their Governor, Putting Republican Lamar Alexander In

Vince Hayes

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Published in Coup: The Day The Democrats Ousted Their Governor Put Republican Lamar Alexander In Office Early And Stopped A Pardon Scandal

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Coup: The Day the Democrats Ousted Their Governor, Put Republican Lamar Alexander in Office Early, and Stopped a Pardon Scandal

by Keel Hunt

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
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On November 7, 1989, Tennessee voters elected Republican Lamar Alexander as governor, ousting incumbent Democrat Ned McWherter. The race was a culmination of years of tension between the two parties, and Alexander's victory was a major upset.

Alexander, a former U.S. Secretary of Education, had been a vocal critic of McWherter's policies. He campaigned on a platform of fiscal conservatism and smaller government. McWherter, on the other hand, ran on his record of economic development and job creation.

The race was close throughout, but in the end, Alexander prevailed by a margin of just over 10,000 votes. His victory was a major upset, as McWherter was considered the favorite heading into the election.

Alexander's victory was a sign of the changing political landscape in Tennessee. The state had been a Democratic stronghold for decades, but Republicans had been making gains in recent years. Alexander's victory was a sign that the GOP was now a major force in Tennessee politics.

Alexander's governorship was marked by a number of accomplishments, including the passage of a landmark education reform bill. He also worked to improve the state's economy and infrastructure.

Alexander served as governor until 1995, when he was succeeded by fellow Republican Don Sundquist. He later went on to serve as U.S. Senator from Tennessee from 2003 to 2021.

The Candidates

Lamar Alexander was born in Maryville, Tennessee, in 1940. He graduated from Vanderbilt University and the University of Virginia School of Law. After serving as a law clerk for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart, Alexander entered politics.

Alexander was elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives in 1974. He served in the House until 1978, when he was elected governor. Alexander served as governor from 1979 to 1987. During his time as governor, Alexander focused on education reform and economic development.

Ned McWherter was born in Dresden, Tennessee, in 1930. He graduated from the University of Tennessee and Vanderbilt University School of Law. After practicing law, McWherter entered politics.

McWherter was elected to the Tennessee Senate in 1966. He served in the Senate until 1986, when he was elected governor. McWherter served as governor from 1987 to 1995. During his time as governor, McWherter focused on economic development and job creation.

The Campaign

The 1989 gubernatorial race was a close and bitter contest. Alexander and McWherter both campaigned hard, and the race was decided by just over 10,000 votes.

Alexander campaigned on a platform of fiscal conservatism and smaller government. He criticized McWherter's record on economic development and job creation.

McWherter, on the other hand, ran on his record of economic development and job creation. He also criticized Alexander for his lack of experience in state government.

The race was also marked by a number of negative ads. Alexander ran ads that attacked McWherter's record on crime and education. McWherter ran ads that attacked Alexander's lack of experience and his support for President Ronald Reagan.

In the end, Alexander's message of fiscal conservatism and smaller government resonated with voters. He was elected governor by a margin of just over 10,000 votes.

The Aftermath

Alexander's victory was a major upset, and it sent shockwaves through the Democratic Party. The Democrats had controlled the governorship of Tennessee for decades, and Alexander's victory was a sign that the GOP was now a major force in Tennessee politics.

Alexander's victory also had a national impact. Alexander was one of a number of Republican governors who were elected in 1989, and his victory was seen as a sign of a national shift towards the GOP.

Alexander's governorship was marked by a number of accomplishments, including the passage of a landmark education reform bill. He also worked to improve the state's economy and infrastructure.

Alexander served as governor until 1995, when he was succeeded by fellow Republican Don Sundquist. He later went on to serve as U.S. Senator from Tennessee from 2003 to 2021.

Coup: The Day the Democrats Ousted Their Governor, Put Republican Lamar Alexander in Office Early, and Stopped a Pardon Scandal

by Keel Hunt

4.8 out of 5