Harwell bows out of Senate race

Harwell, former chairwoman of the state Republican party and a Nashville lawmaker since 1989, did not rule out a run at Gov. Phil Bredesen in 2006.

“We have been pleased with the level of financial and political support … received, but at the end of the day my family and I have determined that this is not the race for us,” she said in a statement about the senate race. “We have quality Republican candidates running for the Senate, and I am convinced one of them will be our next United States Senator.”

Republicans Bob Corker, Ed Bryant and Van Hilleary are left seeking their party’s nod. Democrats U.S. Rep. Harold Ford and state Sen. Rosalind Kurita are seeking the Democratic nomination to replace Frist.

Harwell’s name continues to circulate as a possible contender to challenge Gov. Phil Bredesen in 2006.

Harwell said she does not have a timeline to announce whether she will run for governor.

“That’s a decision for a later time,” she said. “I am going to take time to make a deliberate, wise decision.”

State GOP chairman Bob Davis said Harwell would be a good candidate.

“Tennessee needs a vision. And I think she will be part of that vision in one way or another,” he said. “I know she is getting a lot of encouragement from people (to run for governor).”

Davis said Harwell would receive a lot of financial support if she ran, and noted Harwell raised $100,000 for President Bush in 2004.

“She can’t open a checkbook and write a $10 million check … but she will be able to raise significant amounts of money,” he said.

Another prominent Republican considering a run, Senate Majority Leader Ron Ramsey, has said he will likely decide soon.