Former US Rep. Bob Clement endorses Karl Dean

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Karl Dean speaks to a business group in Nashville on March 20, 2018. (Erik Schelzig, Tennessee Journal)

Former U.S. Rep. Bob Clement is endorsing Karl Dean, the man who beat him to become Nashville mayor in 2007, in his Democratic bid for governor over House Minority Leader Craig Fitzhugh of Ripley.

It’s the second recent endorsement from Clement, who earlier this month gave his nod to the 7th District congressional bid of Democrat Justin Kanew, a film writer and producer who lives in College Grove in Williamson County. That endorsement was at odds with fellow former Democratic U.S. Rep. Lincoln Davis, who is supporting former aide Matt Reel of Primm Springs in Hickman County, in that race.  State Sen. Mark Green (R-Ashland City) is unopposed for the Republican nomination for the seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Brentwood) to run for the Senate.

Here’s the full release from the Dean campaign:

Former U.S. Congressman Bob Clement Endorses Karl Dean for Governor

DICKSON, Tenn. — Today, former U.S. Congressman Bob Clement announces his endorsement for Karl Dean for Governor. 

The announcement comes as Dean campaigns in Dickson, where the Clement family has deep roots, to talk about the issues that matter most to Tennesseans including good jobs, public schools, and healthcare.  Clement joins former U.S. Congressman Lincoln Davis, among many other elected officials and community leaders, in his support of Dean’s candidacy.

“I am honored to have Congressman Clement’s support,” Dean said. “Few know Tennessee better than Bob and the Clement family. He has provided valuable counsel to me during this campaign and I look forward to his continued support and involvement.”

Clement said: “Karl has proven through his two terms as Nashville’s mayor he can act as the adult in the room when there are problems to be solved. That’s what the people of Tennessee want ‒ a leader who will focus on their needs, not playing politics. Mayor Dean’s executive experience is exactly what Tennessee needs to take the growth and success of Nashville and stretch it statewide.”

Clement represented Tennessee’s fifth congressional district from 1988-2003, serving two years in the U.S. Army and 29 years in the Tennessee Army National Guard retiring with the rank of colonel, and is the son of former Tennessee Governor Frank G. Clement. 

Clement announced the endorsement today to a group of supporters as the two men stood just blocks away from the Clement Railroad Hotel Museum. From transit options to legacies of leadership, Clement understands that it will take investments in our state’s infrastructure to keep Tennessee moving forward. Dean and Clement both share the belief that there can be no forgotten part of Tennessee and that the state’s leaders must stay focused on the investments that will help every Tennessee family thrive.