Former Gov. Winfield Dunn endorses Blackburn

Former Tennessee Gov. Winfield Dunn has endorsed Republican Senate candidate Marsha Blackburn.

“November’s election is not about the past; it is about the future of the state and the country,” Dunn, 91,  said in a release. “Marsha Blackburn is the only candidate who will vote to protect Tennessee values. She has dedicated her life to making things better for her fellow Tennesseans, and she will represent us faithfully in the United States Senate.”

Governor Dunn made history as the first Republican governor in 50 years, but he is most well-known for his gracious spirit and love of public service. I am so humbled to have his endorsement. In the Senate, I will seek to emulate his example. pic.twitter.com/KcIdhr72VX

— Marsha Blackburn (@VoteMarsha) September 14, 2018

Dunn’s election as governor in 1970 kicked off a new two-party era in Tennessee state government that had largely been controlled by Democrats since Reconstruction. Dunn made another bid for governor against Democrat Ned Ray McWherter in 1986, but fell short. He has since become an elder statesman of the Tennessee Republican Party.