Norris for governor? ‘I’m making plans and moving in that direction’

Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris says he’s “preparing” to run for governor though his current position is the priority for now, reports The Tennessean.

“I have a caucus to lead and legislation to get filed and I sort of feel like doing my job first,” he said inside legislative plaza in Nashville at an annual event he has held to combat hunger in Tennessee.

He said his top priority remains balancing the state’s budget, which is a constitutional requirement.

“I’m really absorbed in that but I don’t shy away from answering the question (about the governor’s race),” he said. “I’m planning – making plans and moving in that direction.”

When pressed, Norris, R-Collierville, said that means having the right team, support and atmosphere to determine if Tennesseans want a leader who can get things done and who has accomplished a lot, referring to himself.

Norris said he could form an exploratory committee before the legislative session ends. Typically, the legislature adjourns in April.