These past few weeks have been among the busiest for my campaign. Even with the advent of the holidays, Team McWherter has no plans to slow down our campaign or progress.

Although I joined the field later than most of the candidates, I have just conducted a campaign swing into my 50th county as a gubernatorial candidate. These visits have included a host of stops, from one-on-one meetings, to community events, to appearances before large groups of fellow Democrats.

While I am proud to have visited all these counties, what’s frankly been more important to me than a county count is that each swing has introduced me to so many incredible Tennesseans who have openly shared with me their life stories, from struggles to blessings. Through their stories I have gained an even deeper understanding of the challenges that need to be addressed by your next Governor. One thing I learned from my father was to listen to people as you travel around the state. He told me, “And if you listen, you will pick up some good advice. If you don’t listen, you won’t ever learn a thing.” Boy was he right!

I started my campaign last summer making my first appearance as a candidate by speaking to the Tennessee Federation of Democratic Women at Pickwick Landing. Since then, I‘ve traveled hundreds of miles across this great state. Let me share with you a few highlights:
I was honored to speak to Northeast Tennessee Democrats at Rocky Mount, which is where my father announced his first campaign for Governor in 1985. I also joined families who turned out at several neighborhood gatherings for the National Night Out against crime in Jackson, read to a pre-K class at the Trula Lawson Early Learning Center in Sevierville, helped volunteers prepare meals on Thanksgiving Day for shut-ins in Bradford, attended the Haywood County NAACP Dinner in Brownsville, and I spent time with workers at the Protective Apparel Corporation of America in Jacksboro. In the spirit of the holidays, I also became the first gubernatorial candidate to ever walk in the festive Hickman County Christmas Parade.

While I’ve been on the trail, I have also had the opportunity to tour the apprentice school at the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 572, where I picked up the endorsement of the Tennessee Pipe Trades Association. I visited with farmers and folks at the Mountain City Co-Op. We also hosted a campaign tailgate with Coach Johnny Majors in Knoxville for the UT/Memphis game.

As you can imagine, sustaining this kind of ambitious campaign schedule means that we need to continue to turn to you for your support – $100, $50 or $25 – to help cover travel and other operational expenses.

Needless to say, I’m pleased, encouraged and excited about the growing momentum for our candidacy. Thanks to you for all you are doing to help keep things rolling ahead!

I’ll see you soon,

Mike McWherter