2006 United States Senate election in Tennessee

none May 2020 November 2020 2006 United States Senate elections 2006 United States Senate election in Tennessee Tennessee presidential no 2000 United States Senate election in Tennessee 2000 2012 United States Senate election in Tennessee 2012 November 7, 2006 150x150px File:Bobcorker (cropped).jpg Bob Corker Republican Party (United States) 929,911 50.71% Harold Ford, Congressional photo portrait (1).jpg Harold Ford Jr. Democratic Party (United States) 879,972 47.99% 300px County results 300px Congressional district results 300px Precinct results Corker: #ffb2b2 40–50% #e27f7f 50–60% #d75d5d 60–70% #d72f30 70–80% #c21b18 80–90%Ford: #a5b0ff 40–50% #7996e2 50–60% #6674de 60–70% #584cde 70–80% #3933e5 80–90% #0d0596 >90%Tie: #d2b1d9 40–50% #808080 No data U.S. Senator Bill Frist Republican Party (United States) Bob Corker Republican Party (United States) 49.97% November 7, 2006 Tennessee Voter Turnout in 2006 Tennessee Secretary of State https://sos.tn.gov/elections/statistics February 28, 2023 13.06 pp The 2006 United States Senate election in Tennessee was held on November 7, 2006. Incumbent Republican Senator Bill Frist, the majority leader, retired after two terms in office. The open seat was won by Republican nominee Bob Corker, who defeated Democratic nominee Harold Ford Jr. The race between Ford and Corker was one of the most competitive Senate races of 2006, with Corker winning the race by less than three percent of the vote. Corker was the only non-incumbent Republican to win a U.S. Senate seat in 2006. Since 1995, the Republican Party has held both of Tennessee's U.S. Senate seats. This was the most recent Tennessee statewide election decided by a single-digit margin, as the Republican Party has gained intense strength since 2006, as in other predominantly white, rural Southeast regions. Since 2006, only seven of Tennessee's 95 counties (Davidson, Shelby, Haywood, Hardeman, Houston, Jackson, and Lake) have voted for the Democratic candidate in any statewide election, with Jackson and Lake only voting Democratic once. Only three of these (Davidson, Shelby, and Haywood) have voted Democratic in a Senate race since 2006. Republican primary Candidates Ed Bryant, former U.S. representative Bob Corker, businessman, former mayor of Chattanooga and candidate for U.S. Senate in 1994 Van Hilleary, former U.S. representative and nominee for governor of Tennessee in 2002 All three candidates had run prior unsuccessful statewide campaigns: Corker for Senate in 1994, losing the Republican primary to Frist; Bryant for Senate in 2002, losing the Republican primary to Lamar Alexander; and Hilleary for governor in 2002, losing the general election to Democrat Phil Bredesen. Campaign thumb|right|Election winner Bob Corker Only 11 percent of Tennesseans knew who Corker was when he began running for the Senate race.Haslam Has $2 Million In The Bank For Governor Bid March 9, 2009 http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_146420.asp The Chattanoogan March 9, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090313130244/http://chattanoogan.com/articles/article_146420.asp March 13, 2009 dead mdy-all Debates The three Republican candidates met for a debate at the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville on June 29, 2006. All three expressed skepticism regarding global warming and recent publication of scientific consensus on the issue, supported continued American involvement in Iraq, opposed income tax increases, and "showed varying degrees of interest in replacing the federal income tax with a national sales tax," prompting Corker to state in his closing statement "there's not any difference, that I can tell, on the issues."https://knoxnews.newspapers.com/image/776810594/?terms=%20%22not%20any%20difference%2C%20that%20I%20can%20tell%2C%20on%20the%20issues%22&match=1 subscription Republican candidates harmonize at televised debate Knoxville News Sentinel June 30, 2006 May 9, 2023 Newspapers.com Polling Source Date Hilleary Bryant Corker Other UndecidedCity Paper/Supertalk 99.7 WTNCity Paper/Supertalk 99.7 WTN May 9, 2006 34% 23% 19% — 24%SurveyUSASurveyUSA May 16, 2006 40% 28% 23% — 9%SurveyUSASurveyUSA May 23, 2006 28% 23% 38% — 8%University of Tennesseehttps://archive.today/20070812032601/http://www.knoxnews.com/kns/election/article/0,1406,KNS_630_4856677,00.html University of Tennessee July 20, 2006 15% 26% 37% 4% 17%Mason-Dixon/Chattanooga Times Free PressMason-Dixon/Chattanooga Times Free Press April 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes July 23, 2006 22% 23% 39% — 16%SurveyUSASurveyUSA July 24, 2006 15% 29% 49% 3% 4%SurveyUSASurveyUSA August 2, 2006 20% 31% 45% 1% 3% Results thumb|300px|Republican primary results by county Corker #ffc8cd 30–40% #ffb2b2 40–50% #e27f7f 50–60% #d75d5d 60–70% #d72f30 70–80% Bryant #ff8e65 40–50% #ff7644 50–60% #dc6134 60–70% #b94c24 70–80% Hilleary #ffe680 40–50% #f9d440 50–60% |center Republican primary results Bob Corker Republican Party (United States) 231,541 48.13% Ed Bryant Republican Party (United States) 161,189 33.50% Van Hilleary Republican Party (United States) 83,078 17.27% Tate Harrison Republican Party (United States) 5,309 1.10% 481,117 100.00% Democratic primary Candidates Gary Gene Davis, perennial candidateCass Michael July 8, 2014 Gary Gene Davis: Perennial candidate tired of Washington's ways https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2014/07/08/gary-gene-davis-democratic-us-senate-candidate/12362671/ November 1, 2025 Harold Ford Jr., U.S. representative John Jay Hooker, attorney, entrepreneur, and perennial candidateRoberts Sam January 27, 2016 John Jay Hooker Jr., Political Gadfly and Perennial Litigant, Dies at 85 https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/27/us/politics/john-jay-hooker-jr-political-gadfly-and-perennial-litigant-dies-at-85.html November 1, 2025 Withdrew Rosalind Kurita, state senator from Clarksville Campaign Harold Ford was a congressman from the 9th Congressional District, based in Memphis, and a member of a political family, with many relatives also serving or formerly in political office. He was known nationally for his keynote address at the 2000 Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles, and for a challenge to Nancy Pelosi for leadership of the House Democrats in 2002.Pelosi beats Ford in House minority leader race https://www.nashvillepost.com/home/pelosi-beats-ford-in-house-minority-leader-race/article_46fbe72e-2dcc-5fb5-9f94-946bbcfdadf7.html 25 June 2021 Nashville Post 14 November 2002Miller Sean J. Cusack Bob Ford's willingness to defy Democratic establishment may be an asset in 2010 https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/76569-ford-has-shown-willingness-to-defy-dem-establishment 25 June 2021 The Hill 18 January 2010 He had also served as a national campaign co-chair for the John Kerry presidential campaign in 2004.Marissa Montenegro Alumnus to seek Senate seat in Tennessee https://www.thedp.com/article/2005/09/alumnus_to_seek_senate_seat_in_tennessee 25 June 2021 The Daily Pennsylvanian 1 September 2005 Ford filed paperwork to run for the U.S. Senate in May 2005.National Briefing - Tennessee Congressman To Run For Senate https://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/26/us/national-briefing-south-tennessee-congressman-to-run-for-senate.html 25 June 2021 Associated Press 26 May 2005 Democratic State Senator Rosalind Kurita, from the 22nd District, centered on Clarksville, Tennessee had entered the race prior to Ford,Neal R Six questions for Tennessee State Senator Rosalind Kurita https://www.facingsouth.org/2005/08/six-questions-for-tennessee-state.html Facing South August 31, 2005 25 June 2021 and initially appeared to be competitive, releasing internal polls showing her as strong as Ford in the general election.Kurita Poll Suggests She's as Strong as Ford https://www.rollcall.com/2005/03/02/kurita-poll-suggests-shes-as-strong-as-ford/ Roll Call March 2, 2005 25 June 2021 She dropped out of the race in early April 2006, as a result of financial and organizational challenges.Baker Jackson KURITA WITHDRAWS FROM SENATE RACE. https://www.memphisflyer.com/kurita-withdraws-from-senate-race-2006-04-12-1125525 25 June 2021 Memphis Flyer 12 April 2006Kurita drops out of Senate race https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/4762403/kurita-drops-out-of-senate-race/ 25 June 2021 Associated Press 12 April 2006 Ford enjoyed substantial support from Democratic leaders in Washington and Nashville and held a substantial lead in fundraising. Results Democratic primary results Harold Ford Jr. Democratic Party (United States) 333,789 79.10% Gary Gene Davis Democratic Party (United States) 41,802 9.91% John Jay Hooker Democratic Party (United States) 27,175 6.44% Charles Smith Democratic Party (United States) 14,724 3.49% Alvin Strauss Democratic Party (United States) 4,410 1.05% 421,900 100.00% General election Candidates Major Ed Choate (I)http://www.edchoateforsenate.com/ Ed Choate for Senate - Home https://web.archive.org/web/20061031041522/http://www.edchoateforsenate.com/ October 31, 2006 Bob Corker (R), former mayor of Chattanooga Harold Ford Jr. (D), U.S. representative from Memphis Gary Keplinger (I)http://state.tn.us/sos/election/cand/USSenateCandidates.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20060412180741/http://www.state.tn.us/sos/election/cand/USSenateCandidates.pdf April 12, 2006 Unofficial U.S. Senate Candidates Bo Heyward (I) Chris Lugo (G), peace activist David "None of the Above" Gatchell (I)http://www.noneoftheabove-tn.org None Of The Above - Tennessee Noneoftheabove-tn.org January 11, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20180831031345/https://noneoftheabove-tn.org/ August 31, 2018 dead mdy-all Index of / http://www.boforsenate.com/ dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060706055916/http://www.boforsenate.com/ July 6, 2006 July 17, 2006 mdy-all Campaign right|thumb| Harold Ford Jr. on the campaign trail Not long after Corker's primary victory was assured, Ford, at a rally of his supporters attended by Bill Clinton, challenged Corker to seven televised debates across the state. In response, Corker said he would debate Ford, but did not agree to Ford's request of seven debates.http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/politics/article/0,1426,MCA_1496_4892535,00.html https://web.archive.org/web/20060818040809/http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/politics/article/0,1426,MCA_1496_4892535,00.html August 18, 2006 Corker wins; Ford challenges him to debates August 3, 2006 Both of Corker's primary opponents endorsed Corker immediately after they conceded the race. On August 8, 2006, the Tennessee Democratic Party filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission against Corker for allegedly violating campaign financial disclosure rules.http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/politics/article/0,1426,MCA_1496_4900891,00.html Commercial Appeal : Memphis News, Business, Homes, Jobs, Cars, & Information August 17, 2006 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20070927195425/http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/politics/article/0,1426,MCA_1496_4900891,00.html September 27, 2007 On August 25, the Chattanooga Times Free Press reported that Corker had received a subpoena regarding an environmental lawsuit filed three years previously. The lawsuit centered on the actions Corker took as mayor to allegedly demolish a conservation site to build a road that leads to a Wal-Mart SuperCenter. Corker was scheduled to testify on October 18,http://www.tfponline.com/QuickHeadlines.asp?sec=l&URL=http%3A%2F%2Fepaper%2Ewehco%2Ecom%2FWebChannel%2FShowStory%2Easp%3FPath%3DChatTFPress%2F2006%2F08%2F25%26ID%3DAr00900 https://web.archive.org/web/20060831042857/http://www.tfponline.com/QuickHeadlines.asp?sec=l&URL=http%3A%2F%2Fepaper.wehco.com%2FWebChannel%2FShowStory.asp%3FPath%3DChatTFPress%2F2006%2F08%2F25%26ID%3DAr00900 August 31, 2006 Corker receives subpoena in environmental lawsuit but the case was settled on October 13.http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/politics/article/0,1426,MCA_1496_5093961,00.html Commercial Appeal : Memphis News, Business, Homes, Jobs, Cars, & Information October 26, 2006 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20070930201125/http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/politics/article/0,1426,MCA_1496_5093961,00.html September 30, 2007 Ford, a member of the Blue Dog Coalition in Congress, sought to run as a centrist, recognizing that Tennessee was a conservative state. While he was a member of a political dynasty in Memphis, this also served as a liability, as his state senator uncle was indicted on federal corruption charges the day after he announced his Senate candidacy.Montenegro Marissa Alumnus to seek Senate seat in Tennessee https://www.thedp.com/article/2005/09/alumnus_to_seek_senate_seat_in_tennessee 25 June 2021 The Daily Pennsylvanian 1 September 2005 On October 1, Corker replaced his campaign manager.http://www.nashvillecitypaper.com/index.cfm?section_id=9&screen=news&news_id=52462 The City Paper - Smart, Fast, Free October 3, 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20061004211734/http://www.nashvillecitypaper.com/index.cfm?section_id=9&screen=news&news_id=52462 October 4, 2006 dead mdy-all As the campaign entered October, Ford was leading in some polls.Tennessee Senate Race https://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2006/senate/tn/tennessee_senate_race-20.html#polls RealClearPolitics RealClear 5 July 2021 Despite running a strong campaign, he was hampered by his family's legal issues and the fact that his base was in West Tennessee, as opposed to Corker's base in East Tennessee.Tennessee Senate Race https://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2006/senate/tn/tennessee_senate_race-20.html RealClearPolitics RealClear 5 July 2021 Before a Corker press conference in Memphis on October 20, Ford confronted him in a parking lot about Iraq in front of local news cameras, pointing out that some of Corker's fellow Republicans were changing their minds on the war and wanted to debate him about the issue. In response, Corker said, "I came to talk about ethics, and I have a press conference. And I think it's a true sign of desperation that you would pull your bus up when I'm having a press conference." Ford replied that he could never find Corker. Corker then walked away to his press conference.http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/politics/article/0,1426,MCA_1496_5081744,00.html Ford Jr. confronts Corker on Memphis parking lot about Iraq https://web.archive.org/web/20061026232053/http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/politics/article/0,1426,MCA_1496_5081744,00.html October 26, 2006 On November 2, Nielsen Monitor Plus indicated that the Corker campaign had purchased more television advertising than any other Senate candidate in the country through October 15.http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/politics/article/0,1426,MCA_1496_5115877,00.html Commercial Appeal : Memphis News, Business, Homes, Jobs, Cars, & Information November 3, 2006 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20070930154814/http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/politics/article/0,1426,MCA_1496_5115877,00.html September 30, 2007 Debates Three debates were held between Corker and Ford. They participated in a televised debate in Memphis on October 7, in Chattanooga on October 10, and in Nashville on October 28.http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/politics/article/0,1426,MCA_1496_4973610,00.html Memphis Commercial Appeal - Memphis' Source for News and Information: Politics September 7, 2006 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20070709064228/http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/politics/article/0,1426,MCA_1496_4973610,00.html July 9, 2007 In the October 7, 2006 debate in Memphis, the candidates covered a wide range of issues, including immigration, Iraq, health care costs, abortion, and Social Security.http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/politics/article/0,1426,MCA_1496_5051668,00.html Commercial Appeal : Memphis News, Business, Homes, Jobs, Cars, & Information October 8, 2006 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20070930155602/http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/politics/article/0,1426,MCA_1496_5051668,00.html September 30, 2007 Commenting on Ford's political family, Corker said, "I think it's evident there's been a Ford in this [9th District congressional district] seat for 32 years, and if you look at the number of Fords that are on the ballot—especially I think the most recent one, I know it concerns a lot of people right here in Memphis." Ford responded, "I don't know why Mr. Corker keeps bringing up my family. . . . It's you and I running for the Senate. It's our ideas, our plans to make the future better for everybody. Let's stick to you and I. And if you come up with a recipe to pick family, say it. Otherwise be quiet and let's run for the Senate." Complete video of debate, October 7, 2006 The October 10 Chattanooga debate covered many of the same issues, with Corker again attempting to make Ford's family an issue and Ford claiming that Corker would be merely a "rubber stamp" for the Bush administration and Republican Party in the Senate.http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/politics/article/0,1426,MCA_1496_5057333,00.html Commercial Appeal : Memphis News, Business, Homes, Jobs, Cars, & Information October 11, 2006 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20070930154524/http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/politics/article/0,1426,MCA_1496_5057333,00.html September 30, 2007 Complete video of debate, October 10, 2006 The final debate took place on October 28, in Nashville and mostly covered the economy. Complete video of debate, October 28, 2006 "Who Hasn't?" advertisement right|thumb|"Harold, call me," says a blonde woman in RNC's controversial attack ad against Ford. A negative ad titled "Who Hasn't?" sponsored by the Republican National Committee ("RNC") that aired during the third and fourth weeks of October gained national attention and was condemned by both Ford and Corker. The ad ridiculed Ford through interviews of fictional citizens giving deadpan endorsements that satirized Ford's policies and reputation, such as "terrorists need their privacy" and "taxes after I'm dead". The last of these is a scantily clad white woman (Johanna Goldsmith) acting as a Playboy bunny who "met Harold at the Playboy party", who invites Ford to "call me".http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nation/4282493.html https://web.archive.org/web/20061103213257/http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nation/4282493.html November 3, 2006 Republican TV ad being denounced as racially divisivehttp://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/politics/article/0,1426,MCA_1496_5088986,00.html https://web.archive.org/web/20061025220118/http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/politics/article/0,1426,MCA_1496_5088986,00.html October 25, 2006 Ford's move on Corker gets national attention Responding to questions about the ad, a Ford spokesperson said that Ford went to a 2005 Playboy-sponsored Super Bowl party that was attended by more than 3,000 people,http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2006/10/26/MNGO5M02E11.DTL https://web.archive.org/web/20110524215610/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2006/10/26/MNGO5M02E11.DTL dead May 24, 2011 GOP pulls ad versus black candidate Robin Toner October 26, 2006 The San Francisco Chronicle and Ford himself said that he likes "football and girls" and makes no apology for either.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDPVBonzX9E https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/fDPVBonzX9E 2021-12-21 live Harold Ford Jr. on His Playboy Party October 24, 2006 YouTube January 11, 2012 The NAACP described the ad as "a powerful innuendo that plays to pre-existing prejudices about African-American men and white women", and former Republican Senator William Cohen called it "a very serious appeal to a racist sentiment."http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nation/4282493.html Republican TV ad being denounced as racially divisive October 24, 2006 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061103213257/http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nation/4282493.html November 3, 2006 Corker condemned the RNC ad, calling it "tacky" and stating that his campaign has asked to have it pulled. The RNC, however, continued to endorse the ad, said it had no plans to stop airing it, and dismissed charges of racism, saying it "wouldn't even entertain the premise" that the ad was racist. In an October 24 interview with Tim Russert, RNC chairman Ken Mehlman said that he thought the ad was "fair" and that he did not have the authority to pull it.https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna15404235 Mehlman: Controversial Ford attack ad is 'fair' NBC News October 24, 2006 January 11, 2012 The ad was also denounced by Canada's ambassador to the United States, Michael Wilson, and in the Parliament of Canada by MP Omar Alghabra. The ad became an issue in Canada because of an actor's statement in the advertisement, "Canada can take care of North Korea. They're not busy." Alghabra, in the House of Commons, responded, "Is this what Canadians should be expecting as the outcome of cozying up to Mr. Bush by the prime minister and his Conservatives?"https://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/27/us/politics/27canada.html The New York Times Republican Attack Ad Offends Canada Ian Austen October 27, 2006 May 27, 2010 On October 25, Mehlman announced that the ad was "down now" during an interview with Wolf Blitzer on CNN.https://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0610/25/sitroom.01.html CNN May 27, 2010 CNN.com In its place, Tennessee television stations ran a different RNC ad.O'Donnell Norah http://www.nbcnews.com/id/15418962 https://web.archive.org/web/20150307051019/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/15418962/ dead March 7, 2015 GOP retires 'Playboy' ad in Tennessee NBC News October 25, 2006 January 11, 2012 Endorsements Ford received endorsements from, among others, The Tennessean (Nashville's predominant daily newspaper),http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006610150344January 2012 yes The Commercial Appeal (Memphis's predominant daily newspaper),http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/editorials/article/0,2845,MCA_25348_5081371,00.html Commercial Appeal : Memphis News, Business, Homes, Jobs, Cars, & Information October 23, 2006 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20070930155641/http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/editorials/article/0,2845,MCA_25348_5081371,00.html September 30, 2007 the Jackson Sun (Jackson's predominant daily newspaper),http://www.jacksonsun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061022/NEWS01/610220311&SearchID=73260756083392July 2018 InternetArchiveBot yes the Bristol Herald Courier,http://www.tricities.com/tristate/tri/search.apx.-content-articles-TRI-2006-10-26-0001.html Archived copy www.tricities.com 15 January 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20070930184907/http://www.tricities.com/tristate/tri/search.apx.-content-articles-TRI-2006-10-26-0001.html 30 September 2007 dead Metro Pulse (Knoxville),http://www.metropulse.com/articles/2006/16_41/frank_talk.shtml https://web.archive.org/web/20061017125409/http://www.metropulse.com/articles/2006/16_41/frank_talk.shtml October 17, 2006 Ford Is Your Answer Cagle Frank the Professional Firefighters Association of Tennessee, and the Tennessee State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police.http://www.haroldfordjr.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=404 Archived copy October 17, 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20061019120854/http://www.haroldfordjr.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=404 October 19, 2006 dead mdy-all Corker was endorsed by, among others, the NRA Political Victory Fund,NRA-PVF Endorses Bob Corker for U.S. Senate https://www.nrapvf.org/articles/20060912/nra-pvf-endorses-bob-corker-for-us-senate nrapvf.org NRA-PVF https://web.archive.org/web/20140819221534/https://www.nrapvf.org/articles/20060912/nra-pvf-endorses-bob-corker-for-us-senate August 19, 2014 en-US September 12, 2006 deadNRA-PVF Endorses Bob Corker for U.S. Senate https://www.nrapvf.org/articles/20120928/nra-pvf-endorses-bob-corker-for-us-senate-in-tennessee nrapvf.org NRA-PVF https://web.archive.org/web/20140812195519/https://www.nrapvf.org/articles/20120928/nra-pvf-endorses-bob-corker-for-us-senate-in-tennessee August 12, 2014 en-US September 28, 2012 deadhttp://www.bobcorkerforsenate.com/news/LatestNews.tb1.aspx?Article=94 https://web.archive.org/web/20061018203545/http://www.bobcorkerforsenate.com/news/LatestNews.tb1.aspx?Article=94 October 18, 2006 NRA endorses Corker; Ford chair displeased the Knoxville News-Sentinel, the United States Chamber of Commerce, Clarksville Leaf Chronicle, Lebanon Democrat, Kingsport Times News, Nashville City Paper, the National Federation of Independent Businesses,http://www.bobcorkerforsenate.com/news/LatestNews.tb1.aspx?Article=188 https://web.archive.org/web/20061109024627/http://www.bobcorkerforsenate.com/news/LatestNews.tb1.aspx?Article=188 November 9, 2006 With Polls Showing Strong Corker Momentum, Corker Also Leads in Media and Organizational Endorsements and the National Right to Life Committee,http://www.bobcorkerforsenate.com/news/LatestNews.tb1.aspx?Article=83 https://web.archive.org/web/20061018203814/http://www.bobcorkerforsenate.com/news/LatestNews.tb1.aspx?Article=83 October 18, 2006 National Right to Life group wants Corker in Senate though the Tennessee Right to Life Committee refused to endorse Corker, claiming he is a "pro-abortion" politician.http://nashvillecitypaper.com/index.cfm?section_id=9&screen=news&news_id=52196 The City Paper - Smart, Fast, Free October 17, 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20070305102753/http://www.nashvillecitypaper.com/index.cfm?section_id=9 March 5, 2007 dead mdy-all Both Corker and Ford were endorsed by the Chattanooga Times Free Press (Chattanooga's predominant daily newspaper, which still maintains two separate editorial pages left over from when its two daily newspapers merged): Ford by The Times editors,http://www.tfponline.com/absolutenm/templates/content_no_ads.aspx?articleid=5985&zoneid=39 https://archive.today/20070625064613/http://www.tfponline.com/absolutenm/templates/content_no_ads.aspx?articleid=5985&zoneid=39 dead 2007-06-25 Chattanooga Times Free Press For the Senate: Harold Ford and Corker by Free Press editors.http://www.tfponline.com/absolutenm/templates/content_no_ads.aspx?articleid=4831&zoneid=39 https://archive.today/20070625064613/http://www.tfponline.com/absolutenm/templates/content_no_ads.aspx?articleid=4831&zoneid=39 dead 2007-06-25 Chattanooga Times Free Press Elect Bob Corker U.S. senator Harold Ford Jr. (D) Individuals Wesley Clark, general, 2004 Democratic presidential candidatehttp://securingamerica.com/node/1782 Harold Ford (Senate- TN) | WesPAC November 4, 2006 April 8, 2023 November 4, 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20061104124014/http://securingamerica.com/node/1782 bot: unknown Fundraising Through October 18, 2006, Corker had raised more money than Ford and had also spent more, according to the candidates' most recent filings with the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Corker tapped into his personal fortune to help fund his campaign, loaning his campaign a total of $4.1 million.https://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/politics/article/0,1426,MCA_1496_5111656,00.html Commercial Appeal : Memphis News, Business, Homes, Jobs, Cars, & Information November 2, 2006 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20070930155641/http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/editorials/article/0,2845,MCA_25348_5081371,00.html September 30, 2007 Corker loaned $2 million of this amount on Wednesday, November 1, less than a week before the election, triggering the "millionaire's amendment" of the 2002 Campaign Reform Act and allowing Ford to seek $12,600 from individual donors instead of $2,100, the normal limit, for the final days of the campaign. President Bush attended two fundraiser dinners on behalf of the Corker campaign in Nashville and Memphis, which raised $2.6 million by charging over $2,000 a plate. Former President Bill Clinton attended a rally for the Ford campaign in Nashville that raised about $1 million.http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/local/article/0,2845,MCA_25340_5026263,00.html https://web.archive.org/web/20061005000128/http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/local/article/0,2845,MCA_25340_5026263,00.html October 5, 2006 President helps GOP pal in Ford's backyard Abdullah Halimah None of the third-party candidates filed reports with the FEC. Candidate Funds raised Cash on hand Bob Corker (R)http://herndon1.sdrdc.com/cgi-bin/cancomsrs/?_06+S6TN00216 FEC Candidate 2005/2006 Summary Reports: Corker, Robert P Jr Herndon1.sdrdc.com January 11, 2012 $13,145,585 $973,171 Harold Ford (D)http://herndon1.sdrdc.com/cgi-bin/cancomsrs/?_06+S6TN00240 FEC Candidate 2005/2006 Summary Reports: Ford, Harold Jr Herndon1.sdrdc.com January 11, 2012 $9,889,498 $356,175 Predictions Source Ranking As of The Cook Political Report2006 Senate Race Ratings for November 6, 2006 https://cookpolitical.com/races/report_pdfs/2006_sen_ratings_nov6.pdf The Cook Political Report https://web.archive.org/web/20080605093937/https://cookpolitical.com/races/report_pdfs/2006_sen_ratings_nov6.pdf September 30, 2021 June 5, 2008 Tossup November 6, 2006 Sabato's Crystal BallElection Eve 2006: THE FINAL PREDICTIONS https://centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/articles/ljs2006110601/ Sabato's Crystal Ball June 25, 2021 Lean R November 6, 2006 Rothenberg Political Report2006 Senate Ratings https://www.insideelections.com/ratings/senate/2006-senate-ratings6 Senate Ratings The Rothenberg Political Report June 25, 2021 Tossup November 6, 2006 Real Clear PoliticsElection 2006 https://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/writeup/election_2006-21.html Real Clear Politics June 25, 2021 Tossup November 6, 2006 Polling In the general election, polls showed Corker with a statistically insignificant lead in the week before the election. Source Date HaroldFord Jr. (D) BobCorker (R) Global Strategy Group March 2005 39% 34% Global Strategy Group October 31, 2005 39% 36%RasmussenRasmussen December 20, 2005 42% 36%RasmussenRasmussen January 30, 2006 40% 42%RasmussenRasmussen March 6, 2006 35% 39%RasmussenRasmussen May 7, 2006 39% 43%ZogbyZogby June 13, 2006 42% 46%Zogby/WSJZogby/WSJ June 21, 2006 41% 42%University of Tennessee July 20, 2006 35% 42%Zogby/WSJ July 24, 2006 44% 43%Mason-DixonMason-Dixon July 24, 2006 36% 49%RasmussenRasmussen July 26, 2006 37% 49%RasmussenRasmussen August 10, 2006 42% 48%Benenson Strategy Group (D)Benenson Strategy Group (D) August 21, 2006 44% 42%Zogby/WSJZogby/WSJ August 28, 2006 44% 48%RasmussenRasmussen September 5, 2006 44% 45%Zogby/WSJ September 11, 2006 43% 45%SurveyUSASurveyUSA September 11, 2006 48% 45%Benenson Strategy Group (D)Benenson Strategy Group (D) September 23, 2006 45% 39%Zogby/WSJ September 25, 2006 42% 48%Mason-DixonMason-Dixon September 27, 2006 43% 42%Middle Tennessee State UniversityMiddle Tennessee State University September 30, 2006 42% 43%RasmussenRasmussen October 1, 2006 48% 43%Reuters/ZogbyReuters/Zogby October 5, 2006 40% 40%USA Today/Gallup (RV)USA Today/Gallup (RV) October 5, 2006 46% 36%USA Today/Gallup (LV)USA Today/Gallup (LV) October 5, 2006 50% 45%SurveyUSASurveyUSA October 10, 2006 46% 48%Hamilton Beattie (D)Hamilton Beattie (D) October 10, 2006 51% 44%RasmussenRasmussen October 13, 2006 48% 46%Zogby/The Wall Street JournalZogby/Wall Street Journal October 19, 2006 42% 49%Los Angeles Times/BloombergLos Angeles Times/Bloomberg October 24, 2006 44% 49%Mason-Dixon/MSNBC-McClatchyMason-Dixon/MSNBC-McClatchy October 24, 2006 43% 45%RasmussenRasmussen October 24, 2006 46% 47%SurveyUSASurveyUSA October 25, 2006 48% 48%Hamilton Beattie (D)https://archive.today/20130414205318/http://www.dscc.org/news/roundup/20061026_yanked/ Hamilton Beattie (D) October 26, 2006 47% 45%Benenson Strategy Group (D)Benenson Strategy Group (D) October 30, 2006 48% 43%CNNCNN October 31, 2006 44% 52%CNN October 31, 2006 45% 47%Zogby/The Wall Street JournalZogby/Wall Street Journal October 31, 2006 48% 49%Mason-DixonMason-Dixon November 1, 2006 38% 50%RasmussenRasmussen November 1, 2006 47% 49%RasmussenRasmussen November 2, 2006 45% 53%Reuters/ZogbyReuters/Zogby November 2, 2006 43% 53%Hamilton Beattie (D)Hamilton Beattie (D) November 3, 2006 46% 40%Rasmussen November 4, 2006 45% 53%USA Today/GallupUSA Today/Gallup November 4, 2006 46% 49%Survey USASurvey USA November 5, 2006 46% 51%RasmussenRasmussen November 5, 2006 47% 51%OnPoint Polling and ResearchOnPoint Polling and Research November 6, 2006 47% 48% Results United States Senate election in Tennessee, 2006http://www.state.tn.us/sos/election/results/2006-11/en4uss.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20120418150855/http://www.state.tn.us/sos/election/results/2006-11/en4uss.pdf 2012-04-18 General Election - United States Senate November 7, 2006 Tennessee State Government Republican Party (United States) Bob Corker 929,911 50.71% -14.39 Democratic Party (United States) Harold Ford, Jr. 879,976 47.99% +15.78 Independent politician Ed Choate 10,831 0.59% N/A Independent politician David Gatchell 3,746 0.20% N/A Independent politician Emory "Bo" Heyward 3,580 0.20% N/A Independent politician H. Gary Keplinger 3,033 0.17% N/A Green Party (United States) Chris Lugo 2,589 0.14% N/A Write-in 29 0.00% N/A 49,935 2.72% 1,833,695 49.97% Republican Party (United States) Democratic Party (United States) -14.39 By county CountyNovember 7, 2006 United States Senate https://sharetngov.tnsosfiles.com/sos/election/results/2006-11/en4uss.pdf Tennessee Secretary of State Bob CorkerRepublican Harold Ford Jr.Democratic OthersIndependent Margin Totalvotes % # % # % # Anderson 52.58% 12,349 46.03% 10,809 1.39% 326 1,540 23,484 Bedford 52.14% 5,602 45.90% 4,931 1.96% 211 671 10,744 Benton 39.44% 2,176 58.58% 3,232 1.98% 109 -1,056 5,517 Bledsoe 55.91% 2,210 42.80% 1,692 1.29% 51 518 3,953 Blount 61.28% 22,046 37.17% 13,372 1.55% 558 8,674 35,976 Bradley 68.31% 18,161 30.30% 8,057 1.39% 369 10,104 26,587 Campbell 50.07% 5,051 48.54% 4,896 1.39% 140 155 10,087 Cannon 44.89% 1,925 53.22% 2,282 1.89% 81 -357 4,288 Carroll 51.84% 4,742 46.53% 4,256 1.63% 149 486 9,147 Carter 64.02% 10,577 34.28% 5,664 1.70% 280 4,913 16,521 Cheatham 53.19% 6,134 44.62% 5,146 2.19% 253 988 11,533 Chester 61.05% 2,696 37.27% 1,646 1.68% 74 1,050 4,416 Claiborne 53.63% 4,112 44.68% 3,426 1.68% 129 686 7,667 Clay 40.81% 1,015 57.30% 1,425 1.89% 47 -410 2,487 Cocke 61.33% 5,952 36.71% 3,563 1.96% 190 2,389 9,705 Coffee 52.11% 8,069 46.16% 7,147 1.73% 267 922 15,483 Crockett 49.04% 2,212 49.79% 2,246 1.17% 53 -34 4,511 Cumberland 59.86% 11,515 38.84% 7,471 1.30% 250 4,044 19,236 Davidson 38.07% 67,136 60.59% 106,847 1.34% 2,374 -39,711 176,357 Decatur 49.43% 1,941 48.43% 1,902 2.14% 84 39 3,927 DeKalb 44.15% 2,450 54.05% 2,999 1.80% 100 -549 5,549 Dickson 48.25% 7,014 49.75% 7,232 2.00% 290 -218 14,536 Dyer 54.92% 6,115 43.54% 4,848 1.54% 171 1,267 11,134 Fayette 57.60% 7,296 41.65% 5,275 0.75% 95 2,021 12,666 Fentress 55.60% 2,918 42.62% 2,237 1.77% 93 681 5,248 Franklin 47.80% 6,142 50.40% 6,477 1.80% 231 -335 12,850 Gibson 50.98% 8,003 47.59% 7,471 1.43% 225 532 15,699 Giles 47.13% 4,017 50.87% 4,336 2.00% 171 -319 8,524 Grainger 58.07% 3,198 40.15% 2,211 1.78% 98 987 5,507 Greene 63.81% 11,852 34.56% 6,419 1.64% 304 5,433 18,575 Grundy 37.68% 1,466 60.83% 2,367 1.49% 58 -901 3,891 Hamblen 60.58% 10,186 37.86% 6,366 1.55% 261 3,820 16,813 Hamilton 52.97% 57,411 46.04% 49,904 0.99% 1,075 7,507 108,390 Hancock 59.63% 1,130 38.47% 729 1.90% 36 401 1,895 Hardeman 42.45% 3,367 56.54% 4,484 1.01% 80 -1,117 7,931 Hardin 57.76% 4,278 40.90% 3,029 1.34% 99 1,249 7,406 Hawkins 58.29% 8,636 40.11% 5,943 1.59% 236 2,693 14,815 Haywood 35.90% 2,130 63.42% 3,763 0.67% 40 -1,633 5,933 Henderson 62.18% 5,360 36.26% 3,126 1.55% 134 2,234 8,620 Henry 47.77% 4,689 50.40% 4,947 1.83% 180 -258 9,816 Hickman 42.39% 2,852 55.63% 3,743 1.98% 133 -891 6,728 Houston 34.33% 931 63.94% 1,734 1.73% 47 -803 2,712 Humphreys 35.66% 2,236 62.43% 3,915 1.91% 120 -1,679 6,271 Jackson 34.13% 1,350 63.98% 2,531 1.90% 75 -1,181 3,956 Jefferson 61.61% 8,219 36.77% 4,906 1.62% 216 3,313 13,341 Johnson 64.83% 3,148 33.48% 1,626 1.69% 82 1,522 4,856 Knox 55.76% 69,129 42.99% 53,293 1.25% 1,545 15,836 123,967 Lake 36.42% 571 62.56% 981 1.02% 16 -410 1,568 Lauderdale 42.26% 2,953 56.59% 3,954 1.14% 80 -1,001 6,987 Lawrence 53.74% 6,715 44.41% 5,550 1.85% 231 1,165 12,496 Lewis 47.85% 1,893 49.77% 1,969 2.38% 94 -76 3,956 Lincoln 55.91% 4,535 42.78% 3,470 1.31% 106 1,065 8,111 Loudon 65.85% 10,812 32.70% 5,369 1.44% 237 5,443 16,418 Macon 54.83% 3,033 43.56% 2,410 1.61% 89 623 5,532 Madison 50.91% 15,367 48.20% 14,549 0.88% 267 818 30,183 Marion 44.47% 3,944 53.84% 4,775 1.69% 150 -831 8,869 Marshall 46.49% 3,391 51.58% 3,762 1.93% 141 -371 7,294 Maury 51.06% 11,994 47.37% 11,128 1.57% 368 866 23,490 McMinn 61.92% 8,762 36.85% 5,214 1.24% 175 3,548 14,151 McNairy 55.01% 4,292 43.06% 3,360 1.94% 151 932 7,803 Meigs 54.59% 1,808 44.23% 1,465 1.18% 39 343 3,312 Monroe 60.01% 7,535 38.67% 4,856 1.32% 166 2,679 12,557 Montgomery 47.71% 17,045 50.38% 17,999 1.91% 683 -954 35,727 Moore 53.84% 1,165 44.64% 966 1.52% 33 199 2,164 Morgan 51.45% 2,627 47.26% 2,413 1.29% 66 214 5,106 Obion 50.40% 4,936 48.34% 4,734 1.26% 123 202 9,793 Overton 39.41% 2,602 58.99% 3,895 1.61% 106 -1,293 6,603 Perry 41.23% 964 56.72% 1,326 2.05% 48 -362 2,338 Pickett 52.52% 1,124 45.65% 977 1.82% 39 147 2,140 Polk 51.66% 2,655 46.94% 2,412 1.40% 72 243 5,139 Putnam 50.11% 10,127 47.85% 9,670 2.04% 413 457 20,210 Rhea 60.31% 5,146 38.42% 3,278 1.27% 108 1,868 8,532 Roane 54.86% 9,645 43.62% 7,669 1.52% 268 1,976 17,582 Robertson 52.93% 10,008 45.41% 8,587 1.66% 313 1,421 18,908 Rutherford 54.88% 33,809 43.55% 26,829 1.58% 973 6,980 61,611 Scott 52.14% 2,798 46.66% 2,504 1.19% 64 294 5,366 Sequatchie 52.15% 2,227 46.51% 1,986 1.34% 57 241 4,270 Sevier 66.66% 15,361 31.79% 7,326 1.54% 355 8,035 23,042 Shelby 36.33% 103,377 63.15% 179,677 0.51% 1,465 -76,300 284,519 Smith 41.26% 2,610 57.26% 3,622 1.49% 94 -1,012 6,326 Stewart 38.34% 1,675 59.69% 2,608 1.97% 86 -933 4,369 Sullivan 61.49% 27,872 37.10% 16,814 1.40% 632 11,058 45,318 Sumner 57.93% 26,996 40.72% 18,976 1.36% 632 8,020 46,604 Tipton 58.22% 9,717 40.60% 6,775 1.18% 197 2,942 16,689 Trousdale 34.20% 891 64.26% 1,674 1.54% 40 -783 2,605 Unicoi 62.36% 3,491 35.99% 2,015 1.64% 92 1,476 5,598 Union 53.67% 2,418 44.95% 2,025 1.38% 62 393 4,505 Van Buren 39.92% 766 58.16% 1,116 1.93% 37 -350 1,919 Warren 43.18% 4,940 54.67% 6,255 2.15% 246 -1,315 11,441 Washington 61.26% 21,147 37.35% 12,894 1.39% 479 8,253 34,520 Wayne 60.23% 2,496 38.20% 1,583 1.57% 65 913 4,144 Weakley 53.51% 5,412 44.91% 4,542 1.58% 160 870 10,114 White 46.89% 3,601 50.70% 3,894 2.41% 185 -293 7,680 Williamson 66.86% 40,852 32.21% 19,682 0.93% 570 21,170 61,104 Wilson 57.83% 20,662 40.64% 14,520 1.53% 545 6,142 35,727 Total 50.71% 929,911 47.99% 879,976 1.30% 23,808 49,935 1,833,695 Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic Cannon (largest city: Woodbury) Crockett (largest city: Bells) DeKalb (largest city: Smithville) Dickson (largest city: Dickson) Franklin (largest city: Winchester) Giles (largest city: Pulaski) Henry (largest city: Paris) Hickman (largest city: Centerville) Lewis (largest city: Hohenwald) Marion (largest city: Jasper) Marshall (largest city: Lewisburg) Warren (largest city: McMinnville) White (largest city: Sparta) Benton (largest municipality: Camden) Clay (largest municipality: Celina) Lake (largest municipality: Tiptonville) Lauderdale (largest municipality: Ripley) Overton (largest municipality: Livingston) Perry (largest municipality: Linden) Stewart (largest municipality: Dover) Trousdale (largest municipality: Hartsville) Van Buren (largest municipality: Spencer) Hardeman (largest city: Bolivar) Macon (largest city: Lafayette) Montgomery (largest city: Clarksville) Sequatchie (largest city: Dunlap) Haywood (largest city: Brownsville) Shelby (largest city: Memphis) Davidson (largest city: Nashville) See also 2006 United States Senate elections 2006 Tennessee gubernatorial election 2006 Tennessee elections References External links Bob Corker's campaign site Harold Ford, Jr.'s campaign site kkiz1_d1GsA Call Me Ad Democrats' Senate Hopes May Ride on Tennessee, by Robin Toner, The New York Times, May 31, 2006 Dems pin hopes on candidate who's no liberal, by Zachary Coile, San Francisco Chronicle, September 17, 2006 Senate race is looming large, by Rebecca Ferrar, Knoxville News-Sentinel, September 24, 2006 New Hope for Democrats in Bid for Senate, by Robin Toner, The New York Times, September 28, 2006 A photo finish in Corker-Ford race?, by Richard Locker, The Commercial Appeal, October 1, 2006 Bob Corker's questionnaire responses from The Commercial Appeal Harold Ford Jr's questionnaire responses from The Commercial Appeal Tennessee 2006 United States Senate