2006 United States Senate election in Tennessee

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2006 United States Senate election in Tennessee
Flag of Tennessee.svg
←  2000 November 7, 2006 2012  →
Turnout49.97% Decrease2.svg [1] 13.06 pp
  Bobcorker (cropped).jpg Harold Ford, Congressional photo portrait (1).jpg
Nominee Bob Corker Harold Ford Jr.
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote929,911879,976
Percentage50.71%47.99%
2006 United States Senate election in Tennessee results map by county.svg
2006 United States Senate election in Tennessee by Congressional District.svg
2006 TN Senate.svg
Corker:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%
Ford:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%     >90%
Tie:     40–50%     50%
U.S. senator before election

Bill Frist
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Bob Corker
Republican

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.

Contents

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.

Since this election (along with the gubernatorial election held the same day), only seven of the state's 95 counties–Davidson, Shelby, Haywood, Hardeman, Houston, Jackson, and Lake–have gone to the Democratic candidate in a statewide election, with Jackson and Lake only going Democratic once. Only five counties have voted for a Democratic candidate in a Presidential, Senate, or gubernatorial race multiple times since 2006. Only three–Davidson, Shelby, and Haywood–have voted Democratic in a Senate race since 2006.

The election marks the last very competitive statewide election in Tennessee history, as the Republican Party has gained intense strength in both Tennessee and predominantly white, rural Southeast regions that were usually Democratic-leaning outside of presidential elections.

Republican primary

Candidates

Campaign

Election winner Bob Corker. Bob Corker, official Senate photo, 09-21-07.jpg
Election winner Bob Corker.

Only 11 percent of Tennesseans knew who Corker was when he began running for the Senate race. [2] All three have run statewide campaigns in the past, albeit unsuccessful ones: Bryant for the 2002 Republican Senate nomination, losing to Lamar Alexander; Corker for the U.S. Senate in 1994, losing to Frist in the Republican primary; and Hilleary for Tennessee Governor in 2002, losing to Democrat Phil Bredesen.

Debates

The three Republican candidates met for a debate at the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville on June 29, 2006. All three candidates 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 "[t]here's not any difference, that I can tell, on the issues." [3]

Polling

SourceDateHillearyBryantCorkerOtherUndecided
City Paper/Supertalk 99.7 WTN [4] May 9, 200634%23%19%—24%
SurveyUSA [5] May 16, 200640%28%23%—9%
SurveyUSA [6] May 23, 200628%23%38%—8%
University of Tennessee [7] July 20, 200615%26%37%4%17%
Mason-Dixon/Chattanooga Times Free Press [8] July 23, 200622%23%39%—16%
SurveyUSA [9] July 24, 200615%29%49%3%4%
SurveyUSA [10] August 2, 200620%31%45%1%3%

Results

Republican primary results by county Corker .mw-parser-output .legend{page-break-inside:avoid;break-inside:avoid-column}.mw-parser-output .legend-color{display:inline-block;min-width:1.25em;height:1.25em;line-height:1.25;margin:1px 0;text-align:center;border:1px solid black;background-color:transparent;color:black}.mw-parser-output .legend-text{} 30-40% 40-50% 50-60% 60-70% 70-80% Bryant 40-50% 50-60% Hilleary 40-50% 50-60% 60-70% 70-80% 2006 United States Senate Republican primary election in Tennessee results map by county.svg
Republican primary results by county
Corker
  •   30–40%
  •   40–50%
  •   50–60%
  •   60–70%
  •   70–80%
Bryant
  •   40–50%
  •   50-60%
Hilleary
  •   40–50%
  •   50–60%
  •   60-70%
  •   70-80%
Republican primary results
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Bob Corker 231,541 48.13%
Republican Ed Bryant 161,18933.50%
Republican Van Hilleary 83,07817.27%
Republican Tate Harrison5,3091.10%
Total votes481,117 100

Democratic primary

Candidates

Campaign

Harold Ford was a Congressman from the 9th Congressional District, based in Memphis, and he was 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. [11] [12] He had also served as a national campaign co-chair for the John Kerry presidential campaign in 2004. [13]

Ford filed paperwork to run for the U.S. Senate in May 2005. [14]

Democratic State Senator Rosalind Kurita, from the 22nd District, centered on Clarksville, Tennessee had entered the race prior to Ford, [15] and initially appeared to be competitive, releasing internal polls showing her as strong as Ford in the general election. [16] But she dropped out of the race in early April 2006, as a result of financial and organizational challenges. [17] [18]

Ford enjoyed substantial support from Democratic leaders in Washington and Nashville and held a substantial lead in fundraising.

Results

Democratic primary results
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Harold Ford Jr. 333,789 79.10%
Democratic Gary Gene Davis41,8029.91%
Democratic John Jay Hooker27,1756.44%
Democratic Charles Smith14,7243.49%
Democratic Alvin Strauss4,4101.05%
Total votes421,900 100

General election

Candidates

Major

Minor

  • Ed Choate (I) [19]
  • Gary Keplinger (I) [20]
  • Bo Heyward (I)
  • Chris Lugo (G), peace activist
  • David "None of the Above" Gatchell (I) [21] [22]

Campaign

Harold Ford Jr. on the campaign trail Haroldfdjrcampaigning.jpg
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 will debate Ford but did not agree to Ford's request of seven debates. [23] Both of Corker's primary opponents endorsed Corker immediately after they conceded the race. [23]

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. [24]

On August 25, the Chattanooga Times Free Press reported that Corker had received a subpoena regarding an environmental lawsuit filed three years ago. The lawsuit centers 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, [25] but the case was settled on October 13. [26]

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. [27]

On October 1, Corker replaced his campaign manager. [28]

As the campaign entered October, Ford was leading in some polls. [29] 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. [30]

Before a Corker press conference in Memphis on October 20, Ford approached Corker in a parking lot and confronted his opponent about Iraq in front of local news cameras, pointing out that some of Corker's fellow Republicans are changing their minds on the war and wanting 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. [31]

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. [32]

Debates

3 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. [33]

In the October 7, 2006 debate in Memphis, the candidates covered a wide range of issues, including immigration, Iraq, cutting health care costs, abortion, and Social Security. [34] 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." [34]

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. [35]

The final debate took place on October 28, in Nashville and mostly covered the economy.

Controversial advertisement

"Harold, call me," says a blonde woman in RNC's controversial attack ad against Ford. Haroldcallme.jpg
"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". [36] [37]

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, [38] and Ford himself said that he likes "football and girls" and makes no apology for either. [39]

The NAACP described the ad as "a powerful innuendo that plays to pre-existing prejudices about African-American men and white women", and a former Republican Senator called it "a very serious appeal to a racist sentiment. [40] Corker condemned the RNC ad, calling it "tacky" and stating that his campaign has asked to have it pulled. [37] 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. [36] [37] 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. [41]

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?" [42]

On October 25, Mehlman announced that the ad was "down now" during an interview with Wolf Blitzer on CNN. [43] In its place, Tennessee television stations ran a different RNC ad. [44]

Endorsements

Ford received endorsements from, among others, The Tennessean (Nashville's predominant daily newspaper), [45] The Commercial Appeal (Memphis's predominant daily newspaper), [46] the Jackson Sun (Jackson's predominant daily newspaper), [47] the Bristol Herald Courier, [48] Metro Pulse (Knoxville), [49] the Professional Firefighters Association of Tennessee, and the Tennessee State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police. [50]

Corker was endorsed by, among others, the NRA Political Victory Fund, [51] [52] [53] 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, [54] and the National Right to Life Committee, [55] though the Tennessee Right to Life Committee has refused to endorse Corker, claiming he is a "pro-abortion" politician. [56]

Both Corker and Ford were endorsed by the Chattanooga Times Free Press (Chattanooga's predominant daily newspaper still maintains two separate editorial pages left over from when its two daily newspapers merged): Ford by The Times editors, [57] and Corker by Free Press editors. [58]

Harold Ford Jr. (D)
Individuals

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. [60] 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. [60]

President Bush attended two fund raiser dinners on behalf of the Corker campaign in Nashville and Memphis which raised $2.6 million for Corker's campaign 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. [61]

None of the third-party candidates filed reports with the FEC.

CandidateFunds RaisedCash On-Hand
Bob Corker (R) [62] $13,145,585$973,171
Harold Ford (D) [63] $9,889,498$356,175

Predictions

SourceRankingAs of
The Cook Political Report [64] TossupNovember 6, 2006
Sabato's Crystal Ball [65] TossupNovember 6, 2006
Rothenberg Political Report [66] TossupNovember 6, 2006
Real Clear Politics [67] Lean RNovember 6, 2006

Polling

In the general election, polls showed Corker with a statistically insignificant lead in the week before the election.

SourceDateHarold
Ford Jr. (D)		Bob
Corker (R)
Global Strategy GroupMarch 200539%34%
Global Strategy GroupOctober 31, 200539%36%
Rasmussen [68] December 20, 200542%36%
Rasmussen [69] January 30, 200640%42%
Rasmussen [70] March 6, 200635%39%
Rasmussen [71] May 7, 200639%43%
Zogby [72] June 13, 200642%46%
Zogby/WSJ [73] June 21, 200641%42%
University of Tennessee [7] July 20, 200635%42%
Zogby/WSJ [73] July 24, 200644%43%
Mason-Dixon [74] July 24, 200636%49%
Rasmussen [75] July 26, 200637%49%
Rasmussen [76] August 10, 200642%48%
Benenson Strategy Group (D) [77] August 21, 200644%42%
Zogby/WSJ [78] August 28, 200644%48%
Rasmussen [79] September 5, 200644%45%
Zogby/WSJ [78] September 11, 200643%45%
SurveyUSA [80] September 11, 200648%45%
Benenson Strategy Group (D) [81] September 23, 200645%39%
Zogby/WSJ [78] September 25, 200642%48%
Mason-Dixon [82] September 27, 200643%42%
Middle Tennessee State University [83] September 30, 200642%43%
Rasmussen [84] October 1, 200648%43%
Reuters/Zogby [85] October 5, 200640%40%
USA Today/Gallup (RV) [86] October 5, 200646%36%
USA Today/Gallup (LV) [87] October 5, 200650%45%
SurveyUSA [88] October 10, 200646%48%
Hamilton Beattie (D) [89] October 10, 200651%44%
Rasmussen [90] October 13, 200648%46%
Zogby/Wall Street Journal [91] October 19, 200642%49%
Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg [92] October 24, 200644%49%
Mason-Dixon/MSNBC-McClatchy [93] October 24, 200643%45%
Rasmussen [94] October 24, 200646%47%
SurveyUSA [95] October 25, 200648%48%
Hamilton Beattie (D) [96] October 26, 200647%45%
Benenson Strategy Group (D) [97] October 30, 200648%43%
CNN [98] October 31, 200644%52%
CNN [98] October 31, 200645%47%
Zogby/Wall Street Journal [99] October 31, 200648%49%
Mason-Dixon [100] November 1, 200638%50%
Rasmussen [101] November 1, 200647%49%
Rasmussen [102] November 2, 200645%53%
Reuters/Zogby [103] November 2, 200643%53%
Hamilton Beattie (D) [104] November 3, 200646%40%
Rasmussen [102] November 4, 200645%53%
USA Today/Gallup [105] November 4, 200646%49%
Survey USA [106] November 5, 200646%51%
Rasmussen [107] November 5, 200647%51%
OnPoint Polling and Research [108] November 6, 200647%48%

Results

United States Senate election in Tennessee, 2006 [109]
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Republican Bob Corker 929,911 50.71% −14.39
Democratic Harold Ford, Jr. 879,97647.99%+15.78
Independent Ed Choate10,8310.59%N/A
Independent David Gatchell3,7460.20%N/A
Independent Emory "Bo" Heyward3,5800.20%N/A
Independent H. Gary Keplinger3,0330.17%N/A
Green Chris Lugo2,5890.14%N/A
Write-in 290.00%N/A
Majority49,9352.72%
Turnout 1,833,69549.97%
Republican hold Swing -14.39

Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic

See also

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References

  1. ↑ "Tennessee Voter Turnout in 2006". Tennessee Secretary of State. November 7, 2006. Retrieved February 28, 2023.
  2. ↑ "Haslam Has $2 Million In The Bank For Governor Bid". The Chattanoogan. March 9, 2009. Archived from the original on March 13, 2009. Retrieved March 9, 2009.
  3. ↑ "Republican candidates harmonize at televised debate" . Knoxville News Sentinel. June 30, 2006. Retrieved May 9, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  4. ↑ City Paper/Supertalk 99.7 WTN
  5. ↑ SurveyUSA
  6. ↑ SurveyUSA
  7. 1 2 University of Tennessee
  8. ↑ Mason-Dixon/Chattanooga Times Free Press [ permanent dead link ]
  9. ↑ SurveyUSA
  10. ↑ SurveyUSA
  11. ↑ "Pelosi beats Ford in House minority leader race". Nashville Post. November 14, 2002. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  12. ↑ Miller, Sean J.; Cusack, Bob (January 18, 2010). "Ford's willingness to defy Democratic establishment may be an asset in 2010". The Hill. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  13. ↑ Marissa, Montenegro (September 1, 2005). "Alumnus to seek Senate seat in Tennessee". The Daily Pennsylvanian. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  14. ↑ "National Briefing - Tennessee Congressman To Run For Senate". Associated Press. May 26, 2005. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  15. ↑ Neal, R (August 31, 2005). "Six questions for Tennessee State Senator Rosalind Kurita". Facing South. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  16. ↑ "Kurita Poll Suggests She's as Strong as Ford". Roll Call. March 2, 2005. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  17. ↑ Baker, Jackson (April 12, 2006). "KURITA WITHDRAWS FROM SENATE RACE". Memphis Flyer. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  18. ↑ "Kurita drops out of Senate race". Associated Press. April 12, 2006. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  19. ↑ "Ed Choate for Senate - Home". Archived from the original on October 31, 2006.
  20. ↑ "Unofficial U.S. Senate Candidates" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on April 12, 2006.
  21. ↑ "None Of The Above - Tennessee". Noneoftheabove-tn.org. Archived from the original on August 31, 2018. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
  22. ↑ "Index of /". Archived from the original on July 6, 2006. Retrieved July 17, 2006.
  23. 1 2 "Corker wins; Ford challenges him to debates". August 3, 2006. Archived from the original on August 18, 2006.
  24. ↑ "Commercial Appeal : Memphis News, Business, Homes, Jobs, Cars, & Information". Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved August 17, 2006.
  25. ↑ "Corker receives subpoena in environmental lawsuit". Archived from the original on August 31, 2006.
  26. ↑ "Commercial Appeal : Memphis News, Business, Homes, Jobs, Cars, & Information". Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved October 26, 2006.
  27. ↑ Montenegro, Marissa (September 1, 2005). "Alumnus to seek Senate seat in Tennessee". The Daily Pennsylvanian. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  28. ↑ "The City Paper - Smart, Fast, Free". Archived from the original on October 4, 2006. Retrieved October 3, 2006.
  29. ↑ "Tennessee Senate Race". RealClearPolitics. RealClear. Retrieved July 5, 2021.
  30. ↑ "Tennessee Senate Race". RealClearPolitics. RealClear. Retrieved July 5, 2021.
  31. ↑ "Ford Jr. confronts Corker on Memphis parking lot about Iraq". Archived from the original on October 26, 2006.
  32. ↑ "Commercial Appeal : Memphis News, Business, Homes, Jobs, Cars, & Information". Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved November 3, 2006.
  33. ↑ "Memphis Commercial Appeal - Memphis' Source for News and Information: Politics". Archived from the original on July 9, 2007. Retrieved September 7, 2006.
  34. 1 2 "Commercial Appeal : Memphis News, Business, Homes, Jobs, Cars, & Information". Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved October 8, 2006.
  35. ↑ "Commercial Appeal : Memphis News, Business, Homes, Jobs, Cars, & Information". Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved October 11, 2006.
  36. 1 2 "Republican TV ad being denounced as racially divisive". Archived from the original on November 3, 2006.
  37. 1 2 3 "Ford's move on Corker gets national attention". Archived from the original on October 25, 2006.
  38. ↑ Toner, Robin (October 26, 2006). "GOP pulls ad versus black candidate". The San Francisco Chronicle.
  39. ↑ "Harold Ford Jr. on His Playboy Party". YouTube. October 24, 2006. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
  40. ↑ " "Republican TV ad being denounced as racially divisive". Archived from the original on November 3, 2006. Retrieved October 24, 2006.
  41. ↑ "Mehlman: Controversial Ford attack ad is 'fair'". NBC News. October 24, 2006. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
  42. ↑ Austen, Ian (October 27, 2006). "Republican Attack Ad Offends Canada". The New York Times. Retrieved May 27, 2010.
  43. ↑ "CNN.com". CNN. Retrieved May 27, 2010.
  44. ↑ O'Donnell, Norah (October 25, 2006). "GOP retires 'Playboy' ad in Tennessee". NBC News. Archived from the original on March 7, 2015. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
  45. ↑ http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006610150344%5B‍%5D
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  47. ↑ http://www.jacksonsun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061022/NEWS01/610220311&SearchID=73260756083392%5B‍%5D
  48. ↑ "Archived copy". www.tricities.com. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved January 15, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  49. ↑ Cagle, Frank. "Ford Is Your Answer". Archived from the original on October 17, 2006.
  50. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on October 19, 2006. Retrieved October 17, 2006.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  51. ↑ "NRA-PVF Endorses Bob Corker for U.S. Senate". nrapvf.org. NRA-PVF. September 12, 2006. Archived from the original on August 19, 2014.
  52. ↑ "NRA-PVF Endorses Bob Corker for U.S. Senate". nrapvf.org. NRA-PVF. September 28, 2012. Archived from the original on August 12, 2014.
  53. ↑ "NRA endorses Corker; Ford chair displeased". Archived from the original on October 18, 2006.
  54. ↑ "With Polls Showing Strong Corker Momentum, Corker Also Leads in Media and Organizational Endorsements". Archived from the original on November 9, 2006.
  55. ↑ "National Right to Life group wants Corker in Senate". Archived from the original on October 18, 2006.
  56. ↑ "The City Paper - Smart, Fast, Free". Archived from the original on March 5, 2007. Retrieved October 17, 2006.
  57. ↑ "For the Senate: Harold Ford". Chattanooga Times Free Press. Archived from the original on June 25, 2007.
  58. ↑ "Elect Bob Corker U.S. senator". Chattanooga Times Free Press. Archived from the original on June 25, 2007.
  59. ↑ "Harold Ford (Senate- TN) | WesPAC". November 4, 2006. Archived from the original on November 4, 2006. Retrieved April 8, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  60. 1 2 "Commercial Appeal : Memphis News, Business, Homes, Jobs, Cars, & Information". Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved November 2, 2006.
  61. ↑ Abdullah, Halimah. "President helps GOP pal in Ford's backyard". Archived from the original on October 5, 2006.
  62. ↑ "FEC Candidate 2005/2006 Summary Reports: Corker, Robert P Jr". Herndon1.sdrdc.com. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
  63. ↑ "FEC Candidate 2005/2006 Summary Reports: Ford, Harold Jr". Herndon1.sdrdc.com. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
  64. ↑ "2006 Senate Race Ratings for November 6, 2006" (PDF). The Cook Political Report. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 5, 2008. Retrieved September 30, 2021.
  65. ↑ "Election Eve 2006: THE FINAL PREDICTIONS". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  66. ↑ "2006 Senate Ratings". Senate Ratings. The Rothenberg Political Report. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  67. ↑ "Election 2006". Real Clear Politics. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  68. ↑ Rasmussen
  69. ↑ Rasmussen
  70. ↑ Rasmussen
  71. ↑ Rasmussen
  72. ↑ Zogby
  73. 1 2 Zogby/WSJ
  74. ↑ Mason-Dixon
  75. ↑ Rasmussen
  76. ↑ Rasmussen
  77. ↑ Benenson Strategy Group (D)
  78. 1 2 3 Zogby/WSJ
  79. ↑ Rasmussen
  80. ↑ SurveyUSA
  81. ↑ Benenson Strategy Group (D)
  82. ↑ Mason-Dixon
  83. ↑ Middle Tennessee State University
  84. ↑ Rasmussen
  85. ↑ Reuters/Zogby
  86. ↑ USA Today/Gallup (RV)
  87. ↑ USA Today/Gallup (LV)
  88. ↑ SurveyUSA
  89. ↑ Hamilton Beattie (D)
  90. ↑ Rasmussen
  91. ↑ Zogby/Wall Street Journal
  92. ↑ Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg
  93. ↑ Mason-Dixon/MSNBC-McClatchy
  94. ↑ Rasmussen
  95. ↑ SurveyUSA
  96. ↑ Hamilton Beattie (D)
  97. ↑ Benenson Strategy Group (D)
  98. 1 2 CNN
  99. ↑ Zogby/Wall Street Journal
  100. ↑ Mason-Dixon
  101. ↑ Rasmussen
  102. 1 2 Rasmussen
  103. ↑ Reuters/Zogby
  104. ↑ Hamilton Beattie (D)
  105. ↑ USA Today/Gallup
  106. ↑ Survey USA
  107. ↑ Rasmussen
  108. ↑ OnPoint Polling and Research
  109. ↑ "General Election - United States Senate" (PDF). Tennessee State Government. November 7, 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 18, 2012.
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