Governor to hold fund raising event next week

Gov. Phil Bredesen's quiet fund-raising tour of the state is scheduled to make a stop in Lebanon next week.
Sources close to the Bredesen for Governor event say the $1,000 couple dinner has already raised close to $60,000.
Bredesen Press Secretary Lydia Lenker confirmed the Oct. 14 event is one of three next week with two more scheduled for Memphis on Oct. 13.
Altogether, Bredesen fund-raising stops have spanned all three grand divisions of the state with the run beginning in May. The balance of the stops have been in primarily Republican East Tennessee, the key to Bredesen's win in 2002 over GOP rival Van Hilleary.
And while Bredesen's fund-raising tour has covered three of the state's metropolitan cities, the balance of the 15 dates have been in mainly rural cities or heavy, suburban growth areas.
The stop in Lebanon is said by organizers to include as hosts business people and community leaders from Wilson, Smith, Trousdale and Dekalb counties.
Included on the list from Wilson County are State Rep. Stratton Bone, Wilson County Road Superintendent Steve Armistead and Lebanon Mayor Don Fox.
Fox has himself been considering a run for state office, a possible bid for the 17th District State Senate seat presently held by State Sen. Mae Beavers, a Republican.
Local Democrats said the event is likely to capitalize on energy felt within the party locally over the presidential race.
"With people being energized like they are now, this is a good time," Armistead said.
Managing Editor Clint Brewer can be reached at 444-3952 ext. 13 or by e-mail at cbrewer@lebanondemocrat.com.