While former Lt. Gov. John Wilder is not running for re-election, he is still soliciting money to pay for a campaign – the one that happened four years ago.

In a letter sent to supporters and lobbyists, Wilder says he spent more than $350,000 of his own money during his last race. He then adds that, "if you feel a person should not have to put that much of their personal money in a campaign," he would appreciate a contribution.

Wilder, whose business career includes successful ventures in banking and agriculture, admits in the letter that he was reluctant to send his request. "I don't want to ask you to do anything you are not comfortable with."

He closes the request in typical Wilder fashion, reiterating his hesitation about sending the letter and then states, "but I know what you know and you know what I know and we know what is right for the State of Tennessee. I love you and God Bless You."

Wilder represented a West Tennessee district in the State Senate for almost half a century and served as the state's lieutenant governor for 36 years.