Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen said in an interview with The Associated Press this week that potential Democratic candidates may be dissuaded from pursuing the seat because redistricting is on the horizon after the 2010 Census. "I'm sure part of Bart's calculation was you can work as hard as you want this year, but you're going to get redistricted out of it in two years. "It's a slightly problematical district today, and likely to become very problematical," he said.

The Tennessee Democratic Party has announced a new hire to direct the organization’s communications effort. Keith Talley has been named the party’s communications director. After serving nearly seven years in Washington, D.C., as U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon’s press secretary, Talley has consulted for a number of political campaigns across Tennessee. Talley’s past work experience also includes stints as a newspaper reporter and editor at small dailies in Arkansas and Tennessee. “Keith brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the political process to the job,” Tennessee Democratic Party Chairman Chip Forrester said. “His experience will be invaluable during the 2010 election cycle.” Gordon agreed. “Keith did a fine job for me as my press secretary and understands the issues facing Tennessee families like affordable health care, good schools and higher paying jobs,” said Gordon, dean of the Tennessee congressional delegation. “I know he’ll do a good job in making sure everyone understands where Democrats stand on these important issues. Keith’s experience will be an asset to the party, and I’m looking forward to working with him again.”

U.S. Rep. Zack Wamp has made good on his promise to bring a major regional tech-driven economic-development event to Murfreesboro, the heart of U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon's congressional district. The news provides further impetus for efforts by Murfreesboro-based Mind2Marketplace, a nonprofit group that aims to support technology commercialization throughout Middle Tennessee. The Oak Ridge-based Tennessee Valley Corridor's Southeast Partnership event is set for November 2009, according to Sandy Ponder, M2M executive director.

“Broadband is something that’s important, and we can put people to work putting in broadband that will go to all Americans all across the country. And by doing that, then again, we become more efficient in the long term.”

The House approved the rescue plan by 237 to 170, mostly along party lines, with 32 Republicans mainly from states heavily dependent on the auto industry joining 205 Democrats in supporting the measure. Voting against were 150 Republicans and 20 Democrats. The White House so far has failed to generate support among Senate Republicans, who have the power to kill the bill.