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Craig Fitzhugh says he has the experience for Tennessee Governor

Craig Fitzhugh thinks he can win the Democratic nomination for Tennessee Governor despite polls that say otherwise. State capitol newsroom reporter Chris Bundga...
Craig Fitzhugh says he has the experience for Tennessee Governor

Craig Fitzhugh thinks he can win the Democratic nomination for Tennessee Governor despite polls that say otherwise. State capitol newsroom reporter Chris Bundgaard talked with the longtime lawmaker about his quest.

The State Representative likes to say he wanted the Democratic nomination for Governor to be a contest, not a coronation.

Fitzhugh may be the only high school PA announcer ever to be a major candidate for Governor, but while walking legislative hallways this week, the Tennessee House Democrat leader reminds you of his unique characteristics.

“I am the only veteran in the race. I am the only Eagle Scout in the race, and as you well know, I am the only one baby sat by Tina Turner, that is what I usually bring up at the end,” says Fitzhugh.

Yes, that Tina Turner who as a west Tennessee teen sometimes looked after then toddler Fitzhugh.
Now 60 years later, the longtime lawmaker tells voters he has a wider breadth of experience than former Nashville Mayor Karl Dean for the Democratic nomination.

“My opponent, he does a good job, don’t get me wrong, he is sort of in a silo of Metropolitan Davidson County, everything he has done is in one particular city,” says Fitzhugh.

Fitzhugh points to the recently passed Improve Act for Tennessee roads as a way he has worked with the Republican majority. Fitzhugh thinks he could do the same as Governor with expanding Medicaid health care coverage for Tennessee’s working poor.

“We may, have to veto a couple of bills before they give a bill to expand Medicaid, but we won’t be callous about that, but life would be easier if we get this done,” said Fitzhugh.

Polls indicate Fitzhugh may not get that chance, trailing Dean 3-to-1.

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