GOP gubernatorial candidate and Tennessee Speaker of the House Beth Harwell (R-Nashville) promised yesterday that she will have a “major announcement” about her campaign at the Capitol in Nashville today.
Speculation as to the nature of the “major announcement” began to swirl across the state in the hard fought gubernatorial primary in which early voting has already begun and election day is now less than two weeks away.
TNJ: On the Hill reminded its readers that the last time Harwell’s campaign previewed a “major announcement” it turned out to be the not-exactly-major news that Tennessee House Speaker Pro Tem Curtis Johnson (R-Clarksville) was endorsing her.
Others, noting that Harwell is mired in fourth place, more than double digits behind top three contenders Bill Lee, Randy Boyd, and Rep. Diane Black (R-TN-06) in most polls, with less money and little momentum as the contestants round the final bend for the August 2 election.
“Is Harwell going to announce her withdrawal from the race?” some wondered.
“If so, will she endorse one of the three remaining candidates?” others asked.
Late Thursday, Harwell sent out this cryptic tweet designed to tamp down speculation that she might withdraw.
Wishful thinking on my opponents’ part, but I’m in it to win. 🐘 #harwellhasheart #harwellhasmomentum
— Beth Harwell (@BethHarwellTN) July 19, 2018
If Harwell is not withdrawing and endorsing another candidate for governor, it is hard to imagine exactly what else she might announce about her campaign that could be legitimately described as “major.”
The Tennessee Star will report the details of Harwell’s announcement later today, and let our readers determine whether or not it is “major,” “minor,” or something else entirely.
[…] Speaker of the House Beth Harwell (R-Nashville) held a press conference this morning, which she had promised would be a “major announcement,” in which she restated her support for legalizing […]
Our flawed House Speaker just needs to fade quietly into the woodwork.