“Chancellor Gordon Gee’s departure from Vanderbilt University for The Ohio State University was a shocker yesterday. Perhaps even more surprising is the man being mentioned by Vanderbilt professorial types to replace him – U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander.
Well placed Nashville sources in both the Republican and Democratic Party say Alexander’s name is being bandied about largely by Vanderbilt staff as a possible replacement for Gee,” according to The Nashville City Paper.
Alexander’s departure from the Senate might create another opportunity for former TN congressman and US Senate candidate Harold Ford, Jr. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds. Ford will be in Little Rock on September 24th speaking at the Clinton School of Public Service.
Do you think Harold ford Jr. will be given a place in Obamas cabinet if he wins the presidency?
Anson,
I think it’s increasingly possible. Ford’s prospects at the statewide level in Tennessee seem limited in the short term unless Gov. Bredesen finds his way onto Obama’s ticket. Ford’s experience in the House coupled with his national exposure would be, in my view, a very good addition to Obama’s cabinet. That said, he’s done very well as guest commentator on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” There may be a lucrative future in television for him.