The executive director of the Tennessee Republican Party said Monday that the GOP "can prevail" in the upcoming governor's race.
Chris Devaney told the Pachyderm Club to expect "an exciting governor's race."
He said state Sen. Beth Harwell is still considering the race.
Mr. Devaney said the poll numbers for incumbent Democrat Phil Bredesen have been dropping.
He said on TennCare that the governor "has just been rearranging the deck chairs on a sinking ship." He said a number of enrollees are being taken off, but they are to be added back later.
Mr. Devaney said the GOP is working on its own TennCare plan that will "either revamp TennCare or scrap it."
He said it will come "in answer to a lack of a plan by Gov. Bredesen."
He said the governor's TennCare moves are part of a plan "to make him a viable presidential candidate." He said of Gov. Bredesen that "this man is dangerous."
Mr. Devaney said the FBI's Operation Tennessee Waltz brought "a huge problem" for state government. He said the fact that Sen. Ward Crutchfield and three other indicted legislators have not resigned has led to a worsening of public confidence.
He said the GOP is busy recruiting candidates and raising funds. He said the party is also "reaching out to minorities."
Eric Watson, winner of the GOP primary to replace resigned Rep. Chris Newton, was introduced at the meeting.
He said he is a conservative who is pro-life and believes marriage should be defined as a man marrying a woman. He said, "We're going to win with the Lord's help."
Mr. Watson said he is a 10-year law-enforcement officer.