Mike McWherter on Monday announced he is forming an exploratory committee to consider a campaign for the U.S. Senate in 2008.
Mr. McWherter, a Democrat and Jackson businessman, said he's carefully weighing a Senate bid and will spend the next few weeks traveling across the Volunteer State to meet with prospective supporters and talk with voters.
"I've been honored to hear encouragement from Tennesseans in all parts of the state — East, Middle and West — who say they're ready for a positive change in Washington," Mr. McWherter said. "I want to continue the dialogue on how we change the direction in our country for the future of our kids and grandkids. Forming an exploratory committee is a key step in my own decision-making process."
He added: "This process will be brief, but deliberate. Running for U.S. Senate is a big decision. I want to make sure it's the right one, for me and my family."
Mr. McWherter, a West Tennessee native, owns Central Distributors and serves as vice chairman of First State Bank of Union City. He earned bachelor's and law degrees from Vanderbilt University, and practiced law in Nashville before settling in Jackson.
In 1986 and 1990, he traveled the state working on both gubernatorial campaigns for his father, former Gov. Ned Ray McWherter.
Mike McWherter, 51, is married with two children.