By RICK HOOPER

Newport Plain Talk

Special to The Greeneville Sun

NEWPORT -- Dan Ford's bid for the 11th District State House of Representative seat received a boost Friday from former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist.

Citing the 11th District race as a key to the GOP's regaining control of the state House, Frist attended a private benefit for Ford at Smoky Mountain Country Club here.

Ford is seeking to unseat state Rep. Eddie Yokley, a Democrat.

Yokley, of Greene County, is serving his third term in the legislature, having previously been re-elected twice with strong support from the administration of Gov. Phil Bredesen, also a Democrat.

Frist said, "As I look at the races across the state, this is as important as any for the Republicans regaining control" of the legislature.

"Dan has the right stand on issues like taxation and immigration. His views are in sync with the voters of Cocke and Greene counties. He has the integrity, values and experience that would serve Nashville well."

Frist continued, "Because Dan is a man of the people, coupled with the statewide importance of this race, that's why I'm here.

"I've known the Ford family since 1994. I'm just now getting to know Dan real well, but I've known the character of his family for a long time."

Ford Comments

Ford said he is very pleased to have the support of Frist and residents of the 11th District.

"To have his support is great for a redneck hillbilly like myself," said Ford, who was joined by an estimated 130 supporters at Friday's benefit.

"I'm absolutely pleased with the support my campaign is receiving. If everyone who says they're going to vote for me does, I'll be in good shape. Everything has been very positive."

Frist, a heart/lung transplant surgeon who has been mentioned as a possible GOP candidate in the next Tennessee gubernatorial race, did not rule out such a run.

"We'll start considering it next year," said Frist. "Several people have been encouraging me to run."

He added, "I made a pledge to serve in the U.S. Senate for 12 years, and I fulfilled that pledge. After that, I sold my home in Washington, D.C., and moved back to Nashville.

"I'm now enjoying just being a resident of Tennessee and teaching at Princeton (University in New Jersey) three days a week. But, as I said, we'll consider the governor's race next year."