Mike McWherter
Michael Ray McWherter is an American lawyer, businessman and politician from the state of Tennessee. He was the Democratic nominee for Governor of Tennessee in 2010. Early life, education and career The son of former Tennessee governor Ned McWherter, McWherter is a native of West Tennessee. He graduated from Union City High School, and planned on attending Rice University before changing his mind. McWherter earned his Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor from Vanderbilt University, after which he worked in private practice in Nashville. He later moved to Jackson to start his own business. McWherter operates the family's beer distribution business in Jackson. He is also the chairman of the board of First State Bank, headquartered in Union City, and serves on the board of directors for the Jackson Energy Authority. Political career Although he has never held elected office, McWherter made an attempt to challenge Republican U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander in the 2008 election. He opted out over fundraising concerns and an intense campaign season. 2010 Tennessee gubernatorial campaign On April 23, 2009, he announced he would run for Governor of Tennessee in the 2010 election. McWherter said he will run on a platform of jobs, education and fiscal