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Doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand: Bart Gordon's time in Tennessee's 6th District was up, whether he retired or not.

Excuse me whilst I revisit Cromwell...

"You have sat too long for any good you have been doing. Depart, I say, and let us have done with you. In the name of God, go!"

Harrrumph. It's been a long wait. Good riddance, you Pelosi-supporting cap-and-trade-voting Democrat.

From The Hill...

Gordon's seat will vault to the top of the list of pickup opportunities. It went strongly -- 62-37 -- for Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) last year. Gordon didn't face a GOP opponent, but an independent candidate took 26 percent of the vote against him.

Former Rutherford County GOP Chairwoman Lou Ann Zelenik and activist Dave Evans are already running on the GOP side. Zelenik, in particular, could provide a well-funded challenge to Tracy.

So, Jim Tracy or Lou Ann Zelenick? Jim Tracy has big-time experience; Lou Ann is one of us, a grassroots 'teabagger' who will fight for Conservative positions. Bill Hobbs doesn't much like Lou Ann Zelenick. That's OK; he's done some good things for the Tennessee GOP, but there is room for new bloods.

Unless Jim Tracy wows, I'll support Lou Ann Zelenick. At least throughout the primary.

Oh, and Jim's not all that bad. But, new blood. Fresh ideas. Clean slate. Throw the permanent politicos out. And all of that.

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