NEWS ANALYSIS: Who’s eyeing Cooper’s seat if congressman joins Obama administration?

Up to 10 people may seek Congressman Jim Cooper's seat if he's appointed to a Barack Obama cabinet post.

As July comes to a close, the world of politics is focused on who the potential Democratic and Republican nominees for vice president. It is widely expected that John McCain or Barack Obama — or both — will make their move before the Olympic games begin on Aug. 8.

After those picks are announced, speculation is likely to turn to who could fill the cabinets of the men looking to get elected. At first, the buzz will be nothing more than a whisper, but it will ratchet up to a steady roar.

There was a lot of speculation earlier this year that Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen would end up as a cabinet member as soon as next year should Obama win the presidency. Frankly, those rumors are something NashvillePost.com never bought into.

While others point to the "bunker battle" or to TennCare's rolls as the reason he won't, ours is more political. Democrats don't give up the governor's office of a Southern state without a fight.

For Bredesen to resign and go to Washington as a cabinet member would mean that the ribbon-cutting for the underground banquet hall at the executive residence would be hosted by a newly installed Republican Gov. Ron Ramsey. As priceless as that photo would be — would State Rep. Jason Mumpower show up? — it will not happen.

It is entirely reasonable to speculate that Bredesen will become a cabinet official for some president some day — just not before he leaves office.

For true political bettors, however, the real action is on the 5th Congressional seat held by Congressman Jim Cooper.

Cooper is a policy wonk's wonk. He reads federal budgets like a 12-year-old reads Harry Potter novels. Given his early support for Obama and his fiscal acumen, it isn't a stretch to think that he could end up as director of the Office of Management and Budget or a similar role.

For the Republicans reading this article, understand that we aren't writing off McCain. But part of the political game is making your own opportunity and, should Cooper get a new gig, you can bet there are some players locally that want to move into his congressional seat.

There are already rumors floating as to who would make a race should Cooper jump. Some of those rumors have been generated by potential candidates and some by friends of political figures wanting to drum up support for their buddy.

The City Paper has compiled the following list of people who could roll out campaign signs in the near future. While others could emerge in the months ahead — remember that Karl Dean was a latecomer to last year's mayoral race — here are a few names to ponder for now.

Howard Gentry

The former vice mayor turned chamber official almost made the run-off in the mayor's race between Dean and former Congressman Bob Clement. Had his campaign hit its stride earlier, he could have made it. A congressional campaign for the popular and affable Gentry would not make the same mistakes his mayoral one did. He would be a strong contender.

Diane Neighbors

The current vice mayor has earned strong marks for her work on Metro Council. She is well regarded by both the business crowd and "progressives." While some have placed blame on her for the controversy surrounding the Planning Department's David Kleinfelter job prospects, that issue would not be a factor should she make a run for Congress.

Megan Barry

Elected just last year to the Council as an at-large member, Barry's day job is developing and managing ethics programs for a local healthcare purchasing group. If "progressives" in Nashville coalesce around one person, she could be the one.

Jerry Maynard

Also a first-term at-large Council member, Maynard has elevated his profile with his opposition to the new school rezoning plan. A former deputy director of the Tennessee Democratic Party and and a pastor, he has a built in organization that could mobilize quickly should the opportunity for Cooper's seat arise.

Bob Tuke

Yes, we know he is running for the U.S. Senate right now. Maybe it works out for him, maybe it doesn't. We're just saying this is a possibility if he doesn't get the nod.

Torry Johnson

Nashville's District Attorney was almost coaxed into running for mayor last year. When he finally bailed on the idea, his base of support ran to Dean. He could be a contender if he wanted to, but he'd have to prove early on that he would be in for the long haul.

David Briley

The former councilman at-large who ran for mayor after a brief flirt with a vice mayoral bid spends most of his time these days focused on his law practice. While his most recent campaign never really took off, it may not have been his last.

Brenda Gilmore

Perhaps the only person who seems to campaign more than Vic Lineweaver in Nashville is Gilmore. The former Council member knocked off longtime State Rep. Edith Taylor Langster last election cycle and then saw her daughter replace her on the Council. Gilmore wouldn't have to put a campaign team together; it's still going.

Daron Hall

This one may be the most difficult. The Davidson County sheriff is a popular guy who has won broad support and admiration for how he has run his office. The problem is that he lives on Holt Road, which barely puts him in Congressman Marsha Blackburn's district. That could be quickly remedied by a move, so if you see a for-sale sign in his yard, please let us know.