NEWS FROM TENNESSEE: State Sen. Mark Green touring state ahead of possible bid for governor.

“The frustration of voters is unmistakable and the election of Donald Trump as president is a clear message to the permanent political class,” Green said a news release. “The only way to begin cleaning up the mess of poll-driven politics is to start listening directly to those we represent.”

Green does not explicitly state that he is entering the 2018 gubernatorial race, but statewide tours like Green’s are common political maneuvers ahead of efforts to seek statewide office. It would be Green’s first attempt at seeking a statewide position. . . . Green is a former Army officer and doctor who owns an emergency department management firm that may eclipse $1 billion in worth in the next few years..

Our current governor, Bill Haslam (R) is term-limited out in 2018.