A tough three-way Senate primary among Republicans Ed Bryant, Bob Corker and Van Hilleary may be helping the likely Democratic nominee, Harold Ford Jr.

Winning the general election will be difficult for any Democrat in a state that has trended Republican in recent years. But with no serious primary opposition, Ford can focus on November as the Republicans focus on one another.

Ford has already spent a significant amount of time in upper East Tennessee, where most voters will be casting ballots in the Republican primary because of an interesting congressional race.

The Republican nominee in the race to replace Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, who is not seeking re-election, may also win the nomination without getting a majority.

Election is less than two weeks away, campers.

¶ 7/23/2006 09:09:00 AM