Education, healthcare and jobs are the cornerstone of Karl Dean’s bid to become the next governor of the state of Tennessee, and it’s something his backers were buying when he made a campaign appearance at the West Tennessee Farmers’ Market, Friday.

Dean, the Democratic nominee for governor, said he and his Republican counterpart, Bill Lee, have their differences – and some agreements – but there is none more divisive than healthcare, and Medicade expansion.

“The best way to get Medicade expansion is to elect me,” Dean said. “People ask me all the time, ‘How how you going to get this done with the Republican majority in the statehouse.'”

Dean believes his election would send the Republican dominated legislature a message.

“There are thousands of Tennesseans left behind when it comes to accessing healthcare,” Dean said. “If you elect me governor, the people of Tennessee, according to all the polls are in favor of Medicade expansion.

“If you elect me, that is sending a message that the people of this state want the legislature to do something – to take action – to stop the constant growth of the number of hospitals closing in rural Tennessee.”

Minority leader Craig Fitzhugh (D-Ripley), who finished second in the Democratic primary, August 2, endorsed Dean for the state’s highest position.

“To those who supported me in the primary, as well as those who may be undecided who to support in the (November 6) general (election), there is only one man who is ready to lead Tennessee as our next governor,” Fitzhugh said. “And that man is Karl Dean.”

Dean served as Mayor of Nashville from 2007 to 2015.

“We can build a great state,” Dean said, “Just like we built a great city.”

(PHOTO: Karl Dean, Democratic candidate for governor of Tennessee, center, is pictured with Johnny Shaw, state representative Bolivar, left, and Southwest Tennessee Development DirectorSWTDD Executive Director Joe Barker right)

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