1974 Tennessee gubernatorial election

Republican candidate Lamar Alexander worked as a legislative assistant for Senator Howard Baker. While a staffer, he was briefly roommates with future U.S. Senator Trent Lott. In 1969, he worked for Bryce Harlow, President Richard Nixon's executive assistant. In 1970, he moved back to Tennessee, serving as campaign manager for Memphis dentist Winfield Dunn's successful gubernatorial bid. Alexander faced the Democratic nominee, Ray Blanton, a former congressman and unsuccessful 1972 Senate candidate. Blanton attacked Alexander for his service under Richard Nixon, who had resigned in disgrace several months earlier as a result of the Watergate scandal. == Aftermath ==

Following Ray Blanton's inauguration, Blanton called for a state income tax, but the state legislature, fearing a revolt from voters, refused to consider it, and instead raised the state sales tax. Blanton overhauled the state's excise and franchise tax laws, and revised the state's Hall income tax to provide relief for the state's elderly residents. He also elevated the state's Office of Tourism to a cabinet-level department, making Tennessee the first state in the nation to do so, and upgraded the state's retirement system. ==Primary elections==

Primary elections were held on August 1, 1974. Democratic primary 21.9% of the voting age population participated in the Democratic primary. Candidates • Ray Blanton, former U.S. Representative, candidate in the 1972 U.S. Senate election. • Jake Butcher, businessman • Thomas A. Wiseman Jr., former Tennessee State Treasurer • Hudley Crockett, news anchor • Franklin Haney, businessman • Stan Snodgrass • Ross Bass, former United States senator • Washington Butler • David Pack • James Powers • Jonnie D. Elkins • Charles Gordon Vick, perennial candidate Results Republican primary 8.6% of the voting age population participated in the Republican primary. Candidates • Lamar Alexander, attorney • Nat T. Winston Jr., former Commissioner of Mental Health for Tennessee • Dortch Oldham, businessman • Melvin Waldron Results ==General election==

Candidates Major party candidates • Ray Blanton, Democratic • Lamar Alexander, Republican Other candidates • Jack Comer, Independent • Alfred W. Taylor, Independent • James Reesor, Independent • Hubert David Patty, Independent • Arnold Joseph Zandi, Independent Results ==References==