The 2002 United States Senate election in Tennessee was held on November 5, 2002. Incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Fred Thompson decided to retire. Republican Lamar Alexander won the open seat. Republican primary Candidates Lamar Alexander, former U.S. Secretary of Education, former Governor of Tennessee Ed Bryant, U.S. Representative Mary Taylor-Shelby, perennial candidate June Griffin, activist Michael Brent Todd James E. DuBose Christopher G. Fenner Results Democratic primary Candidates Bob Clement, U.S. Representative and candidate for Governor in 1978 Gary G. Davis, perennial candidate Cher A. Hopkey Michael L. Hampstead Alvin M. Strauss Results General election Campaign Alexander raised $2 million through June 2002. Clement attacked the Governor for his corporate connections and business dealings. By October, Clement had nearly raised $900,000, while Alexander raised almost $3 million. Bush, who had a 60% approval rating in the state, helped campaign and raise money for Alexander. Alexander was also endorsed by the NRA. Debates Complete video of debate, September 30, 2002 Complete video of debate, October 6, 2002 Complete video of debate, October 13, 2002 Complete video of debate, October 20, 2002 Predictions Polling In a September poll from the Knoxville News Sentinel, Alexander was up 45% to 27%. In a DNSC poll during the same month, Alexander was up 49% to 42%. In a mid October Zogby poll had the governor leading 49% to 36%. A late October WREG-TV poll had Alexander leading 45% to 36%. Results See also 2002 United States Senate elections Notes References 2002 Tennessee elections Tennessee 2002