MICHELLE WILLARD, Post Staff Writer
Posted: Tuesday, December 1, 2009 11:13 am

Rep. Bart Gordon’s (D-Murfreesboro) upcoming re-election is starting to garner national attention.

Politico.com released this report Monday morning on State Sen. Jim Tracy’s (R-Shelbyville) impending announcement on his decision to enter the race.

Politico is a Virginia-based newspaper that focuses on political journalism, specifically Congress, Washington, D.C. lobbying, and the Presidency.

According to Politico:

"Republican state Sen. Jim Tracy told POLITICO he is 'strongly considering' a challenge to Gordon and has already begun to put together a consulting team. He plans to make a final decision by January.

"Tracy’s candidacy would significantly improve Republican prospects of picking up the politically competitive Middle Tennessee-based seat. In recent months, as the national environment has soured for Democrats, GOP recruiting has picked up against veteran Democrats like Gordon who haven’t faced a serious challenge in years.

…

"The Republican polling firm Public Opinion Strategies conducted a survey in the district last month showing Gordon facing a very challenging reelection. The poll found that 49 percent 'thought it was time to give a new person a chance,' with only 37 percent saying that Gordon performed his job well enough to deserve reelection.

"But Democrats argue that Gordon’s clout in Congress and attention to constituent service will insulate him from a challenge. He ended September with more than $1.28 million in his campaign account, giving him plenty of resources to defend his record."