Randy Boyd: If Diane Black is nominee, GOP 'at real risk to lose'

Joel Ebert | The Tennessean

Show Caption Hide Caption TN governor race 2018: Key takeaways from the Vanderbilt gubernatorial poll A look at key takeaways from the Vanderbilt May 2018 poll

During a recent call with mayors supporting his campaign, Knoxville entrepreneur and Republican gubernatorial candidate Randy Boyd said U.S. Rep. Diane Black has “painted herself in such a corner” that the GOP could lose in November if she’s the party’s nominee.

In the phone call, which took place on May 10, one of the participants said former Nashville Mayor Karl Dean would be a challenge for Republicans.

Dean is squaring off against House Minority Leader Craig Fitzhugh for the Democratic nomination.

“I feel, on the Republican side, I’ve got the strongest chance of beating (Dean)," Boyd said in response, according to a recording obtained by the USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee. "I think Diane Black has painted herself in such a corner that she’d be — Republicans would be at real risk to lose if she’s the nominee.”

Last week, a campaign spokeswoman said Black's name was not mentioned on the call.

Also seeking the Republican nomination are House Speaker Beth Harwell and Williamson County businessman Bill Lee.

A poll from Vanderbilt University, released Thursday, found that while Black had the highest name recognition, but of those who knew her, 46 percent said they had a negative view of her.

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Vanderbilt University political science professor John Geer said such negative views of Black could spell trouble in a general election.

Last week, Boyd's campaign spokeswoman Laine Arnold said the former Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development commissioner did not mention Black's name on the call.

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On Thursday, after the USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee obtained audio, Arnold said, "None of us had any recollection of Randy making that comment on the call."

"But today’s Vanderbilt poll already showing Congressman Black with a 46 percent disapproval rating among Tennessee voters should be of concern to any candidate running in a statewide general election," Arnold said.

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Black campaign spokesman Chris Hartline said the congressman takes "tough stands and fights for what is right and if that makes liberals not like her, we are fine with that."

"Tennesseans need a governor who acts boldly and tells it like it is. Whether you agree with her or not you will always know where she stands," he said.

Reach Joel Ebert at jebert@tennessean.com or 615-772-1681 and on Twitter @joelebert29.