Phil Bredesen

Philip Norman " Phil" Bredesen ( born November 21, 1943 in Oceanport, Monmouth County, New Jersey) is an American politician of the Democratic Party. He was from 2003 to 2011 Governor of the State of Tennessee.

Early years and political rise

Bredesen was born in New Jersey and grew up in Shortsville, a town in the rural part of the State of New York, on. He studied at Harvard University physics. In 1975, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee. There he worked as a private businessman. He founded the Health America Corporation, a company that at times had over 6000 employees and has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange. In 1986 he sold this company again. 1991 to 1999 he was mayor of Nashville. He scored on his social commitment. He founded the so-called Nashville panels. This excess food were distributed to the homeless and socially disadvantaged. He campaigned for the preservation of the open country and the old farms. At the same time, he managed to secure jobs and to attract high-tech companies in the city. He also created the New Music Hall of Fame in the center of the city. Nashville took during his tenure as mayor a rapid upswing.

Governor of Tennessee

After he had back in 1994 for the first time applied for the post of governor of Tennessee and lost to the Republican incumbent Don Sundquist, Bredesen was elected in 2002 to succeed him. He defeated Van Hilleary, a deputy in the House of Representatives of the United States. On 7 November 2006 re-election, in which he prevailed against Republican challenger Jim Bryson was. As Governor, he has set out to improve the management, the education system and further reform of health care. His domestic policy in the first four years led to a balanced budget. The teacher salary is increased beyond the usual in the southern average. He has lured through contacts to domestic and foreign companies to Tennessee. In his first term originated more than 100,000 new jobs. Bredesen has also been used for natural parks. He has bought land and founded such parks. He is married to Andrea Conte. The couple has a son.