Former TN Gov. Ned McWherter passes away

[Ghost in the Machine]

CHATTANOOGA (WRCB/AP) – Former Governor Ned McWherter, Tennessee's 46th Governor, has died at age 80.

Ned McWherter, a one-time factory worker who became a millionaire businessman, served as governor from 1987 to 1995 and before as house speaker since 1973.

His administrative assistant, Madelyn Pritchett, says McWherter of Dresden died Monday at a Nashville hospital where he was being treated for cancer.

McWherter was governor from 1987 to 1995, following 20 years in the Legislature, 14 of them leading the House. He also was a political adviser to Bill Clinton during his presidency.

A child of sharecroppers, McWherter became a millionaire through various business enterprises before he was elected governor.

http://www.wrcbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=14380583