The race for the US Senate in Tennessee will be an extremely difficult one for the Dems in 2006. But if they are able to pull off an upset, the Senate will be there's for the taking. That's why the most recent polling out of Tennessee is so important.

Global Strategy Group (D)
March 22-24 among 600 registered Tennessee voters “who they say definitely or probably will vote” in 2006

Rep. Harold Ford (D): 30 (38 with leaners)
Rep. Ed Bryant (R): 30 (40 with leaners)

Ford: 29 (38)
Former Rep. Van Hilleary (R): 32 (41)

Ford: 28 (39)
Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker (R): 24 (34)

The Hill's Peter Savodnik notes that pollster Harrison Hickman of Global Strategy had this to say about the numbers.

Hickman, the Democratic pollster, pointed out that Bryant and Corker, as well as Hilleary, have run statewide. Bryant and Corker previously ran for the Senate.

“They’ve made their case to the voters in the past and, in all those cases, have higher name recognition than Congressman Ford,” said Hickman, who polled for Gore’s 2000 presidential campaign and John Edwards’s 2004 White House bid. Hickman added that Ford “is … very strong with Democrats.”

Hester, the state Democrats’ executive director, said Ford barnstormed the state during the congressional recess, particularly in eastern Tennessee.

Democrats added that Bredesen, a business-savvy, middle-of-the-road Democrat who enjoys strong support at home, would be at the top of the ticket next year.

These numbers underscore the fact that Tennessee will be a very difficult place for the Democrats to win in 2006. That having been said, Bredesen's spot at the ticket cannot hurt Ford (who has yet to officially step into the campaign).

The race will become more clear when first quarter fundraising totals are made public. For Ford to be competitive, he will need many millions of dollars, so if he's still stuck at about $1 million -- where he was at as of December 31 -- the Dems must be concerned. If, however, he has edged closer to the $2 million level, this might just turn out to be a race to watch in 2006.