Former 12-year Democratic state lawmaker Kim McMillan of Clarksville recently became the first Tennessean to file papers to form an exploratory committee for the gubernatorial race in 2010. Other names bandied about as likely gubernatorial candidates on the Democratic side include former 9th District congressman Harold Ford Jr., former Nashville mayor Bill Purcell and 4th District congressman Lincoln Davis. Republican possibilities include former U.S. Senator Bill Frist and Tennessee Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey. For now, at least, McMillan has the spotlight. BusinessTN interviewed her briefly about her recent decision.

BTN: You've worked at a highly reputable law firm. You've co-founded a bank. You currently work in a university setting as Austin Peay State University's executive director of community and business relations. You've been among the inner circle of decision makers as a state lawmaker, having been twice elected House majority leader. You hold the distinction of being the first woman ever to occupy that role. You've worked behind the scenes in the governor's administration as his special advisor. Have I just made your case for being qualified to run for governor? What can you add?

McMillan: I have the real-life experience, the perspective and the desire to serve. I was raised as the adopted daughter of two teachers who stressed the importance of education, responsibility and public service. I have held a job since I was 16 and understand the importance of hard work and making sacrifices. My husband and I started our own law firm in Clarksville, so I know how to make a payroll and keep the lights on. I have been elected to public office six times, not just because of my education and accomplishments, but because people know I am approachable and because I understand the problems facing everyday Tennesseans and care about making their lives better.

BTN: Tennessee has never elected a female governor. Is that an obstacle in your mind? Is Hillary Clinton's current presidential run—she won the Tennessee Democratic primary—a positive for you in terms of attitudinal change?

McMillan: I don't believe gender is an issue when Tennesseans pick a leader. Tennesseans want principled leadership. If the people of Tennessee truly believe that you can help bring about the type of real progress they want through better schools, good jobs close to home and safe neighborhoods, it doesn't matter whether you are a male or a female.

BTN: Talk about how your time spent in the Bredesen administration gives you a leg up on the job, if in fact you think it does.

McMillan: I enjoyed working with Gov. Bredesen and have the utmost respect for him. I see him as a mentor. He is the type of leader who is not afraid to roll up his sleeves, work hard and make tough choices. I believe I have those same qualities. I want to continue his efforts of sound financial management and common sense government.

BTN: Early media coverage of your announcement has focused on your 2002 vote in favor of an income tax for Tennessee. What is your response?

McMillan: In 2002, the General Assembly was faced with an untenable choice. Because of poor financial management and a TennCare system in shambles, among other things, the legislature had to choose between raising the already high sales tax to a level that would become one of the highest in the nation or voting for a reform plan that would lower the overall sales tax rate, remove the sales tax from grocery food, clothing, and non-prescription drugs, reduce business taxes, eliminate the Hall income tax and set a low flat-rate income tax that could not be raised without a super-majority vote of the General Assembly. Because I represented a border community where the neighboring county had no sales tax on food, lower overall sales taxes and lower business taxes, I made what I believe to be the right choice at the time. It's not surprising the press is looking back at 2002 right now—that was a tough time to be in leadership in Tennessee. It's important to get Tennessee talking about the future again—2010 and beyond—and that's what my exploratory campaign is doing.

BTN: What's your agenda for Tennessee?

McMillan: Right now, I want to get Tennessee talking again. Tennesseans have good values and great hopes. These values and hopes will shape my agenda, and I'll use my leadership experience to help create the Tennessee we all want to live in. We want approachable leaders who listen to us when we talk. I know that if you listen, you learn. Tennesseans are good people, smart people, and mostly want the same things: a quality education for our children, a good job close to home, safe neighborhoods, and affordable health care choices.

BTN: As a banker and someone who has worked in a university setting, what are your views on the need to stimulate entrepreneurial activity in Tennessee and to harness our tremendous research assets for commercial gain?

McMillan: We have tremendous talent in Tennessee. The combination of our talent and our incredible work ethic forms the foundation for our second-to-none labor pool. I believe effective leadership unleashes—even launches—the people's potential, and Tennessee is filled with world-class potential. From our renowned business and industry leaders to our wonderful colleges and universities, we are equipped to compete and succeed in today's global economy.

BTN: What would you say were your best accomplishments as a lawmaker?

McMillan: I believe my biggest accomplishments as a lawmaker were centered on my ability to bring people together in a bipartisan way and forge consensus to get things done. I sponsored and passed many bills over my twelve years in the legislature that improved our schools, made our streets safer, opened up government, created a more ethical environment and improved health care choices. However, the most rewarding part of serving in the General Assembly was having the privilege of representing the people of my district for twelve years. It was an honor to serve and a responsibility I took very seriously.