Tennessee: campaign race or race campaign?

Photo: Mark Humphrey/APThe Tennessee Senate race this week featured an ad that has drawn even more attention to what is already a fascinating contest.

For a start, the contest is extremely close with the candidates neck-and-neck in the polls when the Republicans thought it would be an easy hold. Second, the outcome could determine whether the Democrats retake the Senate, currently with 55 Republicans, 44 Democrats and one Independent.

Third, Harold Ford, the Democratic party's candidate, who is up against Bob Corker, is seeking to become the first black senator from the South, since Reconstruction following the civil war.