The Bruce Pearl for U.S. Senate discussion appears to have some behind-the-scenes steam. However, one lawmaker on Capitol Hill is already voicing his support for the Auburn head basketball coach.
Earlier this week, during an appearance on Real America Voice's "Just the News No Noise," U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) said he would back Pearl for the seat currently held by U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn), who is running for governor.
Show co-host Amanda Head, an Auburn alumna, asked the Tennessee congressman, whose district includes the University of Tennessee, where Pearl once coached, about the possibility.
"Alright, sir, you said ask you anything and surprise you," Head said. "Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville is saying he is going to run for Alabama governor, which leaves a spot open. A lot of folks are suggesting Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl. Now, I know as a UT fan, you would love to see him leave Auburn University. But would you endorse him for Congress?"
"Oh sure, Bruce is a dear friend of mine," he said. "He coached at UT. I was at him and Brandy's wedding. I know his son. I know both his sons. I know his daughter. Her name is Jacqui. I called her 'Jac-quay.' And you know, I know them all."
"Bruce has been a dear friend to me," Burchett continued. "Bruce has been a dear friend to me. We have been in contact all the time. I think when [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu was in town, he came by my office. They came in there, and somebody said, they came in there, 'Boss, you're not going to believe this, you're not going to believe who is out in the hall.' We said, 'Who?' And he said, 'Bruce Pearl.' And I said, 'Coach, you out there?' He said, 'Hey, Burch,' and he came on in there, gave me a big bear hug. We've been friends for a long time. I don't know if Bruce could take the cut in pay. Those Auburn people are probably pretty tight but I suspect they pay him a few million dollars. He'll have to kriek by on $170,000. BP is the man. He is an energizer. I would love to see it, and besides, he owes me a lot of meals."
"Or he can do like the rest of the guys do when they get elected to the Senate — they can just ignore me and deny they even know me because that's what most of them do."
Jeff Poor is the editor-in-chief of 1819 News and host of "The Jeff Poor Show," heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile's FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.
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