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McWherter had down-home touch
McWherter-for-web
Ned Ray McWherter
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Ned McWherter had political prowess matched by an engaging down-home personality that endeared him to Tennessee voters.McWherter, a self-made millionaire businessman, turned a phrase as easily as he charmed those at the ballot box.The two-term Democratic governor died Monday at Centennial Hospital in Nashville. He was 80 and had cancer.Some of his memorable quotes:"I know every hog path in Tennessee.""Just give me a cup of coffee and four vanilla wafers and I'll be ready to go to work."McWherter was an imposing 6-foot-4 and resembled actor Dan Blocker, who played "Hoss" on the old "Bonanza" TV show. In fact, a photo of the two together was displayed in McWherter's office in Dresden.He was governor from 1987 to 1995, following 20 years in the Legislature — and 14 as House speaker.