Could you imagine Jessica Alba as Tennessee’s first lady?

The idea of the actress who played the Invisible Woman in the “Fantastic Four” movies taking up residence in the governor’s mansion in Nashville may seem a bit far-fetched, because it is.

But hear me out: I firmly believe that former U.S. Rep. Harold Ford Jr.’s next run at political office will be in the 2010 gubernatorial election. And if he’s looking to appeal to “family values” voters, Ford may have to give up his bachelorhood.

So why might he do that with Alba? Well, just ask her.

According to an interview published in the June issue of In Style magazine, Alba thinks the former Memphis congressman is just dreamy.

“He is so cute, he’s adorable and he’s single,” the magazine quoted Alba as saying. “I went to one of his fundraisers.”

In the interview, Alba goes on to describe her dream man: “Confidence is key and I really like someone who’s evolving. I think that’s really important. Someone who’s open to change and knows that you can only be happy in life if you’re growing.”

Not even Ford’s harshest critics could say he lacks confidence. As for evolving, well, some of his critics during last year’s Senate campaign said his positions on the issues were anything but static.

I’m not saying Ford will win the governor’s race. Nor am I saying he and Alba will get romantically involved. But if those things do happen, remember that you read them here first.

PROGRAMMING NOTE: I’ll be vacationing the next couple of days, so don’t expect any new blog postings before Monday. Take care, all.