Edward Pratt was the Republican Governor of Tennessee in the early 2000s.
He met with President Bartlet in the Oval Office on December 23, 2001 to discuss a notable increase in arsons against black churches in his state. The arsons had not harmed anyone, but the churches were sure to be packed on Christmas. President Bartlet asked why he hadn't prepared to send in the Tennessee National Guard on Christmas Eve, noting notable Black Reverend Algiss Skyler had called for it.
Governor Pratt did not want to send in the National Guard, but once the FBI arrested one of the conspirators it gave President Bartlet a reason to insist. ("Bartlet for America")