Hamilton County Mayor Claude Ramsey said this morning that he hopes state Rep. Jim Cobb, R-Spring City, is defeated in the August primary after the House member voted against changes to the state education funding formula that ultimately benefited Hamilton County.

“I hope he gets beat,” Mr. Ramsey said of Rep. Cobb, without actually naming the incumbent. “He ought to be replaced.”

Mr. Ramsey’s comments came during the Hamilton County Commission meeting while he was discussing Tuesday’s announcement of a upcoming Volkswagen plant. Mr. Ramsey said he decided to run for re-election in 2006 so he could work on changing the education formula and bringing a major manufacturer to the Enterprise South Industrial Park.

The Tennessee General Assembly approved changes to the Basic Education Program last year, and the tweaks meant more money for Hamilton County Schools.

Rep. Cobb has said he feared the changes would hurt Rhea County, where he lives. His district includes all of Rhea County and part of Northern Hamilton County.

Rep. Cobb is being challenged by former state Rep. Jim Vincent, R-Soddy-Daisy, who is trying to win back his old House seat.

The Republican primary is Aug. 7.

For complete details, see tomorrow’s Chattanooga Times Free Press.