U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., should debate his opponents on the economy and his qualifications, one of his opponents in the District 3 U.S. House race said Wednesday.
“We have to look and see if he is truly qualified,” said Jean Howard-Hill, an independent candidate who was formerly a Republican, at a news conference at her home. “We have seen a representative who has really not been able to deal with some of the complex issues.”
Rep. Wamp said he was not going to help Dr. Howard-Hill “run her campaign.”
“I have to run my campaign for re-election and articulate what I stand for,” he said.
PDF: Invitation to Congressman Wamp to Debate.
WHO’S RUNNING?
U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., is facing three challengers for his U.S. House seat.
* Democrat Doug Vandagriff
* Independent Jean Howard-Hill
* Independent Ed Choate
Dr. Howard-Hill said she thought Rep. Wamp should have done more research to educate constituents in the 3rd District about the $700 billion economic bailout bill Congress passed last week.
Rep. Wamp said he has done his best to communicate with the people in his district.
“As one of the 58 (House members) who voted ‘no’ (on Monday), and then ‘yes’ (on Friday), I am on the offensive to explain what this was, what the process is, and why we had no choice but to do what we did,” he said. “I’ve done a strong job of doing that, from going on talk radio to civic groups and other events. The only way I can communicate more with my constituents is to not sleep at night. That's the only way.”
Dr. Howard-Hill said she would have voted for the bailout bill as well, though she bristled at the idea of bailing out Wall Street executives.
All four candidates in the 3rd District race should be involved in the debate, Dr. Howard-Hill said.
“It’s really unfortunate that, in America, we have gotten to the point that, if you’re not from the two major parties, we’re sort of ignored,” she said. “The American people have a right to hear a voice from them.”
Ed Choate, also an independent candidate, called the debate idea “excellent.”
He said health care, the economy and immigration would be three topics he most would like to discuss.
As for the bailout vote, Mr. Choate said Rep. Wamp was wrong to vote for it.
“It lined (executives’) pockets,” he said.
Mr. Choate went on to say he thinks the United States should return to backing up its money with gold, silver or maybe platinum.
Doug Vandagriff, the Democratic candidate in the 3rd District race, could not be reached for comment.
