Flowers drops out of race

Democrat Paula Flowers’ announcement Monday that she was dropping out of the race for Tennessee’s 3rd Congressional District seat has left some Republicans with the belief that the district will remain red.

“Our next congressman will be a Republican,” attorney Chuck Fleischmann, a candidate in the GOP primary, told Hamilton County Pachyderm Club members at their Monday luncheon meeting.

One Democrat, Chattanooga systems analyst Brent Benedict, remains in the race. At least seven Republicans are vying for the seat now held by U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn.

Tennessee Democratic Party Chairman Chip Forrester said he respects Mrs. Flowers’ decision to leave the race, and there’s plenty of time left for other Democrats to get in and run “an effective, modern campaign.”

“We’ll have good candidates in the race,” he said.

Mrs. Flowers, a former Tennessee commerce and insurance commissioner, said she was exiting the race to spend more time with her three sons, who range in age from 11 to 16.

“My husband and I have really prayed about this,” she said. “It’s been a difficult decision.”

Van Irion, a Republican from the Knoxville area, said he didn’t think the Democrats could win the seat even when Mrs. Flowers was a candidate.

“I really think the Republican primary’s the real election,” he said.

Mr. Benedict, who has said he’s running an “under the radar” campaign at the moment, wished Mrs. Flowers well.

“I understand Mrs. Flowers’ desire to put her family first, and I applaud her decision,” he said. “I think she would have been a fine congresswoman.”

Most of the Republicans vying for the seat had similar sentiments for Mrs. Flowers.

Mr. Fleischmann said he respected Mrs. Flowers “despite our ardent political differences.”

“I wish her all the best in her future endeavors,” he said.

Former Tennessee Republican Party Chairwoman Robin Smith said she has been impressed with Mrs. Flowers’ commitment to the district.

“I have found her to be a capable candidate and I was looking forward to a vigorous exchange of ideas in the general election,” she said in a statement.

Republican Tommy Crangle echoed that sentiment.

“She wouldn’t be easy to beat,” he said.

Bradley County Sheriff Tim Gobble said he also respects Mrs. Flowers’ decision to exit the race.

Businessman Greg Goodwin said he had no comment on Mrs. Flowers’ exit. Republican Art Rhodes and independent candidate Mark DeVol could not be reached for comment Monday.