Robin Smith

Staff Photo by Randall Higgins Robin Smith talks with business owner Larry Miller during a stop in Cleveland Wednesday morning as part of a tour of the Third Congressional District.

Robin Smith harshly criticized President Barack Obama and congressional Democrats on Wednesday, while the sounds of clinking silverware and sweet tea pouring into glasses floated in the background.

"It's time for our federal government to stop spending," she said to diners and supporters at a noon rally in Wally's Restaurant on McCallie Avenue. "What we're seeing now is a rapid radicalization of our national government."

Mrs. Smith stopped in six counties Wednesday to announce that she will file papers with the Federal Election Commission to qualify as a candidate for the 3rd Congressional District seat now held by U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn. She plans to hit the other five counties in the district today.

She started early Wednesday in Copperhill, Tenn., then dropped by the Old Fort Inn in Cleveland, Tenn., to talk to breakfast customers.

During her speeches, Mrs. Smith addressed a variety of issues, including health care reform, energy exploration and American leadership in the world. District issues, she said, include continuing the pace of industrial development.

"My goal will be very simple: Make things happen for the 3rd District for the citizens who want to have good-paying jobs,'' she said.

Mrs. Smith, a Hixson resident, is a former Wamp staff person and most recently was chairwoman of the Tennessee Republican Party.

Asked if Mr. Wamp, who is seeking the Republican nomination for governor, will endorse her, Mrs. Smith said she understands he's busy with his own campaign.

"I would love to have that happen,'' she said. "But having worn the hat of a state party chairman, I understand he has his race to win. I do appreciate his counsel, the advice he has already given me. And I think people know I have been a longtime supporter of Congressman Wamp.''

Former Hamilton County Commissioner Harold Coker announced that he and his wife, Lil Coker, would serve as honorary co-chairmen of Mrs. Smith's campaign.

"I am absolutely thrilled to death," he said of Mrs. Smith's candidacy.

Mrs. Smith said she would need to raise between $2 million and $4 million to win the seat.

A spokesman for the campaign of Republican attorney Chuck Fleischmann, one of Mrs. Smith's GOP rivals for the seat, said his campaign will report more than $200,000 cash on hand when finance reports are due July 15.

Also in the GOP race are Bradley County Sheriff Tim Gobble and Cleveland businessman Art Rhodes.

On the Democratic side, former state Commerce and Insurance Commissioner Paula Flowers and Chattanooga systems analyst Brent Benedict are seeking the seat.