Crangle enters race; Fleischmann kicks off campaign

The Republican field in the race to replace U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp in Congress grew a little larger this week, as one candidate announced his candidacy and another officially kicked off his campaign.

Tommy Crangle, an engineer who spent six tours in Iraq as a civilian working on rebuilding electrical systems, said last year’s presidential election spurred him to get into the race.

“This thing’s not working too well,” he said of President Barack Obama’s economic policies. “There’s a lot of undoing to be done.”

Mr. Crangle announced Sunday that he would seek the 3rd District congressional seat. Rep. Wamp, R-Tenn., will not run for re-election next year because he is running for governor.

On Tuesday, Chattanooga attorney Chuck Fleischmann officially kicked off his campaign for the 3rd District seat in an event at the Chattanooga Choo-Choo. According to a news release, the event marked the first time supporters could contribute to the Fleischmann campaign.

Bradley County Sheriff Tim Gobble also has announced he is seeking the seat. State Sen. Bo Watson, R-Hixson, and former state Republican Party Chairwoman Robin Smith, of Hixson, have said they may join the race, as well.

Meanwhile, two Democrats — former Commerce and Insurance Commissioner Paula Flowers and Chattanooga systems analyst Brent Benedict — have entered the race.

Tennessee Democratic Party Chairman Chip Forrester said he didn’t know of any other possible Democratic candidates. He said a larger Republican field could benefit Democrats, because it might mean less general election funding for GOP candidates.

“The more crowded the Republican field, the more expensive the primary becomes,” he said.