Leaders in U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp’s 2010 gubernatorial campaign released a list this week of 10 reasons they think he’ll win next year’s race.
Among the reasons listed were the Tennessee Republican’s “clear vision for our state,” his “bold plan for the future,” his family and the prediction that he “will have the money it takes to win.”
Some observers have questioned Rep. Wamp’s ability to keep up financially with primary opponent and Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam, whose family owns the Pilot chain of service stations.
Bryan Haddock, secretary of the Republican Liberty Caucus of Tennessee, a conservative group, left a comment on Rep. Wamp’s Web site saying “We’re not really that impressed.”
“You can talk about how you’re a ‘libertarian’ and oppose big government all you want, but we know you’re on the campaign trail and you’re doing whatever it takes to get our vote,” he wrote.
Other Republicans who have entered the governor’s race are Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, R-Blountville, and Shelby County District Attorney Bill Gibbons.
Davis requests support for auto industry
U.S. Rep. Lincoln Davis, D-Tenn., said this week that saving American automotive jobs doesn’t just amount to saving jobs at the nation’s “big three” automakers: Ford Motor Co., Chrysler and General Motors.
“There are 143 independent auto suppliers in my Congressional District alone, which employ over 49,000 low-wage earners and also produce parts for Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen and Honda,” Rep. Davis said in a statement. “That has serious implications for our local economy and lays a greater strain on social services.”
Rep. Davis met with GM Chief Executive Frederick Henderson “to hear his plans to revive the company and to give their input on the industrial icon’s future,” the congressman’s office reported.
corker “disappointed”
In a Thursday interview on Fox News Channel, U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., said he’s “very disappointed” that it looks like $7 billion in federal funds loaned to Chrysler won’t be returned now that the company is in bankruptcy proceedings.
“From the very beginning, I felt this was going to be the case because of the state that Chrysler was in,” he said.
Sen. Corker said the bailout funds essentially just kept the company alive long enough to find a buyer to take it over.
Italian automaker Fiat is seeking to take over Chrysler.
Tennessee’s junior senator said it’s also unlikely that taxpayers will recoup the $15.4 billion loaned to General Motors.
twitter updates
Twitter is a social networking site many politicians use to keep supporters informed of what they’re doing. Here’s what Chattanooga-area officials were saying this week:
* Former state Rep. Kim McMillan, D-Clarksville, Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Sunday: “I'm at the Cosby Ramp Festival across the state in East Tennessee. Don't know what a ‘ramp’ is? Come out here next year.”
* Shelby County District Attorney Bill Gibbons, Republican gubernatorial candidate, Tuesday: “Travelling to Williamson County to meet with folks tomorrow.”
* Rep. Wamp, Republican gubernatorial candidate, Wednesday: “Gretchen Wilson is an inspiration! She got her GED as an adult and now advocates for Adult Education and the importance of literacy.”
* Andraé McGary, Chattanooga city councilman, Thursday: “Just met one of my co-councilwomEn’s grandson. With complete abandon, he gave me a big hug. The small pleasures of being on council.”
* Ward Cammack, Democratic candidate for governor, Thursday: “In Jackson tonight with the Union University College Democrats.”
* State Sen. Andy Berke, D-Chattanooga, Friday: “Think Manny was just being Manny — an idiot.”
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Zach Wamp IMO would be just another typical "political zero" as our Governor. I have watched him, over the years, "flip flop" on many occasions. Remember the "Contract with America" back in the '90's?? What happened to the term limits? Shouldn't Zach have stepped down already based on that? The "bailout" last fall. He was a good Conservative, and voted against it, then succumbed to peer pressure and voted against core GOP principles(some that many have forgotten) and voted IN FAVOR of it and helped it to pass. Zach is like many in D.C. in that he scavenges many voters short term memory and gives them a bone to chew near election time, and then during his term, votes what he thinks the "cool trend" is, regardless of principles. This TRUE Conservative has never been impressed with the Wamp critter, and is upset how he tries to carry the banner of a Conservative. I wish he would try the abnormal political idea of just always being honest with the people, and acting always on principles, regardless of result. I want a winner...not a pretender...
Mr. Grant (hastrackerrock) -
And herein is why no one takes the Republican Liberty Caucus seriously. Let's just call this group what it is - an organization that dislikes and criticizes conservatives like Zach Wamp but never offers any solutions or actual candidates for races above the local level.
I have remained neutral in the 2010 race, as I see the good of Wamp, Ramsey, and Haslam. While I am the first to admit that none is perfect by any account, they all are good options. But, more importantly, they are options. It is apparent that there is little to nothing "Republican" about the RLC - the group silently supports an unnamed, unknown candidate in the race for the Governor's Mansion.
Support who you wish, including a third party candidate that, in the current political climate, is akin to "throwing your vote away." Rail against Wamp or Ramsey because of one particular vote with which you disagree, or campaign against Haslam because of his support of red-light cameras. Ignore the overall good that each has done in public service. But do so at your own peril, for your pining for the perfect candidate may result in the election of one who disagrees with your policy issues much more than the announced Republican alternatives.
To utlegaleagle:
Oddly enough, you ASSUME by my statements posted after the article that I must represent and hold similar RLC views, of which I may, or may not, irrelevant one way or the other. I never criticize a "true Conservative" when they stay true to the principles and beliefs that go with that, among those I believer to be strict adherence to the Constitution and it's laws. I know enough about the Republican Liberty Caucus to know that evidently you must not. You see all 3 prospective candidates as good options huh? Sounds like a typical mass media spoon fed and led GOP member, which is much of the reason why the GOP was "embarrassed" as a whole in the last election, and hasn't had that many "good options" as a unit recently. Along with the fact that so many blindly vote with the whomever carries the "R" next to their name, regardless of principles. That's as ludicrous and bandwagon as the other side. That, my fellow American, is what is wrong with the Republican Party as of late, and why the mindset of the GOP must change, otherwise there soon will be no REAL Conservatives in D.C. for us, just a bunch of pretenders. If you vote on your principles, you are never throwing a vote away in America. If you think so, you may wanna stay home on election day, and simply vote for the next American Idol, cuz your vote wont matter either...
I'm not saying there is no way I will vote for Wamp, because I want to leave all my options open at this point. I will say that, based on his track record in Congress, I am extremely reluctant to support him unless he can convince me that he has actually changed in some very fundamental ways.
Wamp's support for the TARP bailout shows that he will abandon fiscally conservative principles when faced with the slightest pressure. What is he going to do when the state hits another rocky patch and liberals (and some centrists) start clamoring that we "really need" a state income tax? Based on his record, I think it is a real possibility that he would cave in to such demands and turn into another Sundquist Republican.
Wamp's abandonment of his 1994 campaign promise to self-limit to 6 terms (12 years) shows that he values political expediency more than keeping his word. If such a promise (which is one of the major points that got him elected in the first place) is something to be discarded as soon as it no longer serves his purposes, what other pledges will he violate when they are no longer convenient?
So, Zach, I haven't completely given up on you just yet ... but as Ricky Ricardo once told Lucy, "you got some 'splainin' to do" if you want to earn my trust and my support. The ball is in your court....
Voting for the lesser of two evils is still voting for evil. Voting for the lesser of two evils like John McCain is a big part of what has us in this mess. We need pricipled candidates that are not the lesser of two evils. Who have you really wanted to vote for since Ronald Reagan? Conservativism wins every time it is truly unabashadly tried. Conservativism does not need moderates. Moderates like John McCain loose. Conservatives like Ronald Reagan win. We need candidates who will not vote against the bailout before they voted for the bailout.
John Quincy Adams: "Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost."
L&N nut
Jon