Corker, Fleischmann weigh in on elections

Though there were no major Tennessee races in Tuesday’s elections, U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., and attorney Chuck Fleischmann, a Republican candidate for Tennessee’s 3rd Congressional District, commented on the day’s significance.

In remarks on the Senate floor Wednesday, Sen. Corker said the elections, in which Republicans won governorships held by Democrats in New Jersey and Virginia, signaled “upheaval” on health care reform and other issues.

“I think there has been a message sent to this body by the recent elections that have taken place,” he said. “I think people across this country are very concerned about the policies that this health care bill would put forth.”

Also on Wednesday, Mr. Fleischmann said in a news release that “liberal fiscal policies are a disaster for this country.”

“Last night Americans went to the polls, in states that were heavily carried by President Obama in 2008, and said, ‘Enough is enough,’” he said.

In the other major race of the night, Democrat Bill Owens won a New York congressional seat that had been held by Republicans for about 100 years.

wamp: go ahead and pray

U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., told attendees at a Maryville, Tenn., education forum Monday to “just do it” when it comes to praying in schools, according to the Tennessee Journal.

He said the U.S. Supreme Court is “not going to be able to stop you” from praying.

ramsey wins straw poll

Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey’s gubernatorial campaign said the candidate “handily” won a straw poll conducted Thursday night by the Tennessee Conservative Union, which bills itself as the state’s largest and oldest statewide conservative group.

The results for GOP gubernatorial candidates were:

* Lt. Gov. Ramsey — 123

* Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam — 80

* U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn. — 70

The straw poll was conducted at the Tennessee Conservative Union’s annual Reagan Day fundraiser in Knoxville.

“This victory shows that GOP primary voters support my record of job creation, parental choice in education and ensuring the rights of the unborn as well as Second Amendment rights,” Lt. Gov. Ramsey said in a statement.

Lt. Gov. Ramsey was the only candidate who made it to the event. He, Rep. Wamp and Mr. Haslam were event co-sponsors, which enabled them to bring set numbers of supporters.

On Oct. 31, Lt. Gov. Ramsey and Rep. Wamp, a Chattanoogan, tied in a straw poll held by Sumner County Young Republicans with 25 votes each.

twitter updates

Twitter is a social networking tool politicians often use to send updates to supporters. Here’s what some local and state officials and candidates were saying this week.

* U.S. Rep. Nathan Deal, R-Ga., candidate for Georgia governor, Tuesday: Congrats to Va Governor-elect, Bob McDonnell. Looking forward to serving with him. Thanks for re-igniting the conservative cause.

* Art Rhodes, GOP candidate for Tennessee’s 3rd Congressional District, Wednesday: “After election results Tuesday, Obama learned the Pottery Barn rule — ‘you break it, you bought it.’ More Rep. victories ahead.”

* State Sen. Jim Kyle, D-Memphis, candidate for Tennessee governor, Wednesday: “Preparing to argue case before Supreme Court of TN. The practice of law continues despite campaign.”