NASHVILLE - Republican gubernatorial candidate Zach Wamp today announced that "key players" from Shelby County District Attorney General Bill Gibbons' campaign have signed on to the Chattanooga congressman's bid.

Mr. Gibbons dropped out of the race in late March.

Kim Perry of Collierville, who served as Shelby County chairman for Mr. Gibbons, will become U.S. Rep. Wamp's full-time Shelby County coordinator, the campaign announced.

Nancy Strawn of Jackson, the Gibbons chairman in Madison County, becomes Rep. Wamp's new 8th Congressional District chairwoman. Jenci Spradlin, a well-known Republican activist and blogger in Jackson, also has signed on with Wamp, according to the announcement.

The congressman, who recently toured Shelby County criminal justice facilities with Mr. Gibbons, said he is "honored and excited" to have the Gibbons supporters.

Mr. Gibbons himself has not yet endorsed anyone.

"West Tennessee is a big focus for me because Memphis matters, and what is good for Memphis is always good for Tennessee," the congressman said. "As governor, growing jobs and greater economic success in Shelby and Madison counties, the Haywood Megasite and all of West Tennessee will be a top priority."

Other major GOP candidates are Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam and Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey.