The Pachyderm Club had an elephant in the room.
The name not spoken at the GOP unity breakfast hosted by the Pachyderm Club and the Hamilton County Republican Party was that of former congressional candidate Robin Smith, who recently lost a bid for the 3rd Congressional District to Chuck Fleischmann.
With the delivery of a rehearsed announcement, Delores Vinson, chairwoman for the Hamilton County party, addressed the obvious.
"I received a letter at headquarters from Robin Smith apologizing for her absence. ... She is spending her time and energy devoted to her daughter right now," Vinson said.
Smith said earlier that she would be unable to go to the breakfast because she would be moving her daughter into a dorm at Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn.
Attempts to reach Smith were unsuccessful.
While some supporters voiced opinions that Smith was a "sore loser" and that her "absence was a reflection of her character," Fleischmann campaign officials were optimistic of eventually gaining her support.
Chris Devaney, chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party and longtime acquaintance of Smith, confirmed that Smith called Fleischmann on election night, though he did not know what was said.
"I believe Robin Smith knows what's at stake for the state and the country," Devaney said. "In campaigns like this, there are really strong emotions on both sides. We've been working hard, campaigning all year, and after a few days, people usually come together."
Gregg Juster offered a different view as he and Smith are in similar positions. Juster was the chief of staff for Van Irion, another candidate who lost to Fleischmann.
"You think you have the better idea, and then you lose," Juster said. "Some people just have sour grapes, and it takes them more time to get over it."
Fleischmann had yet to win the votes of all 300 breakfast guests, though.
Donny Harwood, former campaign coordinator for Irion and member of the Bradley County Tea Party, said he was not yet backing Fleischmann.
"I'm just here to observe," Harwood said. "I'm curious to see where our party will be going. I'm here for my country. I know Chuck will do a good job, but I'm still undecided whether or not I will support anyone."
Smith was not the only Republican candidate missing from the event.
Irion, former gubernatorial candidate Zach Wamp and current gubernatorial candidate Bill Haslam also missed the event, but the three did send campaign representatives to offer congratulatory messages to Fleischmann on their behalf.