On Wednesday, Mr. Fleischmann rolled out a new television ad, attacking the federal health care reform law and promising to support its repeal.
Mrs. Smith also criticized the law this week, saying she endorses legislation to "repeal and replace" it.
The Fleischmann ad is called "Health Care Storm."
"Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama have unleashed their health care disaster on America," the narrator says. "Their big government plan will soak the American taxpayer, ruin medicine and destroy jobs."
Mrs. Smith's camp said Tuesday that she supports a bill submitted by House Republicans on May 27 that would repeal the law.
"This bill is a good first step to restoring sanity to the health care debate and giving the American people the true reform they are asking for," she said in a news release.
SMITH GETS 3RD GOP HOUSE ENDORSEMENT
An endorsement from U.S. House Republican Conference Chairman Mike Pence, R-Ind., is the third that Hixson resident Robin Smith, a GOP candidate for Tennessee's 3rd Congressional District seat, has secured from top congressional leaders.
Also endorsing Mrs. Smith's campaign are House GOP Whip Eric Cantor, R-Va., and House Chief Deputy Whip Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.
Rep. Pence said in a news release that Mrs. Smith "is the type of conservative Republican we need to help us put the country back on the right track."
"Her commitment to fiscal discipline, opposition to big government bailouts and support for traditional values makes me proud to endorse her candidacy," the congressman said, whose 6th Congressional District east of Indianapolis includes Muncie and Richmond, Ind.
Mrs. Smith said in the release that Rep. Pence has been "an unwavering leader in standing up to the radical leftist agenda of Barack Obama and (House Speaker) Nancy Pelosi."
Eleven Republicans, four Democrats and six independents are vying in the 11-county 3rd District to replace U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., who is running for governor. The district includes Chattanooga, Cleveland and Oak Ridge.
LOCAL EXECUTIVES BACK FLEISCHMANN
Chattanooga attorney Chuck Fleischmann said an "Entrepreneurs for Chuck" coalition of eight area business executives has endorsed his candidacy in the 3rd District race.
The eight are Fred Exum, of the Krystal Co.; Phil Smartt, of Phil Smartt Insurance; Ronnie Barnes, of Barnes Global; Jerry Walls, of Lookout Valley Tool and Machine; Lois Killebrew, of Mountain City Realtors; Matt Hullander, of Hullco Exteriors; Pem Guerry, of Signix; and Bob McKamey, of Lexus of Chattanooga and Capital Toyota.
In a news release, Mr. Fleischmann said he is "humbled" by the support.
"I have spent a lot of time talking with business owners throughout the district, and I know that more government regulation and intrusion is not the answer to our economic problems," he said.
Mr. Exum said the candidate "understands that the government does not create jobs, and that private businesses are what drive our economy."
Compiled by staff writers Dan Whisenhunt and Larry Henry. E-mail Dan Whisenhunt at dwhisenhunt and Larry Henry at lhenry@timesfreepress.com.