Audio clip
Zach Wamp
Gubernatorial candidate and U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., criticized his chief GOP primary opponent Bill Haslam as the idle son of a rich family who is just looking for something to do.
He also discussed his four-point plan for Tennessee in a meeting Tuesday with the Chattanooga Times Free Press editorial board.
Rep. Wamp said he has more experience than Mr. Haslam, who is mayor of Knoxville, and described Mr. Haslam's platform as "woefully inadequate."
"(His family) is always looking for something for him to do," Rep. Wamp said.
Mr. Haslam's campaign spokesman David Smith said the comments are "not worth a response."
"Bill Haslam is a proven leader in business and government, and he has a plan with real solutions to the issues Tennesseans care most about -- jobs, education and managing the state budget," Mr. Smith said.
Rep. Wamp, in talking up his plan that focuses on the economy, education, health and safe communities, said he wants to promote a rural economic development agenda and a production-centered economy.
He wants to push reading as a fundamental building block to learning and make Tennessee an "education-reform state," he said.
Rep. Wamp also wants to reform the criminal justice system to keep repeat offenders locked up and to encourage nonviolent drug offenders to seek treatment through drug-court programs.
KEY DATES
* July 6: Last day qualified voters can register to vote for the county general election
* July 16-31: Early voting for the county general election
* Aug. 5: County general election and state race primaries
On the last point, Rep. Wamp, who has admitted in the past to struggling with drugs and alcohol, referred to his personal experience.
"Everybody knows my history," he said. "At 26 1/2 years, I've been totally sober and clean."
Dr. Bruce Oppenheimer, a professor of political science at Vanderbilt University, said Rep. Wamp's comments on Mr. Haslam show he's "looking for chinks in the armor."
He said Rep. Wamp also has tried to characterize Mr. Haslam as too liberal and that his family's business, Pilot Corp., presents conflicts of interest.
"Sometimes a tactic doesn't work immediately," Dr. Oppenheimer said. "Campaigns are sometimes not decided on a single event but on a collection of events. The other thing is, he's trying to present himself as the conservative alternative."
Gubernatorial race candidates
* Republicans
Zach Wamp
Bill Haslam
Basil Marceaux, Sr.
Ron Ramsey
* Democrat
Mike McWherter
* Independent
Brandon Dodds
Samuel David Duck
Carl Twofeathers Whitaker
Boyce T. McCall
Toni K. Hall
June Griffin
Donald Ray McFolin
James Reesor
Bayron Binkley
Mike Knois
Thomas Smith II
David Gatchell
Howard M. Switzer
Linda Kay Perry
Source: Tennessee Department of State
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Dan Whisenhunt covers Hamilton County government for the Times Free Press. A native of Mobile, Ala., Dan earned a degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Alabama. He won first place for best in-depth news coverage in the 2010 Alabama Press Association contest; the FOI-First Amendment Award in the 2007 Alabama Press Association contest; first place for best public service story in the Alabama AP Managing Editors contest in 2009 for economic coverage; and ...
A bored rich man (who is going to beat Wamp in August.)
Big people discuss issues .. .. small people discuss other people.
I was "on the fence" with my choice for this race until I saw Wamp's article in today's paper. I was embarrassed for him for making such an inconsiderate remark.
There's no way I could vote for a man with so little character when there is another available with so much to offer. I've met Haslam and his family, and I've met Wamp .. .. I don't find any justification for Wamp's comments .. it appears that he is already fabricating some excuses for his upcoming loss.
I voted for Wamp too many times and I am voting for Haslam this time. We need a governor experienced with balanced budgets.
Wamp again runs his mouth, saying Haslam has "hundreds of conflicts of interest" because his famiy's businesses sell gas .. food .. beer .. lotto tickets ..cigarettes .. etc ..
If he was a farmer .. that would be a conflict in Wamp's eyes .. a lawyer .. yep .. a builder .. yep .. .. .. ..
Soooooo .. .. .. since Mr. Wamp is soooo hung up on these so called conflicts .. it makes you wonder just exactly what conflicts he, himself just might be involved in ?? ?? ??
Compacent voters who fail to do their homework and try to figure out what ALL the candidates stand for, they will fall for anything! Here are a few comments I've made that can be quoted free-of-charge by anyone:
“Let’s pretend that only about 5,000 bigoted money spenders support Democrat and Republican hand-picked candidates – and about 500 bigoted media bosses (and their paid crews) make the candidates famous. Well, that leaves about 6,900,000 people in Tennessee at the mercy of government workers who vote.” – James Reesor
“Republicans and Democrats will blame ‘low voter turnout’ on August 5th to everything from the weather, the failing economy, or the inability of senior citizens to find a voting booth. Maybe some of us will stay home because we’ve been watching more ‘business as usual’ by folks who control the political process.” – James Reesor
“Are Tennessee voters planning to give the office of governor to the highest bidder or the candidate with the cutest grin? Will we get another Democrat or Republican instead of an Independent – because everyone has been brainwashed into believing they are more qualified to run the corrupt government they created? – James Reesor
"The bigoted Tennessee two-party machines have organized a statewide NBC affiliates debate between their loyal puppets – Ron, Bill, Zach, and Mike. If you want to be brainwashed, watch as they emphasize 'name recognition' instead of providing comprehensive positions on the issues. Tune in on July 12th." – James Reesor
"If you really want to know why voting for an Independent is better than putting Democrats or Republicans back in control of our governments, watch the ‘Ron, Bill, Zach and Mike Show’ on TV. TIME: Nashville & Memphis @ 7pm, Chattanooga & Knoxville @ 8 pm, Tri-Cities WCYB CW Network @ 10 pm." – James Reesor
“You will not be seeing me on TV next Monday evening. I hate wearing suits just to look good while debating politicians who care more about their hair than serving people who elect them into office. If you think only Democrats or Republicans know how to manage a government, good luck – you’ll need it.” – James Reesor
JAMES REESOR for GOVERNOR 20TEN TENNESSEE A White Horse Independent
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