Joe Carr

Chip Saltsman

NASHVILLE - State Rep. Joe Carr, R-Lascassas, said today that veteran Republican strategist Chip Saltsman is joining his 4th Congressional District campaign.

"We are excited that Chip will lead our team," Carr said in a statement. "Chip brings significant firepower and experience to our campaign. His excellent track record of managing both statewide and national campaigns is invaluable."

He called "a leader and proven winner in the conservative movement."

Saltsman is a former Tennessee Republican Party chairman who served as national campaign manager for GOP presidential candidate Mike Huckabee's 2008 presidential campaign.

In 2010, Saltsman advised Republican Chuck Fleischmann's campaign, helping fuel his victory in both the GOP's 3rd Congressional District primary as well as the general election. He also helped the Chattanooga congressman in his 2012 reelection effort. But Fleischmann's tough 2010 GOP primary resulted in a lawsuit filed by Mark Winslow, which is still pending.

Carr is running against embattled U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais, R-Tenn. State Sen. Jim Tracy, R-Shelbyville, is running as well.