Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee is backing Chuck Fleischmann for Tennessee's 3rd District congressional seat, but another candidate insists it's just political payback.
On Mr. Fleischmann's Web site -- www.chuckforcongress.com -- a statement from Mr. Huckabee calls the candidate a "regular" American.
"Chuck is just the kind of guy we need representing us in Congress -- plain and simple," Mr. Huckabee writes. "As I have traveled the country these last few years, I have realized, now more than ever, we need someone who has run a small business, balanced a budget, and raised a family fighting for us in Washington; Chuck has done all of these successfully."
"The party bosses and Washington insiders are the ones who have gotten us in this mess, and it is regular Americans just like Chuck who will get us out of it."
But a news release from the campaign of Robin Smith, one of Mr. Fleischmann's opponents in the 3rd District race, hints that the endorsement is linked to the fact that Chip Saltsman, previously the manager of Mr. Huckabee's 2008 presidential campaign, now is a consultant to Mr. Fleischmann.
"We're not surprised that Governor Huckabee has taken an interest in Tennessee's 3rd District with his paid consultant also on Fleischmann's payroll," Chris Meekins, campaign manager for Mrs. Smith, said in a release that does not mentions Mr. Saltsman's name.
Mr. Fleischmann said he is "honored to have Governor Huckabee's endorsement."
"The governor is someone who understands exactly what the American people are looking for and need, and I feel blessed that he has looked at this race and decided I am the one who represents the values he stands for."