U.S. Congressman Chuck Fleischmann speaks during a meeting with the Times Free Press editorial board and reporters in the newspaper’s office Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn.NASHVILLE – After three tough GOP primary battles over six years, 2016 may prove to be “sweet ’16” for 3rd District U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann.
State Senate Speaker Pro Tem Bo Watson, R-Hixson, made it official last week, telling the Times Free Press in an interview he won’t challenge Fleischmann in the August GOP primary.
“I sure hadn’t announced anything, so that’s a pretty good indicator,” said Watson, who earlier this year weighed a potential challenge. “I really enjoy doing what I’m doing right now.”
His post as vice chairman of the state Senate Finance Committee and chairman of the panel’s budget subcommittee “allows me to be a real participant in the process and, I think, make a significant difference in what we’re doing in Tennessee,” Watson said.
In an earlier interview, Fleischmann said he had not yet heard from the state lawmaker on his intentions.