By Erik Schelzig
The Associated Press
HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. — Republican gubernatorial candidate Zach Wamp says he sees no problem keeping a $2,500 contribution from the political action committee of Democratic Rep. Bart Stupak, even though the two congressmen and former housemates ended up on opposite sides of the vote on the health care overhaul.
Wamp, of Chattanooga, said after a recent campaign appearance in Hendersonville that the contribution was due to a “long-standing friendship” with the Michigan congressman who played a crucial role in securing House approval of the bill.
“I’ve always separated his professional decisions from his personal decisions,” said Wamp, who has been campaigning on a platform that includes trying to fight off President Barack Obama’s health care initiative. “We’re just friends; it transcends politics.”