Tennessee is about to elect a new governor.
For the past eight years, Gov. Phil Bredesen, a Democrat, has been a good and effective leader. We appreciate his leadership. But our state Constitution limits governors to two consecutive four-year terms. So as Gov. Bredesen looks toward leaving office, we will be choosing a new state chief executive.
Republican Party and Democratic Party voters will choose their respective nominees in separate primary elections Aug. 5. The winners, and any independent gubernatorial aspirants, will be on the November general election ballot for a final choice.
Fortunately, several good gubernatorial candidates have "come to the top."
* Chattanooga's outstanding Congressman Zach Wamp is running for the Republican nomination.
* So is very sound and able Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam.
* A third substantial Republican candidate is Tennessee Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey of Blountville.
We think well of all three of them in their performance in their present offices. Frankly, we would be pleased if all of them were seeking to continue in their current offices.
When we think of Rep. Wamp, we are very appreciative that he has served faithfully, energetically, conservatively and well in Congress since being elected in 1994.
Mayor Haslam has been a good mayor of Knoxville.
Speaker Ramsey has served well in our state Legislature.
The next governor of Tennessee will face many challenges as he wrestles with an economy that is in recession. He must be vigorous in encouraging major new industrial and business enterprises to keep our people's job opportunities and economy strong. He should improve education. He must lead in a variety of state responsibilities -- without a tax increase!
Rep. Wamp has been effective in boosting Tennessee's business and industrial growth, while advocating improved educational opportunities. He has given attention to Tennessee interests while he has served the whole nation well and conservatively in Congress.
He has a "20/20 Vision" plan that includes health improvements, while controlling costs for families and individuals.
He insists there be "no state income tax." (Fortunately, Mayor Haslam and Speaker Ramsey share that view.)
Rep. Wamp believes in firm law enforcement and strong action against the invasion of our country by illegal aliens.
He is a reliable supporter of Tennessee's sound Right-to-Work law.
Rep. Wamp has worked to preserve Moccasin Bend, advance business and science and energy work in this district, and to improve our vital Chickamauga Dam lock. He has worked to promote the historic Trail of Tears recognition. He is for sound tax-and-spend conservatism.
We know of no issue on which Rep. Wamp's political positions are not constructive. His conservative views should be popular and beneficial for all Tennesseans.
We are fortunate to have such a fine array of candidates for governor in Congressman Wamp, Mayor Haslam and Speaker Ramsey. We believe Rep. Wamp's extensive experience in Washington on so many issues and his sound principles recommend him for nomination for governor Aug. 5 -- and overwhelming election in November.