Chuck Fleischmann and other candidates in the 3rd Congressional District race say they will boycott the Hamilton County Republican Party’s largest fundraiser Saturday because of a “pay-to-play” policy that would cost them $2,000 to speak at the event.
“I think all candidates should be able to speak — or none of the candidates should be able to speak,” said Mr. Fleischmann, a local attorney who has put $544,000 of his own money into his campaign.
Mr. Fleischmann said though he continues to support the Hamilton County party, he will not attend the event, to be held at Chattanooga Convention and Trade Center at 6 p.m.
Hamilton County Republican Party Vice Chairman Harold Coker said there is “no charge for the candidates to speak,” but the party expects candidates “to buy two tables” at $1,000 each. Without that purchase, they cannot speak, he said.
Fellow 3rd District candidates Van Irion and Tommy Crangle said they will not attend and instead are going to a Tea Party event in Gatlinburg, Tenn.