State Sen. Mike Faulk, R-Kingsport, announced his support of Republican Robin Smith in the multicandidate GOP primary for the 3rd District congressional seat.
The senator, who represents Grainger, Union, Jefferson and Claiborne counties in the district's northeastern end, urged voters in a news release to "join me in supporting Robin Smith."
"In 2008, I saw firsthand Robin's commitment to standing Tennessee up against the liberal tide sweeping across the nation," Sen. Faulk said.
Because of Mrs. Smith, he said, "we not only rode out the liberal wave, but made Tennessee a success story by capturing majorities in the state Legislature. I am convinced she will bring that same dedication to fighting for us in Washington."
Other GOP candidates running in the Aug. 5 primary include businessman Art Rhodes; Bradley County Sheriff Tim Gobble; businessman Tommy Crangle; educator/consultant Jean Howard-Hill; Rick Kernea, a former Air Force captain; and Van Irion.
Democrats who have filed are educator Brenda Short, Dr. Brent Staton and attorney John Wolfe.
Veterans group endorses Kernea
Iraq Veterans for Congress has endorsed Republican 3rd Congressional District candidate Rick Kernea, according to a news release.
Mr. Kernea, who served as an Air Force F-15 pilot, is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. IVC President D. Patrick Mahoney cited Mr. Kernea's military record and "strong economic background" as the reason for the endorsement.
Chip Forrester, chairman of the Tennessee Democratic Party, said the group "doesn't have any hold on people's decision on who they're going to support. And the Democratic president is getting us out of Iraq and a Republican president got us into Iraq, so I'm not sure how important that endorsement is."