Tennessee 3: The Battle for Wamp’s Seat
By Hastings Wyman
Southern Political Report
March 18, 2009 — With 8th-term Republican US Rep. Zach Wamp’s announcement that he will step down next year to run for governor of Tennessee, the 3rd District (Chattanooga, etc.) will host a battle for an open seat in 2010 for the first time since 1994. The district, which stretches across the state from Georgia to Kentucky, includes 11 counties and encompasses Chattanooga and Oak Ridge. Bush carried the district with 61% in 2004. The 3rd is only 11% African-American, depriving the Democrats of a large base that could help them reclaim the seat. The last Democrat to represent the district was Congresswoman Marilyn Lloyd, who served from 1975 to 1995. There has been some speculation, echoed recently by state Democratic Chairman Chip Forrester, that Wamp will pull out of the governor’s race. Much of this has centered on questions about his ability to raise the necessary funds. But Wamp, who recently reiterated his intention to run for governor, held a fundraiser on March 16 in the hometown of wealthy Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam (R), one of Wamp’s major competitors in next year’s gubernatorial primary, and raised $250,000, a sign both that Wamp is serious and that he will not be without resources in the race. Republicans So far, two candidates -- both Republicans -- have announced for Wamp’s congressional seat. Bradley County Sheriff Tim Gobble (R), a former Secret Service agent, was elected sheriff in 2006. He has already begun traveling the long district, but his main center of strength would be in Bradley County, a populous Chattanooga suburb that accounts for about 17% of the likely Republican Primary vote in the district. Electrical engineer Tom Crangle, now an investor and a political columnist for Chattanoogan.com, has begun to attract attention as a conservative writer and activist. He is an advocate of the “fair tax,” which would replace the income tax with a national sales tax on consumer goods. Recently, he spoke against a gun control ordinance in Crossville, Tennessee. In addition, a large number of potential candidates are either considering the race or have been mentioned by the media or political insiders as possible candidates. There is no heir-apparent for the seat, though some political heavyweights are likely to end up in the race. State GOP Chairman Robin Smith, who is popular with party activists, would be a formidable contender. Says a close observer of Tennessee politics, “Smith has probably got the most chips out there. She was effective in helping Republicans take over the [state] House and extend their majority in the [state] Senate.” She would also gain from being the only woman in the race, although she would not be the 3rd District’s first congresswoman; that honor belongs to Lloyd. Adds another insider, “I have a hunch, if [Smith] runs, that she’ll have the inside track.” State Rep. Gerald McCormick from Hamilton County (Chattanooga), which has the largest concentration of voters -- about 43% of the likely Republican Primary turnout, has expressed interest in the race, but will probably not make decision until after the legislature adjourns in May or June. McCormick may also get points for having served in the Gulf War. McCormick has publicly endorsed Wamp’s gubernatorial bid, although Wamp has given no indication that he favors any of the contenders for his congressional seat. There is also speculation that US Sen. Bob Corker (R), a former mayor of Chattanooga, could be a factor in the race, though he has not been so far. State Sen. Bo Watson is considering running and is also likely to make an announcement about his intentions when the legislature adjourns. Watson, from Hixon, a suburb of Chattanooga, is remaining neutral in the governor’s race, due to his friendship with both Wamp and Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey (R), another gubernatorial candidate. State Sen. Dewayne Bunch is also considering the race. He would appeal particularly to social conservatives; his recent legislative initiatives include bills requiring birth certificates for aborted fetuses and banning any mention of a sexual orientation other than heterosexuality in public classrooms of grades K-12. Bunch is from Cleveland, county seat (pop. 37,000) of suburban Bradley County. Ex-Hamilton County (Chattanooga) GOP Chairman Wayne Cropp, an environmental attorney, is working to get a high-speed train connecting Nashville, Chattanooga and Atlanta -- and eventually, Chicago. Chattanooga businessman (healthcare) and philanthropist Greg Vital has also been mentioned for the race. Democrats Oak Ridge attorney and Democratic fundraiser Warren Gooch is looking at the race. Oak Ridge is a Democratic island in a sea of Republicans and would provide a good base in the Democratic Primary. Another potential Democratic contender is state Sen. Andy Berke, who hails from Chattanooga, which has a pocket of Democrats in the inner-city. He has been considering a race for governor, but might run for Congress instead. He recently introduced legislation boosting penalties for gas stations and other retailers who engage in price gouging during state-declared emergencies. Many Democrats had hoped that Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield (D) would seek the congressional seat, but he has announced he will not run. |
