Nashville's Post Politics blog reported today that U.S. Congressman Zach Wamp (R) confirmed what we knew all along, that he will run for Governor of Tennessee in 2010. In an email to his supporters, he said:
"I believe the time is at hand for me to expand my service to help even more people in our great state by pursuing the office of Governor."
A surprising twist in the Gubernatorial race is that State Senator Andy Berke (D) is also contemplating a run. According to Nashville 21, who spoke with Sen. Berke by phone this morning, he is currently exploring the possibility and determining whether a run is feasible. Sen. Berke has been quiet with the media, but alluded to the rumors with a coy Twitter posting:
"Thinking Tennessee politics is interesting today."
John Hawbaker
David Morton on Jan. 5, 2009
Can anyone point to a single piece of legislation sponsored by Wamp that became law outside of earmarks for this District? I'm not playing devil's advocate -- I really can't think of anything.
John Hawbaker on Jan. 5, 2009
I'm pretty sure Wamp was against the bailout before he was for it.
freweds on Jan. 6, 2009
Can anyone think of anything Andy Berke has done other than getting elected by pandering to the 'urban' democratic base by promising a minimum wage increase?
He promised it... he said he would introduce it... even when we do not have a state minimum wage.
Andy wants to go to Washington.
Robert T. Nash on Jan. 6, 2009
It has been my experience Andy Berke does not have stones of sufficient weight and mass for today's blood-and-guts politics...
Adam Rutherford on Jan. 7, 2009
The bailout is still a sore spot for me. Wamp did change his mind about the bailout after an additional $100 Billion was neatly tacked on, in spite of a formidable amount of opposition to the bailout being voiced by Mr. Wamp's constituents. He then went on to win the proceeding election by a greater margin of support than in any of his previous elections.
Call me crazy, but in one of the few states that actually became redder after the last election, I'd say Wamp is a shoe-in. Which isn't all bad, I can't help but like the guy in spite of my support for free market principles.
RAZBDY on Jan. 7, 2009
RTN, you why don't you convince Marti to run for Governor so you can run her campaign? Yesterday you had your nose up her butt so far you could see your head when she opened her moutn.
David Morton on Jan. 7, 2009
In response to myself.
Zach Wamp has sponsored 3 bills that have been signed into law since 1995: HR 3085 [109th], HR 1260 [110th], and HR 3315 [110th..
So when he says he has "established himself as a leader on national issues like alternative energy, preventive health care and global security," you can rest assured that he means it.
Robert T. Nash on Jan. 7, 2009
CLOSED CIRCUIT TRANSMISSION TO RAZBDY:
Thanks for listening to 'Live and Local' on Talk Radio WGOW 102.3 FM. With that out of the way, please know I like the way you think, but I have found even worthy political ideology without the required funds to be - generally speaking - a losing proposition. With that in mind, please send your non-tax deductible good check (made payable to "Cash") to the exploratory committee address below. If you'd rather be all new age wired world about it I'll gladly accept same via PayPal. Remember, real change takes real funds, and if you want to know what your values are, just look at where you spend your time and money. Thanks!
Respectfully Yours,
Robert T. Nash
ATTN: Marti For Governor
3623 Lerch Street
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37411
shoe_chucker on Jan. 7, 2009
Many people may not realize this, but the voting record of each U.S. Congressman is public record. There are many ways of obtaining these records, even from the comfort of your home. A quick internet search for "congress voting records" came up with 1,340,000 hits. My particular favorite is http://www.themiddleclass.org/legislator/zach-wamp-382 If you are "middle class", I respectfully suggest you take the time to find and review Mr. Wamp's record, online or otherwise.
Charles Shoe
Soddy Daisy
shoe_chucker@yahoo.com
freweds on Jan. 8, 2009
And to the person(s) that actually spends time looking at Andy Berke on whatever the hell twitter is... jesus.. get a efing life.
David Morton on Jan. 8, 2009
Andy Berke's Twitter posts are quite humorous coming from an elected official.
Stephen42 on Jan. 8, 2009
Anybody for stealing a page from 'Brewster's Millions' and voting for NONE OF THE ABOVE.
re: freweds, twitter users do have a life. We just like it to be a life where we are closely connected with our friends & family. It is amazing the insights that can be gleamed from a person by reading these little messages.
zach's buddy on Jan. 30, 2009
Does anybody have a copy of Zach's arrest mugshot that appeared in the Chattanooga paper years ago. Love to have that to complete my collection of his great deads...