The year 2009 saw the rise and fall of several serious contenders for the 3rd Congressional District seat, and there are ten months to go before it's all over. By the middle of April, the primary ballots are set, and the independent candidates are slated for the general election.
The Republican candidates will face each other, and voters, in a debate on Saturday, January 30th, at Woodland Park Baptist Church here in Chattanooga. The TN03 Election blog will be bringing that debate live to the Web, with the help of the greater Chattarati crew and the debate's organizers (the local Campaign for Liberty chapter and the Chattanooga Tea Party). Stay tuned for a more detailed announcement.
The Democratic candidates…oh, wait. There aren't any. Chattanooga City Councilman Andraé McGary has indicated a possible interest in the nomination, and a mild curiosity hovers over the district as to whether any others will be recruited.
The primary, whether one-armed or not, will be held on August 5th. Voters need to be registered by July 6th. The general election is November 2nd.
But what if this is all for nought? What if U.S Rep. Zach Wamp reviews his gubernatorial election chances and decides to keep his seat in Washington? He could be in position to move up the leadership ranks, and his Appropriations Committee spot is already substantial.
It's true, Congressman Wamp has told the media that he is in his current race for good, and is not going back. However, stranger things have happened in politics. Check back with us often throughout the year.
Joe Lance
david s on Jan. 1, 2010
Thanks for the update on this! I am hoping that a ton of folks will come out for the debate on January 30th. It's imperative that more citizens get more involved earlier in the process, rather than waiting until after the primary.