Tennessee Republicans uncommitted in race for national chair

Trio of GOP voters not with Saltsman - or any candidate to lead Republican party

Email | Print By Ken Whitehouse

Tennessee Republican Party Chair Robin Smith, along with Tennessee's Republican National Committee members John Ryder and Peggy Lambert, announced today that they are "uncommitted" to any candidate for the post of chairman of their national party.

A statement sent out by state party spokesman Bill Hobbs states that "the three remain uncommitted during this time of decision-making in reviewing the qualifications, track record and proven ability to lead with conviction and merit."

Nowhere in the statement issued by Hobbs does it mention former Tennessee GOP chair Chip Saltsman or discuss the controversy generated by his candidacy for the national post. Instead, they seem to be keeping their heads down, even stating, "Tennessee's voting members take very seriously this opportunity to speak for the state's Republicans on the national level. However, the priority of our state party will continue to be this state's political arena to grow the historic gains in the General Assembly and elect a Republican Governor."

Tennessee's RNC members will be participating in Jan. 5 candidate forums that will be broadcast for the public on CSPAN starting at 11:30 p.m. Central. The forums will take place in Washington, D.C. and include all of the candidates vying for the post of chairman of the Republican National Committee.