Wamp says he's in for governor

Congressman says "the time is at hand" and will pursue office of governor

Email | Print By Ken Whitehouse

Zach Wamp

Congressman Zach Wamp of Chattanooga sent an e-mail to supporters this morning stating that he is entering the 2010 race for governor. The Republican has served in the United States Congress since 1994.

The move by Wamp comes on the heels of yesterday's announcement that former U.S. Senator Bill Frist would not enter the race. Shelby County District Attorney Bill Gibbons and Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam are the two other Republican candidates who have entered the race.

Wamp is well known in his district and was a vocal supporter of Fred Thompson for president, but has work to do statewide. He has over the last year been erecting billboards outside of his district in an effort to increase his name identification.

The challenges Wamp faces will be fund-raising and showing that he can be an administrator. Expect his Republican challengers to point out that the last congressman to serve as governor was Don Sundquist, whose advocacy of a state income tax has made him persona non grata among the rank-and-file GOP.

Attached is a copy of the e-mail that Wamp sent to supporters.

One of the highest honors of my life has been to serve the very best people in the world---the citizens of Tennessee's Third District-- in Congress for the last 14 years. I am grateful and humbled that you have again elected me to serve in Congress, and I will be sworn in tomorrow to serve you in the 111th Congress. I will continue to make my service to you my highest priority. Our country faces difficult challenges in the days ahead, and I will do my best to bring reasoned, conservative solutions to the problems we face.

However, 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. While so much is good in Tennessee, I know in my heart we can continue to do better. From education, economic development, infrastructure and transportation to safer cities and healthier children, I will lead our state with vision, planning and implementation while setting goals and achieving results for a better Tennessee.

In the next few days, I will travel the Third District to thank and hear from the people who have been so good to Kim, Weston, Coty and me over the years. I will also file the paperwork necessary to begin raising money as a candidate for Governor of the great State of Tennessee.

Bolstered by a strong record of public service, a strong faith in God and the support of thousands of people like you who have stood with us through the years, I begin this extraordinary journey with a servant's heart and a commitment to the common sense values that makes Tennessee the state we all love. Please pray for us and spread the good word.

Thank you so much.

Zach