A Republican Congressman running for governor defended his vote for a federal bailout during Monday night’s statewide debate.

Each candidate had two chances to question a rival, and state Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey fired his parting shot at Chattanooga Congressman Zach Wamp.

“I want to know how you justify taking our grandkids’ money to bail out Wall Street barons.”

Ramsey, a fellow Republican, wanted to know why Wamp voted two years ago to support TARP, the Troubled Asset Relief Program, which some saw as a handout to big business. But Wamp argued he aimed to shore up a plummeting economy.

“Frankly, I became very concerned that the people I represent would not even be able to get their own money out of the bank the next morning. There was no confidence in our economy; we were at the cliff. I hated it, but we had no choice at that moment, that second time.”

Early voting in the Republican and Democratic primary starts this Friday.

WEB EXTRA:

When asked, no candidate spoke against the teaching of evolution or intelligent design in public schools. You can hear their remarks below.

Audio courtesy WSMV- Channel 4.