Wamp Downplays Haslam Ad Buy

Congressman Zach Wamp says he’s kicking his campaign for governor into high gear. Wamp’s announcement at the state capitol Tuesday comes as the money leader for the GOP nomination started running his first TV ads over the weekend.

Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam has far outraised the field, even without tapping into his own personal wealth as part owner of Pilot Travel Centers. The family-owned chain of truck stops was started by his father, and has made Haslam the target for Wamp and others.

Wamp says he’s not sure when he’ll be able to afford to start running TV ads himself, but he says recent events, such as the unlikely election of Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown, show the biggest fundraiser doesn’t have to win by default. Voters, Wamp says, aren’t just fed up with what he calls an “out of control” federal government.

“They’re concerned about big government. But they’re also concerned about big business, and big special interests, and collusion, and who is going to benefit. This is about the people folks.”

Wamp says he’s a red-blooded, middle class Tennessean.

Even while picking up the pace on his campaign, Wamp says he won’t give up his seat in congress until the end of the year and will try to make it back to Washington for critical votes. Wamp says he doesn’t want to force a special election by resigning early.

Wamp Looking for Legislative Support

Congressman Zach Wamp has used high-profile endorsements from country singers like John Rich of the duo Big and Rich to help raise campaign cash. The gubernatorial candidate is now looking for support from the state legislature.

At a press conference inside the state capitol, Wamp recognized the awkward position of Republican legislators with Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey also running for governor. At the event, Wamp made sure to mention the presence of Kent Williams in the room.

The House Speaker says he’s not yet a committed supporter, but he likes Wamp.

“Zach also, you know, has come out and said he recognizes me as a Republican, and that goes a pretty long way with me.”

The state party stripped Williams of his Republican title after he cooperated with Democrats to make himself Speaker. He says Wamp has asked for an endorsement.