TNGOP Chair Robin Smith To Resign Effective May 30

By Kleinheider Posted on May 16, 2009 at 12:32 pm

The head of the Tennessee Republican Party Robin Smith informed members of the State Executive Committee her intention to step down as chairman of the TNGOP effective May 30.

She announced that intention to the Republican Party email list shortly thereafter in a letter. While the letter does not include an announcement of her intention to seek the Third Congressional District seat being vacated by Rep. Wamp, it certainly makes a thinly-veiled reference.

“Over the past few months, I have received a great deal of encouragement to assess how I can be most effective as an advocate for Tennesseans moving forward. I feel that I owe those who have contacted me a thoughtful consideration of all options,” says Smith in the emailed release.

If (or when) Smith announces for the seat she will join Chuck Fleischmann and Bradley County Sheriff Tim Gobble on the Republican side. State Rep. Gerald McCormick has taken himself out of contention, while Rep. Bo Watson is reported still open to the possibility.

On the Democratic side, announced candidates include former Commissioner of Commerce and Insurance Paula Flowers and Brent Benedict.

As for Smith’s replacement as party chair, candidates who have already announced for the position include Bob Corker’s State Director Chris Devaney, Rep. Eric Swafford and TNGOP Treasurer Oscar Brock.

SEE ALSO:
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Sen. Mark Norris
Joe Lance
Chattarati
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Vulcan Hammer

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Tags: Bo Watson, Brent Benedict, Chris Devaney, Chuck Fleischmann, Eric Swafford, Gerald McCormick, Oscar Brock, Robin Smith, Tim Gobble, TNGOP