Saltsman To Bring A Little ‘Magic’ To Neophyte’s Congressional Campaign

By Kleinheider Posted on June 24, 2009 at 1:35 pm

While the Chattanoogan reports this morning that he is the campaign manager, Chip Saltsman makes clear to Post Politics that he will only be advising Chuck Fleischmann’s Third District Congressional campaign. His hands-on role, he says, will be limited.

“Of course, my main living these days is not made off of politics but I certainly do like to help out good candidates when I can,” explained Saltsman. “Chuck is a great guy. He gave me call when he was thinking about doing this and I’m gonna give him all the help I can.”

Saltsman describes his role as more of a ‘general consultant’ and not as one who handles the day-to-day.

While Saltsman is involved in races and potential races around the country, including advising South Carolina Lt. Governor Andre Bauer who is weighing a run for the top job, he tells Post Politics that he will not be involved in the governor’s race here.

“I have a lot of friends in this race,” Saltsman says. “But I am not officially engaged in any of the current campaigns for governor.”

Chuck Fleischmann is currently running against both Bradley County Sheriff Tim Gobble and Tommy Crangle, an engineer. Former TNGOP chair Robin Smith is widely believed to be preparing to enter the race but has not yet announced.

The Democratic contenders include former state Commerce and Insurance Commissioner Paula Flowers and perennial candidate Brent Benedict.

permalink | 6 Comments

Tags: Chip Saltsman, Chuck Fleischmann, Robin Smith  

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:
Andy Sher
Sen. Mark Norris
Joe Lance
Chattarati
The AP
Ron Huddleston
Vulcan Hammer

permalink | 5 Comments

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