Story Published:
Jul 12, 2010 at 10:10 AM CST
Story Updated:
Jul 12, 2010 at 4:51 PM CST
Candidate for governor Zach Wamp brought his 20/20 vision to Baxter, Tennessee Friday night, meeting with about 150 guests for a meet and greet evening at Del Monaco Winery.
The assembled guests enjoyed a patriotic song, “He’s My Hero, He’s My Friend,” by singer/writer Amy Jo Moble before Wamp talked about his vision for Tennessee.
Addressing three primary topics, Wamp stated his belief that one of the most under-utilized abilities of the governor is the power to convene. Wamp stated that in his experience during the campaign he has come to believe that rural communities are often not represented well in statewide decision making. As governor, Wamp indicated his plan would be to convene area leaders (rural and city) at least twice a year personally hear their needs and what can be done by the state to help them.
Wamp discussed what he calls his “Production Agenda” in three areas--Making, building, and growing.
He stated that "Making" refers to manufacturing, and emphasized the need for roads, no state income tax, and fortifying education. He referenced his experience with companies around the world researching Tennessee as a landing site, and the key things that bring them to the state. Concerns about education and workforce preparedness are clear priorities, according to Wamp, who delineated specific actions that he would take to improve both.
Finally, Wamp addressed "probably the most important economic issue" for Tennessee: the state of health of Tennesseans. He cited recent studies that had determined that over 40% of Tennesseans between the ages of 17 and 24 could not qualify to enlist in the U.S. Military due to overweight, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Wamp said that it wasn’t about size—it was about “sweat,” and the need for youth (and people of all ages) to produce it.
Asked about reasons for their support, one Murfreesburo teacher stated "I've never felt this strongly about a political candidate before, but I want to help this man get elected. He's the first person I've heard in politics who has a true grasp of how to make change in education. It's easy to talk about change, but very hard to do. You have to have a workable plan. And he does."
Kathleen Airhart stated that she became interested in his candidacy after a four hour benchmarking visit, in which Wamp asked extensive questions about Putnam counties methods, measures and success. "He remembered everything we talked about in such detail. I was impressed -- a lot of candidates will tell you what they think, but I've never known one who invested this much time learning at a detailed level." Wamp was impressed with what he learned about Putnam County, he said, and believes it to be a benchmark for statewide application that will improve Tennessee educational performance.
The mood turned festive as Zach told his wife, “Happy Birthday,” and appreciated her for being on the campaign trail with him on such a special day. The crowd sang, “Happy Birthday,” and Wendy Haskins, UCDD Director, presented Kim with gift basket of appreciation.
With just days left in the race for the Republican primary, Wamp urged supporters to spread the word and stated that his campaign spending would likely be one third of that of one of his key opponents, Bill Haslam. However, Wamp was encouraged, he said, by the number of voters still undecided -- a full 33% of them -- and urged supporters to help reach those individuals through personal contact.
His request? "Just let them read the 20/20 Vision and see if that's what they want for Tennessee.... let them know why you've determined to vote for this agenda and how much it matters to our future as a state." Wamp was appreciative of recent endorsements from well known financial conservative Dave Ramsey, who reportedly has not previously given such an endorsement, and from other key groups.
After closing with a group prayer, Wamp spent time connecting with key supporters from around the region, "These folks have prayed for me daily and I thank them for that."
"We can do this." said an enthusiastic Wamp as he spoke with supporters before returning to Chattanooga with his family. Wamp will be busy this week in candidate debates prior to early voting, which begins Friday.
To view Zach's speech, click here.
