Over the last 20 years, I’ve had the chance to get to know U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp very well, both during my time in the private sector, running my family’s business, and during my time in public service, as the commissioner of economic development for Tennessee and as a director of the Tennessee Valley Authority, serving as its last full time chairman.

During these same years, I’ve also had the chance to get to know and work with Bill Haslam, the mayor of Knoxville.

I am proud to be a life-long Knoxvillian. My family’s company has been headquartered here for 50 years. My wife, Ginger, and I grew up here, and we’ve raised all four of our children here.

So people all over the state ask me: “Why are you and your family supporting Zach Wamp, and not Bill Haslam, the mayor of your hometown, for governor?”

I am clear and firm in my answer: Based on 20 years of experience, there is no comparison between Wamp and Haslam.

Quite simply, Wamp has the vision, the energy and the leadership abilities we need in our next governor, and Haslam does not.

And though Haslam is one of the nicest fellas you’d ever want to meet, the plain truth is that his record of performance, both in the private sector and in public office, does not measure up.

The leader we need is Zach Wamp.

I base this conclusion on three vital factors: Consistent, reliable conservative values and a philosophy of limited government, low taxes, free markets, and individual liberties; proven, accomplished leadership in the critical area of economic development – how to attract capital investment and create new jobs for our state; demonstrated commitment to truthfulness, transparency and full disclosure to the people whose trust he seeks to earn.

In all these areas, the mayor of Knoxville’s tenure has been disappointing.

As soon as Bill Haslam was elected mayor, his very first order of business was to pass the largest property tax increase in our city’s history. Not exactly a conservative’s approach.

Many of us who had hoped he would bring his family’s business acumen to his office were sorely disappointed.

In the critical area of economic development, during his six years as mayor Haslam’s record is anemic. His “crown jewel” is a taxpayer subsidized movie theater downtown – a movie theater!

But perhaps raising the greatest concerns, as mayor Haslam has steadfastly refused to comply with decades of common practice in his financial disclosures, choosing instead to meet only the bare legal minimums, with the greatest possible vagueness and difficulty of public access.

We are seeing the same attitude now in his incomplete, customized financial disclosures as a candidate for the highest office in our state. He refuses to do what our last four governors have all done, both Republican and Democrat – Openly and completely disclose to the voters the sources and extent of his financial interests, so that the voters can determine if there are any conflicts.

But Bill Haslam refuses to do this.

That is not the kind of leadership we are looking for in our next governor.

My family and I are so strongly supporting Zach Wamp.

He is the right man, with the right values, and the right solutions for these tough times.

And that is why Zach Wamp will make us proud as Tennessee’s next great governor!

Bill Baxter is chairman of Holston Gases Inc.

More than 30 hunting, fishing and firearms advocates representing Tennessee’s three grand divisions have publicly endorsed Zach’s bid for governor, highlighting his lifelong commitment to the 2nd Amendment and the state’s hunting and fishing heritage while acknowledging the need for a strong conservative governor who will actively protect the sporting rights cherished by so many Tennesseans.

“I have enjoyed a tremendous amount of support from gun owners and sportsmen throughout this campaign,” said Wamp. “We are leading in the rural areas of the state and much of that support comes from those who are familiar with my strong commitment to hunting, fishing and the 2nd Amendment. As governor, I will protect and nurture these rights from day one.”

As a member of Congress Zach has proudly and consistently supported Tennesseans’ right to own and bear arms while protecting the important traditions of hunting and fishing. Zach opposed the United Nations’ taxation on firearms, protected Tennesseans’ rights to defend themselves and supports an amendment to the state constitution that guarantees Tennesseans’ right to hunt and fish.

“I agree wholeheartedly with what Ronnie Barrett said two weeks ago. Zach Wamp has stood strong with us to protect and defend our 2nd Amendment rights,” said David Waldrip, a longtime 2nd Amendment grassroots activist and resident of Shelby County.

“We must make sure that our next Governor understands, supports and defends our rights under the constitution. Zach Wamp is that man, and I encourage my fellow gun owners, carry permit holders and sportsmen to follow Ronnie Barrett’s example and join me in supporting Zach Wamp for governor. ”

Tennessee sportsmen supporting Zach Wamp for Governor

Gary Arnett; a resident of Lake County, owner of Gary’s Guide Services on Reelfoot Lake, lifelong sportsman and Tennessean

Mike Beauchane; a resident of Robertson County and a National Rifle Association (NRA) Member

Tom Bible; a resident of Hamilton County and a lifetime member of the NRA

Jeff Breedlove; a resident of Hamilton County, Sportsman, and avid hunter

Lewis Card, Jr.; a resident of Hamilton County, Life Member of Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA), Ducks Unlimited member, Lifetime Tennessee Hunting License, Wild Turkey Federation member, Lifetime NRA member

Jon Clapper; resident of Wilson County, past NRA member, member of Alaskan Sport Fishing Association and lifelong hunter and angler

Jim Colley; a resident of Knox County and past chairman of the Knoxville Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

Doug Cook; a resident of Hamilton County, member of Safari Club International (SCI) and QDMA

Tom Eberle; a resident of Hamilton County, and member of SCI, Ducks Unlimited, and NRA

Jerry Floyd; a resident of Sevier County and owner of J. Floyds Golf and Guns, a staple in the East Tennessee sporting community since 1970

Trey Haley; a resident of Williamson County, avid hunter, member of the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

David Harrison; a resident of Hamilton County and member of Ducks Unlimited, SCI, Trout Unlimited, Conservation League

Kurt Holbert; a resident of Decatur County and life long sportsman

Steve Jones; a resident of Anderson County, state record setter for black bear and elk, member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and winner of the 2008 Outdoor Life’s Adventure of the Year Photo

Tull Malone; resident of and Deputy Sheriff in Lincoln County, National Wild Turkey Federation committee member and avid hunter

Pat May; a resident of Meigs County and 3 Time Past President of the Highland Sports Club

Joe Painter; a resident of Hamilton County, Sportsman, Concealed Weapon Permit Holder

Charlie Peavyhouse; a resident of Hamilton County, he formerly served on Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) Board of Commissioners.

David Perry; a resident of Blount County and former co-owner of Gunny’s Guns

Rick Pollard; a resident of Hamilton County and member of the NRA

Jubal Ragsdale; a resident of and Deputy Sheriff in Lincoln County and lifetime member of the NRA

Tony Sanders; a resident of Hamilton County, President of Chattanooga NRA Chapter, and local radio host on Tennessee outdoor living

John Shorter; a resident of Davidson County and avid fisherman

Marvin Smith; a resident of Hamilton County and a member of Boat US

Dr. Stephen Sawrie; a resident of Hamilton County and a lifetime member of the NRA

Bill Swann II; a resident of Sequatchie County, President, Chattanooga Chapter, Safari Club International, Ducks Unlimited, NRA member

Bill Swann III; a resident of Hamilton County, Treasurer, Chattanooga Chapter, Safari Club International (SCI), Ducks Unlimited (DU), NRA member

G.L. Teauge; a resident of Decatur County and former TWRA Commissioner

Curry Todd; Tennessee State Representative from District 95 in Shelby County, 2nd Amendment advocate in the State House and author of recent legislation to protect gun owners’ rights.

Bob Turner; a resident of Shelby County and past member of Ducks Unlimited

Lewis Walker; a resident of Cumberland County and a lifelong sportsman. Lewis has been a longtime member of the NRA and has helped to start various National Wild Turkey Federation chapters across the Southeast.

Tom Waller; a resident of Hamilton County, Gun Owners of America Life Member, NRA Benefactor Member, Second Amendment Foundation Life Member

David Waldrip; a resident of Shelby County State wide NRA volunteer who has been involved in grassroots political efforts in support of the Second Amendment for the past ten years. The 2008, co-winner of the NRA’s Jay M. Littlefield Volunteer of the Year award.

Dexter White; a resident of Hamilton County, member of the Federation for North American Wild Sheep (FNAWS) and QDMA

For more information about Zach Wamp and his campaign for governor, including his 20/20 Vision For an Even Better Tennessee, please visit the campaign online at www.ZachWamp.com.

Aliso Viejo, CA – Minuteman Project Founder and President Jim Gilchrist, the nation’s leading grassroots activist on the issue of immigration reform and border security, announced today that he is endorsing Congressman Zach Wamp in his bid for Governor of Tennessee. Gilchrist cited Wamp’s strong record on securing our borders, denying illegals any form of amnesty, and cracking down on taxpayer funded benefits that attract illegals to the United States. Polls show that immigration reform and border security remains one of the top issues facing voters of the state of Tennessee in the upcoming August 5 Republican Primary.

Gilchrist stated, “Instead of politicians who like to talk about illegal immigration without actually having a record of acting to end this problem, America needs real leaders like Zach Wamp to implement Arizona style laws in states like Tennessee. With his strong track record of calling for the Federal Government to enforce our laws and secure our borders, Zach Wamp is the only candidate who truly has a committed stand on the issues of immigration reform and border security. We need Zach Wamp as Governor of Tennessee to end the chaos of illegal immigration.”

Regarding the August 5 Republican Primary Gilchrist said, “For too long law abiding Americans have grown tired of watching the political establishment lack the will to enforce our nation’s laws when it comes to border security and immigration policy. For over 15 years Zach Wamp has earned the strongest record of any member of the Tennessee Congressional Delegation on this issue and has proven he will fight that same status quo establishment. Tennessee needs someone in Nashville that will fight on behalf of taxpayers to end the influx of illegal aliens in America and that is why I wholeheartedly endorse Zach Wamp for Governor of Tennessee.”

Jim Gilchrist founded the multi-ethnic Minuteman Project on Oct. 1, 2004, after years of frustrated efforts trying to get a neglectful U.S. government to simply enforce existing immigration laws. Called “the world’s largest neighborhood watch”, their volunteer members aid efforts of the US Border Patrol by watching for illegal activity along the US-Mexican border.

Jim Gilchrist is the founder and President of the Minuteman Project, a multi-ethnic grassroots organization dedicated to border security and immigration reform. For more information see www.MinutemanProject.com

Rep. Wamp has been effective in boosting Tennessee’s business and industrial growth, while advocating improved educational opportunities. He has given attention to Tennessee interests while he has served the whole nation well and conservatively in Congress.

He has a “20/20 Vision” plan that includes health improvements, while controlling costs for families and individuals.

He insists there be “no state income tax.” (Fortunately, Mayor Haslam and Speaker Ramsey share that view.)

Rep. Wamp believes in firm law enforcement and strong action against the invasion of our country by illegal aliens.

He is a reliable supporter of Tennessee’s sound Right-to-Work law.

Rep. Wamp has worked to preserve Moccasin Bend, advance business and science and energy work in this district, and to improve our vital Chickamauga Dam lock. He has worked to promote the historic Trail of Tears recognition. He is for sound tax-and-spend conservatism.

We know of no issue on which Rep. Wamp’s political positions are not constructive. His conservative views should be popular and beneficial for all Tennesseans.

We are fortunate to have such a fine array of candidates for governor in Congressman Wamp, Mayor Haslam and Speaker Ramsey. We believe Rep. Wamp’s extensive experience in Washington on so many issues and his sound principles recommend him for nomination for governor Aug. 5 — and overwhelming election in November.

Read the full endorsement here.

CHATTANOOGA – Zach Wamp, Republican candidate for Governor, today challenged Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam to join him at additional televised debates across the state so that Haslam may directly address lingering questions many Tennessee voters still have about his history of price-gouging consumers at the gas pumps, raising taxes during his first year as mayor and joining New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg in a direct assault on the rights of Tennessee gun owners.

Wamp said more interactive televised debates would give Haslam the opportunity to fully, honestly and publicly address these and other issues that Haslam has refused to answer.

“For months now, we have asked Mayor Haslam to do what all of the other candidates have done, and that is to be fully open and transparent about his personal income taxes, his company’s many conflicts of interest with the state and the Mayor’s record of public service that is anything but conservative,” Wamp said.

“But at each turn, Mayor Haslam has tried to deal with these questions by stonewalling and spending more money to try and convince voters he’s something that he is not. Today, I challenge Bill Haslam to come out from behind his big oil money and advertising curtain and debate these issues publicly with me before the voters of this state.”

Despite Mayor Haslam’s call for “civility” earlier in the year, the Haslam campaign was the first to use paid phone banks to launch negative attacks against his opponents several months ago when it was caught using highly unethical “push-polling” against both the Wamp and Ramsey campaigns.

Many of the issues Wamp raised are addressed in a new television ad called “Rusty” that the Wamp campaign is now airing that features a lifelong Tennessean named Rusty Criminger.

Barrett started Barrett Firearms 28 years ago, and he has become a revered icon in the world of firearms manufacturing, and staunch defender of the second amendment.

“Whenever Tennessee sportsmen and gun owners needed a friend in Congress, Zach Wamp stood strong with us to protect and defend our 2nd Amendment rights, that’s why he’s always received an A rating from the National Rifle Association” said Barrett. “We need that same strong backbone and consistent support from our next Governor, and I’m convinced that Zach Wamp will be that man. I strongly encourage all Tennessee sportsmen and gun owners to support Zach Wamp for Governor.”

Headquartered in Murfreesboro, Barrett Firearms is the world leader in large-caliber rifle design and manufacturing. Their products are used by civilian sport shooters, law enforcement agencies. The United States military adopted the Barrett .50 caliber rifle as well as more than 50 American allied countries across the world and has been an important weapon for our fighting troops.

“I am honored to have Ronnie Barrett join our campaign for Governor,” said Wamp. “Ronnie and Barrett Firearms are a true Tennessee success stories and his endorsement is more proof of our campaign’s momentum. As Governor, I will continue my long, consistent record of fighting to protect the 2nd Amendment rights for law-abiding citizens and sportsmen.”
In February, Barrett was honored by NRA Publications with the Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award. Ronnie is a past recipient of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and has been recognized by both Inc. Magazine and Business Tennessee Magazine as a top entrepreneurial company. The United States Army in 2004 named the Barrett M107 as “One of the Top 10 Greatest Inventions”. The first time in history any firearm had made the list.

Ronnie has been featured on shows like 60 Minutes, Paula Zaun, Dateline, Discovery channel, History channel and Military Channel and many others. His rifles are seen in major motion pictures as well as depicted in the top rated action video games in America.

For more information about Zach Wamp and his campaign for governor, including his 20/20 Vision For an Even Better Tennessee, please visit the campaign online at www.ZachWamp.com.