The Southeast Tennessee Political Action Committee (SETPAC), a non-partisan group of local business leaders, interviewed U.S. Senate candidates Harold Ford Jr. and Bob Corker.
And the verdict is - Republican Corker.
But for governor SETPAC went with Democrat Phil Bredesen.
The group announced its final state and federal endorsements for the Nov. 7 mid-term election on Monday.
The choices are: Bob Corker (R) – U.S. Senate; Zach Wamp (R) – 3rd District U.S. Congress; Phil Bredeson (D) – Governor; Bo Watson (R) – 11th State Senate District; and State House of Representatives candidates Gerald McCormick (R) – District 26; Bill Lusk (D) – District 27; Ike Robinson (I) – District 28; Jo Ann Favors (D) – District 29; Vince Dean (R) – District 30; and Jim Cobb (R) – District 31.
“Over the last six months SETPAC has interviewed almost every candidate that has run in any of the local, state and national races,” said Albert Waterhouse, spokesperson for the group. “We think this final round of endorsements represents and speaks to the values of our mission, which is to support open-minded individuals who are going to use their elected office in the very best interest of Hamilton County.”
Since the May primary, the organization has endorsed approximately 25 candidates and has donated over $9,000 to their campaigns. Of those the organization has supported, 88 percent have won their races. SETPAC members vote anonymously and elected officials associated with the group abstained from voting.
SETPAC has also conducted a “Register to Vote” campaign and purchased radio spots as part of its “Get Out the Vote” campaign.
SETPAC will also be offering free transportation to the early voting locations and also to the polls on Election Day, Nov. 7.
For transportation or more information call John Sertel, chairman of the SETPAC “Get Out the Vote” campaign at 240-5359.