Congressman Zach Wamp, who has said he is eyeing a possible gubernatorial race, said Monday he will begin campaigning for a number of state candidates.
Rep. Wamp told the Pachyderm Club that Republicans hold the majority in the Senate for the first time since the Civil War, and he will work to help the GOP also gain charge of the House.
He said he will be stumping for a number of GOP legislative candidates across the state in coming weeks.
Rep. Wamp, on the national political front, said the country "will survive if the Democratic candidate wins, but it will be a whole lot better off if John McCain wins."
He said the military surge in Iraq has been a major success and Iraq is much more stable than it was six months ago. On the other hand, he said Afghanistan is less stable than it was six months ago.
The speaker said a key focus of worldwide concern is Pakistan - the sixth largest nation. He said Pakistan could either move toward "stability or toward chaos."
Rep. Wamp gave credit to Sen. Bob Corker for helping land the Volkswagen plant for Chattanooga.
He said he helped state officials to broaden the offering to VW.
Rep. Wamp said, "If Bob Corker had not stepped in, Volkswagen would not be here today."
He said there is a clear difference in how Democrats and Republicans view the situation with high gas prices.
He said Republicans are taking a "all of the above" approach to energy development and moving away from reliance on foreign oil.
Rep. Wamp said when gas prices are above $4 it has a devastating effect on the economy. He said, "A number of businesses are closing and many citizens are really hurting."