Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Robin Smith confirmed Wednesday she has an interest in the Third District Congressional race.
Chairman Smith said, "It isn't every day that a seat in Congress comes open, and I have received a lot of encouragement to look into that."
She said the encouragement "has come not just from Hamilton County, but from throughout East Tennessee."
Chairman Smith said it is still early since the primary for the seat being vacated by Zach Wamp is not until August of 2010, but she said she may make a decision by the end of March.
Chairman Smith, who is from Hixson, said it would be her first political race.
She said, "I have always been the one running other campaigns, and I have never asked anyone for their help in my own. It would be quite a different role for me."
Chairman Smith said she would see herself "as a citizen legislator. We need someone in Congress who will use common sense and make good decisions."