The graceless spat over money brought to us by two Third District Congressional candidates has given us one of the most disgusting statements we’ve seen in Tennessee politics in a long time, regardless of who started it.

Robin Smith’s response to Chuck Fleischmann, as they trade insults over fundraising efforts, includes a repulsive and sad expression of a disturbing philosophy both candidates seem to accept by having this public shouting match. Through her spokesman Mark Winslow, Smith said: “After scraping in a paltry $24,000 in contributions for the final quarter, it is clear Tennesseans have heard Chuck Fleischmann and said no thanks.”

This statement can only mean one of two things: either Tennesseans only speak with their checkbooks, or these candidates only listen to those who do.

This logic is wrong and deeply offensive.

The Chattanoogan.com has been brimming the last few days with candidates from all of the races rolling out the rhetoric to try to convince the public that their bank balances should mean something to us.

Show me the candidate who has more ideas than dollars. Show me the candidate who has more experience than attitude. Show me the candidate who seems to understand that they’ll represent all of us in Congress: those who contributed to one side, those who contributed to another, and the majority who made no financial contributions at all.

We listen with our ears, not our wallets. We speak with our First Amendment rights, not our trust funds. We decide who serves us in Congress, not the candidates.

Kelley McNabb

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I believe the candidate you are looking for is Tim Gobble. He is truly a person who has the experience and record to be a great Congressman for the people, not only the district, but also our nation. Tim is a former U.S. Secret Service Agent and current Sheriff of Bradley County. He has a record of successfully helping bring jobs to the area, managing public budgets, and he has dedicated his life to helping and protecting people. I personally feel he is Tennessee's Scott Brown and so do many other people that I have spoken with. Tim is the person we need.

Bobbie G. Brown

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This upcoming congressional election for the 3rd district is an important one. It is vital for each one of us to become involved. I attended a debate involving 7 candidates last month at Chattanooga State. I found it fascinating to watch and listen. There was a variety of questions providing the candidates a chance to show their knowledge as well as what they would propose to do. Some chose to ignore the questions either because they didn't didn't know how to answer or they felt that a current somewhat related stump speech would suffice.

There was only one candidate that answered the specifics in all the questions and that was Art Rhodes. In my opinion, Van Irion would have come in second. It would be in our best interest to attend upcoming debates and get to know the candidates for ourselves and not go by what someone else says.

Sonya Jacobson

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In response to Ms. McNabb, and agreeing with Bobbie Brown, Tim Gobble is the candidate that you are looking for. So far during the campaign Tim has just delivered the plain message that all of us are looking for. There is not a rhetoric message spouted from him. Tim is a plain spoken, down to earth candidate that will bring fresh air to the Third District Seat that we have not seen in a long time.

Tim is always ready to listen and talk to the public, whether it be a large group or just one person. He is a genuine person that we all can get behind and support for Third District Congress that will represent all of us.

He has already proven his ability to act while being on the Cleveland City Council and while working as EMA Director and Sheriff for Bradley County. His experience in government will benefit the entire 3rd district.

Charles Riggs

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One of the reasons so many of us have joined the Tea Party movement is to take the money out of politics. It should be about grassroots - calling your friends and neighbors to get the word out, supporters of the candidate knocking on doors. It shouldn't be about a 30 second ad on TV.

Gregg Juster
gregg@juster.com

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“Show me the candidate who has more ideas than dollars. Show me the candidate who has more experience than attitude. Show me the candidate who seems to understand that they’ll represent all of us in Congress.”

Tommy Crangle is that candidate. I have known Mr. Crangle since 1975. I learned much from him in my early adult life. He will stand for conservative principles; he will stand for us; his experience of life has demonstrated that. We should elect people to represent us that possess like principles, not on how much money they are able to raise. Tommy Crangle is such a person.

I recommend Tommy Crangle to you, a candidate of the people and for the people.

Mike Mahathy