In Presidential Race He "Likes Mitt Romney A Lot"
posted February 1, 2008
Congressman Zach Wamp said he is weighing whether to run for governor of Tennessee or continue his high-level career in Congress.
"I have two incredible options, and I have a very hard decision to make," Rep. Wamp told members of the SETPAC political action group on Friday.
He said, "I talk about it every day. Everywhere I go people encourage me to run for governor."
Rep. Wamp said he is resigned to the fact he won't be a U.S. senator, saying the time "came and went" on that option. Former Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker ran for and won the most recent opening that was closely eyed by Rep. Wamp.
He praised the work of Gov. Phil Bredesen in managing state government, but the 50-year-old Wamp said he feels "someone with a vision, with youth and enthusiasm" is needed to lead the state next. He said the need is for "someone who is going to inspire young people about our future in Tennessee."
On the other hand, Rep. Wamp noted he just received a plum military appropriations assignment, and he said he likely will be in line for even higher posts on important Congressional committees."
He said he will need to make a decision after the presidential election and between next January.
On the military situation, he said, "We don't need to be antagonizing anybody."
He said the U.S. should begin a drawdown from its foreign engagements and "leave honorably."
He said the huge amount spent on foreign wars should be invested in rebuilding the country's infrastructure and other domestic needs.
On the presidential race, he said he got so far out in support of Sen. Fred Thompson that he is refraining from endorsing another candidate. But he said, "I like Mitt Romney a lot."
He said there is a possibility that the Democrats could wind up with a ticket that includes both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.
He said Republican John McCain might wind up with Joe Lieberman as his vice president candidate.
The speaker said this is "the most interesting presidential election in 80 years," and he said he is excited that many young people are energized by it.
He said, "America is going to be great no matter who wins."
Rep. Wamp said more and more Americans are Independent, and he said he expects the presidential vote will go down to the wire - with no more spread than two or three percentage points.
On the issue of healthcare, he said, "Some are telling me they are so tired of dealing with the HMOs and the insurance companies that they are ready to go to a single-payer system."
He said if that happens it may be more akin to the British system than the one in Canada. He said, "Whereas now when you are told you need gallbladder surgery, you want to know if it is next Tuesday or Wednesday. With this it may be several months away."
Rep. Wamp said the stimulus plan approved by the House was a bi-partisan compromise. He said he felt it was necessary because "there is some real pain out there. A lot of people can't pay their bills."
He said he is dismayed that it appears the only ones who can now run for President and succeed are those "with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). He said he liked Sen. Thompson because he is more laid back, but he said it was perceived as not having the drive for the office.
He said, "Who would want to run for President every day all day for three years? It's a grind."
Rep. Wamp said he does not believe history will look too unkindly on the Bush administration. He said the decision to go into Iraq was supported by a majority of the people and of Congress at the time.
He said the administration escaped scandal, and he said Laura Bush is a first-rate First Lady.
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