posted January 17, 2009
Rep. Zach Wamp was working the crowd at the Chattanooga Choo Choo on Saturday morning in the governor's race, and some potential candidates for the seat he now holds were also shaking hands.
Tommy Crangle, an electrical engineer who is now an investor, said he is making plans for a Third District race.
Mr. Crangle, who lives on Signal Mountain, said he is a staunch conservative who wants to carry out those principles in Washington.
Attorney Chuck Fleischmann said he has been encouraged by response he has gotten thus far on a possible bid for Congress.
He said the Third District "needs someone with the type energy and conservative values that Zach Wamp has."
State Sen. Bo Watson, who is considered a likely candidate, said it is too early to say whether he will run.
Sen. Watson, who stepped up from the House after David Fowler chose not to seek re-election, said he currently is focused on fulfilling his Senate duties.
He said he will decide later whether to pursue other opportunities.
Wayne Cropp, who heads the Enterprise Center and is a longtime Republican Party leader here, was tight-lipped about whether he might run.
Meanwhile, if state Sen. Watson makes the race for Congress, that might lure local businessman Greg Vital into politics.
Mr. Vital said with the current change in administrations that now is not the time to discuss the situation, but he said he may assess the possibility later.
He said he has gotten his business operations in position where he might be able to offer himself for public service at some point.
Mr. Vital said he had received some encouragement to consider the Third District post, but he said his focus would more likely be on a state position.
Mr. Crangle is a licensed professional engineer and a graduate of Tennessee Technological University. He is a former electric utility executive.
In 2004 he was a civilian employee with the Department of Defense as the U.S. senior advisor to the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity which supplies power to 25 million Iraqis. He continued in various capacities until 2007.
This would be Mr. Crangle's first run for public office.
He lives with his wife, Pamper, and their dog, Foxy, who was kidnapped and recovered in 2006 near Signal Mountain.
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