Wamp to run for Tennessee governor

Rep. Zach Wamp (R) announced Monday that he will seek the
governorship of Tennessee in 2010, abandoning the seat in the House he has held
since 1995.

“I believe the time is at hand for me to expand my
service to help even more people in our great state by pursuing the office of
governor,” Wamp said in a statement.

{mosads}“I will file the paperwork necessary to begin raising
money as a candidate for governor of the great state of Tennessee,” he added.

The decision comes shortly after former Senate Majority
Leader Bill Frist (R) demurred from pursuing the governorship, a factor Wamp
had previously said weighed heavily in his decision to get into the race. Wamp
had stated that he was “conflicted” over whether he should run, citing an
interest in foreign policy issues he’s taken while in Congress.

Wamp and a bevy of other Republicans will seek to reclaim
the seat from Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen, who is term-limited and can’t run
again in 2010.

Shelby County District Attorney Bill Gibbons (R) also
announced Monday that he would seek the Republican nomination for governor.

Wamp represents the Volunteer State’s 3rd district, which is rated as a
“solid Republican” district by the Cook
Political Report.