Democrat enters 3rd District field

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

After more than two months with no Democrats in Tennessee's 3rd Congressional District race, a Democrat said Monday that she's planning to enter.

"It's been in my heart ever since I worked with (former U.S. Rep.) Marilyn Lloyd (D-Tenn.)," said Brenda Short, of East Ridge.

3RD DISTRICT CANDIDATESRepublicans* Businessman Tommy Crangle* Attorney Chuck Fleischmann* Bradley County Sheriff Tim Gobble* Attorney Van Irion* Businessman Art Rhodes* Former Tennessee Republican Party Chairwoman Robin SmithDemocrats* Brenda ShortIndependents* Businessman Mark DeVol* Engineer Greg Goodwin

At a campaign kickoff event for Hamilton County Commissioner Greg Beck, Ms. Short said she planned to file papers this week to be the only Democrat officially in the contest to replace U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn. Rep. Wamp is stepping down from the seat to run for governor.

Brad Parish, of Oak Ridge, Tenn., announced in January that he had formed an exploratory committee for the seat, but has not officially announced a run.

Two other Democrats, former Tennessee Commerce and Insurance Commissioner Paula Flowers and systems analyst Brent Benedict, announced late last year that they were exiting the race, leaving only GOP candidates.

Chris Devaney, chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party, said Ms. Short's entry likely won't change the GOP's game plan.

"It will be tough for Ms. Short to run against the candidates we have in the field," he said.

Ms. Short, who served on the East Ridge Charter Commission, said she plans to reach out to independents and Republicans to help people find jobs and have access to health care.

"I want to unite the people," she said.