12:30: Greetings y’all from the Scenic City! It is 30 minutes before kick-off, and a robust crowd has already gathered. It is downright nostalgic being back in a the Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts gymnasium; the smell of the hardwood, basketball goals raised; this is already proving to be the perfect site for Corker’s official campaign kick-off rally. The electricity in the air is palpable. Many of the county chairs from around the state have made the drive to be a part of history today. Those in attendance are being treated to the sounds of (band) is already warming up. I admit I have a soft spot in my heart for the melodic tones of the sound of the hammer dulcimer; no matter where I am its sound immediately makes me feel like I am at home in East Tennessee. While I have had some opportunities during the campaign to witness smaller gatherings of Corker supporters, this is to date the largest gathering of those individuals who share with this blogger the vision of Mr. Corker becoming the next U.S. Senator from the great state of TN.
For Mr. Corker, today marks a return to his humble beginnings as a student here at the site of the old Chattanooga City High School in North Chattanooga (now Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts). While others “talk” of being a man “of the people,” Corker clearly understands what this turn of phrase truly means. Corker is a product himself of public education (both here in Chattanooga and at the University of Tennessee). Others may feign interest or excitement at the playing of Rocky Top, but Corker sincerely feels a flutter in his heart and a quickening of his pulse when the band begins this sacred Tennessee tune; it is a feeling that all of us who are native to this state know and love. For Corker, these are the sounds of home.
12:45 People continue to pour in. There are many familiar faces in the crowd; local councilman, area pastors, our county mayor, and other various civic leaders. Despite the musings of Bryan Gumble, people of all races and color are showing up at, dare I say it, a GOP event. This only confirms what so many people already know about Bob Corker: his leadership, integrity and charisma transcends socio-economic backgrounds, racial lines, and party lines. People who have spent any amount of time around the man quickly understand that Corker is not just another politician in a suit, but he is a genuine leader with a clear vision for our state. And if afforded the opportunity and the privilege he will do great things for our state when elected to the U. S. Senate.
12:55: More familiar faces from all across the state (including Nancy Strawn, Madison County Chair. This is the woman whom Jeff Ward described once as the ‘most hated women in West Tennessee.’ I have to say that I have not met a nicer, sweeter woman today. She does awesome work for the campaign). This is what grassroots campaigning is all about. Congressman Zach Wamp is making his rounds around the gym as more leaders from county and city government from across the state join today’s festivities. Just glancing around this historic gym, it is obvious to all why Corker is seen by his opponents as the person to beat in this election. As a life-long resident of this city, it is truly a privilege to be a part of history on this great day as a national Senate campaign is launched right here in my own backyard. The scene inside is much like the weather outside: sunny skies with even brighter days ahead. According to the campaign they received over 500 RSVP’s for this event…it’s obvious from the turn-out that many only took the request to call ahead as a suggestion. It is also interesting to note that the bleachers directly behind the podium have been pulled out and filled in with supporters; this event feels more like a sporting event than a political rally. As mayor, Bob Corker’s message of conservative common sense leadership resonated throughout our great city. It’s more apparent every day that this message is being picked up and carried throughout this campaign’s grassroots organization throughout the state.
1:20: Standing room only. It took some time for everyone to make it in. Even as people continue to enter, Zach Wamp has taken the podium to kick-off this afternoon’s festivities. Zach literally just came back from touring the devastation wreaked by hurricane Katrina on the Louisiana coast. Congressman Wamp personally knows Corker just about as well as any official in this area. Zach describes Corker as a man of faith and character. As a senior member of the U. S. House of Representatives, Zach Wamp knows first-hand how desperately our state needs the leadership of Bob Corker in Washington. Zach describes Bob as one of the most energetic men he has ever been around. Congressman Wamp concludes his comments by asking each of us in attendance to do what is right for our state and for this country and to stand together to elect Bob Corker to the U.S. Senate. Zach then introduces the next speaker for the afternoon, Jimmy Haslam.
1:30: Jimmy Haslam, President of Pilot Oil, and Bob Corker’s college roommate takes the stage. Haslam is quick to point out that of all of the major candidates, it is telling that Congressman Wamp has so quickly and enthusiastically stood up in support of Bob Corker’s campaign for U.S. Senate. Jimmy points out that people like Bob Corker are quite rare. His energy and his enthusiasm set Corker head and shoulders above his peers in this race. Corker is the type of man who is not just running for office to satiate his own political ambitions (like others), but rather, he is someone with the leadership and the vision to really enact positive change for our state and our country as our next U. S. Senator.
1:35: Entering to Bachman Turner Overdrive’s Takin’ Care of Business, Corker takes the stage to thunderous applause (the floor is literally shaking beneath my feet).
1:36: Applause…
1:37: I just got a lump in my throat; the outpouring of enthusiasm is visibly overwhelming to Mr. Corker (the reaction of tears in his eyes is completely unexpected; he is one of the most sincere people I have ever met). “Pretty big day for a boy from City High.” Corker proceeds to thank the many, many people who took time out of their Saturday to participate in this historic event. Corker then turns to and acknowledges his wife, whom he notes “thought she was marrying a businessman,” for joining with him in this important endeavor. After recognizing his daughters, Corker introduces his mother. Corker noted that his mother spent many a night in this gym “cheering on others” who were actually playing in the basketball games (people who have met Mr. Corker know that he is what some would call ‘vertically challenged’). “Today is the day that the back hoe hits the ground, and I formally announce my candidacy for the United States Senate.” Corker announces that he is in the race to take to Washington a conservative, energetic vision to achieve real tangible positive results. Our country needs someone who can stick to their principals, and pull together people from across party lines to achieve results in Washington. Corker explains the focus of his campaign:
1. To achieve positive economic growth and good paying jobs in our state and in our country. Through his own hard work and in developing his own business, Corker knows first hand the value of honest hard work. Corker got his humble start building drive-through windows for Krystal. In his time traveling across the state, Corker saw first hand the faces and the lives of the people he is now running to represent; he understands that good paying jobs and a strong economy are what matter to Tennesseans. Corker talks about the Families First initiative he helped start while serving as State Commissioner of Finance. Through this program the state saw approximately 40,000 people come off of state-sponsored welfare.
2. Insure that we are safe and secure as a state and as a country. Corker noted that during his tenure as mayor violent crime in Chattanooga dropped by 51%. We need to focus on homeland security. Corker noted that our Country’s southern border is far too weak. Corker noted that he is for legal immigration. He referenced great companies like Google who were founded by legal immigrants in our country. However, there should be no tolerance for illegal immigration, and that must start with working diligently to better secure our country’s southern border. Corker also mentioned that he is for the safety and security of our ports.
3. Keeping government small. Federal Government continues to become far too large. Corker wants to see a return to tighter fiscal responsibility in Washington. During his tenure as mayor, Bob Corker eliminated 250 jobs from city government. As commissioner of finance, Corker inherited a 250 million dollar budget gap when he took office. This meant making tough decisions that didn’t always make people happy, but he promises to attack government spending with the same ferocity as our next U.S. Senator.
4. When Bob Corker was 30 years old, he went on a short-term missions trip to Haiti with his father. When he returned, Corker began volunteering on the weekends with various ministries like Inner City Ministries. Thanks to programs started while Bob Corker was mayor 10,000 families were empowered (and not enabled) to have decent, fit, and affordable housing. Corker then sights James chapter 2, where James writes that “faith without works is dead.” Corker then asks that each of us hold him accountable to these principals when he is elected to the U.S. Senate.Corker then talks about the importance of maintaining an appropriate balance of power in all branches of government. Corker shares that he is pleased with the recent appointment of Justices and Alito and Roberts, but reminds the audience that our justices are to interpret the law and not create it. Corker also stresses his commitment to protecting the lives of the unborn in our country and ensuring the sanctity of traditional marriage.
“Together we can lay a foundation to create a brighter future for our country, and make this another great century for America.”
2:00 U2’s Beautiful Day blasts over the PA in the gymnasium. Indeed it is a beautiful day here in Chattanooga, and for our country. We have witnessed history here, as Bob Corker officially begins his journey to Washington to become this state’s next United States Senator.
Read more about the event on theChattanoogan.com‘s website.
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