Sources near the Zach Wamp organization indicate that a recent poll was conducted by The Tarrance Group. The poll surveyed individuals within the First, Second and Third Congressional districts. Potential candidate Bill Frist was not listed in the poll. Congressman Wamp polled a positive 48%. Out of that 48% Wamp 24% of respondents indicated that they would definitely support Wamp. Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam polled a positive 20%.
It would appear from early indications that Wamp is the strongest candidate for Governor from and within East Tennessee. Those of us that have experience with statewide election rodeos for multiple cycles know that winning statewide is about who carries the most votes across the plateau. Obviously Haslam has an ability to raise money at the three or four Haslam kitchen tables and with the mega donors of the University of Tennessee, that his father can influence. But can Haslam overcome the effect of a popular, conservative Congressman that out polls the Knoxville Mayor in his own district.
If this is accurate, then the gas price gouging from Big Jim has ended Bill Haslam’s political career. I have never seen such hatred. People I know will not go to Pilot for any reason.
Americans dislike Kings and Queens. Now we learn the Haslam’s bought part of the Pittsburgh Steelers. That wasn’t a smart move.
The other thing is Big Jim using UT as his own little empire. People are sick and tired of that.
Bill Haslam is a good man. But politicians carry the weight of their family. People want Big Jim to stop playing King. Nobody ever elected Jim Haslam.
First, i'm going to preface this with I buy my gas at Weigels and have said similar things about the Haslam family, however….
I'm sorry but you may not like the Haslam family but you can't deny what they have done for Knoxville and The University of TN. If it wasn't for Jim Haslam, UT would not have the new Glocker building. Mr. Haslam has donated over $30 million of his own money to UT just for this project alone. This doesn't also take into account how much he has given to the Boys&Girls Club, the United Way as well as a number of other philanthropies. It may be good to be king Haslam, but he has given more than his fare share back to a community that buys his product. Now, that is just “Big Jim”. This doesn't take into account that Jimmmy and his wife have donated millions to UT as well as running most giving campaigns in town.
Also, to say that it was a “bad move” for Jimmy Haslam to buy a share of the Pittsburgh Steelers is laughable. Anyone is free to do what they want with their money. Clearly the purchase of Marathon has made that family a lot of money and they can do as they please.
“If it wasn’t for Jim Haslam, UT would not have the new Glocker building. Mr. Haslam has donated over $30 million of his own money to UT just for this project alone.”
Poppycock.
It is alleged that Jim Haslam gouged 50 million dollars from the public by raising gas prices in a panic. That is much more money than he has given away.
So whose money did he give away? Was that our money? The people’s money?
Robin Hood stole from the rich and gave to the poor. Haslam took from everyone and kept it.
You should remember that a billionaire who gives away a million dollars is no different than a millionaire who gives away a thousand dollars. The percentage is the same.
I know a lot of people who have given away more than Jim Haslam on a percentage basis.
Why would you defend this creature? Isn’t he the closet thing to Henry F. Potter we have? He wants a State Income tax so he can further feather his nest. He wants power for the sake of power. He isn’t for the common man. He is for himself. Wake up. You have been sold a bill of goods.
Brian,
For what it’s worth, let me chime in here for moment.
Bill Haslem’s biggest problem rightnow is name recognition. Few outside the NE tennessee area neither know who he is or nor do they they know the adequate job he’s done as mayor of Knoxville. (Disclaimer: As a liberal member of the Democratic Party I can not say that a Republican has done a good or great job. Just as I as assume that Brian would be loathe to say a Democrat has done a good or great job. Adequate is the best a Republican can do in my book, and with that said I think Mayor Haslem has done a very adequate job.)
Mayor Haslem’s second biggest problem is getting people to know htat he is NOT his father. While not his biggest problem it may be his toughest.
I think Mayor Haslem would be an adequate governor of Tennessee. Much more so than Rep. Wamp. Mayor Haslem has proven track record of accomplishment and has shown a an effective and pragmatic approach toward achieving those accomplishments. Additionally, he has shown himself to be above the corrupt environment of Knox COunty politics while achiving his accomplishments.
Rep. Wamp on the other hand, has little to show other than ideological fidelity. That makes for good slogans and sound bites but very little else.
SteveMule