The filing coincides with Smith’s latest tour of the district. She has already visited all eleven counties, listening to the concerns of East Tennesseans and receiving encouragement to seek the seat being vacated by Representative Zach Wamp (R-TN). “My family and I have been humbled and elated to gain the support of so many friends and fellow Tennesseans,” Smith said. “Tennesseans are calling for leadership in Washington on crucial issues such as national security, healthcare, the deficit, runaway spending, government control of private companies and irresponsible corporate bailouts.”

 

Smith promised to bring to the campaign the same determination she showed in leading the Tennessee Republican Party to historic victories in 2008. Under her leadership, Tennessee Republicans garnered national acclaim as they captured majorities in both houses of the Legislature for the first time in 140 years while raising and spending a record amount of money on state races, and elected Republican State Constitutional Officers for the first time in Tennessee history. She has been active in politics at the grassroots level, serving as Hamilton County GOP Chairman, as Vice Chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party before her unanimous election to the Chairman’s post and serving the state as a Tennessee Human Rights Commissioner.

 

“In these difficult times,” Smith continued, “I hear people asking for leaders with a demonstrated record of standing on conviction. I have proven that I am willing to stand for what I believe and willing to fight for the values that make Tennessee a great place to live and raise your children. I am asking for every citizen of the Third District to stand with me as we take common sense conservative solutions to Washington, DC.”

 

Smith and her husband Scott are residents of Hixson and are the parents of two children, Callie, 18 and Caleb, 16.