Campaign Updates
Campaign Updates: Setting the Record Straight
July 20th, 2010 12:44 PM
Recently, trial lawyer Chuck Fleischmann has been on the attack, attempting to smear my reputation and the success of all Republicans in 2008. In their negative attack ad, the Fleischmann campaign makes wild unsubstantiated and un-sourced claims of “lavish bonuses” paid to staff of the Tennessee Republican Party. This sideshow is the latest gimmick of a foundering campaign and we will not join Fleischmann in a back and forth political game, but you deserve the facts, and, unlike the attacks of Fleischmann, I want to provide you with accurate information.
False Fleischmann Attack: My staff at the Tennessee Republican Party was paid "lavish bonuses."
Below you will find a transcript of the December 5, 2008 meeting of the Administrative Committee of the Tennessee Republican Party following the historic wins our party achieved in 2008. I was offered a performance bonus for taking the majority in the Legislature for the first time in 140 years. I asked that the staff of the state party be rewarded with bonuses. Under the bylaws of the Tennessee Republican Party, compensation must be approved by the committee. Following the discussion, the committee unanimously approved a bonus structure for the staff per my request. An original motion was made that I alone receive a bonus.
Robin Smith: “I will only accept that motion, Madam Vice Treasurer …”
SEC Officer: “You’re well compensated, but not as well as a lot of state chairman who didn’t do as well.”
SEC Member: “Am I hearing an amount?”
SEC Officer: “Well no, we need to decide on that”
SEC Officer: “No I didn’t want to be fiscally irresponsible.”
Robin Smith: “I’ll be glad to leave the room, if necessary.”
TRP Officer: “Let me ask you, we’ve got 18,000 extra dollars to carry over. Ok, what have we got coming in? What’s our projection for the next 30 days? $18,000 won’t cut it.”
Robin Smith: “That is a very conservative amount. I’ve got a very large check that I’ll be receiving tomorrow.”
Robin Smith: “If it’s permissible, is to give that bonus money to people that have earned it rather than it being divided equally. I’m a believer in the law of the harvest. If you plant good seed and you work hard, you get to enjoy...”
TRP Officer: “May I suggest, Robin, that you, Mark and Randy leave and that (Vice Chairman) Bob (Rial) take the gavel and we have a discussion without you.”
Robin Smith: Mr. Chairman if you would take the seat, you’re now the Chairman of the committee. I will say this, if you get too generous, you have to help me raise that money.”
After discussion, the Committee unanimously approved for the 10 member staff of the Tennessee Republican Party: “A performance bonus, amount to be determined, subject to revenue availability and capped at $20,000.”
- Tennessee Republican Party State Executive Committee Administrative Meeting, December 5, 2008.
The Chattanooga Times Free Press exposes another Fleischmann misstatement on July 27.
"Three Republicans knowledgeable about the situation said the final severance agreement [former chief of staff Mark] Winslow entered into with [current party chairman Chris] Devaney “replaced the employment agreement” signed earlier by Mrs. Smith.
Summing up the situation, one of the Republicans maintained Mr. Winslow’s package “included no bonus money and was a settlement of salary owed under the prior agreement. The agreement with Devaney immediately terminated all employment and responsibilities between Winslow and the state party.”
False Fleischmann Attack: The Tennessee Republican Party Was "Audited"
The Fleischmann Campaign also has claimed, again un-sourced, that there is an “audit” of the party that shows financial misdeeds on my behalf and that I have “refused” to release this fictitious “audit.” The bylaws of our party require that a standard review take place when a chairman leaves office. Mr. Fleischmann is either ignorant of facts or misleading the voters. He has been told by party officials that all financial documents are the property of the Executive Committee and only they can authorize any release with a vote. On July 24, 2009 the required review was presented to the full State Executive Committee by party Treasurer Oscar Brock. In his presentation, Brock said:
“We also received yesterday, just in time, we received the review. As you know the bylaws require that when there’s a transition in Chairman, that we do a review of the financial statements and the CPA, Decosimo and Company, have presented their findings and have found that, with no exceptions, the financial statements of the Tennessee Republican Party for the last two years have been conducted and performed and delivered according to the generally accepted accounting principles and that Robin and her team did an first class job. And I think we can all be proud of her and the work she did.
Those reports are available for your review in the offices of the Tennessee Republican Party. We don’t, for obvious reasons, pass them out. But you’re welcome to come down any time during business hours and review those statements.”
- Tennessee Republican Party State Executive Committee Meeting, July 24, 2009
The Tennessee Journal reported on July 23 about this misleading statement:
"The Fleischmann attack ad, which charges Smith left the state party $100,000 in debt, shows the cover of what appears to be a state comptroller’s audit, state seal and all, and challenges Smith to make the findings public. But the picture is simply an illustration. The state didn’t audit the Republican Party. If it had, the audit would be a public record. Smith has refused to engage in a public debate over the party’s financial review."
Kevin West with WGOW Radio in Chattanooga sought the opinion of a professional accountant to clarify the misrepresentations of the Fleischmann campaign. His email tells a very different story from that of Fleischmann's handlers.
It is a shame that Chuck Fleischmann has decided to dive into the mud in an effort to salvage his failing campaign. I want you to know I have too much respect for your intelligence and too much respect for our values to join him. I want you to have these facts so we can return to a real discussion of the important issues facing the nation. Tennessee deserves better than we are getting from Chuck Fleischmann.
Posted by Robin Smith | 5 Comment(s)
Campaign Updates: A Proud Day
July 18th, 2010 12:56 PM
This is a proud day for me personally. Having spent twenty years working for conservative causes in Tennessee, I know how deeply respected and trusted Lee Anderson and the editorial board of the Chattanooga Free Press are. Receiving the endorsement of the Free Press is a honor I will always treasure.
Posted by Robin Smith | 0 Comment(s)
Campaign Updates: Chamber of Commerce Endorsement
June 23rd, 2010 9:23 AM
I'm honored to announce the endorsement of my campaign by the United States Chamber of Commerce.
I'm proud to have the support of their membership, 3 million strong, and will work side by side with the business community to turn our economy around.
Posted by Robin Smith | 0 Comment(s)
Campaign Updates: First Radio Ad
June 22nd, 2010 1:39 PM
The first radio ad of my campaign has been running in selected areas for two weeks. It explains why I'm running for Congress and talks about the important challenges America faces.
Posted by Robin Smith | 0 Comment(s)
Campaign Updates: First Campaign Ad: Checkbook
June 10th, 2010 5:56 PM
Posted by Robin Smith | 10 Comment(s)
Campaign Updates: Huckabee Delegates Take A Stand
April 27th, 2010 3:56 PM
I was honored today when I learned that 13 Tennesseans who were committed delegates to Governor Mike Huckabee for the 2008 Republican National Convention signed a statement endorsing me in this campaign.
More than any politician, these are the people whose endorsements I am most proud of because we have worked together in the trenches for years to grow our party and elect conservatives to office. They know my commitment to Tennessee. I thank each of them and ask you to join us as we return common sense leadership to Congress.
Former Huckabee Delegates Proudly Support Robin Smith
The following individuals, all of whom are former Huckabee-committed delegates from Tennessee to the 2008 Republican National Convention, have joined together to release this statement regarding Gov. Huckabee’s visit to the 3rddistrict and his endorsement of Chuck Fleischmann.
“At a time when a fighter is needed in Washington to stand firm for our nation and for our founding principles, we are honored to stand with Robin Smith. She is the only candidate who has demonstrated her love for this nation through her leadership on conservative, Constitutional principles. Like Robin, we’re going to stand for what’s best for our state and our nation. Regardless of the attempts to spin this endorsement and reframe the debate, we know that Robin Smith is the authentic conservative in this race. It’s time for the candidates to produce their credentials and records rather than criticize others for their lifetime of service.”
Emily Beaty, At-Large Delegate
Jerry Bowen, 7th Congressional District Delegate
Ted Boyatt, 2nd Congressional District Delegate
Beth Cox, 6th Congressional District Delegate
Kenny Crenshaw, At-Large Delegate
State Rep. Jimmy Eldridge, 8th Congressional District Delegate
Stephen Kuhn, 7th Congressional District Delegate
Peggy Lambert, At-Large Delegate, Republican National Committeewoman (TN)
Christian Lanier, 3rd Congressional District Delegate
Jim Looney, 4th Congressional District Delegate
Alan Rader, 6th Congressional District Delegate
Stephen Sebastian II, 1st Congressional District Delegate
State Rep. Mark White, 9th Congressional District Delegate
# # #
Posted by Robin Smith | 0 Comment(s)
Campaign Updates: Headquarters Opening!
April 7th, 2010 8:47 AM
Tuesday I welcomed friends, family and supporters to the opening of our campaign headquarters. We had a tremendous turnout and, as I have been so many times over the past few months, I was encouraged by the strong support I’m receiving from good folks all over the Third District.
During the opening, we talked about the challenges facing the country and my determination to work with you to set us back on the right path. These are the people who know me best and they understand that I will stand strong against the stampede of spending and government expansion we see in Washington. When I talk to Tennesseans, they are concerned about the direction we’re heading. They understand that our children will be the ones who have to bear the burden for this irresponsible Obama/Pelosi agenda. While they are concerned, I also find inspiration in their conviction to get things turned around and make this nation once again the great country our founders intended.
The faith of friends and supporters that I will fight for them in Congress strengthens my resolve to work hard every day between now and August 5 to earn your respect and your vote.
Posted by Robin Smith | 0 Comment(s)
Campaign Updates: Headquarters Opening!
April 1st, 2010 3:15 PM
Friends,
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! We surpassed our fund raising goals because so many of you were willing to invest in my campaign. The outpouring of support is truly humbling.
You are invited to our Campaign Headquarters Grand Opening/Open House on Tuesday, April 6th from 5:30-7:30pm at 6231 Perimeter Drive, Chattanooga, TN. We are at the intersection of 153 and Lee Hwy right next to Sportsman's Warehouse.
Stop by on your way home from work or just come to check out our headquarters, have some light refreshments and snacks, and best of all enjoy the fellowship of other like-minded conservatives.
I hope to see you on Tuesday, so I can thank you for the support you have shown me.
Posted by Robin Smith | 2 Comment(s)
Campaign Updates: Eagle Forum Endorsement
March 24th, 2010 12:09 PM
Today I was honored to receive the endorsement of Eagle Forum. Mrs. Phyllis Schlafly and the outstanding members of Eagle Forum are always there when conservatives need a voice in our state and federal government.
Eagle Forum joins the Club for Growth, Concerned Women for America and the Susan B. Anthony List as respected national organizations standing up for our values across America that have endorsed my campaign. Some in this race view these groups as merely “special interests.” I view each one as a partner in turning our government around and their support as a validation of the work I have done with you over the past 20 years to promote conservative causes and candidates. Their “special interest” is a restoration of the values that make America great. That’s an interest I’ll stand by every day.
Posted by Robin Smith | 1 Comment(s)
Campaign Updates: Knoxville News Sentinel: Smith the Leading Candidate
March 8th, 2010 8:11 AM
Georgiana Vines has a brief article detailing the recent endorsements I have received and notes that I am the leading candidate in the Third District Republican Primary. Thanks to so many great Tennesseans who have stepped forward to support me, we have great momentum.
Three Groups Back Robin Smith
Robin Smith, former state chair of the Tennessee Republican Party who's running to succeed U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp in the 3rd Congressional District, has picked up the support of two national conservative women's organizations and an economic group that believes in limited government.
"I've been in the trenches working on conservative causes. (These endorsements) just validate I am authentic," Smith said in an interview.
The groups endorsing her are Concerned Women of America, which according to its Web site works to bring Biblical principles into public policy as the largest women's public policy organization in the nation; the Susan B. Anthony List Candidate Fund, which endorses pro-life candidates, men and women, over female candidates who favor abortion rights; and the Club for Growth, whose political action committee supports congressional candidates who believe in pro-growth policies, limited government, low taxes and economic freedom, both in Republican primaries and general elections.
Smith said to win the groups' endorsements, she had to complete surveys that showed she shared their values and beliefs.
"It will translate into some money. For a grassroots candidate like me, who is not self-funding like some are, it looks like an advancement," she said.
Smith, who lives in Chattanooga, is considered the leading Republican candidate in a field that continues to fluctuate but seems to have five who are active. The deadline for filing qualifying petitions for federal positions is April 1.
Posted by Robin Smith | 0 Comment(s)
P.O. Box 23805 · Chattanooga, TN 37422 · Phone 423.305.7744 · Fax 423.208.9907