posted May 16, 2009
Two Lookout Mountain residents are in the running to take the place of Hixson's Robin Smith as chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party.
Oscar H. Brock, state party treasurer of the Tennessee Republican Party, said he had commitments from more than 25 of the 34 votes required to win election as chairman.
Chris Devaney, state director for Sen. Bob Corker, said he should be the choice, saying he has proven campaign and fundraising experience.
Both on Saturday announced their intention to seek the chairmanship of the party following the resignation of Chairman Smith, who is expected to seek the Third District Congress seat being vacated by Zach Wamp.
Pledging to the members of the State Executive Committee "a determination to carry forward and expand the winning policies of 2008," Mr. Brock said he begins his bid with commitments from more than 25 of the 34 votes required to win election as chairman.
“Over the past two years, our party has defied the national trend by staying true to our conservative principles,” Mr. Brock said. “I intend to carry our party’s winning message to every corner of Tennessee with a pledge to build on the victories of 2008.”
Mr. Brock was elected treasurer of the Tennessee Republican Party in December of 2008. He has served as the State Executive Committeeman for the 10th State Senatorial District since 2002.
In announcing his candidacy, Brock noted, “As an elected member and officer of the Committee, I am best suited to direct the resources of the Tennessee Republican Party to achieve our goals: growing our legislative majorities and returning the office of the governor to Republican control.”
The son of former United States Senator Bill Brock, Oscar Brock has served at all levels of the Republican Party. He said he has "helped turn the Hamilton County GOP into one of the premier county party organizations in the state."
Mr. Brock graduated from Stanford University in 1986 with a bachelor’s degree in economics and earned his masters in business administration at Vanderbilt University in 1996. He is in the commercial real estate business in the Chattanooga area.
He and his wife, Meg, have been married 18 years and have two children.
Mr. Devaney sent this letter to members of the Tennessee Republican Party Executive Committee:
Dear State Executive Committee Member:
These are extraordinary and challenging times for our state and nation. We find ourselves at a crossroads of values being led by a president who seems determined to choose the path of ever growing government over the path of fiscal responsibility and individual freedom. Nationally, our Republican Party is striving to be a voice in the wilderness pointing us in a direction that will restore the values of Ronald Reagan - the values that made America great.
Here in Tennessee, though, we have tasted success. Tennesseans enjoyed a great Victory last year due to the tireless efforts of our State Republican Party, Republican State Legislators, and support of our Republican Congressional leaders. Their consistent conservative convictions and message were crucial in our accomplishment and should be held as an example for paving the way for majorities across the country.
As you know, Chairman Robin Smith is vacating her post to potentially run for the United States House of Representatives, which will be an exciting new chapter in her career. We are indebted to Robin for her work in the 2008 election as chairman of our Party. She has been a tireless warrior in our fight for many years and I want to personally thank Robin for her service and her friendship.
Robin's departure means a vacancy in the chairmanship. This is a crucial time for Republicans. The 2010 election cycle is the most important in a generation and there is no time for on the job training in the post of chairman. Our Tennessee Republican Party must have a leader with proven campaign and fundraising experience, someone who can recruit the very best candidates, raise the necessary money, and win elections. This person must be a leader who can effectively manage a multi-faceted organization, while being an effective spokesman for our Party. We must also have a chairman who comes to the job with a deep desire to serve and a hunger to build on the victories of the recent past. That is why I am running for chairman of our Tennessee Republican Party. These are the strengths that I bring to the table. This is the experience needed right now for this important election and for building our majorities in the Tennessee General Assembly.
Professionally, for almost 20 years, I have had the privilege of supporting Republican values by supporting strong Republican leaders here in Tennessee and in Washington. I have worked to ensure that our values are carried to victory at the ballot box and implemented as policy after the election is over. From my time with the Tennessee Republican Party and three members of United States Senate, including Senator Bob Corker, to my work in the national media and running a business - my experience is broad and varied.
When I worked for Senator Fred Thompson, I learned a great deal about leadership and what it meant to stand on principle and never waiver from your core convictions. Fred taught me that our Republican ideals are not a random set of good ideas, but a closely knit set of principles that weave the fabric of our nation.
Tennessee has set an example for how Republicans can win majorities, but our job is far from finished. In many ways the real work lies ahead. We cannot rest on victory. We cannot slow down in our effort to grow and strengthen our Party, and most importantly, we cannot shy away from the principles that set us apart and the values that are the foundation of our success.
Many of you across our state have already voiced your support of my candidacy, and for that, my wife Heather and I are humbled and grateful. In the coming days, I look forward to continuing our talk about how we can work together in strengthening our Republican Party and advancing the principles that make Tennessee and our Nation so great.
Thank you for your time.
Respectfully,
Chris Devaney
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