There’s a growing field of Republicans chomping at the bit to challenge Congressman Bart Gordon, the longest serving member of the Tennessee delegation.
Gordon represents the 6th congressional district mostly east of Nashville including Gallatin, Cookeville and Murfreesboro. The district’s voters have grown increasingly Republican while continuing to re-elect a Democrat.
Even with new potential challengers like State Sen. Jim Tracy of Shelbyville, Gordon says he’s not campaigning to save his job.
“The best way to get rehired is to do a good job at what you’re doing, and so I’m just trying to be the best congressman that I can and I think the politics will take care of itself.”
Gordon is a member of the conservative Blue Dog Democrats. He voted with Republicans against the House health care overhaul bill. Other controversial votes on cap and trade are coming soon. Gordon says there will always be controversial votes, “you just have to do what you think is right and move forward.”
Gordon has served in congress since 1984 and is chairman of the House Committee on Science and Technology.
WEB EXTRA:
The Republicans who have announced intentions to run also include
former Rutherford County GOP chair Lou Ann Zelenik, and from Bedford County, retired U.S. Army Reserves Major General Dave Evans.
