"I
think we really need to implement plans and programs to make
Tennessee a better state," Wamp said.
Statistics show Tennessee 47th in the nation in terms of
health, Wamp said, specifically mentioning the high infant
mortality rate and the occurrence of 13-year-olds on blood
pressure medication. Wamp said the reforms to TennCare need
to continue and legislation may not be the best option in
dealing with health care issues.
The Congressman quoted Os Guinness several times by saying
"The power to convene is greater than the power to
legislate," and is using the phrase as one of his main
campaign points.
In education matters, Wamp said his focus will be on
reaching children early and said education begins at
conception and ends at the grave. "Education is the key to
everything else," he said. "My vision for our state is
children reading much better, early."
In terms of the economy, Wamp said the state needs to
diversify and become more resilient. He also said there is
increased potential for Tennesseeans to provide more for the
defense industry.
Wamp, a Chattanooga resident, has served in Washington D.C.
for 15 years. His grass roots campaign has already visited
61 counties utilizing what he called a "listen, learn and
lead model." The general election is more than a year away.