U.S. Senate hopeful visits Sevier County

Former Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker was in Sevierville last week to announce his candidacy for the United States Senate seat currently held by Sen. Bill Frist. “I enjoy this more than anyone can possibly imagine,” said Corker. “It’s a PhD in life,” claimed Corker, “to be able to work with people to bring out the best of each region.” Corker was the mayor of Chattanooga from 2001 until 2005, presiding over reductions in violent crime and vast investments into the community. “I’m running because our country currently has the most complex problems it’s ever faced,” said Corker. He outlined three major campaign focuses including national security, fiscal responsibility in government and job outsourcing. “I want to continue to focus on national security and make sure we do everything we can do to make sure we control our borders,” said Corker. In regards to fiscal responsibility, Corker said: “I’m ashamed of both parties for the way they’ve handled fiscal matters.” Corker’s platform calls for making President Bush’s 2001 and 2003 tax cuts permanent. Corker also discussed his desire to work towards keeping high-paying jobs within the country. “Businesses with emerging technologies can locate anywhere in the world,” he said. “If we want them to be American firms, we must make America the best place in the world to start and grow a business.” Corker also held a cabinet seat in 1995 when Governor Sundquist appointed him Commissioner of Finance and Administration for the state. In this position he prepared and implemented Tennessee’s $13 billion state budget and oversaw the general operations of the state. Corker has been married for the past 18 years to a Sevierville-native Elizabeth Corker. They have two daughters, Julia, 18, and Emily, 16, who live in Chattanooga.