Although television ads encouraging voters to take a "Brave Bet" and "Think Twice" about Weston Wamp have run across 3rd District television screens in recent weeks, the candidate is employing a different tactic in the district's northern counties.
In a radio advertisement currently playing in Knoxville's media market, Wamp, the son of former 3rd District Rep. Zach Wamp, is joined by his father, who asks listeners to vote for his son.
"I'm Zach Wamp, used to be a congressman," the senior Wamp says in the ad's opening seconds. "Now, I'm just Weston Wamp's dad. He's got a huge advantage in knowing what I did well and what I should have done better. He's got guts … We will make history if we send Weston Wamp to Congress."
Wamp follows his father's monologue, affirming that he will "have the nerve to stand up" if elected.
The ad airs with one week remaining in the Republican primary and marks the first time the candidate's father has offered his endorsement in an on-air advertising capacity. Although the senior Wamp would often be seen attending campaign events for his son, the former representative rarely took to the podium or spoke publicly in support of the candidate.
Both Wamps did appear on a recent segment of MSNBC's "Morning Joe" talk show.
Wamp, who along with Ron Bhalla and Scottie Mayfield is attempting to unseat Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, said he had no issues aligning himself with his father's recent role in the district—particularly in the areas north of Chattanooga.
"Not one time in the campaign have I apologized for being his son," Wamp said. "People in the northern parts of the district were served by him very effectively, and they haven't gotten to know the candidates like the way the folks in the Chattanooga area have … Everyone knows that I'm Zach Wamp's son, and frankly, there are a lot of people in the northern district that think electing me gives them the best shot at having the same service he delivered."
When asked why the ad was not airing in areas closer to Chattanooga and Hamilton County, Wamp said that radio was not a part of his campaign's media strategy in southern portions of the district.
Dr. Mary Headrick and Bill Taylor are also running in the 3rd District primary, as Democrats.
The primaries are Aug. 2.
