Rep. Chuck Fleischmann references Reagan in ad tailored for Olympics audience

Rep. Chuck Fleischmann is hoping that a spirit of patriotism felt by residents who tune into the Olympics in coming days can turn into votes in next week's 3rd District primary. 

Fleischmann, waging his first bid for re-election, released his fifth television ad Friday, titled "The Greatness of America." The ad hits district television screens as opening ceremonies get underway in London and follows a tactic employed by his opponent Scottie Mayfield in a recent ad—invoking the legacy of President Ronald Reagan and criticizing President Barack Obama and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi.

"We must always stand up and fight for our conservative values to ensure that we remain that shining city on a hill," Fleischmann says, as an American flag waves over an image of Reagan. "That's why in Congress I voted to repeal Obamacare, cut $1.6 trillion from the budget and worked every day to stop Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi's liberal agenda."

Although the ad mentions the congressman's votes, it does not mention the fact that many of his efforts to curtail government spending and repeal portions of the president's health care law were not passed. 

Fleischmann is being challenged by Ron Bhalla, Scottie Mayfield and Weston Wamp in the Republican primary. Dr. Mary Headrick and Bill Taylor are running as Democrats. 

Early voting ends Saturday. 

Primaries are Aug. 2.