U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., issued a statement Friday about the Spring Hill, Tenn., General Motors plant that could be in danger as the company reorganizes. “I am doing everything I can to help it be a part of our future,” he said. “Communities across our state are worried about how GM’s restructuring will impact them — from the Spring Hill plant to the thousands working for auto parts suppliers and car dealerships.” Sen. Alexander said he reminded Fritz Henderson, president and CEO of GM, that the Spring Hill plant, where the Chevrolet Traverse is assembled, is “one of GM’s newer and more efficient plants.” Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., has faced strong criticism from the United Auto Workers union for his role in the collapsed negotiations for an auto bailout. AUDITORIUM NAMED FOR WAMP In a Wednesday ceremony in Oak Ridge, Tenn., officials renamed the Y-12 National Security Complex’s auditorium the Zach Wamp Auditorium. “Congressman Wamp’s longtime support for Y-12’s transformation effort has been fundamental,” said Y-12 site manager Ted Sherry in a statement. “He has played a key role in promoting and supporting our efforts to create a more cost-effective facility.” The Y-12 complex is the nation’s primary repository of highly enriched uranium. GEORGIA DEMOCRAT CALLS OUT GOP David Poythress, a Democratic candidate for governor of Georgia, said in an e-mail statement this week that the GOP candidates for the office are “ducking” the issue of secession from the United States. “Since they won’t come forward on their own, I think we should smoke them out ourselves,” Mr. Poythress wrote. He then listed the phone numbers of the campaigns of U.S. Rep. Nathan Deal, R-Ga.; Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John Oxendine; and Secretary of State Karen Handel, all Republican gubernatorial candidates. When the Savannah Morning News asked GOP gubernatorial candidates if they supported a state Senate resolution that would call for disbanding the federal government if it exceeded its authority, four of six said they did. Mr. Oxendine; state Sen. Eric Johnson, R-Savannah; Ms. Handel; and businessman Ray McBerry indicated they would have voted for the resolution or did vote for it. The resolution passed the Senate 43-1. State Rep. Austin Scott, R-Tifton, did not vote on the resolution because no such resolution came up in the House. Rep. Deal did not respond to the Savannah Morning News’ question. TWITTER UPDATES Twitter is a social networking tool many politicians use to send updates to supporters. Here’s what some local and state officials and candidates were saying this week: Rep. Wamp, Sunday: “Memorial Day demonstrates our eternal appreciation for those patriots who gave that ‘last full measure.’ Gold Star families sacrificed much.” Nashville businessman Ward Cammack, Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Monday: “Thank you to our veterans that made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom.” Former Tennessee Insurance Commissioner Paula Flowers, Democratic candidate for Congress, Monday: “Great to visit with all the vets and their supporters at VFW Post 6277 today — heroes all!” State Sen. Andy Berke, D-Chattanooga, Tuesday: “Just found out that the Travel Channel is coming to Whitwell on Friday night — the 10th District is uniformly strong.” Shelby County District Attorney Bill Gibbons, GOP gubernatorial candidate, Thursday: “In Nashville at TCPR’s release of annual “pork report.” When I’m Governor, I will set budget priorities and cut pork. That’s a promise.” Compiled by staff writer Matt Wilson E-mail Matt Wilson at mwilson@timesfreepress.com
