Bob Corker on Tn This Week

I met Republican Senate candidate Bob Corker Friday. He was at the WATE studios for a taping of Tennessee This Week. Hard to imagine that with his years in the public eye in Tennessee and my years covering those in the public eye in Tennessee, that this was our first meeting, but it was.

Corker, the former Mayor of Chattanooga, is one of three major candidates for the Republican nomination for the US Senate. Former Congressmen Van Hilleary and Ed Byrant are also seeking the nomination. We hope to have those men on our program soon.

Corker has an easy going style about him. I introduced him to our News Director, Robb Atkinson and other members of our WATE News staff. He was talkative and friendly. He seems very at ease around people. And he wasn't shy about asking for a vote.

During our 30 minute taping, Corker covered his bases, talking about growing up Chattanooga, how he made his money, and what he hopes to take with him to Washington, if he's elected.

We talked about a number of issues:

On abortion: He's pro-life, but said the recently passed South Dakota law banning all abortions except those directly endangering the life of the mother was too restrictive. He said he would add abortions in cases of rape and incest.

On Spending: He says its been out of control since 2000. He said the Federal government needs discipline.

On Tax Cuts: He favors keeping them in place.

On the War: He believes there is progress being made but doesn't want to withdraw our troops until the Iraqi government has the situation under control.

On Oil: He favors development of alternative fuels.

Unfortunately, there were dozens of issues we didn't have time to talk about, but he promised to join us again a few times before the August primary.