Jul. 4--U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., ranked 15th in a list of possible 2012 Republican presidential contenders, released Tuesday by the Boston Phoenix newspaper.

The Phoenix, an alternative weekly, stated that Sen. Corker has "been stepping up his game a little, but to be a serious contender he needs a few more boring conservative white guys on this list to self-destruct."

The former Chattanooga mayor ranked one spot above Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, who was the GOP's vice presidential candidate last year.

Among those above Sen. Corker on the list were Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty; U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C.; former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney; Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour; and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich.

At No. 24 on the list was South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, who last week admitted an affair.

poythress to barnes: get out

Democratic Georgia gubernatorial candidate David Poythress issued a statement this week urging former Gov. Roy Barnes, who has announced he will seek the Democratic nomination for governor, to exit the race.

"Democrats are worried that he'll bring the party down -- again," Mr. Poythress said.

Mr. Barnes lost a re-election bid to now-Gov. Sonny Perdue in 2002. Observers said Mr. Barnes lost the votes of teachers by making them more accountable for student achievement.

"For the good of the party, I hope that Roy Barnes realizes that there's still time for him to change his mind so we can avoid a divisive primary," Mr. Poythress wrote.

wamp picks up Veteran endorsements

U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., who's running for Tennessee governor in 2010, picked up some endorsements from veterans and military supporters this week, according to a news release from his campaign.

Among the supporters listed in the release were Tennessee Army National Guard Maj. Gen. Dan Wood, retired four-star Army Gen. Carl Stiner, retired Navy Adm. Vance Fry, retired Army Maj. Gen. Bill Raines, retired Marine Lt. Col. Fred Tucker, retired Army Lt. Gen. Don Rodgers and retired Army Tech Sgt. Charles Coolidge.

They were all listed as being part of Rep. Wamp's veterans leadership team.

they're all starting early

Republican state Sen. Ralph Hudgens, of Hull, Ga., announced this week that he is running for state insurance and safety fire commissioner.

The current commissioner, John Oxendine, is running for governor.

Mr. Hudgens is the chairman of the Senate Insurance and Labor Committee.

twitter updates

Twitter is an online social networking tool many politicians use to send updates to supporters. Here's what some local officials and candidates were saying this week.

--Bradley County Sheriff Tim Gobble, GOP candidate for Congress, Monday: "One world currency controlled by the IMF, UN, European Union or any future world governing committee is not good for America or freedom."

--Rep. Wamp, Wednesday: "When I become governor, I will work with Memphis leadership to make Memphis the economic center of Mid-South region. Many assets. Good folks"

--Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam, GOP gubernatorial candidate, Wednesday: "Thanks to everyone who helped us far exceed our goal. $3.8 million! I'm very grateful to all who helped."

--Former Tennessee Republican Party Chairwoman Robin Smith, GOP candidate for Congress, Thursday: "A shout out to TN Dems who R now following me. good luck w UR state leg retirements."

-----

To see more of the Chattanooga Times Free Press, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.timesfreepress.com.

Copyright (c) 2009, Chattanooga Times Free Press, Tenn.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

A service of YellowBrix, Inc.