Wamp, Smith dominate straw poll

U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp bested rivals Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam and Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey with 294 of 378 votes cast. In the primary for the Third District seat being vacated by Wamp, former party chair Robin Smith won 201 votes of 359 total. Her nearest competitor was Bradley County Sheriff Tim Gobble, who had 60 votes.