Wamp: Occupy movement is "misdirected"

Weston Wamp isn't shy regarding his feelings about the "Occupy" movement.

Two days after Hamilton County commissioners approved a resolution aimed at evicting Occupy Chattanooga protestors from the courthouse lawn, Wamp posted an article on his campaign website calling out protestors for "simply whining and griping about our nation's challenges rather than rolling up their sleeves."

The article, titled "Time to Gripe or Roll Up Our Sleeves?," was sent out initially as an email to Wamp's supporters, challenging them to take an active role in "breaking the mold" to bring accountability and responsibility to government in Washington. After the article ran on Wamp's website, several Twitter posts were made by users criticizing the candidate's remarks. 

In a phone interview, Wamp called the movement "misdirected," and said he wasn't worried about any potential backlash.

"People will see that when I have things I want to say, you'll hear from me," Wamp said. "I'll shoot straight with the people of the 3rd District, in this campaign and hopefully as a congressman. I'm not going to pander to any political faction, and I'm certainly not going to pander to the Occupy movement."

Wamp suggested the protestors put their energy toward opposing a reckless government bent on short term solutions and spending money it doesn't have. The candidate also called himself "a member of the working class," despite growing up the son of an influential local political figure.

"I am a member of the working class in this country, regardless of who my father is," he said. "I'm very proud of his record of service, and I won't shy away from that. But Zach Wamp is not on the ballot next year in the 3rd District."

Chris Brooks, a supporter of Occupy Chattanooga and executive director of Chattanooga Organized for Action, criticized Wamp for appealing to the world of "corporate America," the very target of the Occupy protests. 

"Politicians like Weston Wamp have exhibited a penchant for raising money from PACs and the litany of usual suspects and political insiders that contributed heavily to his fathers campaign, but are short on actual ideas of substance when it comes to reforming our pay-to-play political system," Brooks said. "If Weston is looking for the spiritual force that will truly challenge this country into living up to its professed ideals, he needs to turn his gaze from Wall Street, K-Street and C-Street to the front lawn of the Hamilton County Courthouse."  

Earlier this month, Wamp raised more than $250,000 at a Chattanooga fundraiser, a 3rd District record. Fourth quarter financial reports for all candidates are due at the end of the year.

Updated @ 1:35 p.m. to correct "gas" to "gaze" in Brooks' quote.