Tea Party Candidate to Challenge 'Goliath' Lamar Alexander

A Tennessee tea party lawmaker announced Tuesday that he'll challenge veteran U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander in a bid to topple “a Goliath” and replace him with a bona fide conservative.

"We’re taking on a Goliath — we know we are," State Rep. Joe Carr told Nashville’s WTN Radio.

"Lamar is popular, but there is a disconnect with his popularity to the way he has voted . . .
The bottom line is this: If Lamar Alexander is voting for Barack Hussein Obama 62 percent of the time, he is voting against Tennesseans."

He pointed to the two-term senator's support of the comprehensive immigration reform bill.

Alexander’s campaign shot back: "He will continue to do his best to use his experience and conservative principles to solve problems and get results for the people of Tennessee."

The campaign also trumpeted the backing Alexander has received from the National Rifle Association and National Right to Life.

Conservatives expressed doubt that Carr was the right person to challenge Alexander. "I’m not endorsing anybody at this point," Nashville Tea Party President Ben Cunningham told The Tennessean.

And Senate Conservatives Fund Executive Director Matt Hoskins said his group is "a little concerned" about Carr.

"If Carr doesn't catch fire and a more compelling conservative enters the race, he could be the spoiler that helps re-elect Lamar Alexander. That's something we want to avoid."