Tracy C. Tarum, Republican seeking the 5th Congressional District seat.

The following questionnaire has been submitted to each candidate running in the Republican primary seeking the nomination for Republican candidate for Tennessee's 5th Congressional District. This seat is now held by Democratic Congressman Jim Cooper. Whoever wins the primary on August 5 will most likely face Cooper in November.

Tell me about yourself. Where are you from, what to you do for a living, what is your educational background, your political experience?

I grew up in Bryant, South Dakota, and graduated from Hamlin High School in 1994. I worked for my uncle, farming and milking cows through high school. I joined the Air Force DEP before I graduated, and was enlisted 13 July, 1994. I served four years, working as a Sensor Troop on the AC130U and AC103H Model Gunships and C130 Talon 2’s at Hurlburt Field, Florida.

I took a job with Lockheed-Martin in September of 1998 that brought me to Middle Tennessee, doing electrical installations and modifications on the Tennessee National Guard’s C130’s. Since 2003 I have worked on commercial aircraft as an Avionics Technician/Aircraft Electrician.

I am a devout Christian, staunch Constitutionalist, freedom-loving, small-government Conservative. My wife and I have been married for over 15 years. We have three children, ages 16, 13, and 12. I am terrified for their future if we do not take control of our current spending and taxation. It MUST be stopped! As for political experience…none! I am not a politician, I am a Patriot.

Why are you running for this office?

God, Family, Country. It really is that simple to me. That is the order of importance in my life. It is not negotiable and it will not be compromised. I see financial and social ruin on our horizon if we continue down our current path. I know I have the integrity and fortitude to stick to my Conservative roots. I will not compromise my integrity or my morals. I cannot be bought. All this having been said; the fact remains that even as outspoken and opinionated as I am I would NEVER have had the courage to pursue this on my own. I am truly running because I know that I have been called by God for this endeavor. I have been led and convicted by God, and I have answered the call. This is WAY out of my comfort zone, but this is not about me.

First, this is about God’s will and my submission. Second, it is about me standing up for what is right and for my family; my children and my children’s children. Third, it is for me answering the call from the grave of so many brave men and women (most notably our Founders) who fought and died to assemble this great nation and defend it, whose dreams of a Republic and formation of a Constitutional Republic Nation are being trampled underfoot. My country needs me. God, Family, Country, 1, 2, 3. As I said, it really is that simple. I am NOT a politician, I am a Patriot! I want my country back, governed by the Constitution, led by honorable men. Count me among them!

What do you see as the primary issue is this race?

Legalize the Constitution! I recently saw it on a bumper sticker, and it’s sadly true. Here are two mistakes I frequently see from the Republicans. First, when the Democrats propose asinine legislation, the Republicans are too often afraid to call it unconstitutional and oppose it. Instead, they offer a watered down version of their own and proclaim a victory to their electorate (as if we’re dumb enough to believe that). Second, Republicans have been good at cutting taxes, but not at cutting spending. We MUST cut Federal spending, period! I WILL NOT be bringing home pet projects to the 5th District. I will lead by example, and expect others to follow. I really think there will be a rash of new fiscal conservatives such as myself, so cutting out the pork will be a very real possibility. So, in summation, the primary issue(s) for me are to FOLLOW THE CONSTITUTION, CUT SPENDING, and CUT TAXES.

If you are successful in wining the Republican nomination and you are successful in defeating Jim Cooper, when serving in the US Congress what issue will be your primary focus? What will be your priorities?

See first my previous statement in answer to “primary issue in this race”. Adhere to the Constitution, cut spending, and cut taxes. Those are primary. Secondary is reinforcement and re-education of the populace as to the purpose, reasoning, intent, and protections provided by the Second Amendment. It is imperative for our freedom that people know that it is as important as the First Amendment, if not more so. Also, illegal Immigration MUST be stopped! We must secure our borders. Furthermore, we need to drill and refine our own oil, and quit enriching our enemies who wish to destroy us. We must cut taxes to stimulate growth in the economy by enabling entrepreneurs to follow their hearts and pursue their dreams.

Basically, cut the Federal government back to what it was designed to do; provide a national defense, regulate interstate trade fairly (without meddling), and provide only what the private sector can’t, won’t, or shouldn’t do!

When I make my decision who I will vote for for this office, not only do I want to vote for someone who has solid conservative values and who I think would make a good Congressman, but I want to vote for someone who I think can beat Jim Cooper. Best person and electability may not necessarily be the same thing. I have heard that it will take anywhere from $500,000 to $2 million dollars to mount a successful campaign. Do you have the support, the time and resources to conduct a wining campaign?

This is not a typical “politician” answer I know, but it is the truth; I don’t know. I would love to say yes, but I simply do not know this for sure. The truth is ANY Republican will have a long, hard haul in attempting to unseat Cooper. The Democrat’s have held this seat since 1875. It will be no easy task for anyone. I do, however, know this for sure; I am running because I feel led by my convictions. I will campaign as hard as I can, meet as many people as I can, and accept as much help as people will give me in my fight for this seat.

I know in my heart that I am the right person to carry Tennessean’s values to Washington, D.C. And as a Christian, I know that you can ask Goliath about long shots. If God wants me to win, no one can stop it. So the answer in that case would be yes! As for the time, I can make the time if the victory is within sight. The means will be provided, I know that. As far as the resources, no; I will not have the resources on my own. I will need a lot of support. That is where I trust in Him to provide, if it is His will. I am 100% serious when I say that at the end of the day, I am answering a call. As a Christian, I understand that God doesn’t always call the equipped, he equips the called. I stand on His promise, I count on Him to provide, if that is indeed His will. That is not phony, that is not contrived. This is me, this is who I am.

If one wants to know more about your campaign or contact you how to they do that?

Check out my website, www.DumpJimCooper.com, www.tracytarum.com, www.tracytarumforcongress.com; they all take you to my site. There is contact information there. PLEASE contact me. Tell me how you can help me, or just let me know that you want to help. Spread the word, tell ALL your friends in Middle Tennessee, especially in the 5th District. Let’s get the word out, win this thing, and take common sense, Conservative, Christian values back to Washington, D.C., and put Mr. Cooper in the unemployment line!

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