WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 (UPI) -- President George W. Bush was on the hustings in Tennessee Tuesday, promoting Republican candidates in the state's gubernatorial, Senate and congressional races while also promoting his stalled agenda in Washington.
The expected conflict with Iraq -- the grist of headlines and newscasts for weeks -- wasn't ignored. It was simply wrapped within a template speech that touched on the economy, homeland security, corporate responsibility, education and American values.
"The economy is on my mind," he said at McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville. "I want my fellow countrymen working ..."
"Terrorism is on my mind also ... ."
Bush, who spoke to the nation Monday night from Cincinnati on the threat to national and world security posed by Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and the weapons of mass destruction Iraq is thought to have, was in Knoxville to promote the candidacies of Van Hilleary, who is running for governor; former rival Lamar Alexander, who is running for the Senate seat being vacated by Fred Thompson; and House candidate Jane Bowling.
Tennessee is the home state of former Vice President Al Gore but the state went for Bush in the 2000 election. Had Gore won his home state, he would have won the election.
Hilleary should be elected because of his commitment to education and fiscal responsibility, Bush said, while Alexander would help overcome the logjam in legislation and the problem with his judicial appointments in a Senate now in Democratic control by one vote.
Bowling, he said, was needed to maintain GOP control of the House and would vote to keep the current speaker, Rep. Dennis Hastert, R-Ill.
The rest of his remarks were about the need for the Senate to send him a defense bill to increase spending for the defense of the nation, the need for terrorism insurance to promote construction and jobs, and a homeland security bill that would create a new government department in which there would be managerial flexibility rather than micromanaged employment policies tied to union collective bargaining.
Iraq was a small portion of his remarks, but he again stated the need for action and the need for America to speak with one voice.
The House and Senate Tuesday were set to begin debate on a resolution supporting Bush in taking any action deemed necessary to deal with Iraq, including armed force.
Bush Tuesday reiterated his remark of the previous night that the resolution did not mean war is inevitable. Saddam could disarm and avoid conflict, or the United Nations could act strongly to compel disarmament.
"But my message and the message from the Congress -- people of both political parties -- will be for the sake of peace and emphasize, for the sake of peace, if they (the United Nations) won't deal with this man, the United States of America will lead a coalition to disarm him -- for the sake of peace," he said.
"I take my responsibilities as the commander in chief very seriously. (The) military option is my last choice, the last choice. But should we commit our military, we'll be ready, we'll be prepared, we'll have a great plan, and make no mistake about it, we will prevail."
White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said Bush's trip to Tennessee was not official travel, thus allowing him to support specific candidates.
A total of $1 million was expected to be raised as a result of the president's appearance, with three-fourths of it going to Hilleary's campaign chest. The balance would go to the state's Republican Party.
