NEWPORT-GOP Gubernatorial candidate and 3rd District Congressman Zach Wamp made another campaign stop in Cocke County Wednesday, meeting with dozens of supporters near the Courthouse Annex.

Wamp said his campaign is gaining momentum across the state during the last days of the primary campaign and added he doesn't believe opponent Bill Haslam "can buy the election."

"He's going to spend around $15 million on this campaign...$6 million of his own Pilot Oil money," said Wamp of Haslam. "He may double the all-time spending record. Just while I was getting ready this morning, I saw seven of his negative commercials against me.

"That tells me our momentum is growing. The question is will all of our momentum be enough to offset Haslam's spending spree?"

Wamp said he believes he is running very strong in several areas across the state, including his home 3rd District, West Tennessee and better than some might expect in the Knoxville and Tri-Cities areas.

"I think they may be surprised how strong we run in their back yard," said Wamp. "The people in rural county's connect with our campaign because I'm a God-fearing, grass roots, middle class person. The Butchers couldn't buy it and Haslam can't buy it."

Wamp also took time to focus on state and local issues during his stop.

Concerning the pollution being dumped in the Pigeon River, Wamp told supporters "I will fight North Carolina or whomever to keep this river clean. We need to have a strong governor who will stand behind keeping our waterways clean throughout East Tennessee. We can't have pollution coming into our state."

He also stressed the need to continue improving the state's health care system by eliminating fraud and promoting good health.

"Used to, kids would go out and play all day, come in and eat and then go to bed because they were tired," he said. "It doesn't matter how much you eat if you're moving around a lot. We need to get back to that and get away from the televisions and video games."

Wamp also stressed improving the state's education system by making sure children can read well at an earlier age.

"We don't really have testing until the third grade," he said. "If children get to the third grade and they can't read well and comprehend, they're already behind. We've got to focus on making sure our children have a good start in education."

He also said he favors dual path education for high school students, where they can get both high school and college credit for courses. He added promoting vocational education is also important for those who do not plan on attending college.

Wamp has been touring much of East and Northeast Tennessee this week and said he plans to travel to Middle and West Tennessee next week before returning to his home in Chattanooga on election day.