WHEN YOU'RE SURROUNDED ON EIGHT SIDES, WHERE DO YOU GO?

GOP Rep. Zach Wamp is running for Governor of Tennessee, and if you don't like his stance on Tenth Amendment rights trumping that there federal law, well, if elected there Zach might have to do something about it.

"I hope that the American people will go to the ballot box in 2010 and 2012 so that states are not forced to consider separation from this government," said Wamp during an interview with Hotline OnCall.

He lauded Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX), who first floated the idea of secession in April '09, for leading the push-back against health care reform, adding that he hopes the American people "will send people to Washington that will, in 2010 and 2012, strictly adhere" to the constitution's defined role for the federal government.

"Patriots like Rick Perry have talked about these issues because the federal government is putting us in an untenable position at the state level," said Wamp, who is competing with Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam (R) and LG Ron Ramsey (R) for the GOP nod in the race to replace TN Gov. Phil Bredesen (D).

Really?  Separation from the government?  Didn't the last time that happened A) not work out real well for the country and B) specifically not work out for states like Tennessee?

Also, last time I checked the Volunteer State got $1.27 for every dollar in federal taxes paid.  Texas at least comes out slightly behind at 96 cents for a dollar.  Blue states like California and New York have been losing money on federal taxes for years, while red states like Tennessee have been coming out ahead.

You know what?  On second thought, maybe Wamp should take his parasite state with him when he separates from the government.  I'm sure New York and California would appreciate it.  Hell, I'm sure his fellow GOP governor Chris Christie of New Jersey would appreciate it...out of all 50 states, it's New Jersey that gets shafted the most on federal taxes.  They get a measly 61 cents back for every federal tax dollar they pay in.

I'm sure Christie would be thrilled to up that ratio some to give his state more revenue.