Mary Headrick, the Democrat running against Fleischmann in the 3rd Congressional District, was on WATE's Tennessee This Week with Gene Patterson this past Sunday. (UPDATE: The video is online here.)

While not necessarily a stirring orator, she has a sharp mind and speaks clearly and to the point with a wit that surfaces from time to time. For example, she said the 3rd district's boundaries after redistricting are "shaped like an hourglass, because it's time for a change."

Headrick is a physician, so naturally Gene Patterson asked her about "Obamacare." She opposes repealing it, saying "half a loaf is better than none." When asked to clarify, she expressed concerns about insurance companies gaming the exchanges. When pressed, she said she prefers "a public option or single payer."

Patterson then asked how two physicians, herself and Rep. Roe of the 1st District, could draw opposite conclusions about health care reform. Headrick noted that Roe is a surgeon and she is an internal medicine family practice doctor who sees patients every day struggling to deal with the health care system.

They talked about the Chickamauga Lock situation (previously discussed here), and Headrick said that barge operators support a fuel tax increase, which Fleischmann opposes, to fund the new lock. Money quote: "A pledge to Grover Norquist is not appropriate" if it stands in the way of serving the needs of constituents.

Headrick is an serious candidate, and more than credible. If you think she's a lightweight just fooling around, check out her bio.

Headrick will debate Fleischmann at the Bradley County Public Library on Oct. 8th. The candidates are also scheduled to appear at a candidate forum on Oct. 2nd at the Eastgate Town Center in Chattanooga.

SEE ALSO: Betty Bean (scroll down)