Robin Smith stops in Oak Ridge on campaign trail

One day after announcing her candidacy, the woman looking to become the state's next congressional representative continued her east Tennessee tour.

Robin Smith took questions on Thursday from potential voters at several local restaurants, including "Flatwater Grill" in Oak Ridge.

The nurse turned Tennessee Republican Party chair talked about healthcare, energy production, and tax breaks for working taxpayers.

Smith said today's economic climate demands creativity. "It's very important, very trying times, and we can't be 'politics as usual,'" said Smith. "We have to absolutely be committed to principals and committed to the people of the third congressional district."

As head of Tennessee's Republican Party, Smith made headlines after ousting Kent Williams from the party when he joined 49 House Democrats to make himself speaker.