Thus says the City Paper of Nashville On-line - "Post Politics, the new GOP is a She" Dec. 28:

Beyond a steady rightward shift and an increasingly reactionary rhetoric, conservative leadership is taking on another characteristic — it’s becoming more female. Both nationally and in Tennessee, the most beloved and vocal conservative leaders these days seem to be women.

Exhibit A is the 2008 presidential campaign and the continued popularity of Sarah Palin.

Named in the piece, Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn, most prominently, as a rising star and possibly even Presidential material for 2012.

Also: State Sen. Diane Black, or Lou Ann Zelenik (middle photo) both running for the 6th Congressional District recently vacated by a retiring Blue Dog Democrat Bart Gordon. And State Republican Chair Robin Smith running in the 3rd.

After Congress, mentioned as new Tennessee GOP leaders: Sen. Mae Beavers, Rep. Susan Lynn, Rep. Debra Maggart and Rep. Donna Rowland. Who are described as "all very conservative and outspoken."

Continuing:

Whether it’s state Sen. Mae Beavers on the Tennessee Firearm Freedom Act, Rep. Susan Lynn (photo below) spearheading the effort for a state sovereignty resolution or Rep. Marsha Blackburn taking on Al Gore in congressional hearings, the more confrontational political work is increasingly being left to women. These days, if you’re talking about an unapologetic, unequivocating public conservative, there’s a good chance you’re talking about a woman.

Rep. Blackburn explains the phenomenon:

“The amazing thing to me about the tea parties is, when you look out across the crowd, the crowd is predominantly female. ... It’s amazing, the number of women attending these events, and women are speaking out as never before. ... They are looking at what’s happening with the cost of health care, they are truly concerned about the strong arm of government reaching into their lives and into their pocketbooks.’’

For the 3rd District race, Ms. Zelenick is identified as the clear Tea Party choice.

From the Nashville Post, Dec. 20:

With so many candidates in the race, the Republican vote is expected to be fractured... ardent support of Tea Party activists could propel an outsider candidate to the nomination, and possibly Congress.and according to Bruce Oppenheimer of Vanderbelit Univ. "30 percent" is all it would take to win that GOP primary and to ultimately take the seat.

And the Tennesseean in regards to the Bart Gordon seat, states:

members of the so-called "Tea Party" movement — a diffuse group of conservative and libertarian activists that has defined itself in opposition to the policies of President Barack Obama — could cast the decisive votes in a bellwether election.

More info VoteLouAnn.com