The three top priorities of U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, R.-Tenn., for this year are "fiscal responsibility," increasing the country's "energy security" and assuring every American has access to health care insurance.

That is according to Bridget Baird, field representative for Corker. She addressed more than 40 people at Monday's meeting of the Greene County Republican Party.

Baird said Sen. Corker voted against the stimulus payments that were sent out in the spring and summer "because he did not want our children and grandchildren to pay that debt."

She also said Corker seeks "a bipartisan way to balance the (federal) budget."

In the area of energy, she said, the senator "does not want us to be depending on foreign oil."

Baird said Corker advocates drilling in ANWAR section of Alaska and off the coast of this country, as well as promoting nuclear power, "plug-in" electric cars that drivers could charge overnight at their homes and alternative "renewable" energy sources such as wind, solar and clean coal.

As for health care, Corker wants "to assure every American has access to health insurance at their jobs," a goal he says can be achieved through private enterprise.

Baird also urged those present to vote in the November presidential election.

"This election is a big election ... It does matter. It matters a lot," Baird said. She added, "Voting is something that's part of being an American."