Primary challenges, voucher impact, and other things to watch in the state primary

I voted sticker (Photo by Sky Arnold)

Today voters across the state will decide the primary races for 16 State Senate seats along with all 99 State House seats.

Very few of these seats are expected to be highly competitive in the November general election, so tonight’s primaries will have a big impact on the General Assembly that returns to Nashville next year.

A handful of Republican incumbents are facing strong challenges in their primary including Representative John Ragan, R-Oak Ridge. Ragan has attracted headlines in recent years for proposing bills dealing with hot button social issues that his own party ultimately rejected.

Ragan’s proposals to prohibit public universities from creating policies that support students in the Jewish community and those that address discrimination both failed to advance out of GOP led committees earlier in the year and he was among those who declined to vote on a bill outlawing marriage between first cousins.

Ragan’s opponent, former Clinton Police Chief Rick Scarbrough, has won the contribution battle in both recent campaign filings by running a campaign that focuses on local issues like like protecting high standards and accountability in public education, instead of national social issues.

Scarbrough shared a post from his wife on Facebook thanking supporters for their work.

Rick Scarbrough (right) with his wife Mollie (left) and Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs (Photo by Rick Scarbrough Campaign)

“Hello friends! I would like to sincerely thank everyone for all the kindness Rick and I have received during this campaign process. Thank You to the many people who have invited us into your homes, and invited the entire neighborhood to come and meet us. Both of our families have lived and worked their entire lives in this community and I am amazed at how many people we have never encountered before. We have added greatly to our circle of friends, and our lives are richer because of all of you! Rick and I are blessed to live here, have raised our girls here and we have worked hard here. We have been immersed in the heart beat of this community and we are certain there is no better place to be. Thank You Friends! We could not be doing this without you! PLEASE VOTE TODAY!!!!! Run Rick Run you got this,” wrote Mollie Scarbrough.

East Tennessee Senator Jon Lundberg, R-Bristol, is also expected to face a challenge from U.S. Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger’s son Bobby Harshbarger.  Lundberg has held a strong contribution edge over his challenger, but the race has been mired in controversy. The State Attorney General is investigating whether Harshbarger broke the law to attack Lundberg with text messages and this week Harshbarger’s father is facing criminal charges for allegedly stealing campaign signs.

Middle Tennessee challenges expected

Ray Jeter (right) (Photo by Ray Jeter Campaign)

In Middle Tennessee, Republican Senator Ferrell Haile, R-Gallatin, and Representative Scott Cepicky, R-Culleoka, are both facing expected strong challenges.

Senator Haile has held a strong contribution advantage over challenger Chris Spencer in both recent campaign filings. Spencer has close ties to the Sumner County Constitutional Republicans group that’s had success in recent elections that controversially led to the county rejecting federal flood money.

Representative Cepicky’s challenger, Maury County Commissioner Ray Jeter, led the initial campaign contribution filing in the race, though Cepicky took the lead in the most recent campaign filing.

Cepicky’s controversial statements have played a big role in this race, with Jeter saying he chose to run in part because the Cepicky said he wanted to throw the public education system “in the trash.”

The Culleoka representative also attracted headlines recently for calling Governor Lee’s plan to let parents use taxpayer dollars to send their children to private school, sometimes referred to as vouchers, “terrible.”

Cepicky wrote the House plan for the legislation and received Governor Lee’s endorsement earlier this year.Jeter has said he supports the Governor’s plan for vouchers.  He reflected on some of the negativity in the campaign in a Facebook post to supporters.

“As I lay my head to rest tonight reflecting on the last few months of this campaign, I rest knowing we’ve done right by the people of Maury County. We’ve run a clean and honorable campaign. Despite the many temptations to respond to the negativity and attacks, we choose to turn the other cheek, keep our heads low, and respond with kindness. We’ve talked with many Maury Countians over the last few months and cannot wait to see how our efforts and will payoff tomorrow night,” wrote Jeter on Facebook.

Governor’s voucher plan plays heavily in open seats

The governor’s voucher plan played a large role in multiple races, including three GOP primaries for open House seats.

Governor Lee endorsed three candidates who showed the strong support for the plan earlier in the year including Air Force Captain Jason Emert in House district 20, attorney Lee Reeves in House district 65, and Clarksville-Montgomery County School Board member Aron Maberry in House district 68.

All three held the campaign contribution edge in their respective primaries in the latest filings.

The governor's push for vouchers has divided opinions statewide, with opponents arguing they divert funds away from public schools that already rank low in per-pupil public school spending. Supporters argue vouchers will provide a school choice option for economically disadvantaged families.