Former Clinton Police Chief Rick Scarbrough has focused his campaign to unseat 7 term Representative John Ragan, R-Oak Ridge, on plans to provide safe neighborhoods, great schools, and high paying jobs for East Tennessee’s House district 33.¶
This week’s campaign reports continue to show that message is impacting contributions. For the second consecutive campaign filing, Scarbrough is outraising Ragan, with $18,103 in contributions to the incumbent’s $14,869.The financial disclosures illustrate why the House district 33 GOP primary is one political insiders are watching in the August primary. Scarbrough himself told supporters in a post on Facebook this week that he believes the race will be close.¶
“It’s not gonna be a very big turnout. It’s gonna be a tight race. Every vote matters. Try to bring five people with you to the polls. Make five phone calls, family, friends, encourage them to come out and vote. It’s not about tomorrow it’s about the future,” said Scarbrough.¶
The race has additionally attracted attention for mailers voters in House district 33 have received.¶
Representative Ragan received criticism for using taxpayer money to send out a mailer government watchdogs say resembled a campaign ad. Ragan also sent out mailers funded by his campaign that misrepresent Scarbrough’s positions on gun carry rights.¶
Senate incumbents outraising challengers¶
Two Senate incumbents facing strong challenges outraised their opponents.In East Tennessee’s Senate district 4, Senator Jon Lundberg, R-Bristol, who chairs the Senate Education Committee, raised $75,386 according to the latest campaign filings. His opponent in the GOP primary, Bobby Harshbarger, raised $5,240.¶
Harshbarger is the son of Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger and has attracted notice this campaign for siding with Democrats on the universal school choice issue.Senate district 8 saw a similar disparity with Senator Ferrell Haile, R-Gallatin, reporting $48,075 in contributions for the latest filing. His opponent in the GOP primary, Chris Spencer listed $6,440 in contributions.¶
Governor Lee’s open seat endorsements leading in contributions¶
Governor Lee attracted attention earlier this year when he made endorsements in three open House seats, and all three candidates led in contributions for the latest campaign filing report.¶
In East Tennessee’s House district 20, Air Force Captain Jason Emert reported raising $17,600. His GOP primary opponents Commissioner Tom Stinnett raised $3,050 and Commissioner Nick Bright raised $450.¶
In Williamson County’s open House district 65 GOP primary, attorney Lee Reeves, listed $10,125 in contributions on the latest filing. Reeves' GOP primary opponents Commissioner Brian Beathard listed $8,000 and former state GOP party leader Michelle Foreman with $3,125.¶
In Clarksville’s open House district 68, Clarksville-Montgomery County School Board member Aron Maberry listed $7,871 in contributions. His GOP primary opponents Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Smith listed $1,675 in contributions and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Reserves Director Greg Gilman listed $2,020 contributions. Former Montgomery County Republican Party co-chair Carol Duffin’s report was not available to review.¶
