This year Representative John Ragan’s, R-Oak Ridge, has attracted headlines for proposing multiple bills dealing with hot button social issues that his own party 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.¶
He also was among the House members who declined to vote on a bill outlawing marriage between first cousins.¶
Now Ragan is facing a strong challenge to keep his House district 33 seat in East Tennessee from a challenger who’s focusing his campaign on local concerns like jobs, safety, and schools.¶
“We need leaders more interested with the future of Anderson County families, than in their own political future. We need thoughtful leaders who listen and work to solve problems, not chase headlines,” wrote former Clinton Police Chief Rick Scarbrough on his campaign website.¶
Scarbrough’s approach appears to be attracting financial support.According to quarterly campaign reports released last week, Scarbrough raised $51,490 compared to Ragan’s total of $33,486.¶
The race is among those political insiders are watching closely in the August state primary and lately, campaign mailers have been attracting notice.
