U.S. Congressman John Rose, R-TN, reported loaning his gubernatorial campaign another $4 million in the latest campaign filing. That’s on top of the nearly $9 million he reported loaning the campaign in earlier filings.¶
Rose faces U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn, R-TN, and State Representative Monty Fritts, R-Kingston, in tomorrow’s GOP primary.¶
Blackburn Holds Contributions Lead
Fritts’ personal loans are allowing him to compete with Blackburn, who led the combined candidate pool contributions for the fourth straight campaign filing.¶
Blackburn reported more than $1.2 million in contributions compared to just under $115,000 for Rose and more than $41,000 for Fritts.¶
Big Spending with Pollster
Throughout the campaign, Rose has reported spending most of his war chest, more than $10 million, with the D.C. political firm OnMessage Inc. for direct mail, media buys, and advertising.¶
OnMessage Inc. gained attention late last week when it released a poll showing a close race with Blackburn. Rose’s spending with the political firm is now prompting some to question the poll's credibility, as other polls have shown Blackburn with a much larger lead.¶
Green Leads Democrat Fundraising
On the Democratic side of the aisle, Memphis Council Member Jerri Green continued to hold a commanding lead on contributions.¶
Green reported just under $146,000 in contributions and nearly $236,000 in spending. She is the only Democrat on the gubernatorial ballot who has held elected office before, and her nearest competitor on this campaign filing raised less than $2,000.¶
