Members of the Tennessee House sent a sign of increased support for innovative education options Monday by voting 70 to 19 in favor of legislation that supporters say will improve the approval process for public charter schools.

Going into Tuesday night’s general election, Tennessee Democrats had high hopes of whittling into the Republican supermajority by winning a handful of House seats that are currently held by Republicans.  On the flipside, GOP leaders targeted growing their supermajority by flipping three Middle Tennessee seats currently held by Democrats.

Neither came to fruition, but one came close.

Tennessee Democrats continue to report strong fundraising by multiple challengers in closely watched House races.

Leading the pack is House District 75 challenger Allie Phillips who reported $46,915 in contributions on last week’s Pre-General Campaign Report.  Phillips is running to unseat Representative Jeff Burkhart, R-Clarksville, who reported $18,700 in contributions.