#roy herron

[editormba]

Democratic Party leader Roy Herron speaks about faith at Jackson Christian

Roy Herron speaks about faith at Jackson Christian | The Jackson Sun | jacksonsun.com.

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[tracesharp-blog]

Republicans gained two congressional seats in the Volunteer State in 2010. Democrats are poised to make a major effort to try to retake one of them, and maybe both. In addition, intra-party primaries are developing in two districts, one a solid Republican district, the other solidly Democratic. Because redistricting will not be completed until January, the contests are still in a degree of flux. Nevertheless, some candidates have announced and there is considerable speculation about others. The hottest November race is likely to be in the 4th District (Columbia, etc.) where freshman Scott DesJarlais (R) is facing a challenge from state Sen. Eric Stewart (D). DesJarlais won by 57 percent to 39 percent against 4-term incumbent Lincoln Davis (D) in 2010, so while the climate next year may not be as unfriendly to Democrats as it was then, Stewart will still have his work cut out for him. Stewart, 39, a small businessman (insurance), is “a solid guy,” says a long-time observer of Tennessee politics, but is only a freshman state senator who would otherwise face a hard reelection battle to the upper legislative chamber. Moreover, as a lame-duck legislator, he could have a tough time raising the money needed in this 24-county, 4-media market district. In addition, redistricting could make the 4th somewhat more Republican. Nevertheless, Democrats are high on his prospects. “We’re all really happy” about Stewart’s candidacy, says a party insider. “He’s plain-spoken, a salt of the earth kind of guy, very genuine… he fits the district.” He adds that Stewart “wants to do the hard work that it takes to win a race like this.” His campaign experience includes a contested race for county commission as well as the state Senate. In his announcement, Stewart cited his record favoring budget cuts and tax relief for senior citizens. DesJarlais, a physician, reported $318,000 on hand as of September 30. He could face primary opposition from state Sen. Bill Ketron (R) if redistricting adds Murfreesboro to the district. While DesJarlais is an early favorite for renomination and reelection, “this has always been a swing district,” notes the observer. For now, Likely Republican

Southern Political Report

There are some winnable races out there. It's just a matter of watching what is happening now because the Republicans are going to financed with Koch money. Democrats don't have that money machine behind them at this point.

[joelance]

Herron eyes rematch with Fincher

The Jackson Sun asked a few people for some details about the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's choice to target Tennessee's 8th District as a possible pick-up (or take-back, given that they only last year lost the seat).

Sen. Roy Herron (D-Dresden), who dropped out of the 2010 gubernatorial race upon former U.S. Rep. John Tanner's retirement, won the congressional primary, but lost to U.S. Rep. Stephen Fincher in the general election, confirmed verbally that he "plans to run" again in 2012, according to the report.

Another name that has been listed as a possibility is Sen. Lowe Finney (D-Jackson), who chairs his party's Senate caucus. As Dan Turnbow indicated on Twitter, the 27th District will likely look more favorable to Republicans after redistricting.

Independent candidate James Hart is so far the only challenger to formally declare against Fincher.

Original Article