Stateline

National Parties Hone in on Legislative Races

Stateline Article By: John Gramlich Read time:
National Parties Hone in on Legislative Races
A pair of Tennessee legislative hopefuls are finding out first hand how badly national Democrats and Republicans want to control state legislatures in a redistricting year.

The Knoxville News-Sentinel reports that the two candidates, Democrat Keith Clotfelter and Republican Dennis Powers, could see an influx of money from their national parties as they battle each other in the 36 th District of the Tennessee House of Representatives, which Republicans control by a 51-48 margin (with one independent).

According to the paper, Clotfelter and Powers are "friends and neighbors, despite differing political philosophies," and they aren't used to running big-money campaigns: Powers had $935 in his campaign account at last report, while Clotfelter had $4,179.

All of that could change soon. The News-Sentinel reports that national Democrats and Republicans are poised to pour more than $1 million into Tennessee legislative races this year, with a particular emphasis on the House. Democrats need to win just two seats to regain control and get a much more prominent seat at the negotiating table during redistricting talks.

  

On the Record With Mac Taylor, California's Top Budget Watchdog States Aim to Cut Energy Bills
EXPLORE MORE FROM STATELINE
Places
Topics
About Stateline
Stateline’s team of veteran journalists provides daily reporting and analysis on trends in state policy.
Learn More
Media Contact
Jeremy Ratner
Director, Communications
202.540.6507
Sign Up
Sign up for our daily update—original reporting on state policy, plus the day's five top reads from around the Web.

MORE FROM PEW

Standing on a boat in his wetsuit, with shimmering blue water and a hilly coast behind him, Stan Shea points to distant waters before a dive. Awareness of Hong Kong's Marine Diversity Aids Conservation
A time-lapse photo shows a stream rushing through densely forested terrain that includes mossy rocks and fallen trees in the streambed and tall pines on the banks, all under a sunny sky. More Rivers Need Protection, Advocates Say
A winding river in Alaska, lined with green and yellow trees, a green river valley, and distant mountains. 4 Reasons to Improve Federal Land Conservation Policy
Montana State Capitol Building How Sustainable Is Your State's Pension Plan?
Composite image of modern city network communication concept

Learn the Basics of Broadband from Our Limited Series

Sign up for our four-week email course on Broadband Basics
Quick View

How does broadband internet reach our homes, phones, and tablets? What kind of infrastructure connects us all together? What are the major barriers to broadband access for American communities?