By Adam Friedman | Reporter
Good morning, Lookout readers:
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn emerged from the August Republican primary for Tennessee governor as the clear favorite to win. A Republican hasn’t lost a statewide race in Tennessee in almost two decades, while the Democratic Party nominated Memphis City Councilmember Jerri Green.
But Blackburn’s campaign has also launched a page to attack David Hatley, a conservative businessman running as an independent candidate.
This raises the question: why?
Hatley, who has put $7 million of his own money into his campaign, said it’s because internal polling shows him gaining traction.
Below, check out a story from myself and Sam Stockard on Hatley and another independent candidate, Lauren Pinkston, who hope to turn the campaign into a four-way race for governor.
THE LOOKOUT’S TOP STORY
David Hatley, left, and Lauren Pinkston, right, are running as independent candidates for Tennessee’s governor. (Photos: J. Holly McCall and John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)
by Adam Friedman and Sam Stockard
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn emerged from the Republican primary as the favorite to become Tennessee's next governor after this November’s general election. The Democratic Party nominated Memphis City Councilmember Jerri Green on its ticket.
But this year Hatley and Lauren Pinkston have emerged as independent candidates for governor, drawing substantial attention and fundraising
NEWS AND NOTES
FEATURED IN THE LOOKOUT
A new report by The Sycamore Institute finds Tennessee families who earn more than the federal poverty limit still struggle to pay for basic needs. Food banks across Tennessee and pop-up food pantries work to fill gaps. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)
by Anita Wadhwani
The income a Tennessee family needs to pay for necessities such as food, housing and childcare far surpassed the federal poverty threshold, according to an analysis by The Sycamore Institute, a nonpartisan think tank.
ICYMI
Hatcher says he’s amenable to Molder’s challenge to debate before 5th District election | Cassandra Stephenson
Stockard on the Stump: One man picks state rep in Memphis | Sam Stockard
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