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I’ll comment on TN-4. Clearly, DesJarlais had some terrible problems from over a decade ago (most of which, were he a Democrat, would be “old news” or a non-story), and were exposed solely because of the former incumbent Democrat Rep. Lincoln Davis seeking to embarrass him.

In almost any instance, I’d have favored replacing him. However, as a sitting member of Congress, his voting record has been near-impeccable. He is NOT a part of the party establishment and is the most Conservative member of the delegation. Based on his voting record, I really would prefer he remain, warts and all (and I think he could still pull it off in a general), a bit along the lines of my Nick Rahall example in the 1990 race. His record for fundraising has been in line with some of the other members (almost $400,000).

State Sen. Jim Tracy isn’t a bad sort, but he is more an establishment guy and has raised upwards of $1.3 million. He had an opportunity to run back in 2010 when he could’ve had the nomination just for the asking, but didn’t want to run against the execrable Lincoln Davis. DesJarlais stepped up when he didn’t. I just have a problem with these politicians that when they’re needed under tough circumstances, they run from the challenge, but only come in when they’re guaranteed it will be “safe” for them. DesJarlais could easily step aside now, but won’t, because he’s proud of his record of accomplishment in DC in standing against the establishment types.

Based on his voting record, I really would prefer he remain, warts and all (and I think he could still pull it off in a general)

Could? Do you think he could lose the general? I assumed the seat was too safe. That would about seal it for me, I wouldn't want to risk a seat even if he has a good record.

State Sen. Jim Tracy isn’t a bad sort, but he is more an establishment guy and has raised upwards of $1.3 million. He had an opportunity to run back in 2010 when he could’ve had the nomination just for the asking, but didn’t want to run against the execrable Lincoln Davis.

Did he live in TN-4 at the time? In 2010, Tracy ran in the open TN-6 and narrowly lost. I thought the 2012 round of redistricting put him in TN-4 as it is now.

Well, it seems I made a goof in what I said in post #28. That happens when I don’t make a routine check of facts. I ascribed negative comments towards State Sen. Jim Tracy in accusing him of not stepping up to run against Lincoln Davis in 2010. It’s because he was not running in the 4th at the time, he was running in the 6th.

I forgot that he entered the open race for Bart Gordon’s seat, which ended up a wild nearly 3-way tie between him, State Sen. Diane Black & Lou Ann Zelenik. Only 590 votes separated between Tracy (3rd place) and Black (the winner). The battle really erupted between Black & Zelenik (I endorsed Zelenik) and there were enormously bad feelings between the two that led to a lawsuit. Tracy almost emerged the winner as a result.

The lines have since been shifted after 2012, and Tracy is now within the 4th and is running for this seat against DesJarlais. My apologies to Sen. Tracy for accusing him of not stepping up to run in a district he wasn’t in in 2010.