Election Dynamics in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District
Special elections in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District can take unexpected turns, and this round is proving to be no different. Recently, Rep. Lee Reeves’ campaign declared a four-way tie in a crowded Republican primary, but questioned the validity of a survey that produced these results.
The campaign labeled the polling as “a totally fake ‘voting’,” referencing allegations from years ago related to Trump and Russia—claims they believe are less credible than Robert Mueller’s findings. They further criticized the oversight of the poll, pointing fingers at a “fake Never Trumper company” linked to former House Speaker Glenn Casada and his associate, Kade Koten.
In response, the Reeves campaign shared results showing the conservative group Americans for Prosperity placed Reeves at 19.9%, with Rep. Jody Barrett following at 18.6% and former General Services Commissioner Matt Van Epps at 15.9%. These figures were within a 4.4% margin of error, based on a poll conducted in late August intended to gauge support for the race succeeding former Congressman Mark Green.
There’s been noticeable tension; the Bruso campaign surged recently to tie in polling, which is likely adding fuel to the competitive atmosphere. Both candidates are adamantly positioning themselves as the best representatives to carry out President Trump’s agenda, a theme echoed by Republican candidates across the nation.
Bulso, focusing much of his attention on the LGBTQ+ community, has garnered support from state legislators and notable figures like NASCAR’s Darrell Waltrip. Meanwhile, Barrett, targeted by the School Freedom Fund, portrays himself as a staunch opponent of liberal elites, claiming an impeccable conservative voting record in reports linked to the Williamson County-based Tennessee Stand and sharing a prominent photo with country star John Rich.
On the other hand, Van Epps, a West Point graduate with military experience, has secured backing from former Congressman Green. It’s interesting to note his background; he was part of the team that captured Saddam Hussein, adding a layer of intrigue to his candidacy.
Polling methodology is also in the spotlight, as one firm claims a 93.7% accuracy rate, which could sway public perception amid these hotly contested elections. But then you have to wonder—does Reeves, as part of the Caucus, genuinely align with the messages and methods of Americans for Prosperity?
The competition among candidates seems almost theatrical. In a parallel Democratic initiative, Nashville Rep. Vincent Dixie advocated for more diverse candidates, urging people of color, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals to step forward for state and local elections.
Over on the Democratic side, Nashville State Rep. Bo Mitchell has managed to rally support from several unions. He emphasizes his alliance with key grassroots organizations, focusing on progressive ideologies.
Tuneling into New Ventures
Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s Boring Company is embarking on ambitious tunnel projects not only in Las Vegas but potentially in Nashville as well. The intention is to create underground routes linking various key locations, possibly alleviating traffic woes in heavily congested areas.
In addition to these Nashville plans, Musk aims to establish a system to deal with flooding issues in Houston, which has faced severe weather challenges in the past. But there’s a catch—he requires 15% of the cost upfront from local and state governments.
There’s also skepticism surrounding the Boring Company’s history in Vegas, as concerns persist over their adherence to regulations. They’ve encountered legal troubles, including unauthorized tunnel digging and environmental violations, though they are disputing these claims.
Tennessee’s Gov. Bill Lee is standing by Musk’s project, asserting that the firm is taking the necessary steps to adhere to environmental guidelines. Whether they comply with local permitting and emergency service requirements remains to be seen as they move forward with their tunnel plans.
A Return of Political Figures
In another twist, former Tennessee House Speaker Beth Harwell has returned as a board member of the Sycamore Institute, a public policy research organization. It’s a noteworthy move for Harwell, who has also contributed to academic institutions like MTSU.
A New Chapter for Brian Kelsey
In legal news, former state senator Brian Kelsey is finding renewed hope after the Tennessee Supreme Court allowed him to reinforce his legal standing despite a previous felony conviction. Expressing excitement about potentially representing those lacking legal support, he’s come a long way since his tenure opposing Medicaid expansion.
However, the Tennessee Commission on Specialist Responsibility still needs to give the green light for his law practice to resume. Observers are left to ponder who would consider hiring a senator with such a checkered past in legal proceedings.
