Tennessee GOP Removes 14 Republicans From State Ballot For U.S. House, Senate Races
Image Credit: Tennessee Republican Party / Facebook & Canva
The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
Tennessee’s Republican Party officials removed several candidates from the August primary ballot after questions were raised about whether they were “bona fide” party members, leaving several seats unopposed.
Removed from the ballot was Caleb Stack, who was signed up to run against U.S. Representative Mark Green, and George Flinn, who was opposing U.S. Representative David Kustoff. Those removals leave Green and Kustoff running unopposed.
Joe Doctora, running against U.S. Representative Scott DesJarlais, was also removed. Two other Republican candidates will still be opposing DesJarlais.
With Representatives Chuck Fleischmann, Tim Burchett, Diana Harshbarger and John Rose already moving through the primaries, these removals put the total at six of Tennessee’s Republican congressional members without any competition in the primary.
Tom Guarente also withdrew from the race against Republican U.S. Representative Andy Ogles, leaving Ogles only going up against Nashville Metro Council member Courtney Johnston. Democrat Maryam Abolfazli will be running unopposed for Ogles’ seat.
Requirements for being considered “bona fide” Republican party members were a hot topic during the 2022 election after a number of prominent candidates were removed in the primary race won by Ogles.
State GOP rules say members are “bona fide” if they have voted in three of the last four state Republican primaries, which is verified only after someone challenges a candidate.
However, other members can also speak in support of someone being “bona fide,” leading to a vote by party officials, which can lead to candidates being allowed to remain on the ballot.
14 Republicans were removed from the ballot altogether, with two state Senate candidates and nine state House candidates also being taken off. Candidates who are removed from the ballot do have the option of appealing that decision.
Tennessee GOP removes Green Beret combat Veteran and outspoken Conservative, Nate Dressel, leaving unfit incumbent unopposed. SEC members already denying appeal.
And yet Claire Reeves was allowed to run for school board despite also being challenged for her status as non-bona fide. My great hope for Claire is that she now has the opportunity to create a solid conservative voting record with many eyes following her.
Irate to see RINO Kusstov is getting a free pass back in to do more damage.