Sen. Jim Tracy
Rep. Scott DesJarlaisMURFREESBORO, Tenn. -
After a stormy reelection campaign this past fall, 4th District Republican Congressman Dr. Scott DesJarlais is about to officially face a challenger within his own party.
State Senator Jim Tracy of Shelbyville plans to formally announce his candidacy Wednesday morning in Murfreesboro, the largest city in the primarily rural district centered in eastern and middle Tennessee.
Rep. DesJarlais, a medical doctor and pro-life supporter, has faced numerous questions after transcripts from his 2001 divorce revealed sex with multiple patients, the urging of one of them to get an abortion, and consent for an abortion by his then-spouse.
The congressman has responded to the revelations by saying, "I know God has forgiven me, and I simply ask my fellow Christians and constituents to do the same for me."
While Sen. Tracy is the first to officially announce running against DesJarlais, the Republican congressional primary for the 4th District seat could be a crowded one.
Rutherford County State Rep. Joe Carr last month launched an exploratory committee about running against DesJarlais.
One-time 7th Congressional District candidate and former Cracker Barrel executive Forrest Shoaf has also indicated an interested in running, but has taken no formal steps.
State Rep. Kevin Brooks and former 3rd Congressional district candidate Wes Wamp have indicated people have talked to them about running against DesJarlais in the next year's Republican primary.
Related Stories:
- Nov. 30, 2012: Rep. DesJarlais reveals more about abortion issue
- Nov. 27, 2012: Group files ethics complaint against Rep. DesJarlais
- Nov. 22, 2012: Rep. DesJarlais: No plans to resign; regrets actions
- Nov. 15, 2012: DesJarlais transcripts show sexual relationships, abortions
- Nov. 6, 2012: Scott DesJarlais defeats Democratic challenger Eric Stewart
- Nov. 6, 2012: DesJarlais only Tenn. congressman with tough race
- Nov. 5, 2012: Democrats wait not over yet for DesJarlais divorce transcripts
- Nov. 2, 2012: Scott DesJarlais keeps low profile before vote next week
- Oct. 18, 2012: 4th District voters weigh in on DesJarlais allegations
- Oct. 12, 2012: Rep. DesJarlais responds to abortion recording allegations
- Oct. 10, 2012: Rep. Scott DesJarlais urged mistress to have abortion
