Kurita Running as Citizen, Not Democrat

State senator Rosalind Kurita will take help from all sides in her attempt to win the general election as a write-in candidate.

The Clarksville Democrat angered many in her party when she gave Republican Ron Ramsey a key vote in his run to serve as senate speaker. Kurita’s narrow primary victory was overturned last weekend, and the nomination was officially given to her challenger, Tim Barnes.

Kurita says she’s heard from constituents who feel disenfranchised by the party and who have offered their help. She won’t count out a federal lawsuit protesting the party decision, but for now her focus is a write-in campaign.

Kurita says she’s running now as not as a Democrat, but as a citizen. Likewise, if elected Kurita says she’ll serve as a citizen rather than a member of the Democratic caucus.

“I have already been elected, and in this election what I am hoping to do is to have Democrats support me, to have Republicans support me, and to have Independents support me.”

Kurita says she’s seeking funds from anyone who, in her words, “believes that we should protect the voice of the voter.” She wouldn’t clarify whether that means she’s actively asking Republican fundraisers for help.