Last Minute Money Grab for State Lawmakers

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Both chambers of the state General Assembly gavel into session at noon Tuesday. And at that moment, campaign fundraising will be off limits. So there’s a last minute push for political donations underway.

State law prevents the governor or legislators from raising money during the session. The ban is intended to prevent campaign contributions from having sway on the lawmaking process.

It will be nearly two years before any state lawmakers face reelection, but there’s no time being wasted.

Recently-elected Sen. Steve Dickerson of Nashville had a fundraiser last Friday. Other Republican senators are meeting with donors this week. The dwindling Democratic Caucus has a joint event. And Governor Bill Haslam has a fundraising breakfast on the books just hours before the session begins.