Primary Voters Choose Sides, Some in Protest

The three-way Republican race to get the party’s nomination for governor has pushed many voters to the polls.

Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam has spent the most money to get elected and has maintained the lead in polls. Dwayne and Mary Jeffrey met him in Dickson this week and voted for Haslam Thursday afternoon.

Dwayne Jeffrey: “I asked him if he was a born again Christian, and without hesitation he answered. I believe he can run the state.”

Mary Jeffrey: “And he’s got a lot of money, but he seemed just like a plain old country boy.”

Mary Jeffrey says Ron Ramsey and Zach Wamp seem nice enough, but she didn’t meet them in person.

Voters are also picking nominees for the state legislature and Congress.

The 8th Congressional District west of Nashville has turned out to be the most costly House race in the country so far this election cycle. Voter Roger Price turned up his nose at the three leading Republicans vying for the seat. Stephen Fincher, George Flinn and Ron Kirkland have spent more than $5 million combined on TV ads and sending out campaign material.

“I voted for Randy Smith. I have no idea what his platform was, but he wasn’t one of the people I heard so many ads on.”

Price says he was turned off by the Republican primary for governor as well, where he says candidates are trying to be seen as the most conservative on issues. In protest, Price cast a vote for Joe Kirkpatrick, who withdrew from the race in June.