Westmoreland Campaigns With Fincher in Tennessee

As if we didn’t already know he was one of their favorite candidates this cycle, the National Republican Congressional Committee is showing a little love for west Tennessee farmer and gospel singer Stephen Fincher (R) this Easter recess week.

On Monday, committee vice chairman Lynn Westmoreland (R-Ga.) joined Fincher for a series of events around the 8th district including stops in Syersburg and Gibson County. Westmoreland also joined Fincher for a meet and greet event that was organized by Jimmy Wallace, a former state Representative who is also one of western Tennessee’s most important GOP fundraisers.

During the Presidents Day recess, NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions (Texas) traveled to Memphis for a luncheon that raised about $30,000 for Fincher’s campaign.

Fincher was the national party’s favored candidate in the seat even before Rep. John Tanner (D) announced his plans to retire. But before he can try to win the open seat this fall Fincher will have to defeat physician Ron Kirkland and Shelby County Commissioner George Flinn Jr in the GOP primary.

The winner will face state Sen. Roy Herron (D) in the general election.

CQ Politics presently rates the Tennessee 8 race as a Tossup.