State Democrats on Monday filed suit seeking to block the name of former Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Robin Smith from appearing on the upcoming ballot. The Hamilton County Election Commission responded by calling an emergency meeting.
It will be Thursday at 9 a.m.
Ms. Smith was certified on Monday by the election panel for the House District 26 seat given up by Rep. Gerald McCormick.
Democrats complained that Rep. McCormick had gotten out of the race at the last minute, and said the Democratic candidate, who qualified in a timely manner, David Jones, should be the winner.
Rep. McCormick had dropped out after an issue arose over his residency. He and his wife, Kim, bought a house in Nashville last year and put their home on Big Ridge on the market. Ms. McCormick took a job with the state Board of Regents.
Robin Smith was the only Republican candidate to qualify after a brief time was given for candidates to come forward.
Ms. Smith's campaign said Tuesday, "The party that told Americans they 'go high' never misses a chance to take the low road.
"
Claiming any action is justified as 'resistance,' when what it really means is win at any cost, the Tennessee Democrat Party has filed a lawsuit in Nashville before a Democrat judge to kick Robin Smith off the ballot for the District 26 House Seat after she legally qualified for the election and the Hamilton County Election Commission approved the ballot. This frivolous lawsuit will cost Hamilton County taxpayers money as the Election Commission fights in court to uphold their correct decision.
"Whether it’s intimidation and threats against public officials or attempting to deny candidates access to the ballot and deny you the opportunity to vote, the leadership of the democrat party always shows their true colors.
"Tennessee Democrats know the truth: the ultra-leftist Bernie Sanders liberal they chose cannot win as the people of District 26 learn more about his desire to see open borders in America and sanctuary cities in Tennessee. They know his economic plan will kill the historic growth of Tennessee’s economy and cost us jobs. They know the only way he can win is to kick any opponent off the ballot and steal your choice in the voting booth.
"Robin needs your help today. Please visit www.RobinforTN.com today and join the team working to keep our conservative values in the Tennessee House."
She said earlier, "Tennessee Democrats have engaged in tactics to delay and attempt to deny Republicans access to cast their ballots beginning next Friday which will cost the taxpayers of Hamilton County tens of thousands of dollars to litigate a lawsuit after judge shopping to have a hearing held in Davidson County.
"While I am saddened for voters in District 26 and taxpayers of our county, Democrats have removed all doubt in this state: they have no winning policies and no winning principles guiding their elections. Their desperation is obvious and will be futile.”