NASHVILLE — Republican Jim Vincent of Soddy-Daisy loaned his campaign $25,000 to help jumpstart his House District 31 comeback bid against Rep. Jim Cobb, R-Spring City, according to campaign financial disclosure reports.

Businessman Vincent in his second quarter disclosure report said he “self endorsed” the $25,000 loan to his campaign on April 24. It came weeks after he decided to run again for the seat.

Between April 1 and June 30, Mr. Vincent reported raising a total of $8,430.34 on top of the $25,000 loan. He spent $30,729.74 and as of June 30 had $2,700.30 on hand.

Rep. Cobb, who is seeking election to a second term, reported raising $5,300 in the second quarter, all of it in late May or June after the General Assembly adjourned and the state’s annual ban on in-session fundraising by incumbents ended.

Among those contributing was Rep. Gerald McCormick, R-Chattanooga, chairman of the Hamilton County legislative delegation, who gave $100. Rep. McCormick said it was an acknowledgment of a $100 contribution Rep. Cobb made to his own campaign last year.

“After I did that, I’m trying to remain neutral in the race, I also wrote a check to Jim Vincent for a hundred bucks,” Rep. McCormick said.

Rep. Cobb reported second quarter spending of $15,523.39. His ending balance was $992.96.

Early voting begins July 18 for the Aug. 7 primary.

For complete coverage see tomorrow’s Times Free Press.

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