NASHVILLE — The state’s most influential organization opposing abortion, Tennessee Right to Life, officially endorsed Republican Jim Vincent in the 31st District House seat today and said his GOP primary opponent, Rep. Jim Cobb, R-Spring City, “misused” the group’s endorsement.

“With the election of Jim Vincent, voters have a unique opportunity to return a proven pro-life voice back to the state House,” said Brian Harris, president of Tennessee Right to Life, in a statement.

Mr. Harris said that Tennessee Right to Life, the state’s oldest and largest pro-life organization, “regrets that our organization’s endorsement has been misused and misrepresented by Mr. Cobb.”

Last month, Tennessee Right to Life and the National Rifle Association asked Rep. Cobb to change campaign signs claiming they had endorsed him in his re-election bid in the district, which includes parts of northern Hamilton County and all of Rhea County.

Mr. Cobb said the signs were a mistake and noted that he immediately placed new signs that said the organizations backed him in 2006, his first campaign.

Mr. Harris warned at the time that Tennessee Right to Life’s endorsement could change because of how Rep. Cobb handled himself while dealing with the group. While declining to provide details, Mr. Harris said Rep. Cobb was “less than cordial” when the group asked him to take the signs down.

Mr. Vincent held the seat from 2000 to 2004, when he decided not to seek re-election.

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

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