NASHVILLE - The Republican race for Tennessee House speaker appears to be in full swing, judging by prospective leaders' contributions to party candidates and committees.
Campaign financial disclosures, filed this week with the state Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance show Rep. Gerald McCormick, R-Chattanooga, had given $32,000 as of Sept. 30 in this campaign cycle.
McCormick's leadership PAC, Core Leadership Fund, has given $20,250 since its creation earlier this year. Donations include $15,250 to GOP candidates and $5,000 to the House Republican Caucus.
Out of his regular campaign account, McCormick gave another $10,000 to the caucus and $2,750 to candidates. McCormick said he has since given at least $7,000 more.
But McCormick said he doesn't think donations are what will sway colleagues as they seek to achieve a bulletproof majority on Nov. 2.
"I think they want to see an honest effort on behalf of people who are leaders," he said. He said he attends candidates' events and provides advice when it is sought.
The top giver among the four announced leadership candidates is Rep. Beth Harwell, R-Nashville, former state party chair and current chairwoman of the House Commerce Committee.
Filings show she has given $120,000 over the two-year campaign cycle through her PAC and from her campaign account. Her contributions include a $35,000 check to the state GOP.
"We've got a good slate of Republican candidates across the state, and I'm trying to help as many as I can," Harwell said. She called giving "a small part" of her efforts.
"I think it's just as important to be in these districts and be door-knocking with these candidates and helping them in every way," she said.
State records show House Republican Caucus Chairman Glen Casada has contributed $109,000 through his PAC and campaign account.
House Education Committee Chairman Harry Brooks, R-Knoxville, has given $26,250, records show.
Republicans hold 50 of the 99 House seats.
Democrats say they can win back the majority, although they concede political winds are blowing against them in the mid-term election.