Tennessee state Sen. Eric StewartNASHVILLE - Fourth Congressional District Democratic nominee Eric Stewart is challenging U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais, R-Tenn., to three debates over the next month.
Stewart, of Winchester, said in a letter sent to DesJarlais that voters "want the chance to look both candidates in the eyes and sometimes ask tough questions to see if they can trust the man or woman they might vote for."
The letter follows up Stewart's public challenge last Thursday after he won the Democratic primary with no opposition.
DesJarlais campaign manager Brandon Lewis said Friday that "after receiving less than 30 percent of the total primary vote it makes sense that he [Stewart] is looking for ways to make himself more known to voters."
Lewis didn't say whether DesJarlais, who is from Jasper, would agree to debate Stewart.
The district includes Marion, Sequatchie and Grundy counties.