Rep. Scott DesJarlais named one of the nation's top 10 'most vulnerable' congressmen

Arkansas-Tennessee Live Blog
photo U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais, R-Tenn.

NASHVILLE - U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais, R-Tenn., remains one of the nation's top 10 "most vulnerable" congressmen, according to a Washington, D.C.-based newspaper.

"It's increasingly difficult to see any path to victory for DesJarlais in the 4th District," the nonpartisan Roll Call, which covers Congress, reported Tuesday.

"The self-described abortion rights opponent is damned by revelations stemming from his 2001 divorce, that he encouraged his ex-wife and a former mistress to get multiple abortions."

That's made fundraising difficult, Roll Call reported, reflecting the previously stated view of many Tennessee Republican strategists and operatives.

DesJarlais' "most likely" won't have the money to defend himself in his upcoming GOP primary challenge from state Sen. Jim Tracy, R-Shelbyville, in the Aug. 7 election.

DesJarlais reported having $198,000 in cash on hand as of March 31 while Tracy reported $914,000 in the bank.

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