Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Lee is best positioned to continue the progress Tennessee has made in the last eight years. (David Crigger/The Bristol Herald-Courier via AP)NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Democratic gubernatorial candidate Karl Dean wants an independent investigation into a state official’s campaign donation to Dean’s Republican opponent, Bill Lee. The contribution came amid the official’s department investigation into how a state trooper divulged information to Lee’s campaign about Dean’s schedule.
The Tennessean reports Safety & Homeland Security Commissioner David Purkey gave Lee $1,000 last month amid his department’s internal investigation. Records show the trooper inadvertently told Lee’s RV driver Dean’s planned location. Purkey suspended the trooper without pay for one day and apologized to both campaigns.
Department spokeswoman Megan Buell said Purkey’s political activity didn’t break state law.
Urging a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation probe, Dean said Purkey’s contribution raises questions about Tennessee Highway Patrol and possible favoritism.
Lee’s campaign said he’s proud to have 6,100 Tennessee donors.