NASHVILLE – Three Tennessee Democrats vying for their party’s nomination to take on Republican Gov. Bill Lee this fall have so far spent nearly $780,000 in their efforts to win the Aug. 4 primary, in which early voting begins Friday across the state.
State campaign financial disclosures also show that as of June 30, Nashville physician Jason Martin, Memphis City Councilman JB Smiley Jr. and Memphis activist Carnita Atwater collectively had $70,800 in cash on hand, according to filings this week with the Tennessee Registry of Election Finance.
Martin has raised and spent the most during the campaign, spending just shy of $584,000 on his effort. He reported having $66,098 in cash on hand as of June 30, the end of the reporting period.
Smiley was No. 2 in fundraising. He reported spending $204,800 and had a $4,600 cash balance.
Meanwhile, Atwater spent most of the $3,275 she has raised, reporting having $77 left as of June 30.