NASHVILLE - The Republican Governors Association plans to trim its ad buy in Tennessee governor's race, saying the move is due to GOP nominee Bill Lee doing well in his match up with Democrat Karl Dean.
"Bill Lee is running an effective campaign that is resonating with Tennessee voters and is in a strong position for victory this November," RGA Communications Director Jon Thompson said. "We feel very good about the race and we're confident that Republicans will continue to hold the Tennessee governorship."
Recent polls by Fox News and NBC News show Franklin businessman Lee leading by double digits in his race with Dean, a former Nashville mayor.
The RGA, chaired this cycle by Tennessee Republican Gov. Bill Haslam who is term limited, had previously said it had pre-booked $2.2 million for television on behalf of the GOP nominee.
But Thompson said Lee's success has led to the organization's decision to cut two weeks out of the ad buy. The estimated $500,000 in savings is expected to be diverted to other contests.
The general election is Nov. 6. Early voting in Tennessee begins Oct. 17.
