Lenda Sherrell and Scott DesJarlaisNASHVILLE - Democrat Lenda Sherrell is up with a new television that seeks to counter Republican U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais' efforts to link her to President Barack Obama and challenges the congressman to "come clean" about his voting record.
"Sorry to disappoint you Congressman DesJarlais, but I'm not Barack Obama," Sherrell, a retired accountant from Monteagle, says in 30-second spot that began running today. "Now that I've come clean, why won't you? Tell the truth."
Sherrell then takes the 4th Congressional District incumbent to task, charging, "you voted to turn Medicare into a voucher system and to raise the retirement age. Admit that you rejected a pay raise for soldiers but voted for retroactive pay for yourself and your Washington buddies."
"I've come clean, won't you Dr. DesJarlais? I'm running for Congress. Barack Obama isn't."
The congressman has hit Sherrell, calling her "Liberal Lenda" and criticizing her work as a district volunteer for Organizing for Action, which supports Obama's agenda.
Sherrell said in a statement that DesJarlais is trying to "deceive voters into thinking that I represent President Obama. But the truth is I am Lenda Sherrell, not a career politician. And I'm running for Congress because many in our district are struggling."
She said that "like many Tennesseans, I did and continue to do my civic duty on issues people are concerned about, such as protecting Medicare and Social Security, access to healthcare, minimum wage, equal pay for equal work, and veterans benefits."