NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Republican Gov. Bill Haslam has opened his wallet for state legislative campaigns throughout the state.
According to the final campaign finance reports to be filed before the Aug. 4 primary, Haslam gave $150,000 to his political action committee, Jobs4TN. The committee then contributed all but $4,000 of that amount to the campaigns of 44 lawmakers.
Top recipients got $6,000 each from the PAC, including Bo Watson of Chattanooga and Randy McNally of Oak Ridge in the Senate; and Charles Sargent of Franklin, Beth Harwell of Nashville, Eddie Smith of Knoxville , Gerald McCormick of Chattanooga, Mark White of Memphis, Steve McDaniel of Parker's Crossroads and Pat Marsh of Shelbyville in the House.
The governor also directly gave $3,000 to Nashville Sen. Steve Dickerson, who faces retired physician Ron McDow.