State Sen. Jim Tracy officially announced Wednesday that he will run for the congressional seat held by fellow Republican U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais, saying the embattled lawmaker has deceived his constituents and needs to be replaced with a more trustworthy representative.
Tracy, an insurance agent for Nationwide Insurance and former college basketball referee, was joined by other Republican lawmakers and local officials at a pharmacy in Murfreesboro. His speech was interrupted by applause at least twice as he touted his conservative values and alluded to the scandal surrounding DesJarlais.
“I promise that I will never embarrass you with my personal conduct or compromise on my conservative principles,” Tracy said. “I’m a conservative in word and deed. I’m 100 percent pro-life.”
DesJarlais, a Jasper physician, won a second term in Congress in November despite revelations he had sexual relationships with patients and urged one to seek an abortion. DesJarlais has rejected calls for his resignation.
When asked about Tracy’s challenge, DesJarlais spokesman Robert Jameson said in a statement that the congressman is focused on other matters.
“Right now Congressman DesJarlais is completely focused on the job he was elected to do by residents of the Fourth District: Ending the deficit spending, repealing ObamaCare and returning our government to its proper constitutional role.”
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