Scott DesJarlais wins tight GOP primary

MURFREESBORO — U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais claimed the Republican primary with about 52 percent of the vote after runner-up Grant Starrett conceded Thursday night.

"Despite my opponent spending nearly $2 million trying to distort my conservative voting record, the people of the 4th District know I will always fight for Tennessee values and principles," DesJarlais said in a statement to The Daily News Journal.

"I am honored by the opportunity to continue to serve my constituents, and I promise to remain steadfast in my defense of conservative constitutional principles."

Starrett used Twitter to announce he had conceded.

"I just called to congratulate Congressman DesJarlais, and I wish him the best in his work as a representative for our district," Starrett tweeted.

Districtwide, DesJarlais had a 4,076-vote lead with 52.12  percent of the Republican primary vote at 9:45 p.m. Thursday.

DesJarlais, who is from South Pittsburg, is seeking a fourth two-year term and had 24,207 votes, according to the state.

Starrett of Murfreesboro had the next most votes with 20,131, which is 43.34 percent. Erran Persley of Murfreesboro had 1,614 votes, or 3.48 percent. Yomi "Fapas" Faparusi of Murfreesboro had 493 votes, or 1.06 percent.

The winner will face Democrat Steven Reynolds of Murfreesboro in the Nov. 8 general election.

DesJarlais also won the most votes in Rutherford County, with 7,668, or 49.33 percent. Starrett had 6,886 votes, or 44.3 percent. Persley had 716 votes, 4.61 percent; and Faparusi, 239 votes, 1.54 percent.

DesJarlais was a physician before he ran for his seat in 2010 and defeated former Democratic U.S. Rep. Lincoln Davis in a year in which the tea party conservative movement had influence and Republicans won back control of the U.S. House. In past years, DesJarlais has won despite opponents questioning his divorce records from around 2001. The Republican's closest challenge came two years ago when he won the Republican primary by 38 votes against state Sen. Jim Tracy of Shelbyville.

DesJarlais earlier in the primary expected to win and touted how 61 percent of 400 Republican voters approved of his job performance. The incumbent also boasted of how many local political and business leaders were backing the congressman.

Voters sound off

For the second consecutive Republican primary, DesJarlais faced an opponent who raised more than he did.

Murfreesboro voter Bill Adcock cast his ballot for DesJarlais at Central Magnet School.

“I just think he’s doing a pretty good job right now,” said Adcock, adding that he didn't know much about Starrett.

Starrett had the support of voter Dale Bradley.

“I like his conservative values, and I’m not really happy with what DesJarlais has done,” said Bradley, who voted at Siegel Middle School on Thursday morning.

Reynolds, the Democratic Party nominee, had support from voter Michelle Bell.

“He’s a family man, and I believe that Mr. Steven will have our best interest our heart," Bell said after voting at Central Magnet School. "Being a family man and being a man of ethics from what I’ve seen, I really believe that he’ll be able to bring newness to Congress and help the working America.”

Murfreesboro voter Robert Young also voted for Reynolds "because he's a Democrat."

Contact Scott Broden at 615-278-5158. Follow him on Twitter @ScottBroden.