Lynn wins hotly contested race

In the hotly contested race in the Republican primary to determine who will represent District 57 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, challenger Susan Lynn defeated incumbent Linda Elam in a 4,719  to 2,259 vote.

Since the Democrats didn't have a candidate in the race, this primary victory means Lynn has the House seat.

The race between incumbent Elam and her predecessor and challenger Susan Lynn, both Mt. Juliet Republicans, became heated as the contest came closer to election day. Both candidates were the subject of attack mailers produced by supporters, with the candidates accusing each other being power hungry and unethical.

Elam has also questioned if Lynn could legally run for the seat since redistricting has placed her home outside the district at the end of the August General Election.  Lynn defended her campaign explaining her contention that Elam was misrepresenting the issue, that she could legally run and that she would move if elected.

After the results were in, both ladies seem a bit tired after such a hard fought campaign. Elam was gracious in defeat.

"I've had better nights," Elam said after she had conceded to her supporters. "I do want to thank the volunteers who stepped up to help and the many citizens who showed their faith in me with their vote. I've been honored to serve as their state representative for the past two years."

Lynn celebrated her victory with her husband and a milkshake.

"I'm feeling great. I'm so happy," she said. "I very, very proud of the campaign my team and I ran. I did not want to go negative. I'm a Christian and I didn't think that was necessary. I really want to thank the voters and I'm just happy they remembered my record."

She doesn't plan to spend a lot of time basking in her victory.  

"I have work tomorrow," Lynn added. "I'm not a professional politician – I have a real job."

Staff writer Mary Hinds may be reached at 444-3952, ext. 45 or via email at maryhinds@lebanondemocrat.com.