McKamey suspends state House campaign; Collins will be write-in candidate

Michael McKamey of Clinton, who had been a candidate for the Tennessee House of Representatives in District 33, announced Tuesday that he has suspended his campaign, a party official said.

The campaign suspension was announced by Anderson County Democratic Party Chair Catherine Denenberg.

McKamey is supporting Herman Collins, who has announced as a write-in candidate in the Democratic primary for the same office, Denenberg said. Collins, who also lives in Clinton, now serves as the first vice chair of the Anderson County Democratic Party.

McKamey made his decision to suspend his campaign due to a family illness that is requiring his full attention, Denenberg said.

“I deeply regret that I am unable to continue as a candidate for the Tennessee House of Representatives, but family does come first,” McKamey said.

Denenberg said Collins has filed paperwork with the Anderson County Election Commission as a write-in candidate to replace McKamey on the ballot. He intends to campaign vigorously, and, if elected, will work hard to represent all citizens of Anderson County—not just a few, a press release said.

“I look forward to the opportunity to meet Anderson County residents and listen to their concerns,” Collins said.

McKamey has indicated that he will campaign for Collins as much as his personal commitments will allow, the press release said.

The primary election for the Tennessee House of Representatives will be held on August 4, 2016, and the general election will be held on November 8.

District 33 includes most of Anderson County. The incumbent is Representative John Ragan, an Oak Ridge Republican.

More information will be added as it becomes available.

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