Legislators beat the blackout clock with pre-session fundraisers

State law imposes a ban on fundraising during the legislative session that begins at noon today, but a bunch of lawmakers beat the “blackout” clock by holding fundraising events shortly before the deadline, reports the Times-Free Press.

House Speaker Beth Harwell, R-Nashville, a potential 2018 candidate for governor, held a $2,500 per person or political action committee event (Monday), along with the 74-member House Republican Caucus and five-member Senate Democratic Caucus.

Others listed by the newspaper as holding fundraisers newly-elected House Majority Leader Glen Casada, R-Franklin, and his immediate predecessor,  former Majority Leader Gerald McCormick, R-Chattanooga.

Also:

* House Minority Leader Craig Fitzhugh, D-Ripley, who is weighing a 2018 gubernatorial bid.

* Sen. Becky Duncan Massey, R-Knoxville.

* Rep. Kent Calfee, R-Kingston.

* Freshman Rep. Mark Lovell, R-Eads.

* House Democratic Caucus members hold their event Tuesday prior to the new General Assembly convening.

* Senate State and Local Committee Chairman Ken Yager, R-Harriman, holds his fundraiser Tuesday morning.

* Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Brian Kelsey, R-Germantown, holds a fundraiser Tuesday as well.

Incoming Senate Speaker Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge, held a $10,000 per person event for his McPAC last week.