Pence PAC donates to six TN U.S. Reps — including Black, Blackburn and Duncan

Politico has a list of Vice President Mike Pence’s “first round of political contributions” through a political action committee he has established —  including donations of $5,400 each to six Tennessee members of the U.S. House – Reps. Marsha Blackburn, Diane Black, John J. “Jimmy” Duncan Jr., Scott DesJarlais, Chuck Fleischmann and Phil Roe.

Blackburn is running for the Senate instead of reelection to the House, but money donated to her House campaign can be switched into the Senate race. Black is running for governor and, under applicable rules, she cannot shift money from her congressional campaign account into her run for a state office.

Duncan, of course, is retiring and not running for reelection in the 2^nd Congressional District.

The only Tennessee Republican congressman not on the list is freshman Rep. David Kustoff of the 8^th Congressional District.

Politico lists the PAC donations as part a political news note roundup (HERE), including the observation that seven recipients are members of the House Freedom Caucus (DesJarlais is one). Here’s an excerpt from a separate overview story on contributions by the PAC, Great America Committee:

Looking to reward those who have been loyal to the administration, Pence is wading into several prospective primaries. Among those getting checks are Tennessee Rep. Marsha Blackburn, a Senate hopeful who is facing a fight for the Republican nomination, and Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso. Several potential Barrasso primary opponents have emerged, including investor Foster Friess and Blackwater founder Erik Prince.

“The vice president is grateful to those who have gone above and beyond to promote the president’s policies. He will always stand with those who stand with the president’s agenda,” said Alyssa Farah, a Pence spokeswoman.

Excerpt from a Tennessee Star report focused on the donation to Blackburn:

“I am honored to have the support of such a great conservative leader like Vice President Mike Pence,” Rep. Blackburn told The Star.

“When the Vice President was in the House of Representatives, we worked together to protect innocent human life, and I am so pleased to see what a terrific leader he has been in the White House. We both are truly dedicated to supporting President Trump’s agenda,” Blackburn added.

The Trump administration’s support for Blackburn bodes well for her GOP primary prospects, where she faces former Rep. Stephen Fincher (R-TN-08) and Dr. Rolando Toyos.