Trump to headline Blackburn fundraiser and rally in Johnson City

Republican Senate candidate Marsha Blackburn speaks at a business forum in Nashville on Aug. 15, 2018. (Erik Schelzig, Tennessee Journal)

President Donald Trump is returning to Tennessee on behalf of Republican Senate candidate Marsha Blackburn, the Associated Press reports. The president also plans a public rally.

Tickets to the Monday fundraiser in Johnson City are set at $10,000 per couple (that includes a photo with the president) or $25,000 to attend a roundtable beforehand. Contributions will go to Blackburn’s joint fundraising committee.

Trump’s visit follows two fundraisers and public events in Tennessee featuring Mike Pence, including last week in Knoxville and in Cleveland in July. Trump held a fundraiser and rally for Blackburn in Nashville in May.

Footage from the previous Trump visit has featured heavily in Blackburn television ads in her race against Democrat Phil Bredesen.

UPDATE: The event coincides with the date of a proposed debate between Bredesen and Blackburn in Chattanooga. The former governor still planst to be in the city that day for a “Choose Chattanooga Ideas Forum.”

UPDATE 2: The Trump rally is scheduled for 7 p.m. Eastern at Freedom Hall in Johnson City. It’s will be the sixth time Trump has visited Tennessee since he became a presidential candidate and the first time he has appeared in Johnson City.

“With just 44 days from today until the midterm elections, President Trump looks forward to sharing the great news about the booming economy that’s delivered new jobs and bigger paychecks to Tennessee families,” Michael Glassner, chief operating officer for Donald J. Trump for President Inc., said in a release. “The president will also remind Tennesseans of the critical importance to get out and vote for Marsha Blackburn for the U.S. Senate.”