Attorney Terry Adams enters race for U.S. Senate as Democrat

Arkansas-Tennessee Live Blog

NASHVILLE -- Calling Congress "broken," Knoxville attorney Terry Adams says he has filed to run as a Democrat in the 2014 U.S. Senate race.

"After getting strong encouragement from a wide range of people around Tennessee, I have decided to enter this race," the Navy veteran and entrepreneur said in a news release. "We think the time is right for someone with a unique profile to run and win this seat and to serve Tennessee."

Adams said, "Washington is broken, and we are not going to fix it by sending back the same people responsible for breaking it in the first place."

The Senate seat is held by Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., who is seeking a third term. Alexander faces a 2014 GOP primary challenge from state Rep. Joe Carr, R-Lascassas, who is backed by a number of tea party groups.

Adams said if more small- business owners and military veterans are in Washington, "common sense might prevail over out-of-control gridlock and brinksmanship. We have fewer veterans serving than in recent memory, and I think that's one of the reasons Washington is so painfully partisan and amazingly ineffective."

Supporters of Adams, including former state Democratic Party chairmen Bob Tuke and Chip Forrester, have scheduled a $1,000 per person fundraiser for today in Nashville, according to a copy of an invitation.

Others include two major party fundraisers, attorneys Charles Robert Bone and Charles W. Bone, as well as state House Minority Leader Mike Turner, D-Nashville.

Democrat Larry Crim, of Nashville, who lost in Democrat's 2012 U.S. Senate primary, is also running.

Contact staff writer Andy Sher at asher@timesfreepress.com or 615-255-0550.

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