Democrats Miffed at Franklin 'Town Hall' Plans, Elks Nearly Cancel

FRANKLIN, TN — Democratic candidates are wondering why they were not invited to a forum Tuesday at the Franklin Elks Lodge when a Republican hopeful was.

The NashvillePost reports that the forum, set for 6 p.m. at the lodge, will include Williamson County's state legislative delegation — Reps. Glen Casada and Charles Sargent, and Sen. Jack Johnson — but also Sam Whitson, the Republican nominee seeking to replace ousted State Rep. Jeremy Durham.

While Sargent is running unopposed and Johnson isn't up for re-election until 2018, Casada and Whitson both have Democratic opponents, who were not invited.

Holly McCall, Whitson's Democratic opponent, told the Post that she and Whitson only have one forum scheduled where they will both appear on Oct. 20; both Casada and his Democratic opponent, Courtenay Rogers are also scheduled for that event.

"Neither he nor I have run before. We need more than one forum. Voters should be able to easily access candidates," McCall told the Post.

McCall said Whitson and Casada both turned down other forums, with Whitson saying participating in just one was part of his strategy and Casada saying the events are "a waste of your time, because no one comes to them."

McCall and Rogers will both attend the Elks event, at least as audience members. The Elks' Exalted Leader told the post the lodge nearly cancelled the event because the group's bylaws prohibit political events.