Hackworth seeks former Tennessee House seat

Former Tennessee Rep. Jim Hackworth has officially announced he wants to take back his old seat in the Tennessee House of Representatives.

Hackworth, a Clinton Democrat, is running against Rep. John Ragan, an Oak Ridge Republican, in Tennessee’s 33rd District, which includes most of Anderson County.

Running for his first political office, Ragan beat Hackworth, a four-term legislator, two years ago in the November 2010 election, when Republicans gained power across the country.

In a campaign announcement Monday, Hackworth expressed disappointment with what’s happened since 2010 in the General Assembly in Nashville.

“The past 18 months have been a story of missed opportunity,” Hackworth said. “Our leaders have passed laws that protect special interests and spent too much time on distractions that hurt our families. We should be focused on creating new jobs and improving our schools.”

Both candidates are unopposed in the Aug. 2 state primary, and they will face off in the Nov. 6 general election.

A former Anderson County commissioner, Hackworth said voters are primarily worried about the economy and want to hear “common-sense” solutions from politicians.

“It’s no secret what needs to be done,” Hackworth said. “We need an economy that creates jobs for all Tennesseans.”

Hackworth emphasized the need to fight for the middle class, and he said he has a strong record on fiscal responsibility, supporting schools, and bringing new job opportunities to Anderson County.

He said Tennesseans are tired of partisan bickering, and he has a “proven track record” of working across party lines.

Hackworth also challenged Ragan’s record.

“Our current state representative promised us a bright and shiny future two years ago,” Hackworth said. “Unfortunately, all we have received thus far is a total eclipse.”