Alexander backs Davis vs. primary foe

Sen. Lamar Alexander (R) has endorsed freshman Rep. David Davis (R) in his primary campaign in the 1st district.

Davis is facing Johnson City Mayor Phil Roe (R) in the GOP primary on Aug. 7. Roe made a failed attempt for the seat in 2006, placing fourth in a 12-way open primary that Davis won by 573 votes.

{mosads}Roe’s effort to unseat Davis this year appears formidable. Roe has actually outraised Davis during the last two quarters.

“I have been impressed with David’s approach to Congress and his grasp of the issues,” Alexander, the Senate Republican Conference chairman, said in a statement Thursday.

Roe told The Hill that while he considers Alexander an “excellent public servant,” he did not believe his campaign would be hurt by the senator’s endorsing Davis.

“Most voters don’t want somebody else telling them how to vote,” Roe said.