COALMONT, Tenn. (AP) - A GOP congressman's discussion with his mistress about getting an abortion has stirred unease in his conservative, rural district, and his Democratic challenger is now trying to convert that disappointment into votes.
However, some in the 4th District are sticking by freshman Representative Scott DesJarlais and dismissing the decade-old transcript of a phone conversation as a smear tactic.
Early voting ahead of the November 6 election began Wednesday, a week after the district learned of the transcript of DesJarlais arguing with the woman, who had also been under his care as a doctor.
Alf Adams, an 85-year-old retired lawyer from Beersheba Springs, is one of those who says the episode doesn't affect his thinking. He said DesJarlais has done a good job and called the disclosure of the transcript a smear attack.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
