Bill would let sitting Tenn. lawmakers raise funds

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A Tennessee Senate panel has advanced a bill to allow lawmakers running for governor to raise campaign money during the legislative session.

Currently all lawmakers are barred from fundraising for any state race while the General Assembly is meeting. Republican Sen. Randy McNally of Oak Ridge says his bill is designed to "level the playing field" with candidates who don't serve in the Legislature.

Democratic Sen. Roy Herron of Dresden has announced he will run for governor next year, while Republican Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey of Blountville has formed an exploratory committee.

Democratic Senate Minority Leader Jim Kyle of Memphis has said he plans to wait until the end of the session to make up his mind.

The House would have to reopen a closed subcommittee to take up the companion bill.