As early voting kicks off for Tennessee’s special primary election, Republicans and Democrats running for the state’s 7th congressional district are trying to distinguish themselves with voters.

Nearly a dozen candidates are vying for the Republican nomination in a district that stretches from Clarksville near the Kentucky border down to Wayne County near the border with Georgia. Nashville was divided into three districts, including the 7th, diluting the city’s largely Democratic voting bloc.

The four Republican frontrunners are aligned on the party issues and debates have had a friendly tone.

Former commissioner Matt Van Epps has pointed to his military service, something he has in common with former District 7 Congressman Mark Green, whose departure kickstarted the special election. G

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