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Out-of-state organizations are escalating the ongoing advertising attack war between Democratic U.S. Rep. Lincoln Davis and Republican challenger Scott DesJarlais in the 4th Congressional District.

Americans for Tax Reform, a Washington, D.C.-based conservative group, has launched the latest TV commercial attack against Davis, spending $462,787 on the effort, according to the Federal Election Commission.

The ad narrator declares that “Lincoln Davis is helping Nancy Pelosi set the stage for one of the biggest tax increases in history,” referring to Congress’ failure to extend federal tax cuts enacted under former President George W. Bush before recessing until after the elections.

The ad features a shot of comedian Stephen Colbert, a photo of Davis grinning broadly and the statement that “Tennessee is not laughing.”

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, meanwhile, has joined Davis in pointing out allegations of “deeply disturbing behavior” made against DesJarlais by his ex-wife during divorce proceedings 10 years ago. DCCC reported its spending on the ad Friday as $107,936.

Those allegations include a claim that DesJarlais was suicidal and put a gun in his mouth for hours. The ad shows pictures of a revolver and a sobbing woman. DesJarlais says the allegations are false and were effectively ignored by the judge in the divorce case, who let him keep his guns in the property settlement.

A third outside group, Americans for Limited Government, reported to the FEC that it is spending $20,658 on a direct mail ad attacking Davis. The organization bills itself as a conservative, libertarian think tank and, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, is funded by anonymous donors. A copy of the mail piece was not available.

DesJarlais says he is leading the race. A poll commissioned by his campaign, as reported in a campaign news release, says the Republican is preferred by 45 percent of voters, Davis by 40 percent.

DesJarlais’ Behavior: The allegations of disturbing behavior against DesJarlais have previously all come from court documents filed in connection with his divorce from Susan DesJarlais. The Chattanooga Times Free Press reported Saturday, as part of a lengthy review of the 4th District race, that there is also a 2001 Chattanooga police report that says an officer found DesJarlais “extremely agitated” in a confrontation at his ex-wife’s apartment. The officer said it was the second time he had intervened in a dispute between the couple.

DesJarlais told the newspaper that the off-duty officer was a friend of his ex-wife “and I felt like I was being set up.”

“This is like ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’ when the officer breaks out someone’s light and then writes him a ticket,” DesJarlais said.

Speaker Sweepstakes: At least five Republican state representatives have indicated an interest in replacing Independent Kent Williams as speaker of the House next year. Part of their efforts, it seems, is to provide political contributions toward helping GOP candidates get elected.

On the donation front, Rep. Beth Harwell of Nashville, a former state Republican chairman, is the clear leader, according to a review of campaign finance disclosures.

She has donated $120,000 through her political action committee and her own campaign account, including a $35,000 transfer to the state Republican party that, in turn, spends money on GOP legislator campaigns.

Runner-up is Rep. Glen Casada, now House Republican Caucus chairman, who has contributed $109,000 to others through his PAC and his own campaign account.

Rep. Gerald McCormick of Chattanooga has donated $32,000, most through his PAC, and Rep. Harry Brooks of Knoxville has donated $26,250 from his campaign account. Brooks does not operate a PAC.

In last place, insofar as donations go, is Rep. Judd Matheny of Tullahoma, who has given other candidates $8,000 from his recently launched PAC. Unlike the other four candidates, Matheny has a Democratic opponent to his own re-election in the 47th District this year.

Tom Humphrey may be reached at 615-242-7782.

© 2010, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.