Coverage dated September 22, 2026 to September 23, 2026

Independent TN governor candidate Hatley pledges $1M donation to get Blackburn to debate

Headline from WJHL Johnson City

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Independent candidate for Tennessee governor and Tri-Cities native David Hatley is using an unusual tactic to get Republican candidate Senator Marsha Blackburn to debate him: He says he'll donate $1 million to charity, but only if she participates in a debate.

WJHL Johnson City's own description from its feed. We collect headlines and these descriptions, not full articles; read the original reporting below.

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2 articles, oldest first.

WATE Knoxville
Independent TN governor candidate pledges $1M donation to get Blackburn to debate (opens WATE Knoxville)
Published Sep 22, 2026
WATE Knoxville's feed description
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Independent candidate for Tennessee governor David Hatley is using an unusual tactic to get Republican candidate Senator Marsha Blackburn to debate him: He says he'll donate $1 million to charity, but only if she participates in a debate.
WJHL Johnson City
Independent TN governor candidate Hatley pledges $1M donation to get Blackburn to debate (opens WJHL Johnson City)
Published Sep 23, 2026
WJHL Johnson City's feed description
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Independent candidate for Tennessee governor and Tri-Cities native David Hatley is using an unusual tactic to get Republican candidate Senator Marsha Blackburn to debate him: He says he'll donate $1 million to charity, but only if she participates in a debate.