Poll shows Fincher with significant lead in Tennessee House primary

Tennessee House candidate Stephen Fincher is leading the GOP primary field by 23 points, according to a poll released Wednesday by his campaign.

The survey by the Tarrance Group, which polled 401 likely Republican primary voters in the state's 8th district April 5-6, shows the farmer and gospel singer got 40 percent of the vote. Meanwhile, the poll has Ron Kirkland getting 17 percent of the vote, George Flinn with 7 percent and all other candidates within the margin of error. A third of the primary electorate is undecided.

Fincher is the National Republican Congressional Committee's favored candidate.

Tennessee's 8th district is an open seat race. Rep. John Tanner (D-Tenn.) announced last December he wouldn't seek a 12th term. The district is considered a toss up.

Updated at 12:57 p.m.