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Doug Overbey is still running.

Enjoying a distinct financial advantage over independent candidate Ira Lapides in the 8th State Senate District race, Overbey isn't taking anything for granted.

"I'm continuing to work hard at the campaign," Overbey said. "I'm ever mindful of something that has been attributed to (late U.S. Rep.) John Duncan Sr., which was, 'There is only two ways to run ¬­¬­-- unopposed or full out.'

"I'm still working hard at the campaign, running full-out on making contacts, attending as many events as I can, running ads in both print and electronic media and working hard to win the November election."

As of Monday, Overbey reported having about $49,473 on-hand. He spent about $212,199 during his heated primary campaign against incumbent state Sen. Raymond Finney. Since then, he has spent about $93,000 on campaign expenses, according to Tennessee Registry of Election Finance records.

He has continued to receive contributions from both individuals and political action committees such as the Tennessee Bankers Association PAC and the Tennessee Pharmaceutical PAC.

Some online commentators have criticized Overbey's fundraising.

Defends fundraising

"In terms of fundraising -- that is a part of the political process in order to get your message out," Overbey said. "Earlier this year, I was facing a candidate who had a substantial amount of funds. I'm not an independently wealthy person. In order to get our message out, I had to engage in fundraising.

"While people or maybe my opponent want to focus on contributions from political action committees, the truth is ... the vast majority of the donations have come from individuals right here in the 8th Senate District, whom my message has resonated with. I feel they have responded positively to that message."

First elected to the House of Representatives in 2000, Overbey is a member of the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee, Health and Human Resources Committee, the Select Committee on Ethics and the Joint Select Committee on Children and Youth. He is chairman of the House Health Care Facilities Subcommittee and a member of the Budget Subcommittee. He defeated Finney in the August primary.

Wants BEP reform

If elected to the state Senate, Overbey said he would get to work on reforming the state Basic Education Program (BEP) funding model.

"My first priority is looking at the state's school funding formula and working to make the necessary corrections in that funding formula so that Blount County and Sevier County are not penalized for being successful in making themselves attractive places where people want to live and work and vacation," he said.

Some area blogs have criticized Overbey for being part of the Republican establishment.

"I think it shows where my principles are," Overbey said. "My principles are for less government, not more. Less taxes, not more. Emphasis on the individual rights and responsibilities. That's where I come from in addressing the issues. Many folks in the 8th Senate District feel the same way. That's why you find so many people in Sevier and Blount County who also call themselves Republicans."

Overbey said he wanted to thank the voting public for its support during his public career.

"I believe that public service is a privilege," he said. "I've tried over the past eight years to show the voters that I appreciate the privilege of being their representative in Nashville. I will continue, if elected, to work hard, to stand up for them and make sure my voice is heard in Nashville on issues that are of concerns to them."