The battle between Sen. Marsha Blackburn and Congressman John Rose continues to produce revenue for local county party organizations and fodder for discussion among political junkies.

The GOP primary election is next August, but local GOP groups hosting events regularly add straw polls to their agendas in order to pump up ticket sales from candidates wanting to show some early support. In the long run, these early polls are unlikely to have much impact on the final result, but they are filling the coffers of local groups.

Campbell County Republicans hosted their annual Reagan Dinner this weekend. In their gubernatorial straw poll Blackburn got a clear victory 70.6% to 25.7% over Rose. Monty Fritts received 3.7% of the votes from those in attendance. Congressman Tim Burchett was the speaker at the event.

Meanwhile, Rose was securing his own straw poll victory at the Overton County Reagan Dinner with 53.3% to 36.8% for Blackburn. Fritts pulled in 9.9%.

Local party events are likely to slow down over the next few months as the holiday season kicks into full gear, but things will intensify in January and February.

Steve Gill is the editor and publisher of TriStar Daily.