Rep. Scott DesJarlais, Embattled Anti-Abortion Doctor, Struggles To Raise Reelection Funds

Rep. Scott DesJarlais (R-Tenn.), who managed to win reelection in 2012 despite the revelation that he once pressured his mistress to get an abortion, is struggling to raise funds this year.

The Chattanooga Times Free Press reports that in the first three months of 2014, DesJarlais reported raising $76,102.

In contrast, his primary opponent, state Sen. Jim Tracy (R), reported raising $172,061.

DesJarlais has consistently lagged behind Tracy this cycle, and his campaign has largely been in hibernation.

In 2012, The Huffington Post revealed that DesJarlais -- a Tea Party-backed Republican doctor who touted his opposition to abortion -- once had an affair with a patient and later pressured her to get an abortion. Nevertheless, he still went on to beat his Democratic opponent in the conservative district.

According to the Times Free Press, as of March 31, Tracy had $913,561 in his campaign war chest, compared to DesJarlais' $198,356.