Elizabeth’s Hospitality Law Blog / by Elizabeth Ardanowski

Ed Tinsley, a principal in the K-Bob’s Steakhouse chain and a director of the National Restaurant Association, was defeated in his race by oilman Harry Teague.  Tinsley had asserted that his opponent had been funded with contributions from organized labor (see article below on the Employee Free Choice Act). Tinsley had received at least $200,000 from the National Restaurant Association.

John Fleming, a doctor who owns Subway and Dairy Queen franchises, won by 56 percent of the vote his Republican Party runoff in Louisiana’s 4th District.

The Democrats picked up five seats in the Senate from their Republican rivals. The newcomers include Mark Warner, co-owner of Majestic Café in Alexandria, Va., and one-time governor of his state.  He was  elected to fill the seat that was vacated by the retirement of Republican senator John Warner, who is not a relative.

Restaurant owners or operators returning to Capitol Hill include Rep. John Yarmuth, a co-owner of the Sonny’s BBQ chain, which his brother leads as chief executive.  Yarmuth, a Democrat, beat Anne Northup 57 percent to 43 percent in Kentucky’s 3rd District.

Incumbent Dan Boren, also a Democrat, won the race to represent Oklahoma’s 2nd District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Boren is a co-owner of two Roly Poly wrap restaurants.

Ken Calvert, the Republican incumbent fro California’s 44th District, won, defeating Democratic challenger and former teacher Bill Hedrick. Calvert owns Mill Creek BBQ and Good Fellow’s Cafe and is a former operator of several fine-dining restaurants.

Also joining them in the House next January is Tim Rooney, operator of restaurants and bars at Florida dog racing tracks.