Knoxville attorney Chloe Akers launched the Liminal Plan political action committee (PAC) in March 2023 with the goal of fighting political extremism and supporting moderate candidates. However, after spending $134,307 of the $439,461 raised on consulting fees to her own company, Akers disbanded the PAC in March 2024. The Liminal Plan did not donate any funds to candidates, instead paying other consultants.
Akers then pivoted to a new group called The Best of Tennessee, formed with Republican political operatives Tom Ingram and Kim Kaegi. The group operates three entities, one of which has a 501(c)(4) designation allowing it to raise money without disclosing donors. Campaign finance experts view this as a dark money political group.
The Best of Tennessee aims to focus on the 2026 election, evaluating districts impacted by government dysfunction. The group plans to comply with disclosure rules regarding donors. Akers’ previous work includes Standing Together Tennessee, a nonprofit providing legal resources for navigating Tennessee’s strict abortion ban.
Former Knoxville mayor Victor Ashe expressed concerns about the transparency of The Best of Tennessee’s funding. Akers stated the group will follow all disclosure rules. The Liminal Plan and The Best of Tennessee have received attention from media outlets like The Tennessean and Axios. The group’s future plans involve influencing the 2026 election and advocating for moderate candidates.
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