After many years of being left out in the political minority cold in the Tennessee House of Representatives, Tennessee Republicans thought it was time for them to enjoy the warmth of the 50-49 majority that they won in the last election. But a funny thing happened in the Tennessee House on the Republicans’ way to electing a new speaker.
It was obvious that longtime powerful Democrat Speaker Jimmy Naifeh was on his way “out.” It was assumed that, with Republicans enjoying a bare majority, their choice of Rep. Jason Mumpower of Bristol was on his way “in.”
But when the House roll was called to elect the speaker, all 49 Democrats voted for — surprise — Republican Rep. Kent Williams! And when the roll got down to “W,” guess whom Rep. Williams voted for.
So now the Tennessee House of Representatives is presided over by “Mr. Speaker” Williams — and 49 Republicans are furious. They feel betrayed. They view Speaker Williams as something less than “Mr. Congeniality.” House Democrats, of course, are enjoying the Republicans’ frustration and consternation. The Democrats may not really like having a Republican instead of a Democrat as speaker, but they surely had fun turning the tables on the expected Republican majority.
Well, that’s hardball politics. But no one suggests the game is over. Some Republicans are insisting that Rep. Williams should run in the future as a Democrat or an independent, not as a Republican. And in the days just ahead, many votes in the Tennessee House of Representatives surely will be determined by partisan politics rather than just the merits of the issues.
Tennessee’s legislative Democrats have succeeded in “putting one over” on the supposed new Republican majority — for now. But it will be very interesting to see how all of this eventually plays out when the legislators get down to their primary responsibility of doing business for the best interests of all the people of Tennessee.
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