Tennessee State Senator Bo Watson, R.-Hixson, is seen in this file photo.

Senate Speaker Pro Tempore Bo Watson, R-Hixson, said today that Republicans' efforts in redistricting was fair and legal.

"We always said, if we had fair and legal districts, we could run competitively," Watson said.

He also the redistricting helped clean up gerrymandering - the drawing of district lines to favor one party over another - by Democrats.

Watson made his comments at the Hamilton County Pachyderm Club, speaking for about 40 minutes.

His speech primarily focused on the state Senate and House drawing up new districts, which Gov. Bill Haslam is expected to sign.

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