NASHVILLE - Efforts to change the Tennessee Constitution to require the popular election of the state attorney general failed on the Senate floor today.
Sen. Mae Beavers, R-Mt. Juliet, only received 15 votes of the required 17 yes votes on her bill. Fourteen senators of the 33-member chamber voted no.
Critics argued Beavers' bill conflicts with a resolution passed by the chamber last year that would give the Legislature the power to appoint the attorney general.
If Beavers finds the votes, she could bring the resolution back.
Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey and eight fellow Republicans voted no along with five Democrats.
In order to get on the 2018 ballot, the proposed constitutional amendment would have to pass the Senate and House by a majority this year and by a two thirds majority in the next General Assembly that is elected this November.