Tennessee House Democratic Caucus Chairman Mike Turner, of NashvilleNASHVILLE – The chairman of the House Democratic Caucus beat back a leadership challenge and a Chattanooga lawmaker won a leadership post Wednesday for the 108th General Assembly.
Rep. Mike Turner, of Nashville, won a third two-year term in the No. 2 spot, though challenger Johnny Shaw, of Bolivar, was critical of his leadership.
Rep. JoAnne Favors, of Chattanooga, was elected vice chairwoman without opposition.
Favors initially planned to challenge House Whip Sherry Jones, of Nashville. But Favors said colleagues urged her to run for vice chairman instead. Jones was re-elected whip with no opponent.
House Minority Leader Craig Fitzhugh, of Ripley, also was re-elected without opposition. Rep. Lois DeBerry, of Memphis, was elected deputy leader, a new position.