Once upon a time, for many decades dating from the end of the Reconstruction period after the War Between the States, Republicans seemed to be an almost “extinct species” in the Tennessee General Assembly.
A few Republicans showed up from East Tennessee and were “tolerated” by majority Democrats. Sometimes the handful of Republicans were courted when Democrat factions split on a few hot issues. That was about it.
But things obviously have changed.
Republicans now enjoy majority status in both the Tennessee Senate and the Tennessee House of Representatives. They padded their majorities in this year’s elections. In addition, outgoing, able Democrat Gov. Phil Bredesen is being succeeded by popular Republican Bill Haslam.
We don’t expect legislative unanimity in 2011. But we hope members of both parties will work together for sound government, fiscal responsibility, low taxes and economic growth for Tennessee.
That would serve all of us well.