NASHVILLE – Republican state Sen. Randy McNally of Oak Ridge made it official today and announced on the Senate floor to GOP colleagues that he will run to succeed Speaker Ron Ramsey, R-Blountville.
During the chamber’s time for personal orders, McNally, the Senate’s longest serving member, thanked Ramsey for his contributions to the state and said “I think we all owe him a debt of gratitude for his leadership” in areas like the state’s financial management.
“I think it’s important that his legacy and his tradition be carried on,” McNally said, and then added, “I’d like at this time to state that in November or December, whenever our caucus is, I’ll be a candidate for speaker. But I think the most important part of this is to thank you [Ramsey].”
Ramsey announced last week he would not seek reelection to his Senate seat. He was elected speaker in 2007. Republicans have a 28-5 majority in the chamber.
Sen. Bo Watson, R-Hixson, and Majority Leader Mark Norris, R-Collierville, seen as potential candidates for the post, have said they are backing McNally. Sen. Jack Johnson, R-Franklin, and Senate Republican Caucus Chairman Bill Ketron, R-Murfreesboro, are also interested in the speakership, which also carries the title of lieutenant governor.