Roy Herron
Tennessee House Democratic Caucus Chairman Mike Turner, of NashvilleNASHVILLE – Citing differences with Tennessee Democratic Party Chairman Roy Herron over campaign technology and political philosophy, the head of the state House Democratic Caucus on Monday confirmed reports that he intends to step down from his leadership role in late January.
House Democratic Caucus Chairman Mike Turner of Nashville said in an interview he wants the party to move in a “more progressive, technology-oriented manner and Roy’s got a sort of more conservative, traditional approach and that’s just not compatible.”
Turner emphasized that Herron’s “my friend and Roy’s a good man. And I hope he’s successful. And he needs a caucus chairman who can work with him.”
But Turner said the party should be embracing new technologies for identifying and motivating voters that propelled President Barack Obama to a second term last year and have led to Democratic successes in some states once dominated by Republicans.
“Obama and new technologies turned tradition and politics on its ear,” Turner said.