Tennessee Senate Minority Leader Jim Kyle, D-MemphisNASHVILLE – After getting walloped in the Nov. 6 election, Tennessee’s remaining seven Senate Democrats huddled together for their leadership contests today, and current Democratic Leader Jim Kyle of Memphis narrowly staved off a challenge.
Kyle won a fifth term over fellow Memphis Democrat Reginald Tate in a 4-3 vote.
Meanwhile, Senate Democratic Caucus Chairman Lowe Finney of Jackson was reelected without opposition.
Democrats lost six of their 13 seats this month after new district lines were drawn by majority Republicans earlier this year. The GOP further flexed its might with huge fundraising advantages. Republicans now have 26 seats in the 33-member chamber.
Asked today whether Tate’s challenge was an indication of division among remaining Democrats over their direction, Kyle said, “I don’t think so. But again, since I haven’t spoken to anyone I can’t say that’s the cause at all.”