NASHVILLE -- A rural Tennessee representative is the latest to join the Republican Caucus battle to succeed state House Speaker Glen Casada, warning colleagues in a fiery letter they are losing their way because of "self indulgence and moral corruption."
"It seems that we have forgotten God, Country, and Family," Rep. Jay Reedy of Erin says in his announcement to colleagues. "We hold to self-indulgence and moral corruption that goes against God's [sic] Laws. We turn our backs on our country and family when we come to Capitol Hill and forget why we are elected."
Casada controversies
- Embattled Tennessee speaker Glen Casada resigns from leadership role
- Gov. Lee says he knows nothing of alleged Casada bribe to break school voucher vote deadlock
- Tennessee House Republican Caucus Chairman Cameron Sexton nominated by GOP lawmakers to be next speaker
- Casada denies offering National Guard promotion, pork barrel projects to win votes on Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee's school voucher bill
- Embattled House Speaker Glen Casada says he can't afford alimony
- Tennessee House GOP candidates for speaker vow not to follow Casada's style
- Democrats call on Tennessee Comptroller, Nashville DA to investigate Speaker Casada spending, hires
- Gov. Lee calls for August special legislative session to replace House Speaker Glen Casada
- Tennessee House GOP to meet July 24 to nominate replacement for Speaker Casada
- Gov. Lee to call Tennessee lawmakers into August special session to replace Speaker Casada
- House Democratic Caucus chairman says Speaker Casada's 'cronies' hope to retain power with special session
- Hamilton County lawmakers want House Speaker Casada to go sooner, not later
- Critics decry 'disgraced' House Speaker Casada's ability to name appointees to new sports gaming advisory, judicial discipline panels
- Rep. Curtis Johnson announces bid for Tennessee House speaker, pledges to 'restore credibility, trustworthiness'
- Vanderbilt poll: Voters across political spectrum say Glen Casada should step down from House speakership
- Casada, Carter trade barbs over Tennessee House speaker's resignation, replacement
- Embattled Tennessee House Speaker Casada announces Aug. 2 resignation, asks Gov. Lee to call special session on replacement
- Rep. Smith hopes to gain support from fellow freshmen in potential Tennessee House speaker bid
- Post-Casada job requirement: Ability to restore public trust
- Rep. Robin Smith on House speaker bid: 'I'm not saying I would never run, but at this time, I'm watching'
- Chattanooga area lawmakers share thoughts on GOP Caucus' no-confidence vote on Casada
- Timeline: The rise and fall of Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada
- Rep. Carter pledges 'clean break' as he announces bid to replace Casada as Tennessee House speaker
- Rep. Carter preparing petition to remove Casada as General Assembly member, not just as House speaker
- Tennessee Republican House Speaker Glen Casada announces his resignation
- Gov. Lee calls on House Speaker Glen Casada to resign or face special session
- Tennessee House GOP hits embattled Speaker Glen Casada with no-confidence vote
- Reps. Carter, Smith offer different takes on embattled Tennessee House Speaker Casada
- Embattled House Speaker Casada faces 'no confidence' vote today in GOP Caucus but supporters may offer censure motion
- Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada attacks Mike Carter over criticisms
- Former top aide for Tennessee's embattled House speaker to stay on payroll until July
- Rep. Carter: If ethics panel is not 'above rank political maneuvering and conniving then we as a body are lost'
- Ethics Committee member Mike Carter calls on Tennessee House Speaker Casada to resign amid text messaging scandal
- Tennessee House GOP Caucus members to meet to discuss political fate of embattled Speaker Glen Casada
- Glen Casada controversy opens old wounds from 2018 Hamilton County state House GOP primary
- Tennessee legislative Black Caucus calls on Speaker Glen Casada to resign over racial texts, other issues
- Yet another Tennessee Republican House member calls on Glen Casada to resign
- Embroiled in controversies, Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada battles on after Lt. Gov. McNally says it's time to go
- Reps. Hazlewood, Carter lose faith in Tennessee Speaker Glen Casada amid text messaging scandal, other issues
- Tennessee Firearms Association head calls on House to oust Glen Casada as speaker
- Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada apologizes for text message controversies, pledges changes after some Republicans call for his resignation
- Tennessee House Democrats demand federal investigation into claims that Casada eavesdropped on private meetings
- Bill Lee wants public confidence 'fully restored' after Casada text message scandal
- Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada 'sorry' over text scandal but won't resign
- After admitting drug use, Tennessee House speaker's top aide resigns amid allegations of racist and sexually explicit texts
Citing his religious faith and prior experience in the military, the Middle Tennessee lawmaker says "respect and responsibility require much trust!"
And he then cites the U.S. Army's "LDRSHIP" acronym -- loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage -- as his model.
"I have, will, and will take these values to my end," Reedy adds. "I have the ambition, drive, tenacity, self-confidence, and psychological openness, to continue to be the leader for God, Country, and Family! The future of all Tennesseans matter!"
As a result of "much prayers, thoughts, and conversations," Reedy says, "I feel obligated to run for the upcoming open-position of Speaker of the House for the remainder of the 111th General Assembly."
The chairman of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee, Reedy joins a list of already announced and potential candidates to seeking to replace Casada, who earlier this month set an Aug. 2 resignation date to quit the House's top post. That came following a scandal over sexually explicit texts with a then-top aide and a host of other controversies.
Republican Gov. Bill Lee last week announced he would call lawmakers into special session in mid-to-late August to elect a new speaker.
But the Casada replacement contest has really been under way since May 21 when the speaker lost a no confidence vote in the GOP Caucus and came under pressure Republicans, including Lee, to give up the post.
Besides Reedy, other Republicans who have officially announced bid for the GOP Caucus speakership nomination are Reps. Mike Carter of Ooltewah and Curtis Johnson of Clarksville, a former speaker pro tem.
Other Republicans who have shown interest or are actively but unofficially pursuing bids include Rep. Robin Smith of Hixson, GOP Caucus Chairman Cameron Sexton of Crossville, former Caucus Chair Ryan Williams of Cookeville, Jerry Sexton of Bean Station and Deputy Speaker Matthew Hill of Jonesborough.
Winning the GOP Caucus vote is tantamount to winning the speakership since Republicans hold a 73-member super majority in the 99-seat House.
Contact Andy Sher at asher@timesfreepress.com or 615-255-0550. Follow on Twitter @AndySher1.
