NASHVILLE -- A seventh state Republican representative is calling on Tennessee Republican House Speaker Glen Casada to step down amid a scandal over lewd text messages, eavesdropping allegations and reports of a FBI investigation into the school vouchers bill vote.
"Yes, I do," Rep. Terri Lynn Weaver of Lancaster told the Hartsville Vidette publication on Friday. "The choices made by these people – including the Speaker – should have consequences. That teaches a lesson to everyone."
Weaver, a religious conservative, said that "if one's going to step up to a place of authority – mayor, county commissioner – there is a level of representation you've got to bring to the table. ... Bad choices bring bad consequences and bad consequences have victims. Good choices make good things happen."
Six other GOP lawmakers, including Rep. Patsy Hazlewood of Signal Mountain, previously called on Casada, a Williamson County Republican elected speaker in January.
Others are:
* Speaker Pro Tem Bill Dunn of Knoxville.
* Rep. David Hawk of Greeneville.
* Rep. Jeremy Faison of Cosby.
* Majority Whip Rick Tillis of Lewisburg.
* Rep. Sam Whitson of Franklin.
Others have raised serious doubts and concerns about Casada, 60, including Rep. Mike Carter, R-Ooltewah.
Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, the Republican Senate speaker from Oak Ridge, last week said "I believe it would be in the best interest of the legislature and the state of Tennessee for Speaker Casada to vacate his office at this time."
McNally emphasized that it's the House's decision.
While stopping short of calling for Casada's resignation, Republican Gov. Bill Lee, also of Williamson County, said if Casada were a member of his administration, he would ask him to resign.
Contact Andy Sher at asher@timesfreepress.com or 615-255-0550. Follow on Twitter @AndySher1.
Yet another Tennessee Republican House member calls on Glen Casada to resign
May 13, 2019 at 2:01 p.m. | Updated May 13, 2019 at 2:01 p.m.