R-Franklin District 63 - Part of Williamson CountyNASHVILLE - After spending most of the last year working to keep their seats, top Republicans leaders in the Tennessee House are counting votes to see who will emerge as legislative leaders.
No drama is expected in the Senate, where GOP leadership positions already are set.
But several House contests are drawing interest, starting at the very top. Speaker Beth Harwell, of Nashville, is opposed in her bid for a fourth two-year term by Rep. Jimmy Matlock, of Lenoir City.
With House Majority Leader Gerald McCormick, of Chattanooga, stepping down, Rep. Mike Carter, of Ooltewah, and Republican Caucus Chairman Glen Casada, of Franklin, are vying to step into the second-most-powerful post in the 74-member caucus.
Thirty-eight votes will make one of them the winner.
"I've made a lot of calls, a lot of travels," said Carter, an attorney. "I'm very pleased with the situation. Don't take that as a haughty spirit but I'm cautiously optimistic. There's a lot of work to be done."
Said Casada: "I think I bring those qualities to the table of clear vision and where we go as a caucus. And I think that's strong leadership, servant leadership is what I bring. I'm working hard."
Caucus elections are by secret ballot, so "you don't know until you go in and the votes are counted" how much support is on your side, Casada said, smiling.
Some GOP representatives are openly upset over Harwell's handling of the ouster of Jeremy Durham. Allegations of repeated sexual harassment by the Franklin representative led lawmakers to force him out during a special session to fix a state DUI law. Harwell favored his ouster.
Harwell said last week she thinks things look good for her renomination as speaker. But she quickly noted, "We'll see. Don't take anything for granted."
In 2014 Harwell easily bested a challenge from Rep. Rick Womick, R-Murfreesboro, who claimed to have a majority of disgruntled Republicans in his corner. Harwell won easily, 57-15.
Womick spent much of the last two years seeking to be a thorn in Harwell's side. He didn't run for re-election this year.
It's a foregone conclusion that the GOP nominee will be elected on the House floor, since there are only 24 Democrats in the 99-member chamber.
In the race to fill Casada's caucus chairmanship, Rep. Kevin Brooks, of Cleveland, and Rep. Ryan Williams, of Cookeville, are squaring off.
House Speaker Pro Tempore Curtis Johnson, of Clarksville, has opposition from Rep. David Alexander, of Winchester, who represents part of Marion County, and Rep. John Ragan, of Oak Ridge.
In the 33-member Senate, with a 28-5 Republican supermajority, Sen. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge, is unopposed to succeed current Speaker Ron Ramsey, of Blountville.
Ramsey decided not to run for re-election to the Senate and as of Tuesday he is no longer a senator. However, he remains Senate speaker, which also carries the title of lieutenant governor, until the 110th General Assembly convenes in January and votes on his replacement.
McNally is chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. His elevation to speaker will create a vacancy that some see as just right for Sen. Bo Watson, of Hixson, the committee's vice chairman. Watson backed McNally for speaker, and McNally will choose his replacement as Finance chairman.
Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris, of Collierville, and GOP Caucus Chairman Bill Ketron, of Murfeesboro, are both unopposed.
Democrats' leadership elections are in December.
Contact Andy Sher at asher@timesfreepress.com or 615-255-0550. Follow him on Twitter @AndySher1.