REPUBLICANS TAKE OVER SENATE FOR FIRST TIME IN 140 YEARS

Newly elected Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey became the first Republican elected to be Senate since 1869, and said he plans to put a majority of Republican senators on every legislative committee.  A last-minute switch by a Democratic senator from Clarksville, Senator Rosiland Kurita, allowed Wilder to be bested by his Republican rival. An auctioneer from Blountville, Ramsey was elected Senate speaker and lieutenant governor in an 18-15 vote.  Wilder, who was the longest serving Speaker in the nation, graciously accepted defeat.

Ramsey, who said he wants to work in a “bipartisan fashion” including appointing some Democrats as committee chairs, indicated that it was logical for the Republicans to have a majority on all of the committees because they are in the majority in the full Senate.

(The GOP has a 17-16 majority in the 33-member body.) see committee assignments

Ramsey’s decision to have a numerical GOP advantage on every committee could mean that his agenda could rule the Senate if the Republicans stand united, and will certainly be at odds with the Democratically controlled House under the leadership of Speaker Jimmy Naifeh.  This could also spell trouble for Democrat Governor Phil Bredesen, as he gears up for his second term in office.

Ramsey is expected to make committee appointments by next Friday, January 19th, the day before the Inauguration of Governor Phil Bredesen. Both Houses will then recess for at least one week and possibly two, as offices are moved and committee chairmen put in place. In addition to the changing of committees and agenda, Ramsey’s election will change the logistical landscape. Ramsey will now move into Wilder’s notoriously dimly lit office in Legislative Plaza. Beside Ramsey, however, the rest of the Republican senators haven’t decided where their offices will be. All offices in the Legislative Plaza are currently held by Democrats.  Republicans have had their offices in the War Memorial Building for years.

In the House, Speaker Jimmy Naifeh was easily re-elected to his 9th term as Speaker.  He is the longest serving Speaker of the Tennessee House in state history.  His appointments to committees were made today, and are attached in a separate document.  He, too, appointed all Democratic chairs.

With the historic changes that have taken place this week, the Tennessee General Assembly is off to a rough start.  No deadline filings for bills have been announced as of yet.  We will continue to update you as things are announced.

David and I look forward to working with you!