TN GOP Leadership Election
Bobbie Patray (TN Eagle Forum) reports on the events yesterday in her daily email:
The atmosphere was electric with excitement as 49 of the 50 Republican House members gathered yesterday on the House Floor to select their leadership. It was hard to tell who was the most excited — the incumbents or the ten new freshmen.
Rep. Mumpower repeated a conversation he had had prior to entering the camber, noting the cold air and some snowflakes falling, that some had said “It would be a cold day when Republicans took control of the House.” He also emphasized that each person there was vital to the victory that was achieved on November4th.
Rep. Jason Mumpower, Bristol, ran unopposed and was unanimously elected House Republican Leader.
Caucus Chairman was a contested race between Rep. Steve McDaniel, Parker’s Crossroads and Rep. Frank Nicely, Strawberry Plains. Rep. McDaniel won the position — should, as expected, Mumpower is elected House Speaker on Jan 13, McDaniel would become Speaker Pro Tempore.
Assistant Floor Leader (a position held by an incoming freshman and elected only by the ‘Freshmen Class’) was the only other contested race. Rep. Barrett Rich, Eads, ran against Rep. Joe Carr, Lascassas, and Rich won that position.
Other leadership positions were uncontested and voted on by acclamation:
Assistant Leader: Rep. Glen Casada, College Grove (at Mumpower’s selection as speaker, Casada would presumably become majority leader)
Caucus Vice Chairman: Rep. Kevin Brooks, Cleveland
Republican Whip: Rep. Debra Maggart, Hendersonville
Floor Leader: Rep. Jon Lundberg, Bristol
Secretary: Rep. Judd Matheny, Tullahoma
Treasurer: Rep. Joey Hensley, Hohenwald
Fiscal Review: Rep. Harry Brooks (Knoxville),Rep. Curtis Johnson( Clarksville), Rep. Steve McManus( Cordova), Rep. Donna Rowland( Murfreesboro), Rep. Tony Shipley( Kingsport), Rep. Curry Todd(Collierville).
