Man you just can't write this drama. Huge Kudos to the Tennessee Democrats who put this stunning move together. They lost seats in the General election but turned their Minority position into an advantage. Hopefully they'll be able to effectively stop the Tennessee GOP's plans for the state.
NASHVILLE – State Rep. Kent Williams’ tenure as a self-proclaimed Republican Speaker is likely to be very short-lived, as a challenge to his status as a bona fide Republican is already moving forward at a fast pace.
Eighteen members of the Tennessee Republican Party State Executive Committee have signed a written document, presented tonight to Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Robin Smith, challenging the "bona fide" status of Rep. Kent Williams as a Republican.
The action, which triggers a review under Party bylaws, comes after Williams broke his signed oath (and multiple verbal promises reported in various media and made to various Republican lawmakers and party officials even as recently as Tuesday morning) to vote for the House Republican Caucus nominee for Speaker, Rep. Jason Mumpower.
"Williams put personal ambition ahead of honor and lied his way into the Speaker’s chair," said Bill Hobbs, Communications Director for the Tennessee Republican Party. "Elected by Republican voters in the historic 2008 elections that saw Republicans win a majority of House seats for the first time since 1868, Rep. Williams chose to betray his party and his constituents. Party bylaws – which Williams was aware of - provide a clear and straightforward process for the challenge to Williams’ status as a bona fide Republican as a result of his actions today. We expect the process will move quickly."
If Williams is stripped of his status as a member of the Republican Party, he will not be permitted to run on the Republican ballot in 2010.
Upon entering a reception these evening, committee members presented their challenges pursuant to the Tennessee Republican Party Bylaws. "Action will begin immediately to address the actions of Rep. Kent Williams," responded Robin Smith, TN Republican Party Chairman. "His commitment today was not to Republican Principles, but to the blind and shameless pursuit of personal power. He cast his vote for a Pro-Tax, Pro-Gay, Pro-Abortion, Anti-Gun Liberal Democrat to preside in leadership against all 49 of his Republican colleagues."
From Tennessee GOP Booo!!!
If only our Congressional Dems could be so bold at the Federal level.
Maybe Tennessee should be added to the states to watch in the 2010 election. If the Republicans in the state are this stupid to alienate the 50th member of their State Assembly we might be able to pick up a few seats. Surely if the GOP kick Williams off the ticket that is a seat to pick up.