Second Day Reaction To Controversial House Speaker Election

Posted:

Comptroller Nominee Still Won't Answer Contract Questions

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The high drama Tuesday on Capitol Hill could have long lasting implications in the House.

Republicans thought Tuesday would be the start of a new era for their party, but many were left steaming about what happened on the first day of the 106th General Assembly.

Kent Williams found himself in hot water with his Republican Party after he cast his vote for himself as speaker instead of Jason Mumpower, and then Williams became the new elected Speaker.

Now, on the second day back in session for the House the Republicans were asking for the new speaker's resignation.

"The Republicans had a nominee that we were firmly behind. That didn't take place today so it's disappointing," said state Rep. Beth Harwell, R-Nashville.

Many Republicans expected state Rep. Jason Mumpower, House minority leader from Bristol, to be elected speaker.

Disappointed was just one way to describe how Republicans felt about their fellow party member Kent Williams.

"I think when you heard the calls of traitor come from the gallery when he made his vote for himself, rather than a leadership, I think that was very appropriate," said Robin Smith, chairwoman for the Tennessee Republican Party.

The man that almost everyone thought would replace state Rep. Jimmy Naifeh of Covington as speaker chose his words very carefully at the end of the historic day.

"My responsibility is representing the people of the district I represent," Mumpower said. "And I am not going to let my personal feelings or comments I may make off the cuff in a moment of haste impede my ability to do that."

The chairwoman of the Tennessee Republican Party stated her feelings more bluntly.

"Unfortunately one member broke rank and he's a Republican in name only," Smith said.

House Democrats explained how this all went down. Talks with Williams started nearly two months ago as a back up plan. Then Monday it became clear Naifeh wasn't going to be speaker anymore.

"And with that, a number of us starting working toward what we thought was a good solution to the problem," Naifeh said.

But many Republicans said the Democrats created more problems than solutions.

"I wish the governor his best because we're in a tough time and I think he has less than leadership right now," Smith said.

The Tennessee GOP has already started the process of ousting Williams. They claim he broke his signed oath with the party when he voted Tuesday. According to party bylaws that could be enough to kick him out.