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Tennessee House Speaker names Scott Gilmer as new chief of staff

Posted at 1:25 PM, May 07, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-07 15:10:53-04

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada has named a new chief of staff one day after Cade Cothren resigned following the disclosure of racist and vulgar text messages.

Casada confirmed Tuesday that Scott Gilmer will take over the role, saying in a statement:

“I’m writing to inform you that I have asked Scott Gilmer to accept the role of Chief of Staff. As someone who served in this role under former Speaker Beth Harwell for nearly seven years, I am confident he is prepared to provide a steady hand and foundation in the House so that we may move forward and continue focusing on serving the State of Tennessee.”

Casada went on to say that he "look[s] forward to having [Gilmer] serve in this role."

All of this comes days after NewsChannel 5 Investigates uncovered text messages from Cothren, showing racist comments, the use of illegal drugs and vulgar comments toward women.

Cothren resigned late Monday.

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