In the apparently ongoing uproar over the newly elected House Speaker’s continued and unrepentant presence in the Republican Party, harsh feelings persist.
In an unprecedented move, Republican Lt. Governor and Speaker of the Senate Ron Ramsey has told his fellow Republican, House Speaker Kent Williams, that he ought to quit the Republican Party.
Ramsey said he talked with Williams about this situation in his (Ramsey’s) office:
“I think it would be better for him if he was to be independent. I think it would be better if he made that choice instead of being kicked out of the party.” Ramsey contends that, “the whole atmosphere, the whole situation would work better if he was an independent.”
Ramsey was attending the Tennessee Press Association winter meeting, which was being held in downtown Nashville, when he made these comments. On Monday, GOP chair Robin Smith is supposed to announce whether the party is going to throw Williams out.
Also at the TPA meeting, House Democratic Leader Gary Odom said Williams could join his party. “If the Republican Party wants to remove him, I would welcome him on my side of the aisle. I’d like the title of majority leader instead of just Democratic leader.”
As part of a panel discussion, former Senator Bob Rochelle predicted the GOP will kick Williams out. “Never underestimate the ability of the Republican Party to screw things up,” he said. Rochelle, who is a Democrat, said in punishing Williams, the party is trying to assert control of the legislature’s decisions, which rob voters of independent thinkers.
Rochelle offered that state lawmakers will not linger long on all the ill feelings over Williams’ election as speaker. He told the press association that, “The dynamic is, whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican, you’re looking for votes. You’re looking to get things done. The Legislature will be in its usual stance, which you won’t like either.”
Lobbyist Mark Greene commented that, “It’s really uncharted waters up there now. The level of animosity and really sheer hatred right now is off the scale.”
Source: The Nashville Scene Online, TN Press Association
