'Playpen politics': Alexander, Corker chide Reid over TVA board

Knoxville News Sentinel ^ | 5/1/8 | Michael Collins

[SmithL]

WASHINGTON - U.S. Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker today accused Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid of playing politics by refusing to allow the confirmation of two nominees to the Tennessee Valley Authority's board of directors.

Alexander, a Maryville Republican, chided Reid during a speech on the Senate floor for what he called "partisan, playpen politics."

Alexander also released a letter from Reid in which he said could not support the nominees - Susan Richardson Williams of Knoxville and Bishop William H. Graves of Memphis - because of "the inadequacy of bipartisan representation" on the board.

Reid noted that the Senate has confirmed seven Republicans to the board and said he asked President Bush more than a year ago to consider naming a Democrat to one of the open seats.

"Despite that request, the president nominated three additional Republicans to the TVA," Reid wrote.

One of those Republicans - Georgia banker Thomas C. Gilliland - has since been confirmed

Alexander said Reid was essentially saying he would not allow the other two nominees to be confirmed "because they are Republicans."

Corker, a Chattanooga Republican, said he hopes Reid "will come to his senses" and realize that he is damaging not only the TVA, but also the reputation of the Senate.