Political Upside Down Cake

Family Action Council of Tennessee ^ | 11/10/08 | Family Action Council of Tennessee

[TnGOP]

Political Upside Down Cake

With Republicans taking control of both the House and Senate for the first time since Reconstruction, things will not just be changing in Nashville, things will be “upside down” from the way they were. The word is that current Republican House leaders, Rep. Jason Mumpower (R-Bristol) and Rep. Glen Casada (R-Franklin) have moved quickly and lined up the votes for Rep. Mumpower to become the Speaker, supplanting long-time Speaker, Rep. Jimmy Naifeh (D- Covington). This is welcome news for those who support pro-life and pro-family legislation and desire to see the grip of the Tennessee Education Association and Tennessee Trial Lawyers and ACLU loosened over the Education and Judiciary Committees, respectively. But that isn’t all that’s going to change!

Another major change will be in the constitutional officers, the Secretary of State, Comptroller, and Treasurer. Those positions are appointed by the legislature. The individuals who now hold these positions have been in those positions or in those branches of government for a long time. They do know their respective jobs and are competent in their responsibilities. But they have became increasingly political, attending Democratic fundraisers and even serving as members of fundraising host committees. So, the word is they will all be looking for new employment opportunities. If so, we do sincerely wish them well as they begin new careers.

The composition of all 95 county election commissions will now change. Currently, county election commissions are composed of three Democrats and two Republicans. That will switch and Democrats will have to decide which of the 3 sitting commissioners has to leave. While many election commissions operate well and in a non-partisan manner, that has not always been true and is not true in all areas of the state. Republicans should not return the favor, but recognize that they hold control in trust for the citizens of the state.

But that’s not all. All the chairs of the committees and subcommittees in the House will now change and the two committees in the Senate still chaired by Democrats (a vestige of the Wilder days) will now likely be chaired by Republicans. For years, the House never shared even Vice Chair or Secretary positions with Republicans and most likely Republicans will return the favor in keeping with the established custom in the House.

But Democrats also stacked the Calendar committee and used it as a last-gap substantive committee to kill or amend legislation and punish Republicans. Strong vocal conservative Republicans faced almost insurmountable obstacles to getting a bill passed. For example, in 1992, when former Republican Representative Harold Stockburger proposed the gun carry permit law, liberals and Democrats scoffed at him. But when they saw it was very popular, they killed his proposal and amended his proposal onto a bill sponsored by a Democrat. They then passed it and took credit for it.

So it will be interesting to see if Republicans return the favor. Partisan, vocal Democrats may find, as Republicans found in the past, that they can’t pass anything of significance without the “blessing” of the Republican leadership.

But changes in committee chairs will also shake up the staff. No doubt there are many fine research analysts who have worked for the Democratic chairs. But they do not have civil service protection. So don’t be surprised if many of the new Republican chairs will want staffers who they know share their values and will be loyal to them. Changes are to be expected here as well.

There will be “territorial” changes too. Most likely Republicans will now take over the Legislative Plaza and move Democrats to the aging War Memorial Building. Where one’s office is located makes no substantive difference, but the move will make a statement about who is now in control. And when the public comes to town to visit the legislature, they will now find themselves among Republican office holders’ offices and having to go down the hall into a separate office building to find the Democrats. For those who come year after year, it will be a visible reminder that there is a new Sheriff in town.

Lastly, if Republicans retain control, and you better believe the next election cycle will make the last one look like a Sunday church picnic, then Republicans will control the redistricting process. For years, Democrats redistricted in ways that pitted incumbent Republicans against each other in order to create open seats they hoped they could win. It was an easy way to knock off a Republican without having to beat him or her in an election. So, prepare for a bloody election season in 2010 for legislative seats during the open gubernatorial election.

[TnGOP]

We're all still stinging from the election losses on a national level, but there is good news in Tennessee. Now all we need is to get rid of the Rat Bredeson, and we're set to do business.

[556x45]

Yes and I have many issues Im going to contact my rep and senator about. This is a golden opportunity to make TN a far better place to live.

[Coldwater Creek]

We need to get rid of a lot more than Bredeson! Clean out Memphis proper, and John Tanner for starts.

[TnGOP]

What frustrates me is the lack of even trying to field a decent candidate to go against Tanner. The Republicans act like they're going to wait for Tanner to pass on in office before trying to contest the seat.

You're preaching to the choir about Memphis. We moved out to Tipton County just after King Willie was elected. As a reward, I get to drive in to work on Elvis Presley Blvd every day and see that cesspool.

[Coldwater Creek]

You’re my neighbor. I live in the Covington Historical District.

[wizr]

Amen. God bless Tennessee. May this be a lasting conservative change for the good of all, and the first step in bringing back this country to strong individual freedom.