Tenn. House GOP leader Jason Mumpower to retire

[BBill_TN]

Just saw this on WBIR's website.

WBIR.com | Knoxville, TN | Tenn. House GOP leader Jason Mumpower to retire

By Erik Schelzig, Associated Press Writer

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- House Majority Leader Jason Mumpower, who lost last year's election for speaker in a shocking upset, has announced he won't seek re-election.

The Bristol Republican told the chamber Thursday that he won't be a candidate this fall for the seat he first won 14 years ago.

Mumpower was the Republican nominee to become speaker after the GOP gained a 50-49 majority in 2008. But fellow Republican Rep. Kent Williams of Elizabethton banded together with all the chamber's Democrats to thwart Mumpower's bid by a single vote.

In his speech to members, Mumpower said he's pleased to "start a new phase" in his life, but did not say what his plans are.

[GLOCKMEISTER]

INTERESTING... I'd say there is more to this story also he was a shoe in to be the next speaker.

[Raoul]

Probably planning on going with Ron to the Governor's mansion. Chief of staff or somesuch.

[Guest HvyMtl]

Hmm. Running for Congress or other Political seat sounds correct.

I highly doubt he will be out of politics for long...