TN House - Republican or Democrat after 2010 election?

[Fallguy]

We need to get moving to make sure that Rep. Beth Harwell does NOT gain the Speaker's position. She is a ranking so called "Republican", and poured a lot of money into the State races this year, buying influence along the way.

She is violently anti-gun. We might as well have Naifeh in the Speaker's spot if she is able to gain it.

Not sure what, if any, influence us citizens have over who becomes speaker, but one person I think would be a good one is Steve McDaniel of the 72nd district. He has been Deputy Speaker and is an over all great guy. He has always voted to help us.

[Worriedman]

Not sure what, if any, influence us citizens have over who becomes speaker, but one person I think would be a good one is Steve McDaniel of the 72nd district. He has been Deputy Speaker and is an over all great guy. He has always voted to help us.

If you worked to get a Representative candidate elected, you can call on them to pay attention to what is going on, and who needs to be making committee appointments, and which Bills get on the House floor for debate.

[Fallguy]

My question though is, since the House elects a Speaker from among themselves, how do we have any influence over who they nominate and/or elect?

[GKar]

Interesting...Kent Williams announced this morning that he was not going to be a candidate for House Speaker, and was throwing his support behind...Beth Harwell.

Frankly, I would think that legislators would indeed be interested in the electorate's input RE Speaker - if they are accompanied by a rational and well-thought justification for that recommendation.

[E4 No More]

Interesting...Kent Williams announced this morning that he was not going to be a candidate for House Speaker, and was throwing his support behind...Beth Harwell.

Frankly, I would think that legislators would indeed be interested in the electorate's input RE Speaker - if they are accompanied by a rational and well-thought justification for that recommendation.

Then I think that we should be putting in our two cents early and often.

[Fallguy]

One place to start may be the TN House Rebublican Caucus

Tennessee House Republican Caucus | Facebook

House Caucuses & News - TN General Assembly

[E4 No More]

My email to my representative:

I am quite excited about the change in the political landscape yesterday, but I would like to express to you that I in no way would be happy about Rep. Beth Harwell becoming the Speaker of the House as has been suggested by Speaker Williams. As a heavy proponent of the 2nd Amendment I would be quite disappointed seeing her anti-gun beliefs controlling the advancement of gun laws in this state.

[Worriedman]

Interesting...Kent Williams announced this morning that he was not going to be a candidate for House Speaker, and was throwing his support behind...Beth Harwell.

Frankly, I would think that legislators would indeed be interested in the electorate's input RE Speaker - if they are accompanied by a rational and well-thought justification for that recommendation.

That should be reason enough for all of us to get on the phone and call our Rep.s. Remember the shafting that Kent Williams gave us last year, he is striving to go down that path again. Beth Harwell does not have the Concervative's, nor the gun owner's best interest at heart, quite the contrary. She voted against Parks Carry, the Restauarant Carry Bills, and voted to uphold Bredesen's Veto of the Restaurant Bill.

[raydog1]

What the heck happened to her? Seems like she was getting A-ratings until restaurant carry came around.

Project Vote Smart - Representative Beth Harwell - Interest Group Ratings

Does she have some connection with the restaurant industry? I could only find an article about Rayburn calling her out on his Facebook page about it.

Press Releases | Charles Ihrig

[bubbadavis]

I'd call and email my rep, but I don't think it would do any good: Beth Harwell is my district's rep. She is no friend of the 2A. Maybe I should email/call everyone else's rep!

[Oh Shoot]

I'd call and email my rep, but I don't think it would do any good: Beth Harwell is my district's rep. She is no friend of the 2A. Maybe I should email/call everyone else's rep!

Yeah, my rep is Joe Armstrong, staunchly anti-gun Dem.

Was unopposed this election.

- OS

[Punisher84]

Yeah, my rep is Joe Armstrong, staunchly anti-gun Dem.

Was unopposed this election.

- OS

Same boat with Larry Miller out here. It's funny that I moved to a little bit better area in Shelby County, but lost good representation. Now I got Miller and Ford instead of White and Kelsey. I really hope they re-draw district lines.

[Guest HvyMtl]

Personally humbled by all who agreed with my opinion. Thanks.

They kept Henry. Too bad. The man is a bit too long in the tooth. And sadly, it is showing.

This said, I think the GOP missed a good opportunity to beat him in this election. It was obvious he was weak with the ultra thin win he got in the primary.

Kudos for Kent for not pushing the issue. Honestly, from what I can tell, he did not damage the GOP while being Speaker. Mumpower was a bit more of a hard nose. I am still wondering why he stated he (Mumpower) would not run for re-election. And I wonder why Kent wont be trying for Speaker. I assume he was smart enough to read the writing on the wall...

I feel Harwell should not be trusted. Why? Honestly, I do not know. My gut, usually, is not wrong... and its telling me she cannot be trusted. She does have a leg up in the fact she was, at one time, minority whip. But, the way the majority of the Republicans do not like Kent, perhaps he is trying to prevent her from being Speaker by endorsing her...

Now, I hope, Haslam lets the Legislature lead, and not press his views. I have a feeling he will do the opposite, and we will not be happy. I feel there will be a fight between the Gov and the Legislature over who has the right plan...

Wish Neifeh had been beaten. I have had the (dubious) pleasure of talking to him for an extended length of time, when I was a bit younger. Even then he was stuffed so much with self-importance, I could sense it oozing out of his pores... Ever since, I wondered how he was re-elected, as one on one, he came off pompous... (I am being kind. Other terms better fit, but...)

Edited November 3, 2010 by HvyMtl

[Worriedman]

I think Haslam will let the Legislature lead, it is the way of good businessmen, let the staff work and you sign, if you have good staff.

[GKar]

There's way too much bad blood between Wiliams and the Republican party in E TN for him to take the Speakers chair. To that end, he campaigned as an Independent this election, defeating a Republican challenger (no Dem ran in his district, IIRC).

Names I've heard so far tossed as Speaker candidates: Harwell, Casada, Harry Brooks, Sargent. Thoughts? Casada seems to be a favorite of some folks...

[GKar]

I corresponded with one of our local legislators last night, expresing my concern RE Rep Harwell. He indicated that he understands and shares that concern, and confirmed that Rep Glen Casada is also seeking the Speakers chair. Also, Rep Jon Lundberg (from upper E TN) will be seeking the role of Majority Leader - he has been a consistently strong 2A proponent, is very politically astute, and would I believe be a good choice for that role.

[GLOCKMEISTER]

anyone but Harwell... imho

I wouldnt get ready to think any pro gun bills are automatic just because the GOP has total control. No matter who the speaker is.

Another problem is whos going to carry these bills now? Does anyone remeber who sponsored 3141, it was a close friend of mine thats a Dem and he found himself in a heated race where he barely won. There were lots of Very Pro 2nd amendment Democrats that carried bills like this in the past that got hammered or beaten. There were also several that won but barely, and honestly are kinda miffed they didnt get any help from the NRA/TFA. Seeing as we had all this negative media attention with Haslems comments about guns there are going to be more legislative members weary of going out on a limb and sponsoring any gun legislation when the public is demanding something being done about our states economy and jobs.

Time will tell.

[Bear]

..... Seeing as we had all this negative media attention with Haslems comments about guns there are going to be more legislative members weary of going out on a limb and sponsoring any gun legislation ......

How negative could it have been? The truth is, Bill Haslam beat anti gun Mike McWherter almost 2 to 1. 1,041,576 to 529,983

While there were many other issues the Gun issue was no small factor in his win.

Edited November 4, 2010 by Bear

[GLOCKMEISTER]

HEY WELCOME TO THE BOARD....

My point is it drew attention to a "gun" issue when everyone else is worried about everything else. Ex: Jobs/Economy/Taxes/Pre k...

Guns were never an issue in hte Gov. race, Haslem always had a huge lead and he maintained it to the end. Eveyone with any sense seen through the comments that Haslem made.

What everyone needs to understand, the "Gun billls" are only important to us gun folks. The public and the legislative body are sick of dealing with them because we crammed 15 years of bills into two sessions. They go back and start flying the "gun" flag and the public will likely think there more important things needed on their plates.

[E4 No More]

HEY WELCOME TO THE BOARD....

My point is it drew attention to a "gun" issue when everyone else is worried about everything else. Ex: Jobs/Economy/Taxes/Pre k...

Guns were never an issue in hte Gov. race, Haslem always had a huge lead and he maintained it to the end. Eveyone with any sense seen through the comments that Haslem made.

What everyone needs to understand, the "Gun billls" are only important to us gun folks. The public and the legislative body are sick of dealing with them because we crammed 15 years of bills into two sessions. They go back and start flying the "gun" flag and the public will likely think there more important things needed on their plates.

That really depends on how it's done. Declaring it unlawful for an employer to search an employee's automobile can hardly be trumpeted as a gun bill.

[GLOCKMEISTER]

AGREED....

The key is I believe it would take more then simply that. Btw, I dont believe that kinda bill would pass.

[Bear]

Thanks for the welcome Glockmeister. I've been around for several years, but mostly lurking.

I guess I didn't express it correctly. I had always planned on voting for Haslam, even though I was not comfortable with the Pilot employees circumstances, and I was under the impression as Mayor, he was against the "guns in parks" legislation.

I just didn't realize how anti McWherter was until a few days before the election when I saw him on TV, whining about Haslam and his view on Alaska/Vermont/Arizona style carry. The only true 2nd Amendment style. When I saw that, I assumed the Gun Issue was a bigger part of his huge loss.

Edited November 4, 2010 by Bear

[Fallguy]

Thanks for the welcome Glockmeister. I've been around for several years, but mostly lurking.

I guess I didn't express it correctly. I had always planned on voting for Haslam, even though I was not comfortable with the Pilot employees circumstances, and I was under the impression as Mayor, he was against the "guns in parks" legislation.

I just didn't realize how anti McWherter was until a few days before the election when I saw him on TV, whining about Haslam and his view on Alaska/Vermont/Arizona style carry. The only true 2nd Amendment style. When I saw that, I assumed the Gun Issue was a bigger part of his huge loss.

While McWherter was more anti than Haslam that last bit of commercials was more a political tactic than pro or anti 2A.

I really don't think firearms were much of an issue before or after those commercials for the majority of voters.

But...I don't think the Governor will be the issue the next couple of years...it sounds like he is ready to rubber-stamp anything the legislature sends him.

On a state level I have to agree that D or R isn't an automatic sign or supporting or not firearms legislation.

Although the last session was better for us than previous ones, many think firearms issues have been a large focus for several years.... I just hope they don't think this is the time to take things off and just keep the status quo.

[Worriedman]

Although the last session was better for us than previous ones, many think firearms issues have been a large focus for several years.... I just hope they don't think this is the time to take things off and just keep the status quo.

That is exactly what is going to happen, especially if Harwell gains the Speakers podium. Glockmeister is dead on, there will be no movement on any issue involving firearms issues, the new Governor is not going to push any initiatives, and if our Republican majority goes RINO, we, (gun owners) the smallest and least vocal group of constituents groups, is going to get pushed to the back of the line.

[Worriedman]

I have been contacted in the last couple of days by several individuals who could be considered "Blue Blood" Republicans that were absolutely furious that I have had the audacity to attempt to interfere with the selection of the TN House Speaker's position. From an e-mail received yesterday morning from one of them:

"Honestly, our elected representatives do not need your help in making important decisions about leadership. I urge you to pull back and wait for the appropriate time and place to promote your issues. "

In my communications with the several "Party" officials this has been an overriding theme. Not just them either, I have spoken directly with five TN Representatives, and three of them gave me the same line, that the general population, or as I see that "citizens, tax payers, voters" do not need to be concerned, it is a purvey of the elected, privileged class to make these decisions, and we should stand like the servants they consider us to be and wait on our rulers, who are better suited to decide on matters of import that will affect our lives, and those of our children and grand children.

I for one, take this move to quash asserting my concerns about the quality of leadership of the House as a token that in some way the efforts to raise awareness and to advocate for participation by the great unwashed is having some measure of success.

Edited November 10, 2010 by Worriedman