Think Before You Text January 30, 2009

     It’s a lesson that obviously hasn’t been learned by everyone at the state capitol yet.  Sorry I didn’t write yesterday, but the late-breaking “text message scandal” kept me busy until news time.  In case you haven’t heard,  Minority Leader Gary Odom says while working on committee assignments last week, Speaker Kent Williams showed him a [...]

House Ethics Committee Pt. 2 January 28, 2009

The House Ethics committee has been adjourned.  Once again, legal is saying this complaint is not properly in front of this committee.  Rep. Harwell is agreeing to not have the complaint heard now that the caucus has met.  Committee has voted to drop this.  Harwell is now asking the legislative staff to come up with [...]

Rep. Susan Lynn’s Whereabouts January 28, 2009

    According to Representative Kelsey, Rep. Lynn is so stressed about these events that she went to the hospital to get checked out.  In her absence, Kelsey has released a copy of the statement she planned on giving today.  Here are some of the highlights.
“I was as surprised as anyone to learn that there was [...]

House Ethics Committee January 28, 2009

We’re about 15 minutes away from the start of the House Ethics Committee hearing on Rep. Brian Kelsey’s complaint against Speaker Kent Williams.  Right now, we’re all speculating about whether it’s going to take 5 minutes or 5 hours.  Most are betting on 5-10 minutes.  Stay tuned.
And we’ve started.  They are hearing from legal.  He [...]

Sexual Harassment at the Capitol January 22, 2009

 Sorry for not posting about this earlier, but getting these stories on air has taken up a lot of my time. 
 By now, most people know about the memo and the allegations.  On Tuesday, House Republicans released a memo about allegations of sexual harassment by House Speaker Kent Williams. I’m not going to get into gory details, but [...]

More Budget Details January 16, 2009

   The governor says the basic outline of the budget he’ll present to the legislature on February 9 is pretty much set.  While he didn’t go into specifics of course, he did give out a couple of details.
   Not surprisingly, pre-K through 12 funding is intact.  He’s fully funding the BEP, and he says that [...]

John Morgan’s Future January 16, 2009

   One day after being unseated as state Comptroller, John Morgan has found another job.  Today, Governor Bredesen announced that he is appointing Morgan as Deputy Governor.  Morgan replaces Stuart Brunson in the job.  Brunson announced plans to leave the administration earlier this month.

What Was Said Around the Capitol Today January 15, 2009

Here are a couple of things heard around the statehouse today.
“Jason Mumpower is a good man.  He’s a very good man. We just have different philosophies about how things should be done in our party.”
-Speaker Kent Williams about his relationship with Republican leaders.
“This on particular friend said Tuesday at one, he wanted to kill me.  [...]

A Republican Victory January 15, 2009

     It’s been a tough week for Tennessee Republicans, but at least they can leave home victorious in one aspect.  All three of their constitutional officers were elected today.  However, when asked whether or not that would make people feel better after the chaos on Tuesday, both Majority Leader Jason Mumpower and Lt. Governor Ron [...]

The Constitutional Officers January 15, 2009

We’re starting with Secretary of State.  Republicans nominate Tre Hargett for Secretary of State.  Democrats nominate Riley Darnell.  Senate 19-14 for Hargett straight down party lines. The House votes for 51-47 for Hargett. Speaker Williams stays with the Republicans on this one. 70-61 is the total vote…Hargett wins.
Comptroller is now up.  Republicans nominate Justin Wilson.  Democrats nominate John [...]