State lawmakers predict testy environment ahead

By Andy Sher, Chattanooga Times Free Press
December 18, 2006

NASHVILLE -- The election of aggressive new leaders and the looming battle over the state Senate speakership are expected to make for a testy environment in January when the 105th General Assembly convenes, lawmakers said.

"I think the arrangements won't be as cordial as it has been in the past," said Sen. Ward Crutchfield, D-Chattanooga, later adding, "I just think it's going to be more political."

Sen. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge, was turned out as Senate Republican Caucus chairman last week as fellow majority GOP members ramped up for combat with Democrats by electing Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, as the new caucus leader.

They also nominated Majority Leader Ron Ramsey, R-Blountville, to challenge Lt. Gov. John Wilder, D-Mason, again for speaker. In Tennessee, the speaker carries the title of lieutenant governor.

Sen. McNally likened his ouster to the scene in the film "The Godfather" in which Corleone family "consigliere," or adviser, Tom Hayden was told he was being replaced because the family was in a fight with other Mafia families.

"We need a war-time consigliere," Sen. McNally said, summing up fellow Republicans' sentiment.

MOBILIZING AGAINST NAIFEH

House Republican leadership underwent its own changes last week as members dumped their two top leaders.

"I don't care too much what the other side thinks; I care what you think about me," Rep. Glen Casada, R-College Grove, told fellow House Republicans as he successfully argued he should replace GOP Caucus Chairman Charles Sargent, R-Franklin.

House Republicans also ousted Rep. Bill Dunn, R-Knoxville, as minority leader, replacing him with Rep. Jason Mumpower, R-Bristol.

House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh, D-Covington, said he expects to work with Rep. Mumpower. But he said of Rep. Casada that "one thing a member of this legislature needs to realize is that once you go around the state talking about someone, it always gets back to them the things that are said."

Speaker Naifeh said Rep. Casada "let his mouth run before his brain got engaged -- which he does quite often."

Rep. Casada said, "I can't recall any speaking ill (of Naifeh), but this is democracy, which is his side puts up ideas and my side puts up ideas. And I will criticize the ideas I don't like."

Rep. Mumpower last year showed more willingness than Rep. Dunn to cooperate with Democrats, whose 53-46 majority remains unchanged. But he said his ultimate goal is GOP victory in 2008.

"I am the Republican leader, but I am the minority leader, and I'm going to hold that up to myself and set it as a goal to change minority to majority," he said.

Rep. Gerald McCormick, R-Chattanooga, said that how the two GOP leaders will function as a team and deal with Democrats "is a work in progress, I suppose. If Glen is a little more partisan, Jason may be able to reach across the partisan division."

"There are differences between Republicans and Democrats, and we don't need to run away from those differences," Rep. McCormick said. "But we can still work together."

House Democratic Caucus Chairman Randy Rinks, D-Savannah, said, "I hope it's not partisan. I think it's got a chance to be."

INTRA-PARTY CHALLENGES

House Democratic leaders as well as Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen could have their own challenges with newly elected House Majority Leader Gary Odom, D-Nashville.

Rep. Odom has criticized some policies of Democrats, including Gov. Phil Bredesen. Last month he beat Speaker Naifeh's fellow West Tennessean, Rep. Mark Maddox, D-Dresden, for majority leader.

Rep. Odom downplayed any possible friction with the governor, saying, "We'll get along fine."

In the 33-member Senate, the battle already is under way with Majority Leader Ramsey trying to put together 17 votes to beat Lt. Gov. Wilder's 19th bid for Senate speaker.

Sen. Ramsey lost to Lt. Gov. Wilder two years ago when two of 17 Republicans -- Sens. Mike Williams, R-Maynardville, and Tim Burchett, R-Knoxville -- backed the Democrat. There will again be 17 Republican senators next year.

Sen. Williams said he remains undecided, while Sen. Burchett said last week, "I haven't committed to anybody."

Lt. Gov. Wilder, meanwhile, said, "I have enough votes to win."

The speaker names committee chairmen, appoints members and can determine the flow of legislation, impacting what passes and what fails.