State Republicans To Open Up Process On Choosing Constitutional Officers

Chattanoogan.com
November 18, 2008

Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Robin Smith today praised a plan by Republican leaders of the incoming Republican-majority state legislature "to open up the process for selecting state’s constitutional officers."

Tennessee’s Senate and House Republican leaders today announced plans to open up the process for selecting the state’s constitutional officers to the public. Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris, R-Collierville, and new House Majority Leader Jason Mumpower, R-Bristol, said there will be a thorough review of applicants for Tennessee’s Secretary of State, Treasurer and Comptroller that will be transparent to citizens.

"This new process will help create a level playing field and more transparency in selecting these important state officials for what has long been a closed-door system of selecting political insiders," Sen. Norris said. "It also is a business-like approach which should help in selecting the most qualified candidates to move this state forward."

“We are honored and humbled that the voters of Tennessee have trusted Republicans to hold a constitutional majority in selecting these officers, and we take that responsibility very seriously," said Leader Mumpower. "Tennessee voters asked for change and they are ready for transparency and accountability in government. A new day has dawned on our state and our opening up this process of selecting Tennessee's constitutional officers is the first step in bringing about a positive change in state government."

The leaders said information regarding the duties of the office, as well as application forms, will be posted on both the House and Senate Republican Caucus websites. Applications will be collected and reviewed by an eight-member nominating committee selected from members of each Caucus who will narrow the search to up to three applicants per position. The next step in the process will be an interview with members of that panel before going to lawmakers for a vote.

"By posting these positions, we hope to reach out to a broader talent pool," Sen. Norris said. "At the same time, the state faces rough economic times. We will be gathering a lot of information regarding those who apply to make sure these candidates are well-vetted and have the best qualifications for the job."

"Republicans are keeping their promise to provide transparent and accountable government," said Party Chairman Smith.

In the November election, Republicans won a majority in both houses of the state legislature for the first time since the Civil War.

The majority party gets to choose the constitutional officers as well as name the majority of election commission members.
November 18, 2008

Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Robin Smith today praised a plan by Republican leaders of the incoming Republican-majority state legislature "to open up the process for selecting state’s constitutional officers."

Tennessee’s Senate and House Republican leaders today announced plans to open up the process for selecting the state’s constitutional officers to the public. Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris, R-Collierville, and new House Majority Leader Jason Mumpower, R-Bristol, said there will be a thorough review of applicants for Tennessee’s Secretary of State, Treasurer and Comptroller that will be transparent to citizens.

"This new process will help create a level playing field and more transparency in selecting these important state officials for what has long been a closed-door system of selecting political insiders," Sen. Norris said. "It also is a business-like approach which should help in selecting the most qualified candidates to move this state forward."

“We are honored and humbled that the voters of Tennessee have trusted Republicans to hold a constitutional majority in selecting these officers, and we take that responsibility very seriously," said Leader Mumpower. "Tennessee voters asked for change and they are ready for transparency and accountability in government. A new day has dawned on our state and our opening up this process of selecting Tennessee's constitutional officers is the first step in bringing about a positive change in state government."

The leaders said information regarding the duties of the office, as well as application forms, will be posted on both the House and Senate Republican Caucus websites. Applications will be collected and reviewed by an eight-member nominating committee selected from members of each Caucus who will narrow the search to up to three applicants per position. The next step in the process will be an interview with members of that panel before going to lawmakers for a vote.

"By posting these positions, we hope to reach out to a broader talent pool," Sen. Norris said. "At the same time, the state faces rough economic times. We will be gathering a lot of information regarding those who apply to make sure these candidates are well-vetted and have the best qualifications for the job."

"Republicans are keeping their promise to provide transparent and accountable government," said Party Chairman Smith.

In the November election, Republicans won a majority in both houses of the state legislature for the first time since the Civil War.

The majority party gets to choose the constitutional officers as well as name the majority of election commission members.