NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WHBQ FOX13 myfoxmemphis.com) -- Tennessee Republicans ousted the new House speaker from their party Monday, giving up their first chance in 150 years to control the entire Legislature, instead choosing to punish him for banding with Democrats to win his seat.
Kent Williams was the first Republican speaker in the state in 40 years. But party loyalists were angered that he snapped up the top position by joining all 49 Democrats in January to beat GOP nominee and House Majority Leader Jason Mumpower by one vote.
The decision Monday to banish him resulted in the loss of a 50-49 House majority the Republicans had for just a month. They control the Senate 19-14.
State GOP Chairwoman Robin Smith brushed aside questions about losing control, saying the decision to oust Williams was driven by principles and rules.
"You can call it 49-49, Williams," said Smith, who acted after the party's top leaders last week approved a resolution to oust the speaker.
"The politically expedient thing to do would be to overlook whatever he's done," Smith said. "If we claim to stand for something, and we continue to look the other way when people behave in such a manner, it really negates all that we stand for."
It's nice to see some Republicans who value their principles over maintaining power. The power loss they may have had will be temporary, but it will strengthen the party in the long run.
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