Tennessee Republicans have now clinched what some are calling a “mega-majority” in the state legislature. They flipped six seats from blue to red in the state Senate, and at least that many in the state House.
TN GOP Chairman Chris Devaney – WPLN/Stephen Jerkins
Republicans have had an easy time passing their agenda the last couple years, but it’s the first time in Tennessee’s history they’ve held a position so dominating. Now State GOP Chairman Chris Devaney says Republicans can pass legislation, even if Democrats refuse to show up at all.
“You never can tell what somebody in desperation’s going to do, quite frankly. Look what happened in Wisconsin. The state senate walked out when they knew they couldn’t do anything else to stop a piece of legislation that the majority of people in Wisconsin wanted – they walked out.”
Some see the new challenge for state Republicans as potential infighting. This year a bill to expand gun rights on employers’ property exposed a rift between legislative leaders and rank-and-file members. Now a similar fight could be looming, over what to do about a state health insurance exchange.
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