The first lawmaker ousted from the Tennessee Senate calls the move ‘beyond partisan’

The Tennessee Senate expelled Democrat Katrina Robinson of Memphis on Wednesday. She is the first member to be kicked out in the Senate’s history.

Robinson was convicted on two counts of misusing federal funds meant for a nursing school she operates. If sentenced in March, she would automatically become ineligible to serve in the Senate. And she is arguing that’s what the senate should have allowed to happen instead of forcing her out prematurely.

But she also maintains her innocence and that paperwork is just being misinterpreted. She notes that she was only convicted on two of the 48 counts, totaling $3,500 rather than the original $600,000.

Robinson was voted out on a 27-5, party line vote.

Robinson says her colleagues treated her differently because of who she is. She noted fellow senators who’ve had medical licenses suspended for mis-prescribing opioids or settled cases of Medicare fraud.

“According to the standard they used in today’s proceedings, each one of those senators should be standing here in this Capitol beside me,” said Robinson. “But the difference between myself and them is beyond partisan. Even though you saw the vote. It’s sexist, it’s racist, it’s discriminatory.”

Robinson, who is Black, argues the senate should have waited until her sentencing to consider an ouster.

Senate Speaker Randy McNally called it a “sad day” after encouraging Robinson to resign rather than being forced out.