Our Hamilton County Republican Party can certainly be proud of all of our state legislators serving in Nashville.  Now, we can also take pride in their leadership.  In December 2010,  Rep. Vince Dean, who represents the 30th District, was chosen as Republican floor leader.  Party floor leaders are responsible for organizing party efforts on the floor, rallying support for votes, driving strategies and being the champion for party positions.  According to the TN.gov website, Rep. Dean also as Vice Chair, House Transportation Committee,  Member, House State & Local Government Committee, Chair, House General Sub-committee of Transportation and Member, Joint TACIR .

Also in December 2010, Rep. Gerald McCormick, who represents the 26th District, was chosen as the Republican Majority Leader for the House of Representatives.  Majority leaders work closely with the administration as well as Democratic leadership and the Senate leaders (as explained by the chattanoogan.com) and are the main spokesperson for the party in the House.  According to the TN.gov website, Rep. McCormick also serves as Member, House Government Operations Committee,  Member, House Finance, Ways & Means Committee,  Member, House Calendar & Rules Committee,  Member, House State & Local Government Committee, Member, House General Sub-committee of State & Local Government,  Member, House General Sub-committee of Finance, Ways & Means and  Member, Joint Lottery Oversight Committee.

Rep. McCormick had earlier been quoted as saying, “I pledge to continue our caucus tradition of an open-style leadership that will lead a unified caucus.  I am humbled and honored to be chosen to lead our caucus as we work to make Tennessee and even better place to live, work and raise a family.”

Today April 15, 2011, Sen. Bo Watson, who serves the 11th District, was appointed by Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey as the Senate’s next Speaker Pro Tempore.  Sen. Watson will succeed Sen. Jamie Woodson in that position effective July 1, 2011.  The speaker pro tempore presides over the Senate in the absence of the speaker and is a key leadership role in the General Assembly, both public policy-wise and operationally (again quoting the chattanoogan.com).  The TN.gov website lists Sen. Watson’s other responsibilities as Chair, Senate Government Operations Committee,  Chair, Senate Republican Caucus – Bill Review,  Vice-Chair, Senate General welfare, Health & Human Resources,  Secretary, Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee,  Member, Joint Government Operations General Welfare, Health and Human Services Sub-committee and  Member, Joint Government Operations State & Local Government Sub-committee.

Senator Watson was quoted as saying, “I’m humbled and honored that Lt. Gov. Ramsey has placed this kind of faith in me.  I look forward to serving my speaker to the best of my ability in this new role.”

We congratulate this fine men for their accomplishments and laud them for their exemplary service.  They, along with the ever-hardworking Rep. Richard Floyd, who represents District 27, make us all proud to live and work in Hamilton County.

Marty Von Schaaf

Chairman, Hamilton County Republican Party