While Democrats fared well nationally and made considerable gains in most states during the 2008 election, voters in the state of Tennessee bucked the trend. For the first time in almost four decades, Tennessee Republicans gained control of the Tennessee House of Representatives, with a 50-49 lead. As far back as November 5th, reports suggested that then Republican Minority Leader Jason Mumpower would take over the helm as Speaker when the new Republican led House started their new session.

Well, Representative Mumpower, as well as the entire GOP House Caucus, underestimated the ability of longtime outgoing Speaker Jimmy Naifeah and the rest of the Democratic House Caucus. Yesterday, as nominations were being held, Rep. Mumpower was nominated by one of his GOP colleagues, and then after a brief procedural dispute, Democratic Minority Leader Bob Odom did the unexpected by nominating Republican Kent Williams for Speaker. 49 Democrats voted for Rep. Williams as did Rep. Williams, giving him the Speaker's gavel!

Needless to say the state GOP is throwing a fit, accusing Speaker Williams of breaking a pledge to vote for a Republican.

Actually, Speaker Williams did vote for a Republican, just not the person the party had hyped up for two months.

Needless to say, Democrats in the TN State House have nominated a moderate, someone that sees past party ideology and is willing to put the people of TN first.