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Local legislators say that change is coming after the historic election on Nov. 4 that left Republicans in charge of the Tennessee General Assembly.

When the Tennessee General Assembly convenes Jan. 13, Republicans will control both chambers for the first time since 1869. Senate Republicans will have a 19-14 majority while House Republicans will have 50-49 advantage over Democrats.

Rep. Joe McCord

Although state Rep. Joe McCord, R-Maryville, sees many changes coming out of the election, he said that fiscal concerns will probably limit partisan actions by his party. The administration has been estimating that shrinking tax revenues now will mean a state deficit of more than $600 million this year alone.

"There will be changes in leadership positions and chairmanships, but the fact of the matter is we're going to be in Nashville again dealing with a tremendous budgetary problem," McCord said. "I think that's going to be the focus more than partisan politics by necessity if not desire. We've got a lot of hurdles in the upcoming session. ... There may be an effort by some to be extreme partisans, but the responsibilities are too much to just focus on that."

Even though the fiscal reality might limit partisan politics in the next session of the General Assembly, McCord said Republican gains are still exciting.

"Obviously, I'm excited about the opportunity," McCord said. "... That has been the goal for quite some time. We've been working toward that end. Nonetheless, it was still a shock. There was so much focus put on the Senate and so much hope, the House was something of an afterthought."

The Republican leadership is working to unify the caucus to ensure the votes to replace long-time Speaker of the House Jimmy Naifeh, D-Covington, McCord said.

"I personally support (state Rep.) Jason Mumppower, who is currently minority leader," McCord said. That's who I think will be offered for the speaker. The speaker pro tem will probably be (Steve) McDaniel. I support him. Everything, at this point, past those two positions is purely speculative. Even that is speculative until we convene and have an election. Right now Jimmy Naifeh is still the Speaker and will remain so until we have those elections."

Rep.-elect Robert Ramsey

State Rep.-elect Robert Ramsey, R-Maryville, is succeeding Doug Overbey in the 20th District House of Representatives seat. The new lawmaker has already been contacted by Republican leadership to ensure his support in the upcoming elections.

SDLqOn Tuesday, the Republican caucus is supposed to release a swearing of loyalty from the Republican members of the legislature," Ramsey said. "... I have given my permission for my signature to be made on the document that I would support the Republican caucus.

"I would support Jason Mumpower as the speaker. I haven't had any effort to solicit my vote on pro tem."

Sen.-elect Doug Overbey

The Republicans now have the votes to elect the constitutional officeholders such as that of secretary of state, treasurer and comptroller, which the Tennessee General Assembly has the power to select, said state Senator-elect Doug Overbey, R-Marvyille.

"We go back at noon on Jan. 13," Overbey said. "That's when all the new members are sworn in. In each chamber, the first vote take will be for speaker of the respective house, speaker pro tem and then the constitutional officers."

One name mentioned as a possible candidate for secretary of state is Maryville native Robert J. "Bob" Davis Jr., but Overbey said he has not been contacted by him. "I've not heard from Bob," Overey said. "I think there will be a lot of folks interested in those positions and probably a lot of conversations will take place between now and Jan. 13."

Overbey said the House gains were a surprise.

"It's something that as a caucus we have worked for a long time," Overbey said. "Prior to the election, I'm not sure anyone really projected that we would pick up more than about two seats in the House. What happened on election day came as a very pleasant but unexpected surprise. A lot of work and effort by a lot of folks went into it."

In the past, Overbey has been criticized for voting for Naifeh for speaker of the house. Although, as a senator, Overbey will not cast a vote for house leadership, he said this election would have been different if he did.

"I would be supporting a Republican for speaker," Overbey said. "I have said that all along that if the numbers changed to where the Republicans had a majority in the House that I would support a Republican for speaker. Those Republicans who have voted for Jimmy Naifeh in the past will now come together and elect a Republican."