Legislature looks to adjourn today

The 104th General Assembly looks to be in the final hours of debate, concluding an eventful session

Email | Print By Ken Whitehouse

The clock is winding down on the 104th General Assembly, and the scene looks to be anticlimatic. That's a relief to Republicans and Democrats alike.

Legislative leaders in the House and Senate tell NashvillePost.com that they expect to finish business "after dark," including resolution of budget issues.

The only sticking point is an effort led by State Sen. Joe Haynes (D-Nashville) regarding the funding of trauma centers from TennCare monies. Legislative sources say that Haynes would like to force the budget into a conference committee over the matter, but that move will likely fail due to lack of support from his colleagues.

The legislature has been under intense scrutiny since one year ago today when federal agents swarmed the Capitol, arresting four members in a public corruption sting known as the "Tennessee Waltz."

Since then, Gov. Phil Bredesen has called a special session of the legislature to address ethics, former State Rep. Chris Newton (R-Cleveland) has pleaded guilty to corruption charges, the Senate was thrown into heated debate over the disputed election of Memphis Democrat Ophelia Ford, first term State Sen. Don McLeary (R-Jackson) switched parties, Bredesen's "Cover Tennessee" health initiative was unveiled and approved by the legislature, and State Sen. Jim Bryson (R-Franklin) announced that he was leaving office to challenge Bredesen in the governor's race -- just to name a few developments.

The focus of Tennessee's political community now shifts from Capitol Hill to the campaigns for the U.S. Senate, Governor, and legislative seats.