House Republicans introduce new members

Republican leader says he is 'humbled by the opportunity'

Email | Print By Ken Whitehouse

Members of the Republican caucus of the Tennessee House of Representatives held a brief press conference this afternoon introducing ther newest members, who have given the majority in the legislative body.

State Rep. Jason Mumpower, the GOP leader, said he was humbled by the opportunity that the people of Tennessee had given his party. He then said that the top priority of the caucus was education.

He then introduced new members of his caucus, which include:

- Tony Shipley, District 2
- Ryan Haynes, District 14
- Bob Ramsey, District 20
- Chad Faulkner, District 36
- Terri Lynn Weaver, District 40
- Joe Carr, District 48
- Josh Evans, District 66
- Vance Dennis, District 71
- Curtis Halford, District 79
- Barrett Rich, District 94

Nashville's Republican state rep, Beth Harwell, reiterated Mumpower's comments about the last 24 hours being a "humbling experience" and said that she and her colleagues owe the citizens of Tennessee good leadership.

Asked if the sizable Tennessee majority of GOP presidential candidate John McCain was an assist to their win, Harwell replied, "This is not a coattail win for McCain. It shows that people are interested in state government and local politics. We articulated those ideas."