The state Republican Party is reinforcing its decision to bar House Speaker Kent Williams from appearing as a GOP candidate on any Tennessee ballot.
State GOP chairman Chris Devaney sent a letter dated January 4th to the Carter County administrator of elections. It says a resolution passed by the state executive committee last February is still effective, keeping Rep. Kent Williams of East Tennessee from filing to run for reelection as a Republican.
The Tennessee Republican Party booted Williams after he sided with Democrats to make himself Speaker of the closely divided state House. Williams has since referred to himself as a “Carter County Republican.”
A GOP spokesperson says the party’s executive committee has no plans to reconsider Williams’ party affiliation. A special called meeting would be needed to reinstate Williams prior to the deadline to register as a candidate.
On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM