Republican Lawmaker Broadens Call For Expulsion To Include A Prominent Democrat

A push to expel state Rep. Jeremy Durham could be broadened to include a prominent Democrat.

House Republican Caucus Chairman Glen Casada says both men should be thrown out of the legislature because they’ve broken the trust of voters.

Casada, R-Thompson’s Station, has been critical of Knoxville Democrat Joe Armstrong in the past. But the petition he began circulating this week marks the first concrete step toward ousting the long-serving lawmaker, who’s scheduled to stand trial next month on federal charges of tax evasion.

Armstrong says he broke no laws by buying state cigarette tax stamps and reselling them later at a profit. But Casada says Armstrong’s actions warrant expulsion — even if he isn’t convicted.

“Using your office, for personal gain, to the tune of a quarter of a million dollars, is actions that are unacceptable for service in the state legislature,” he says.

Casada’s petition calls on lawmakers to meet at the same time to consider also expelling Durham, R-Franklin. He stands accused of sexually harassing 22 women who worked in and around the state Capitol.

House Speaker Beth Harwell began collecting signatures last week to force out Durham, but Casada says the two petitions are not in conflict. He says he plans to sign both.

In either case, the special session would take place Aug. 15th. For a special session to happen, two-thirds of the legislature would have to sign on.