May 30, 2006

Naifeh Corruption Confirmed

The corrupt methods by which Tennessee House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh rammed an incumbent protection bill through the House in the final hours of the legislative session Friday have now been confirmed by multiple sources, including state Rep. Chris Clem, state Rep. Stacey Campfield, and Knoxville News Sentinel reporter Tom Humphrey, who mentioned it in the Sunday edition...

Rep. Chris Clem, R-Signal Mountain, charged that "at least 10" of the yes votes were cast for members not actually in the chamber at the time and that House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh had improperly failed to invoke a rule mandating that members be in their seats to vote. A quick and tentative count by a reporter raised the possibility that six legislators voting yes did not appear to still be in the chamber about the time of the vote. Also, it appeared at least three listed as voting no were not present.

I am seeking to identify at least five lawmakers who raised their hands to call for the Rule, to prove that Naifeh brought the incumbent protection bill to a floor vote improperly.

Because the legislature adjourned sine die, it's a done deal. Except...

Now the spotlight must shift to Gov. Phil Bredesen, who can reject Naifeh's corrupt method of operating the House by vetoing the incumbent protection bill. If Bredesen doesn't veto the bill, then we know two things about the incumbent governor: 1. He doesn't care if the House Speaker breaks the rules to pass legislation. 2. He wants to make it harder for write-in challengers to get on the ballot.

UPDATE: David Oatney has a good commentary on the event.