Shenanigans

If, like me, you've been trying to make sense out of the race for Speaker of the Tennessee Senate...good luck.

The election of the Democratic nominee for Tennessee Senate Speaker was held yesterday behind closed doors. Current Speaker (also Lt. Governor) John Wilder was nominated over his challenger Sen. Joe Haynes. This is probably the least surprising development in an extremely unusual contest for Lt. Governor/Speaker of the Senate.

The Republicans hold the advantage, but only by one vote, and that vote happens to be Mike Williams, who seems bound and determined to buck his party affiliation, and vote for a Democratic Speaker. But now, there has been another wrench thrown into the process, and that is Sen. Jerry Cooper. Cooper was indicted last year on charges of bank fraud, mail fraud, and conspiracy to commit bank and mail fraud. From Wikipedia:

On August 22, 2006, Cooper was indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Chattanooga, Tennessee on three felony counts: bank fraud, mail fraud, and conspiracy to commit bank and mail fraud. No trial date has been set. Cooper could face up to 65 years in prison and up to $2 million in fines if convicted on all counts. It is alleged by federal prosecutors that Cooper tried to defraud BankTennessee, where John S. Wilder sits as a member of its Board of Directors,[6] and that he approached "a political friend of his who was an influential person and a director of BankTennessee."

I'm guessing Cooper's decision (or indecision) on whether or not to vote for Wilder, stems from his legal troubles. Or perhaps, Cooper just wanted to get political favors and tuckus kissing from Wilder...if that was his plan, it worked. From the City Paper:

Wilder said Williams was “with” him, but had doubts about Cooper’s support.

“I hope so,” Wilder said. “I’m with him. He’s good. He’s one of the best and I care about him and I mean, he’s good. I’m going to do all I can to help him.”

Frankly, I think its a bit pathetic that Democrats are reduced to begging for the support of an indicted State Senator, in order to maintain control of the Senate, when after the November elections, they really have no business controlling the body in the first place.

While I certainly don't think that Ramsey, or the Republicans in general, would be good for the State. I think perhaps, a little time out of power might give Democrats some time to reflect on what they are there for, and perhaps enact reforms so that every other month we don't hear of another Democratic Senator being indicted.

Power is an intoxicating drug, and from an outsiders perspective, it seems as though the Senate Dems might have a little addiction problem. If Ramsey wins and becomes the next Speaker, Democrats need to do some soul searching about why they are there. Is it to maintain and increase their power and influence? Or is it to make Tennessee the best state it can be?