East TN Conservative

The demons are at it again, trying to swindle back into the house speakers chair. A resolution can to the floor the FIRST ONE was to backdoor Jimmy Naifeh back in a speaker. Power corrupts and, this man can not live without it.

introduced by Democrat Craig Fitzhugh from Ripley, resolves to establish the position of "Speaker Emeritus" as a legislative office "... with unique qualifications and requirements to evidence the magnitude of accomplishment, dignity, and character of any person qualified to hold such position..." and to recognize Jimmy Naifeh Tennessee's first "Speaker Emeritus". Unsurprisingly, the minimum qualifications for such a position are precisely and exactly met by Jimmy Naifeh. Indeed, the qualifications for said office are identical to the details of Naifeh's career.

". a minimum service of 18 years as Speaker of the House of Representatives, a minimum service of 14 years in other leadership positions associated with the House, and receipt of the coveted William M. Bulger Excellence in State Legislative Leadership Award ..."

Near the end of the resolution's text, we find the real purpose of the Legislation.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Speaker Emeritus may perform such functions and duties as are assigned by the Speaker of the House.

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