Decisions, decisions (but not yet)

Republican Nominating Committee on Constitutional officers concludes

A special joint Republican committee appointed to screen candidates for Tennessee’s three constitutional officers concluded their work today, opting to recommend that all candidates be placed before their Caucuses for consideration. The Senate and House Republican Caucuses will meet jointly on Monday for the purpose of selecting their nominees for Tennessee’s Secretary of State, Treasurer and Comptroller.

“This process gave our members and the public the opportunity to see these applicants interviewed and talk about their qualifications for these jobs,” said Senate Republican Caucus Chairman Diane Black (R-Hendersonville). “After talking with our members and reviewing the public comments, we have determined that there are many qualified individuals that could fill these roles successfully. Therefore all candidates interviewed will be placed on the ballot.”

The joint caucuses will convene at a time to be announced, when the members will be given ballots with the names of all the candidates for each respective office. The top two vote-getters for each category will move on to the next round of voting. The voting will continue until a candidate has received enough votes to become the nominee from the Joint Republican Caucus.

"The new process we have undertaken has been well received across the state,” said Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville). “I hope it will prove helpful not only to legislators in whose hands rest the final decision but to all Tennesseans who have the most at stake."

"I believe opening the process was very successful, and I appreciate the comments that were sent to my office,” said House Majority Leader Jason Mumpower (R-Bristol). “This was a very difficult task, as we had very qualified candidates. I look forward to nominating a candidate, and I know that whoever is chosen will make our state proud."