In a political earthquake that few expected, the Republican Party appears to have won a majority in the Tennessee House of Representatives. With a net gain of four seats in today's elections, the GOP now holds 50 seats in the 99-seat chamber. Assuming no successful election challenges and party discipline in the election of legislative leadership in January, the GOP will take over control of the House for the first time in almost 40 years. Republican Leader Jason Mumpower, R-Bristol, is in position to take the Speaker's gavel from Jimmy Naifeh, D-Covington, who has held the post 18 years, longer than any other Speaker in history. All committees will likely be chaired by Republicans.

In the Senate, the GOP solidified its hold, ending the night with a 19-14 majority. Speaker Ron Ramsey will be reelected to that post, and he will appoint Republican chairs of the standing committees. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, will continue as Majority Leader, as well as Memphis Senator Jim Kyle as Democratic Leader.

With a six-seat majority in the aggregate of the House and Senate, the Republicans are in a position to elect the state's constitutional officers - the Secretary of State, the Treasurer and the Comptroller of the Treasury. If the GOP holds its majority following the 2010 election cycle, they will be in position to redraw state legislative and congressional district lines, which could have an even greater impact on the political landscape for the next decade.

Democratic Governor Phil Bredesen, already grappling with a possible shortfall of $1 billion in the 2008-2009 fiscal year, now faces the prospect of finishing his last two years in office working with a legislature controlled by the GOP. There is some speculation that Governor Bredesen may be considered for a senior post in the Obama Administration (e.g., Secretary of Health and Human Services).

On the federal level, incumbent Republican Senator Lamar Alexander bucked the national trend and cruised to reelection. Watch for him, as well as junior Senator Bob Corker, to move up in the power structure as the Republicans in Washington, D.C. pick up the pieces.

Obviously the election results will dramatically impact any legislative and regulatory strategy going forward. We look forward to discussing this with you in the weeks ahead. The 106th General Assembly convenes its 2009 session on Tuesday, January 13th.

For more information, contact Gif Thornton at (615) 259-1492, or by e-mail at gif.thornton@arlaw.com.