The Senate Republican Caucus took a vote of confidence in McNally Monday, with the Oak Ridge Senator prevailing.
Image Credit: John Partipilo
By Sam Stockard and Adam Friedman [Tennessee Lookout -CC BY-NC-ND 4.0] –
Barely two weeks after revelations that he posted comments next to risque photos on young gay men’s Instagram sites, Lt. Gov. Randy McNally won a vote of confidence from his peers.
The Senate Republican Caucus, in a vote that took hours to cast Monday, supported the lawmaker instead of handing him a vote of no confidence.
The caucus voted 19-7 in support of McNally in a tally announced after Monday’s Senate session.
“I have always been honored, humbled and grateful for the support of my caucus. I remain so today. We have a lot of important work left to do as we complete the legislative session, including the budget. I look forward to getting to it,” McNally said in a Monday night statement.
No meeting was held as votes were cast individually in Senate Speaker Pro Tempore Ferrell Haile’s office.
“He’s served 40-plus years for the state, done an excellent job, no questions. He made a mistake. Let’s offer some grace and mercy and forgiveness and move on. We’ve got business to take care of,” Haile, R-Gallatin, said Monday before the Senate session.
Sen. Todd Gardenhire relayed a similar sentiment after voting to back McNally, saying he had “absolute faith” in the lieutenant governor.
“He told the truth. He owned up to it. He didn’t make fun of the guy. He didn’t criticize his lifestyle. What more do you want?” Gardenhire, R-Chattanooga, said before the session.
Sens. Shane Reeves, R-Murfreesboro, and Frank Niceley, R-Strawberry Plains, also said they cast a vote of confidence in McNally.
“We can’t let a little vocal minority run us off,” Niceley said.
Reeves would say only that he voted for McNally.
But Sens. Mark Pody, R-Lebanon, and Joey Hensley, R-Hohenwald, would not say how they voted or planned to vote.
McNally, the Republican-appointed speaker of the Senate from Oak Ridge, stemmed most criticism by saying he made posts of “encouragement” on the young men’s photos, contending he “enjoys interacting with constituents and Tennesseans of all religions, backgrounds and orientations.”
Republican leaders have been reluctant to take a jab at McNally, a member of the General Assembly since 1979. Only state Rep. Todd Warner, R-Lewisburg, has called on McNally to resign, putting out a statement last week seeking a TBI investigation into the matter.
Political insiders say senators have been jockeying for position in case McNally stepped aside. For instance, the Tennessee Firearms Association over the weekend endorsed Sen. Paul Bailey, R-Sparta, for the lieutenant governor’s post.
The Tennessee Star, a conservative news site, and Tennessee Stands, an advocacy group headed by Gary Humble, have called for McNally’s resignation because of the Instagram posts and health problems. McNally had a pacemaker inserted in February.
Asked Monday if he’s bucking for the lieutenant governor’s job or other leadership posts, Bailey said before the session, “All those positions are filled at this point in time.”
***Note from The Tennessee Conservative. Per The Tennessee Lookout’s republishing guidelines, this article has been edited for style to better fit with The Tennessee Conservative’s format.
7 Responses
Absolutely disgusting responses from OUR legislators to condone the behavior McNally. Do none of them have any morals. This is appalling. Just proves neither political party has any decency or morals anymore. America has become Babylon. I do believe God has taken his hand off America.
In God we trust not government or man.
Have a blessed day.
I agree with Wayne. McNally needs to convince people that he hasn’t lost his mind and isn’t a pervert.
A “secret ballot”!!!!
I was once a proud Tennessean but I am now almost ashamed of my state. Our leadership is proving to be without strong character or Biblical morals. Praying for God’s grace and for new, strong, capable, moral leaders. Otherwise we will rapidly become another woke, blue state.
All of God is open and above board.
This AIN’T!!
We’ve got LOTSA TRASH in legislature.
Amen. A lot of them claim to be christians but don’t talk or walk in God’s word. They will all have to give an account for their immoral actions. The demonrats are laughing at these pathetic rinos that are helping them turn Tennessee blue more every passing day.
In God we trust not government or man.
Have a blessed day.
It used to be “Caesar’s wife must be above reproach.” Not anymore.
This means the populace MUST be more involved in the elections of their representatives!!! It is only by local involvement this can be addressed… we all need to censor our reps that do this and it is coming from the SENATE!!