What We Could Be Losing
Eric Shelzig at the Tennessean has an article today on the effect a loss of Rob Briley in the leadership of the House, may have on that body.
This year Rep. Mike Turner, an Old Hickory Democrat, saw his proposal to fine cable and satellite companies up to $50,000 for airing ads for obscene products such as Girls Gone Wild videos die in a subcommittee of the Judiciary Committee when no member supported a motion to debate the bill's merits. "This is probably the worst committee in the legislature," Turner said after the vote. "I think not letting it be heard is undemocratic and I'm ashamed of what they did up there."
Now, as much as I'd like to credit Rob Briley with that move (sorry Mike, but regulating content on Cable should not be the job of the State, or Government for that matter), Kent Coleman was Chair of that sub-committee...and Coleman may be the one moving into the Chairman position...so I'm not sure that this will benefit Turner/Jackson's chances at not having to see half naked girls kissing on late night cable television (oh, the horror).
In addition, Rob Briley attempted to block Republican attempts to craft tort reform legislation that sought to harm victims of medical malpractice. Briley tried to introduce an amendment to create an actual tort reform law (by enacting tougher standards for bringing a case to court), as opposed to a punishment for victims of medical malpractice, but that amendment was tabled on the floor.
The question will be, if Briley doesn't step down from his House seat, and if he manages to win re-election, how effective will he be without his position of power; or will Naifeh give it back if he proves he can survive the controversy in his district?
2 comments:
I was told by a very reliable and a very long time and dedicated democrat who lives in Briley's district, that democrats consider Briley the very brightest and most brilliant legislator currently serving in Tennessee government. This source has also been mentioned as a possible replacement if Briley quits so he is talking to strategist regularly over what plans to develop if Briley does quit. However, this guy says that he fully supports Briley and that most democratic strategists that he talks to want Briley to stay. Therefore, I would expect Briley will eventually regain his committee appointments and chairmanships. And he will easily win his next election.
I live in Briley's district and have always voted for him in the past. There's no chance he will win his next election. Every Democrat I know is embarrassed and disgusted by his antics, which are far worse than anything he's been arrested for yet. His affairs and substance abuse show disregard for his adorable children - that's what people won't be able to get over in our district.
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