For the first time since Reconstruction, Republicans held
control
of both legislative chambers. However, the moment was fleeting. At
the start of this year's session, Republican Representative Kent
Williams
seized the Speakership from his GOP colleagues, who had a one seat majority, by teaming up with the House Democrats, who
elected him Speaker. The Tennessee Republican Party responded by banishing Speaker Williams from the Party, although he
says he remains a Republican.
