VOLuntarilyConservative

We had a wonderful time at the Republican State Executive Committee meeting in Nashville Saturday. As everyone knows, Robin Smith was tapped as the new Chair of the Tennessee Republican Party, with Bob Rial of Dickson winning election to the Vice Chairman's position over East Tennessee radio mogul Ken Hill.

The transition of power was a testament to the strength of the Party, although it was sad to see Bob Davis leaving TRP to serve on Fred Thompson's presidential campaign.

I felt honored to speak to so many fine Republicans Saturday - Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey, former Tennessee Senator Jim Bryson, current Tennessee Senator Jim Tracy, future Tennessee Senator Mike Faulk, blogger (and proxy SEC member for the day) Adam Groves, National Committeeman Van Hilleary, and SEC members Steve Buttry (Knoxville), Jerry Sharp (Newcomb), Christi Cross (Paris), Mary Littleton (Dickson), and John Ryder (Memphis).

A few random notes:

• Turnout was huge, especially amongst non-SEC members. One reason was the number of members of the General Assembly turning out in support of the new regime. I suspect that others may have been positioning themselves for one of the many staff spots in the TRP that have suddenly opened up over the past few months.
• Several budding GOP candidates for the General Assembly in 2008 were present. I suspect that at least two of those will be in the General Assembly 18 months from now.
• Van Hilleary's children are adorable. He told me about how touched he was to return from Minneapolis last this past week (where the RNC had been meeting) and have his oldest daughter run out to meet him as soon as he pulled in the driveway. You could tell that it really left an impression on the man. And I am guessing that memories like that will continue for Van and Meredith, as it is my understanding that another Hilleary child is on the way. Congratulations!
• In talking with several SEC members, I believe geography (with Rial coming from West Tennessee and Hill being further east than Robin Smith's Chattanooga) played a very large roll in selection of the Vice Chairman.
• I had fun playing with Adam Groves iPhone. Yes, it truly is one cool gizmo.
• A funny exchange occurred that showed how wrapped up I get in these meetings. Bob Davis walked up to me and said:

DAVIS: So, are you ready?

ME: I am. I'm just waiting for the call. (Thinking we are talking about Fred's campaign)

DAVIS: No. I mean (pointing at Angela's stomach) are you ready?

Oops...

• A special thanks should go out to Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey, who is becoming the true leader of Tennessee Republicans, if he hasn't already achieved such status. He and his wife graciously hosted many of us for lunch following the meeting. I have to say that Ramsey has set the standard for post-meeting lunches, as I think I am still stuffed. Other officeholders will have to step up their games to keep up with Ron...

Labels: State Executive Committee