State Senator Rosalind Kurita, who angered some Democrats when she cast the deciding vote last week to unseat longtime Speaker John Wilder in favor of Republican Ron Ramsey, not only was named Speaker Pro Tem by Ramsey on Friday but kept her slot as chief recruiter of Senate candidates for the Democrats.
Both she and caucus chairman Joe Haynes, who had issued an abortive challenge to Wilder,survived possible purge attempts when the Senate Democrats, meeting in caucus, deadlocked 8-8 Friday on the matter of forcing a reorganization vote.
Committee chairmanships announced by Ramsey were:
Finance: Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge,
Commerce: Steve Southerland, R-Morriston
Eeducation: Jamie Woodson, R-Knowville
State and Local Government: Bill Ketron,
R-Murfreesboro
Judiciary: Mae Beavers, R-Mtl Juliet
General Welfare: Rusty Crowe, R-Johnson City
Environment: Tommy Kilby, D-Wartburg
Transportation: Jim Tracy, R-Shelbyville
Rules: Mark Norris, R-Collierville
Government Operations: Thelma Harper,
D-Nashville ;
Calendar: Raymond Finney. R-Maryville
Ethics:
Joe Haynes, D-Goodletsville
