The legislation that didn't pass-it "Naifeh-ed"
Rep. Chris Clem (R-Lookout Mountain) gave details of Jimmy Naifeh's filthy corruption to The Chattanoogan. The House passed what Stacey Campfield has (rightly) called the "incumbent protection bill" that makes it virtually impossible for write-in candidates to get on the ballot. This after several made it on the ballot in Knox County in Commission races in the May Primary.There is just one problem: The bill that "passed" didn't really pass because-
A.) Members were voting for other members by proxy who were not even in Nashville in a floor vote, a more than questionable parliamentary practice.
B.) This practice is prohibited when the House invokes what is commonly called "The Rule." The Rule requires that all members be in their seats during votes, and can be invoked when five members of the House call for the Rule. Rep. Clem estimated that at least fifteen Representatives showed hands to invoke the rule, but Jimmy Naifeh claimed "I only see three hands."
C.) Naifeh then declared the bill to have passed after several members, most of whom were Democrats, voted for other members who were not in the chamber by pushing the "vote" button in their empty seats, even after fifteen members showed hands for the Rule when Jimmy Naifeh only saw three. By all accounts, a quorum was not present in the House.
Bredesen will probably sign this bill. This is the best argument for why Jimmy Naifeh needs to be removed from the Chair ever presented. After this sort of abuse, Naifeh should be removed from the House because of abuse of power if the Republicans (finally) liberate the House from Warden Naifeh in November.
No members can call for this bill, designed to deprive people of ballot choices and disenfranchise them, to be reconsidered based on the improper way it was passed, because the 104th Tennessee General Assembly has adjourned sine die.
To think some of you re-elect these people! I know a few of you think this is a good argument for term limits. Is it that, or is it an argument for how ignorant the "average voter" is?
People who never miss an election are usually not "average voters," but are usually very well-informed. Many of these people are returned to their corruption by the votes of the "vote when I feel like it" crowd.
(Hat Tip: Bill Hobbs)
posted by Deacon David Oatney @ 7:48 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home