Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey issued this statement after reviewing Tuesday's unofficial general election returns for Tennessee:

"Voters spoke with a loud and clear voice tonight. They like what they see from Tennessee Republicans.

"During the last two years, for the first time in history, Republicans have controlled the legislature and the Governor's mansion. Tennesseans have witnessed what Republican government can do and know we have delivered on our promises.

"Our message of more jobs, less spending and smaller government resonated not just with traditional Republicans but throughout the state in areas disappointed with the Democrat Party.

"After decades of Democrat Party rule in Tennessee, Republicans have won the war of ideas across this state’s Grand Divisions and changed the political culture.
"The Tennessee Democrat Party has abandoned any pretense of supporting traditional values or conservative fiscal policy. As Democrat leaders have lined up with the pro-abortion, tax and spend liberals in Washington, D.C, their voters have responded to our message of lower taxes, balance budgets and economic growth.

"The historical majorities we achieved tonight are a culmination of years of hard work and responsible governance. Republicans have many successes under our belt but there is still much left to do.

"I look forward to working with newly-elected and current members of the legislature, as well our Gov. Bill Haslam and Speaker Beth Harwell, as we continue on the path of responsible, conservative governance for Tennessee."

Chairman Chip Forrester issued the following statement Tuesday evening following the re-election of President Barack Obama:

"Tuesday was victory for our country and middle-class Tennesseans. Not only did the American people re-elect Barack Obama as President, but Tennesseans also sent some real fighters to the state legislature. We are thrilled that Tennesseans returned Rep. Jim Cooper and Rep. Steve Cohen to Congress, where they will continue to act as an important check on Republican extremism.

"While we made progress in races down the ballot, there is still much work to do. We had many great Democratic candidates with strong records of accomplishment and smart plans for the future. The GOP pulled out every dirty trick in its book, outspent our candidates 3-to-1 with misleading and vicious attack ads, gerrymandered the lines to suit their candidates, mismanaged the election and placed restrictions on who could vote and how.

"We look forward to seeing the party grow around new leaders like Jason Powell, Gloria Johnson, Darren Jernigan and Bo Mitchell, who overcame a special interest spending spree to score big victories for working families."