Rep. Mike Carter said Friday he plans to run for House Majority Leader - a post given up by Rep. Gerald McCormick of Hixson.
Rep. Carter, of Harrison, said, "After much consideration and encouragement from House members across Tennessee, I have decided to formally seek the position of Majority Leader for the 110th General Assembly. I am fully committed to this effort and am asking for your support.
"My number one priority is to return the public’s respect to the House of Representatives as a body.
I promise to always put the best interests of the Caucus before my own. When it comes to the majority party, the buck will stop with me.
"The role of Majority Leader, in part, is to represent and convey the House’s priorties to the executive branch. Our conservative views should be reflected in the bills that come before us for a vote. This will be accomplished by working with the executive branch from a bill’s conception through to its final form. The Majority’s participation in the formation of legislation is our constitutional right and duty to perform as a body. Leaving in May, returning in January, without preparation, communication, or strategic planning is an ineffective way to run a Super Majority. Communication with every member is essential and will be maintained.
"Each of us is the product of our life’s work. My life’s work has been aggressively defending ideas and people I believe in, running an open, honest, and fair courtroom and managing a small business. The best indicator of future behavior is past behavior. You have all witnessed my passion and commitment to passing difficult legislation; legislation that we were told could not be passed.
"Many of you have sought my assistance on complex legislation and it has been my honor to help. As you know, the door to my office is always open. With the right leadership, Tennessee can be an example to the nation of what real conservative reforms can do for working people. I am confident we can lead the Caucus in that direction."