Representative Bobby Wood (R-Harrison) was honored at the annual Tennessee Republican Party's Statesmen's Dinner. Rep. Wood was named a "Statesmen of the Year," a title reserved for the party's most distinguished members, officials said.
"Having worked with Bobby for many years, it was an honor to present him with this award," said Tennessee Republican Party chairman, Representative Beth Harwell (R-Nashville).
Earlier this year, Rep. Wood announced he would be retiring after 28 years of service in the State Legislature. Rep. Wood has been a pioneer in the field of home school education, sponsoring legislation formulating home school policy that many states have since used as a model, it was stated.
In 2000, Rep. Wood sponsored legislation to bring TennCare benefits in line with the state healthcare plan. Wood is also the founder of the weekly Legislative Devotional. This bi-partisan Wednesday morning gathering is a revered institution on Capitol Hill.
"I have been so blessed to serve the people of my district for so long," said Rep. Wood. "It means even more to me that my fellow party members would honor my work by naming me a Statesman of the Year."
Rep. Wood received the award at the Statesmen's Dinner held at the Nashville Convention Center. Elizabeth Dole was the keynote speaker, with all four of the state's Republican congressmen in attendance, as well as Senator Lamar Alexander, and Senator Bill Frist, U.S. Senate Majority Leader, who made the award presentation.
"When I took office, I made it my goal to always make the moral choices, to always heed the voices of my constituents, and to do what I could to make Tennessee a better place to live," said Rep. Wood. "I hope that I have succeeded in that goal."
Rep. Wood serves the 26th Legislative District in the Tennessee House of Representatives, located in Hamilton County. Rep. Wood has served on the Finance Ways and Means Committee, as well as the powerful Joint Fiscal Review Committee. He currently serves on the Commerce Committee, the Government Operations Committee, and the Ethics Committee.