Senate Republican Caucus Chairman Ken Yager (R-Kingston) said Tuesday that incoming State Senator Rosalind Kurita will caucus with Republicans in the Tennessee Senate. Senator Yager said members of the Senate Republican Caucus extended an invitation to Senator Kurita, an independent, which was accepted by the newly-appointed Clarksville senator.
Senator Kurita was appointed by members of the Montgomery County Commission on Monday night to temporarily fill the term of Congressman Mark Green in Senate District 22 until voters choose a successor on April 23.
“The members of the Senate Republican Caucus welcome Senator Kurita with open arms and are very pleased she has accepted our invitation,” said Chairman Yager. “She will be a great asset to the people of Houston, Stewart and Montgomery Counties and the State of Tennessee, bringing vast experience to the position. We look forward to working with her.”
Senator Kurita served in the Tennessee Senate from 1996 -2008, including a two-year term as Senate Speaker Pro Tempore. During her legislative tenure, she focused on issues affecting health, transportation, education and the military.
"I appreciate Chairman Yager's gracious invitation on the behalf of the Senate Republican Caucus. I wholeheartedly accept,” said Senator Kurita. “My time in office may be short but I am eager to hit the ground running. I have committed to being an independent voice on behalf of the people of Montgomery, Houston and Stewart counties. I am already working to honor that commitment. There is much to do and limited time in which to do it. I am looking forward to serving my constituents and the state of Tennessee in every way I can until a replacement is elected.”
Senator Kurita will take the oath of office on Friday as the senate meets for the fourth organizational day. The Senate will then meet in a joint session with the House of Representatives on Saturday for the inauguration of Governor-elect Bill Lee.