NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Members of the Tennessee House of Representatives elected their first female speaker on Tuesday in a leadership vote that ended with a historic result, but none of the partisan surprises from two years ago.
State Rep. Beth Harwell, a Nashville Republican, ran unopposed for the post and was elected by all 98 members present.
"Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in our great state," Harwell told her colleagues from the well of the chamber.
"I recognize the significance of this day for women, and I'm thankful for the guidance and influence that many women have had on my life," she said.
Women have previously held the position of speaker pro tempore in both chambers, and several have been elected to Congress. But none has won statewide office.
The smooth election stood in contrast to the drama of two years ago, when Republican Rep. Kent Williams in a surprise move banded together with 49 Democrats to thwart the GOP nominee by one vote.
The maneuver was met with outrage among GOP lawmakers and observers in the chamber, and ultimately caused Williams to be stripped of his right to run again as a Republican. The Elizabethton restaurateur was re-elected as an independent in November, but decided against another run at speaker.
Following a warm response to his final remarks as speaker, Williams joked: "Thank goodness — I thought I'd hear at least one 'boo.'"
Republicans in November gained 14 seats in the House to give them a 64-34 majority, while the GOP advantage in the Senate has grown to 20-13 over Democrats.
Those majorities, combined with the election of Republican Gov.-elect Bill Haslam, mean the GOP will have complete control of both the legislative and executive branches of state government for the first time since 1869.
Republican Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey of Blountville saw no ill effects from his poor showing as a gubernatorial candidate last year. He was elected to his third term on party-line vote over Democratic Sen. Joe Haynes of Goodlettsville.
Ramsey teared up as he took the oath of office and wiped his eyes as he walked to the podium to take up the gavel again. He told the chamber that Tennessee voters in the last election "gave a mandate to reduce the size of government and push back against the overreach of the federal government."
Harwell struck a similar chord in the House, saying November's elections showed that "citizens are frustrated with the out-of-control spending they see in Washington, D.C., and they do not want to see it here."
Harwell said Republicans would work to balance the state budget without raising taxes, and that they would strive to avoid partisan bickering and "politics as usual."
House Minority Leader Craig Fitzhugh, D-Ripley, said Democrats offered no opposition to Harwell in to make a statement.
"We have heard the message from the voters," he said. "They want the government to work and they want those governing to work together. We want that, too."
Among the most pressing tasks ahead for lawmakers will be finding ways to make deep cuts in state spending because federal stimulus money that had propped up the budget is running out.
Haslam isn't scheduled to make his budget proposals until next month, and lawmakers will spend the next few weeks organizing committees and setting up their offices.
Associated Press Writer Travis Loller contributed to this report.