Chris Devaney New State Republican Chair

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May 31, 2009

Chris Devaney New State Republican Chair

The Tennessee Republican Party's State Executive Committee elected Chris Devaney as the new party chairman on Saturday, to coincide with the resignation of outgoing leader Robin Smith. Devaney received 28 votes to Oscar Brock's 25 on the second ballot, according to Post Politics. The first ballot included Rep. Eric Swafford of Pikeville.

Mr. Devaney told the Chattanooga Times Free Press that he will step down from his current job as U.S. Senator Bob Corker's State Director. (There's a nice opening for someone.) He told his fellow Republicans that his primary objectives are to increase the party's majority in the General Assembly and to help elect a Republican governor in 2010.

The runner-up in the close election, Oscar Brock, currently serves as the party's treasurer, which is also an elected position. When asked if he would continue in that role, Brock told TennesseeTicket that while he "[does] not have any immediate plans to resign the position," he will "discuss [his] future role on the state executive committee with Chairman Devaney" to ensure the two former rivals "are completely comfortable working together in those closely related capacities."

Mr. Brock also sent a congratulatory letter to the new chairman, which you can read after the jump.

Dear Chris,

I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to you, Mr. Chairman. You ran an excellent campaign, you worked your heart out, and the results are clear evidence of your work ethic and conviction to elect Republicans. Well done!

Eric Swafford, a current and future leader for Republicans across Tennessee, deserves much praise for his courage to offer himself up to be the leader of our party.

You've accepted a heavy burden as you lead us into the 2010 election cycle. You know better than any the importance in having majorities in both houses as we head into redistricting. There is no Republican in Tennessee that is wishing you more success over the next 18 months than I. We eagerly await election results on November 2, 2010, showing solid Republican gains in the State House and regaining control of the governor's mansion.

You'll perform excellently. I know that you'll make us all proud that this day, May 30, 2009, you became our chairman.

Godspeed, Mr. Chairman, and good luck.

Oscar Brock

State Executive Committee Member

District 10