Cothren says records would show he consulted for Sexton on speaker’s bid in 2019

Cade Cothren, a former top aide to then-House Speaker Glen Casada, claims in a motion filed in federal court Thursday evening that he was a close confidant to current Speaker Cameron Sexton when the chamber’s top leadership position opened up. Cothren also says Sexton was actively trying to help Cothren get a job as a lobbyist. The motion says Sexton’s behavior contrasts with is statements to federal prosecutors that he didn’t want anything to do with Cothren after the latter was forced out of his House job following a text messaging scandal and revelations he took drugs in his legislative office.
Cothren and Casada are facing federal public corruption charges related to the operation of a mysterious political called Phoenix Solutions. The trial is scheduled for Oct. 3.
Here’s an excerpt from the filing seeking an order for Verizon to turn over Sexton’s phone records:
After his resignation, Mr. Cothren remained heavily engaged with Speaker Sexton, who relied on Mr. Cothren’s expertise, especially during the 2019 special session race for the next Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives after former Speaker Glen Casada’s resignation.
Mr. Cothren was one of then-Representative Sexton’s most consistent confidants during his race for Speaker. The requested telephone and messaging records should show hundreds of telephone calls and corresponding messages between Mr. Cothren and Speaker Sexton during that critical time period and beyond.
The records from [encrypted messaging service] Confide, specifically, will show that Speaker Sexton was also regularly communicating with Mr. Cothren and other state employees on the encrypted messaging application during the relevant time period in the Indictment.
Additionally, the requested records will show that Speaker Sexton was actively reaching out to state officials, state employees, as well as third-parties in an attempt to secure Mr. Cothren a job as a lobbyist as well as other opportunities. These communications are integral to Mr. Cothren’s defense in this matter because the government’s case appears to rely—heavily—on its theory that Mr. Cothren’s reputation was so tarnished after his resignation that Speaker Sexton was adamantly opposed to associating or working with him at all, even on administrative matters.
New TNJ edition alert: Intimidation allegations in public corruption case, parents fret about retention law

The latest print edition of The Tennessee Journal is here (a day early because of the approaching holiday weekend). Here is what’s in it:
— Prosecutors allege threats, intimidation in public corruption case.
— Parents fret about kids being held back due to third-grade test results.
—If drag show law is found unconstitutional, AG wants ruling to apply only to Shelby County.
Also: Freddie O’Connell wants “More Ville and less Vegas,” a rival gun rights group wants to “beat political asses” at the Tennessee Capitol, and Cameron Sexton says he’d do it all over again.
As always, access the your copy of the TNJ here.
Or subscribe here.
Lee sending 100 Tennessee National Guard members to border with Mexico

Gov. Bill Lee is authorizing the deployment of 100 Tennessee National Guard members to Texas to help patrol the border with Mexico.
Here’s the release from the governor’s office:
Gov. Lee Authorizes Tennessee National Guard Deployment to Secure Southern Border
100 Tennessee troops to curb ongoing border crisis, support Operation Lone StarNASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee authorized the deployment of 100 Tennessee National Guard troops to secure the U.S. Southern border amid an ongoing national security crisis and surging drug crisis being fueled by an open border.
The announcement follows a joint statement from Gov. Lee and fellow Republican governors last week and a border security briefing in Austin on Monday, where Texas Governor Greg Abbott invited states to support ‘Operation Lone Star’ to secure the U.S. Southern border following the end of Title 42.
“America continues to face an unprecedented border crisis that threatens our nation’s security and the safety of Tennesseans,” said Gov. Lee. “The federal government owes Americans a plan to secure our country, and in the meantime, states continue to answer this important call to service. I am again authorizing the Tennessee National Guard to help secure the Southern border, and I commend these troops for providing critical support.”
The Tennessee National Guard members will deploy at the end of May to provide critical support along the U.S. Southern border, including:
• Patrolling and providing additional security presence along the border
• Assisting road and route clearance, barrier placement and debris removal
• Staffing outpost operations
The Tennessee National Guard has supported border security efforts in the past. In December 2021, Gov. Lee authorized 50 additional troops to respond to the surge in illegal crossings and drug-related activity along the U.S. Southern border. Lee also visited more than 300 Tennesseans stationed at the border in July 2021.
“The men and women of the Tennessee National Guard are always ready to serve their country anywhere, anytime,” said Brigadier General Warner Ross, Tennessee’s Adjutant General. “These troops are a capable contingent that will continue our long-standing tradition of responding to the call to aid our fellow Americans. The Tennessee National Guard is proud to serve and support our state partners in safeguarding the United States along the U.S. Southern border.”
3rd grade retention: Find your school district scores here
Under a new law, students who don’t meet expectations for reading proficiency face the prospect of being held back for another try at third grade. Children in the “approaching” category can take summer school or tutoring to try to make up lost ground and advance to fourth grade.
See how your school district did in data released by the state Department of Education:
District | Pct. Below | Approa- ching | Pct. Meets | Pct. Exceeds | Pct. Proficient |
Achievement Schools | 64 | 26 | 9 | 1 | 10 |
Alamo City | 9 | 16 | 37 | 38 | 75 |
Alcoa City | 19 | 41 | 28 | 12 | 40 |
Anderson County | 13 | 43 | 31 | 14 | 44 |
Arlington Community | 2 | 21 | 42 | 36 | 78 |
Athens City | 24 | 33 | 34 | 9 | 43 |
Bartlett City | 13 | 39 | 32 | 17 | 49 |
Bedford County | 31 | 33 | 26 | 10 | 36 |
Bells City | 15 | 38 | 37 | 10 | 46 |
Benton County | 26 | 36 | 25 | 13 | 38 |
Bledsoe County | 29 | 32 | 27 | 11 | 38 |
Blount County | 22 | 41 | 27 | 10 | 37 |
Bradford Special | 30 | 26 | 33 | 12 | 44 |
Bradley County | 15 | 37 | 33 | 15 | 48 |
Bristol City | 12 | 37 | 37 | 14 | 51 |
Campbell County | 28 | 40 | 24 | 7 | 31 |
Cannon County | 33 | 39 | 26 | 2 | 28 |
Carter County | 20 | 48 | 26 | 6 | 32 |
Cheatham Countv | 20 | 38 | 31 | 11 | 41 |
Chester County | 9 | 35 | 36 | 21 | 57 |
Claiborne County | 29 | 40 | 26 | 5 | 31 |
Clarksville Montgomery County | 21 | 37 | 29 | 13 | 42 |
Clay County | 11 | 42 | 37 | 11 | 48 |
Cleveland City | 32 | 36 | 23 | 9 | 33 |
Clinton City | 11 | 34 | 38 | 17 | 55 |
Cocke County | 28 | 44 | 22 | 6 | 28 |
Coffee County | 24 | 37 | 28 | 11 | 39 |
Collierville | 6 | 20 | 37 | 36 | 74 |
Crockett County | 23 | 34 | 30 | 13 | 42 |
Cumberland County | 29 | 36 | 23 | 11 | 34 |
Dayton City | 27 | 24 | 32 | 17 | 49 |
Decatur County | 17 | 40 | 34 | 9 | 43 |
DeKalb County | 25 | 33 | 29 | 14 | 42 |
Dickson County | 20 | 38 | 28 | 14 | 42 |
Dyer County | 17 | 38 | 31 | 14 | 45 |
Dyersburg City | 30 | 39 | 22 | 9 | 31 |
Elizabethton City | 16 | 34 | 32 | 17 | 50 |
Etowah City | 16 | 40 | 40 | 5 | 44 |
Fayette County | 44 | 40 | 13 | 4 | 17 |
Fayetteville City | 20 | 36 | 33 | 11 | 44 |
Fentress County | 29 | 40 | 26 | 5 | 31 |
Franklin County | 29 | 36 | 26 | 9 | 35 |
Franklin Special | 11 | 19 | 36 | 33 | 69 |
Germantown Municipal | 4 | 16 | 40 | 40 | 80 |
Gibson County Special | 11 | 34 | 35 | 20 | 56 |
Giles County | 16 | 42 | 32 | 10 | 42 |
Grainger County | 14 | 40 | 35 | 12 | 46 |
Greene County | 20 | 45 | 28 | 7 | 35 |
Greeneville City | 13 | 41 | 31 | 15 | 46 |
Grundy County | 29 | 32 | 32 | 7 | 39 |
Hamblen County | 25 | 34 | 28 | 13 | 41 |
Hamilton County | 29 | 31 | 27 | 13 | 40 |
Hancock County | 22 | 46 | 24 | 9 | 32 |
Hardeman County | 35 | 41 | 22 | 3 | 24 |
Hardin County | 29 | 43 | 22 | 7 | 28 |
Hawkins County | 26 | 42 | 26 | 6 | 32 |
Haywood County | 44 | 39 | 15 | 3 | 18 |
Henderson County | 15 | 41 | 32 | 13 | 44 |
Henry County | 25 | 32 | 30 | 12 | 43 |
Hickman County | 16 | 41 | 31 | 13 | 44 |
Hollow Rock – Bruceton Special | 11 | 57 | 22 | 11 | 32 |
Houston County | 43 | 37 | 16 | 4 | 19 |
Humboldt City | 50 | 34 | 15 | 1 | 16 |
Humphreys County | 24 | 40 | 30 | 6 | 36 |
Huntingdon Special | 17 | 38 | 28 | 17 | 45 |
Jackson County | 25 | 43 | 25 | 7 | 32 |
Jackson-Madison County | 41 | 40 | 16 | 4 | 20 |
Jefferson County | 29 | 33 | 26 | 12 | 39 |
Johnson City | 14 | 22 | 33 | 31 | 64 |
Johnson County | 43 | 35 | 19 | 3 | 22 |
Kingsport City | 19 | 36 | 27 | 19 | 45 |
Knox County | 24 | 33 | 28 | 15 | 43 |
Lake County | 33 | 35 | 25 | 6 | 31 |
Lakeland | 5 | 26 | 40 | 29 | 69 |
Lauderdale County | 33 | 33 | 25 | 8 | 33 |
Lawrence County | 13 | 40 | 31 | 15 | 46 |
Lebanon Special | 22 | 33 | 31 | 14 | 46 |
Lenoir City | 32 | 36 | 28 | 4 | 32 |
Lewis County | 8 | 42 | 35 | 15 | 50 |
Lexington City | 11 | 43 | 34 | 12 | 46 |
Lincoln County | 18 | 38 | 31 | 13 | 44 |
Loudon County | 16 | 37 | 33 | 14 | 47 |
Macon County | 21 | 39 | 30 | 10 | 40 |
Manchester City | 20 | 41 | 28 | 11 | 39 |
Marion County | 23 | 43 | 28 | 7 | 34 |
Marshall County | 20 | 46 | 27 | 6 | 34 |
Marvville City | 4 | 21 | 35 | 39 | 75 |
Maury County | 26 | 38 | 27 | 9 | 37 |
McKenzie Special | 27 | 39 | 28 | 5 | 34 |
McMinn County | 30 | 38 | 28 | 5 | 33 |
McNairy County | 22 | 40 | 29 | 8 | 38 |
Meigs County | 17 | 41 | 31 | 11 | 41 |
Memphis-Shelby County | 42 | 34 | 18 | 6 | 24 |
Metro-Nashville | 38 | 32 | 19 | 11 | 30 |
Milan Special | 18 | 46 | 27 | 9 | 36 |
Millington Municipal | 32 | 34 | 26 | 9 | 35 |
Monroe County | 30 | 43 | 23 | 3 | 27 |
Moore County | 18 | 32 | 35 | 15 | 50 |
Morgan County | 17 | 42 | 30 | 11 | 41 |
Murfreesboro City | 25 | 32 | 29 | 14 | 44 |
Newport City | 13 | 33 | 47 | 8 | 55 |
Oak Ridge | 14 | 27 | 39 | 19 | 59 |
Obion County | 16 | 44 | 32 | 8 | 40 |
Oneida Special | 18 | 49 | 28 | 5 | 33 |
Overton County | 20 | 41 | 33 | 6 | 39 |
Paris Special | 21 | 36 | 28 | 14 | 42 |
Perry County | 25 | 58 | 14 | 4 | 17 |
Pickett County | 30 | 33 | 28 | 10 | 38 |
Polk County | 23 | 40 | 24 | 13 | 37 |
Putnam County | 21 | 37 | 28 | 15 | 42 |
Rhea County | 20 | 40 | 28 | 12 | 40 |
Richard City Special | 20 | 67 | 13 | 0 | 13 |
Roane County | 22 | 37 | 31 | 10 | 41 |
Robertson County | 31 | 39 | 22 | 8 | 30 |
Rogersville City | 29 | 35 | 23 | 13 | 35 |
Rutherford County | 22 | 34 | 29 | 15 | 44 |
Scott County | 19 | 41 | 27 | 13 | 41 |
Sequatchie County | 26 | 32 | 34 | 8 | 42 |
Sevier County | 24 | 40 | 27 | 9 | 35 |
Smith County | 15 | 41 | 35 | 9 | 44 |
South Carroll Special | 15 | 15 | 30 | 40 | 70 |
Stewart County | 22 | 47 | 26 | 5 | 31 |
Sullivan County | 19 | 43 | 28 | 10 | 38 |
Sumner County | 18 | 33 | 31 | 18 | 49 |
Sweetwater City | 24 | 33 | 28 | 14 | 42 |
Tennessee Public Charter | 34 | 39 | 18 | 9.7 | 28 |
Tipton County | 21 | 39 | 30 | 10 | 40 |
Trenton Special | 22 | 43 | 28 | 7 | 35 |
Trousdale County | 23 | 28 | 30 | 19 | 49 |
Tullahoma City | 21 | 37 | 33 | 9 | 42 |
Unicoi County | 18 | 52 | 21 | 9 | 30 |
Union City | 23 | 48 | 23 | 7 | 29 |
Union County | 42 | 36 | 19 | 3 | 22 |
Van Buren County | 25 | 40 | 29 | 6 | 35 |
Warren County | 32 | 35 | 26 | 8 | 34 |
Washington County | 13 | 37 | 36 | 14 | 50 |
Wayne County | 19 | 51 | 24 | 7 | 30 |
Weakley County | 16 | 32 | 33 | 19 | 52 |
West Carroll Special | 13 | 50 | 22 | 15 | 37 |
White County | 14 | 43 | 30 | 13 | 43 |
Williamson County | 6 | 22 | 38 | 34 | 72 |
Wilson County | 15 | 35 | 34 | 16 | 50 |
Tenn. sets new record for business registrations, renewals

Tennessee has sent another record for business registrations and renewals. Here is the release from the Secretary of State’s office:
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee set new records in the first quarter of 2023 for business formations and renewals in the state, according to the recent Quarterly Business and Economic Indicators report issued by the Secretary of State’s Office.
In the first quarter of 2023, 21,516 new entities filed, and 199,309 firms renewed their active status by filing annual reports, representing the highest totals for any quarter in the 25-year history of the data.
“Our state leaders are committed to serving Tennesseans by preserving an environment where businesses launch, locate and thrive,” said Secretary Hargett. “The record number of new business formations and renewals is a testament to smart fiscal management and a commitment to a skilled workforce.”
Typically, a high level of business filings leads to growth in jobs, personal income and state revenue. Over the last twelve months, 76,767 entities filed and 337,760 filed annual reports.
The largest number of filings in the first quarter of 2023 were in Davidson County, followed by Shelby, Knox, and Hamilton counties. Knox County saw the highest percentage increase in filings year-over-year, growing by 18.4%. Filings in these four most-populous counties together increased by 0.8% compared to Q1 2022.
Tennessee’s unemployment in March dropped to 3.4%, just below the national rate of 3.5%. Tennessee jobs grew by 1,700 in March and by 96,900 over the last twelve months.
“Tennessee’s economy continues to outpace the nation’s and shows no signs of slowing down,” said Don Bruce, director of the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research. “These record-high new business filings in the state, along with strong personal income and stable unemployment rates, are yet another sign of continued economic growth in the coming months.”
The Quarterly Business and Economic Indicators report provides a snapshot of the state’s economy based on key indicators, including new business data from the Secretary of State’s Division of Business and Charitable Organizations. It is published through a partnership with the University of Tennessee Knoxville’s Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research and the Secretary of State.
To review the complete Q1 2023 Tennessee Quarterly Business and Economic Indicators report and past reports, visit sos.tn.gov.
New TNJ edition alert: Kelsey’s ‘big mistake,’ lawmakers demand shooter’s writings

The latest print edition of The Tennessee Journal is out. Here is what’s in it:
— Federal judge rejects Kelsey’s claim guilty plea was ‘big mistake’
— Statehouse update: Why ask when you can demand? Lawmakers seek shooter’s writings.
— From the campaign trail: Memphis residency ruling, Ogles gets another big endorsement, GOP race for vacated state House seat down to two candidates.
Also: Dolly Parton takes aim at politicians, Beth Harwell on “lazy” supermajorities, save the date for the Statesmen’s Dinner, and $700,000 for Cordell Hull repairs.
As always, access the your copy of the TNJ here.
Or subscribe here.
White House makes disaster declaration for 45 Tennessee counties

President Joe Biden has declared a major disaster in 45 Tennessee counties related to severe storms in March.
Here’s the release from the White House:
WASHINGTON — FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Tennessee to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds and a tornado from March 1-3, 2023.
Public Assistance federal funding is available to the state, eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities in Benton, Bledsoe, Campbell, Carroll, Cheatham, Clay, Crockett, Davidson, Decatur, Dickson, Fentress, Gibson, Giles, Grundy, Hamilton, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Jackson, Lake, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lewis, Macon, Madison, Marion, Meigs, Monroe, Montgomery, Moore, Obion, Perry, Pickett, Polk, Rhea, Robertson, Stewart, Sumner, Tipton, Wayne and White counties.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
Andrew D. Friend has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments.
Group calling for gun reform following school shooting gains nonprofit status

Voices for a Safer Tennessee, a group formed to advocate to gun reform following the mass shooting at Nashville’s Covenant School, has registered as a nonprofit organization and named the founding members of its board.
Here’s the full release from the group, which is also known as Safer TN:
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Voices for a Safer Tennessee (Safer TN), a nonpartisan organization dedicated to prioritizing firearm safety and promoting responsible firearm ownership through bipartisan legislation, today announced that it has formally registered as a nonprofit organization under the 501(c)(4) designation of the Internal Revenue Service. Safer TN also has announced its founding board of directors and board officers, who represent a broad range of professional and political backgrounds in reflection of the organization’s objectives:
— Todd Cruse, chairman and treasurer;
— Nicole Smith, president;
— Whitney Kimerling, secretary;
— Clay Richards; and
— Jill Talbert.“It is an honor to serve as chairman of the board for Voices for a Safer Tennessee and to have an opportunity to meaningfully contribute to the organization’s efforts to advance common-sense firearm safety legislation,” said Todd Cruse. “As a parent, gun-owner and Tennessee voter, I firmly believe that the concepts of firearm ownership and firearm safety are not mutually exclusive, and that there is a clear, bipartisan path forward to protecting our children and communities more effectively than we are doing today.”
Today’s announcement comes approximately six weeks after the volunteer-run group of parents, neighbors, friends and community members came together, and one month after Safer TN’s “Linking Arms for Change” event that garnered national and statewide media attention by bringing nearly 10,000 Tennesseans in Nashville and Knoxville together, ultimately forming a three-mile human chain in support of common-sense firearm safety legislation. Since then, Safer TN has built unprecedented momentum and support by bridging people of diverse interests, religions, political perspectives and geographies to engage in advocacy including:
● Publishing Letters of Support, championed by key Tennessee leaders, including education leaders, healthcare executives and faith leaders respectively;
● Releasing statewide, bipartisan poll results showing strong support for common-sense firearm policies from Tennessee voters with key demographics, including Republicans and households with guns;
● Meeting with United States Senators and other leaders in Washington D.C., to ask for support and have productive conversations about firearm safety;
● Coordinating nearly 100 meetings with state legislators and elected officials in less than six weeks;
● Sustaining a daily visible contingency of supporters on site at the Tennessee State Capitol and Cordell Hull buildings during the regularly scheduled state legislative session;
● Organizing a group of notable artists, including Amy Grant, Sheryl Crow, Ruby Amanfu, Will Hoge, Allison Russell and Margo Price to meet with state lawmakers about addressing firearm safety measures;
● Bringing together more than 65 notable musicians and artists, including Sheryl Crow, Kacey Musgraves, Amy Grant, Emmylou Harris, Martina McBride, Maren Morris, Kelsea Ballerini, Jason Isbell and more, to support a letter addressed to Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and members of the Tennessee General Assembly, asking them to put politics aside and the safety of our children above all else;
● Collecting more than 3,000 petition signatures in support of stronger firearm safety and ownership laws;
● Inspiring news coverage in more than 500 media stories across the state and the world – from local community newspapers to international television broadcasts reflecting a nonpartisan, common-ground approach to firearm safety solutions;
● Sharing timely and actionable information with supporters following Governor Bill Lee’s introduction of an order of protection bill and subsequent call for a special session of the legislature to address public safety.
“It is extraordinary what our group of volunteers has been able to accomplish in a short amount of time, and how many like-minded Tennesseans have willingly mobilized to support this cause,” Cruse continued. “By formalizing as a 501(c)(4) and creating the mechanism to raise funds, we are now in a stronger position to continue advancing the short- and long-term goals of Safer TN, including our efforts ahead of the special session that begins August 21.”
Leading up to the special session, Safer TN is continuing to advocate for:
● extreme risk laws with proven language that would allow authorities to temporarily restrict access to firearms from people who pose a risk to themselves or others,
● stronger firearm storage laws that would require firearm owners to provide safe storage and report lost or stolen firearms, and
● closing background check loopholes to keep firearms away from dangerous people.
Safer TN encourages all Tennesseans who believe that we can find common ground to achieve these policies and protect our communities to get involved by donating, signing the petition, and following Safer TN on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for regular updates and calls to action.
About Voices for a Safer Tennessee
Voices for a Safer Tennessee (Safer TN) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition dedicated to prioritizing common-sense firearm safety laws and promoting responsible firearm ownership to make communities across our state safer. Safer TN was founded by neighbors, friends, colleagues and community members who came together with a shared desire for change following the tragic events of March 27, 2023, at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tenn. The organization brings voters and lawmakers together by leading conversations, sharing diverse perspectives and finding commonality to champion the bipartisan change that the majority of Tennessee voters support. Learn more at safertn.org.
Judge rejects Kelsey effort to withdraw guilty plea

U.S. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw on Tuesday rejected former Sen. Brian Kelsey’s effort to withdraw his guilty plea on two felony counts related to funneling state funds through the American Conservative Union to support his unsuccessful congressional bid in 2016.
Kelsey argued he had been distracted by the terminal illness of his father and the birth of newborn twins when he pleaded guilty in November. Prosecutors argued the Germantown Republican was trying to make a tactical move to disadvantage the government by waiting more than 100 days before trying to nullify the deal.
Crenshaw scheduled a new sentencing date for late July.
Haslam to serve as national co-chair for Tim Scott’s presidential bid

Former Gov. Bill Haslam is slated to serve as national co-chair for U.S. Sen. Tim Scott’s imminent presidential campaign, according to Politico reporter Natalie Allison (a former Tennessee statehouse reporter The Tennessean).
Scott, of South Carolina, is expected to formally launch his campaign next week.
“One of the things I learned from being in elected office is it really does matter who we elect,” Haslam told Allison. “The more I talked to Tim, the more I became convinced that he’s got a message that the country really needs to hear right now.”