First House Republicans begin to call for Casada to step down as speaker

House Speaker Pro Tem Bill Dunn (R-Knoxville) presents school voucher legislation on May 1, 2019. (Erik Schelzig, Tennessee Journal)

The text messaging scandal surrounding House Speaker Glen Casada is now leading some fellow Republicans to call for him to resign from from his leadership post.

House Speaker Pro Tem Bill Dunn (R-Knoxville):

BREAKING: "Yesterday I shared with the speaker that he should step down. I have not directed any member on what their position or action should be." – House No. 2 Bill Dunn on @GlenCasada

— Tyler Whetstone (@tyler_whetstone) May 8, 2019

House Majority Whip Rick Tillis (R-Lewisburg) told The Tennessean’s Emily West that Casada “needs to step down.”

Tillis: He needs to step down. With the circumstances at hand and the developments today, the behavior seems to continue. I am not sure of the procedural rules. The governor could call for a special session. I am not sure.

— Emily R. West (@emwest22) May 8, 2019

Here’s Rep. Jeremy Faison (R-Cosby):

The person sitting in the car while the bank is being robbed is just as guilty as bank robber. Racism, objectifying of women, spying, and bullying are all evil. You can not effectively lead and simultaneously be complicit with evil.

— Jeremy Faison (@JeremyFaison4TN) May 8, 2019

Rep. David Hawk (R-Greenville):

Rep. David Hawk shared this email to Speaker: “I suggest that you bow out gracefully and resign. After the way that Cade has treated some members so poorly, you will not be able to lead us with any sense of confidence in your decision-making.” @WKRN

Still your friend,

-David

— Chris Bundgaard (@bundgaard2) May 8, 2019

The Tennessean reports that a caucus conference call with Casada on Wednesday also included some supportive words from members:

Reps. Andy Holt, R-Dresden, and Susan Lynn, R-Mt. Juliet, offered their support to the speaker.

House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland, reminded members of the caucus that “the sky is not falling.”

Lamberth added, “This is one of those type things that we just thoughtfully proceed together in whatever direction we need to.”