Rep. Jimmy Matlock tells the News Sentinel that his wife, Dean, helped convince him to challenge Beth Harwell as House speaker. His spouse is described as a “strong Christian conservative” who was, in turn, inspired by Democratic Hillary Clinton’s presidential candidacy to tell her husband he “should do more” in the way of political activism.

“You guys have to stand up to the overreach of the federal government,” she told him.

…“The demeanor and mood in Nashville is way too distrusting and way too negative,” said Matlock. He blames poor communication among the members, a problem he believes he would be able to address.

“I just think it’s a chance to restart the direction of the caucus with a new mood and outlook,” he said.

Matlock says his wife also urged him to jump into the race early “if you really believe that you are transparent and open.”