Top Tennessee state Republicans celebrated the decision of the Tennessee Supreme Court on Wednesday to appoint Jonathan Skrmetti as Tennessee’s next attorney general.
Governor Bill Lee was among the first to praise the appointment of Skrmetti, who serves as chief counsel to the governor, saying, “Jonathan is a brilliant legal mind with vast experience at the state and federal levels, and he’s one of the finest public servants I know. Tennesseans will be well-represented by their next Attorney General.”
Jonathan is a brilliant legal mind with vast experience at the state and federal levels, and he’s one of the finest public servants I know. Tennesseans will be well-represented by their next Attorney General. https://t.co/4VicLBy1tH
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) August 10, 2022
Lt. Governor Randy McNally said in a tweet, “Congratulations AG @JSkrmetti! Jonathan’s legal acumen and conservative principles are unquestioned. Having worked with him in his role as @GovBillLee’s counsel as well as when he served as Deputy Attorney General, I am confident he will be an outstanding Attorney General.”
Congratulations AG @JSkrmetti! Jonathan’s legal acumen and conservative principles are unquestioned. Having worked with him in his role as @GovBillLee’s counsel as well as when he served as Deputy Attorney General, I am confident he will be an outstanding Attorney General. https://t.co/S8jtcvjZqv
— Randy McNally (@ltgovmcnally) August 10, 2022
William Lamberth, the majority leader of the Tennessee State House of Representatives, said, “Absolutely fantastic choice by the TN Supreme Court. I truly enjoyed working with General Skrmetti when he was with @TNattygen before and during his time as Chief Counsel to @GovBillLee He is a true conservative warrior with an outstanding legal mind. Congratulations my friend.”
Absolutely fantastic choice by the TN Supreme Court. I truly enjoyed working with General Skrmetti when he was with @TNattygen before and during his time as Chief Counsel to @GovBillLee He is a true conservative warrior with an outstanding legal mind. Congratulations my friend. https://t.co/pJPg28E3kj
— William Lamberth (@WilliamLamberth) August 10, 2022
State Senator John Stevens (R-Huntingdon) lauded the appointment, particularly because Skrmetti is a member of the conservative Federalist Society.
“Congratulations Mr. Skrmetti. Excellent decision by the Court and a difficult one given the quality of applicants. Great to have a @FedSoc Attorney General and Reporter,” he said.
State Representative Jason Zachary (R-Knoxville) tweeted: “Congratulations to Jonathan Skrmetti on being chosen as the next @TNattygen! Jonathan is an unwavering constitutionalist who will defend our liberty and the rule of law in TN. This is an outstanding choice by our Supreme Court.”
Congratulations Mr. Skrmetti. Excellent decision by the Court and a difficult one given the quality of applicants. Great to have a @FedSoc Attorney General and Reporter https://t.co/DSqd3VVJi2
— Sen. John Stevens (@SenJohnStevens) August 10, 2022
The Tennessee House Republican Caucus’ Twitter profile said, “Congratulations to Jonathan Skrmetti being named the new Attorney General. Tennessee leads the country in remaining free and will continue under your leadership at the @TNattygen.”
Congratulations to Jonathan Skrmetti being named the new Attorney General. Tennessee leads the country in remaining free and will continue under your leadership at the @TNattygen. pic.twitter.com/Vuhi1qBIjN
— TN House Republicans (@tnhousegop) August 10, 2022
Attorney General Herb Slatery III’s term concludes on August 31 and he did not seek an additional eight-year term.
Skrmetti will start his new position on September 1.
Tennessee’s attorney general is unique in all the United States, because the position is appointed by the state supreme court.
The Tennessee Star previously reported Tennessee State Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger A. Page said in an official statement announcing the appointment: “Mr. Skrmetti has dedicated the majority of his career to public service and has the breadth of experience and vision necessary to lead the Attorney General’s office for the next eight years. He is an accomplished attorney with a deep understanding of Tennessee government and our judicial system.”
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Aaron Gulbransen is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected]. Follow Aaron on GETTR, Twitter, Truth Social, and Parler.
