NASHVILLE — Southeast Tennessee could land a legislator in top Republican leadership in a GOP-controlled House if state Rep. Gerald McCormick, R-Chattanooga, gets his way.

As Republicans prepare to elect their first speaker since the 1969-1970 legislative session in January, Rep. McCormick, 46, said today he is a candidate for the Republican Caucus chairman’s slot.

“I’m going to run for caucus chairman, and I’m excited about it,” Rep. McCormick said. “It’s a party leadership role. It’s basically the No. 3 spot.”

Rep. McCormick said if he is successful, he would be in a position to “affect policy on a statewide level with the people who are making decisions and help make those decisions even. Also, it’s important in Southeast Tennessee because we have such a junior group of (Republicans) from down here. It’s important to have some of us in policy-making positions.”

Changes brought about by Republicans’ newly won 50-49 House majority last week are expected to open up the caucus post, which involves helping elect Republicans.

Current House Minority Leader Jason Mumpower, R-Bristol, has announced he will run for speaker when the new General Assembly convenes in January. Current GOP Caucus Chairman Rep. Glen Casada, R-College Grove, is expected to run for the House Republican majority leader slot.

That could clear the way for Rep. McCormick provided no one else jumps into the contest. Rep. McCormick first was elected to House in 2004.

Democratic House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh said he intends to fight to keep the speakership.

For complete details, see tomorrow’s Chattanooga Times Free Press.