Sen. Beavers ousted as GOP caucus treasurer

photo Tennessee Sen. Mae Beavers, R-Mt. Juliet

NASHVILLE - In a surprise move, Republican senators today ousted Sen. Mae Beavers, R-Mt. Juliet, as their caucus treasurer, electing freshman Sen. Ferrell Haile, R-Gallatin, over tea party activist Beavers.

Republicans unanimously nominated Speaker Ron Ramsey of Blountville for the chamber's top leadership post. Members also reelected Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris of Collierville for a fourth term, and tapped Sen. Bill Ketron of Murfreesboro for a second term as caucus chairman.

They also elected Senate Speaker Pro Tempore Bo Watson of Hixson as majority whip.

No vote tallies were available on the Haile and Beavers contest. Earlier this year, Beavers had upset some of her fellow Republicans by voting against a GOP-drawn redistricting plan.

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