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Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Bill Koch, right, administers the oath of office to newly-elected state representative Pat Marsh. Marsh's wife Mary is at center. (State of Tennessee photo) |
Pat Marsh was sworn in Monday as 62nd District state representative and was appointed to the House commerce and transportation committees, giving the Republican party majorities on both.
Marsh is a co-founder of Big G Express, a Shelbyville-based trucking company.
Until now, Republican House Speaker Kent Williams of Elizabethton had split most committees evenly between the two parties to reflect what had been a one-seat partisan difference in the 99-member House. Marsh's win has now given Republicans a 51-48 advantage.
The move also comes as Williams is seeking to have his full Republican credentials restored. He was stripped of his right to run for re-election as a Republican after he banded together with all the chamber's Democrats to be elected speaker in January.
Marsh's oath of office was administered by State Supreme Court Justice William Koch. Marsh won the District 62 special election held Oct. 13.
"I am honored and humbled that the privilege of serving the citizens of the 62nd District has been bestowed upon me. I look forward to the session starting and working hard to represent my constituents," said Marsh in a news release.
"We are thrilled to welcome Pat Marsh to the House Republican Caucus, and we look forward to working with him as we face the challenges ahead," said House Majority Leader Jason Mumpower.
House Caucus Chairman Glen Casada added, "The state is at a crossroads right now, and I know that Pat Marsh is the right man for the job. He brings decades of business experience with him, and we look forward to his insight and point of view."
"I am excited about the opportunities for my district and the great state of Tennessee," Rep. Marsh continued. "I am eager to work to provide our district with more job opportunities, improved education and safer neighborhoods during the second session of the 106th General Assembly," he concluded.
The 62nd District seat, representing all of Bedford, much of Lincoln and a small portion of Rutherford counties, became vacant over the summer when Democratic incumbent Curt Cobb resigned to take a position as Bedford County Clerk and Master. Curt Cobb's brother Ty Cobb was unopposed for the Democratic nomination; Marsh defeated three challengers to win the Republican nomination, and Chris Brown qualified for the election as an independent, with the endorsement of the Constitution Party. Marsh, who co-founded Big G Express with his brother Jack, won convincingly in the general election on Oct. 13.
Marsh's arrival will firm up the Republican party's control of the House. Prior to Curt Cobb's resignation, Republicans held a 50-49 margin in the House. Now, the GOP will hold a 51-48 margin, including Williams.
Marsh, a native of Fayetteville, worked for Ford Motor Co. in Nashville before moving to Shelbyville in 1973 and joining Goggin Truck Line. He eventually bought the company and later sold it, concentrating since that time on Big G Express, which operates 350 tractors and 800 trailers and employs more than 500 people.
Marsh and his wife, Mary, have two adult sons.
Note: The nature of the Internet makes it impractical for our staff to review every comment. If you feel that a comment is offensive, please
"I am honored and humbled that the privilege of serving the citizens of the 62nd District has been bestowed upon me. I look forward to the session starting and working hard to represent my constituents," said Marsh in a news release.
I would hope this applies to all the people of the 62nd and not only to the politically correct. There are many ideas to bring growth to the area. I just wonder if his assistance will reach out on the farm.
Well Outonthefarm, which part of Mr. Marsh's statement confused you about who he represents?
I believe he will represent me just fine. If he dosen't I'll try to vote someone else in next time.
I hope that he recited the pledge of allegiance and said a prayer before taking the oath of office.
Kent Williams donated the max to Marsh's campaign, yet the Republican party denounces Williams? Politics as usual.
Well Outonthefarm, which part of Mr. Marsh's statement confused you about who he represents?
I believe he will represent me just fine. If he dosen't I'll try to vote someone else in next time.
-- Posted by PoorMe on Tue, Oct 27, 2009, at 1:40 PM
Just so I am clear.. yo are willing to wait two years to see...if... not just Marsh but anyone else will do the right thing for all the people of the 62nd.i have nothing against Pat. I just think he like ever single other elected official will look to keep a title rather than do the hard thing and actually try and represent everyone on a equal playing field. I am glad you feel he can do the job. I just really hope you are right. I have seen many a good apple go sour from out on the farm
Hope he is telling the truth, not just telling us what we want to hear. He definately is the Republican poster child for now. I don't see him representing the working class of our county, he is too obligated to the republican anti-worker agenda.