A new twist has been added to the ongoing Senate saga as state parties vie for control of the Senate Speakership. Apparently a fellow democrat has decided to challenge Wilder’s sole candidacy. Democratic Sen. Joe Haynes threw his hat into the ring on Monday.
He stated in a news release that,
“I have a tremendous amount of respect for the leadership of Lt. Gov. John Wilder, but I believe the time has come for a new vision for the Senate.”
It should be interesting to see if Haynes makes any headway at the Democratic Caucus when they meet to nominate their candidate for speaker. I think it is doubtful that Haynes is doing anything more than performing a token gesture and perhaps testing the waters for any future opportunities that might come along.
Wilder’s ability to charm GOPers into crossing the aisle to vote for him as Senate Speaker, is predicated on his reputation and history as a bipartisan leader that has offered powerful and valuable seats to Republicans in the past. Haynes has none of that history and if by some fluke managed to rip the democratic nomination away from Wilder would have little to offer Republicans that might otherwise cross over to keep a balanced Senate.
One thing Haynes’ candidacy may reveal is just how many Democrats in the Senate are fed up with Wilder. Haynes may also be hedging his bets against a potential Ramsey win by falling in line with republican sentiment that it is time for change.
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