Grratp McCormick ‘Malonrry Leaner 91192017, My Fellow Caucus Members, As the longest serving Republican House Majority Leader in Tennessee history, Ihave a great sense of ‘optimism about the future of our beloved State. | entered this leadership position concurrently with Governor Haslam’s election, and in that time we have become a fiscally sound, AAA-rated State that has and will continue to support business & industry, providing jobs for generations of Tennesseans to come. We are also tackling the difficult issues of technical training and education that must occur for our citizens to prepare for these highly skilled positions. We have governed as practical, problem-solving conservatives. 1am incredibly proud of the work of the “People’s House”, most recently with that work being accomplished over a special session. We confronted extremely difficult issues that were not taken lightly by any of us, and I am honored that { was able to serve you as Leader during such a serious time. However, this was not the norm for what this body does year after year and session after session. I am more proud to say that over the past six years I have led a caucus of Republicans that focus on the people's work. As Representatives, you work tirelessly, sometimes into the night, passing common-sense legislation that isin the best interest of Tennesseans, and this work is methodically and thoughtfully done. The citizens of our State need to be assured of that fact. Lam honored to serve the citizens of House District 26 as their Representative in the Tennessee General ‘Assembly and I intend to maintain a strong and intensified commitment to the issues affecting us locally and statewide, I will continue to serve my fellow Caucus members as you see fit, however, I announce today that I do not intend to continue as House Majority Leader in the upcoming session. It is critically important that those in leadership set good examples for all members. Power for the sake of power should not be the ultimate goal of anyone's public service, good governing should, As a senior member of the General Assembly, [ have always tried to maintain that perspective and I hope others do the same. It has been said that one can only lead those who choose to follow. [thank you for allowing me to lead and Iwill be forever grateful and honored, | have done my job as your Leader to the best of my ability. It is ‘now time to pass the reins to a member who is eager to do the same. To that new Leader, I pass on these ‘words from a wise Republican regarding doing what is right: “I desire so to conduct the affairs of this administration that ifat the end... { have lost every other friend on carth, [shall at least have one friend left, and that friend shall be down inside of me.” Abraham Lincola [thas been an honor to serve you and I look forward to seeing you in January. Best Regards, Tenessee General Assembly crald mccormick@capitolin.gov + (615) 741-2548 * 18A Legislative Plaza, Nashville, TN 37243