At least 10 Republican lawmakers in Tennessee have publicly called for a caucus meeting to discuss the fate of House Speaker Glen Casada.
According to GOP Caucus bylaws, that’s the minimum number of lawmakers needed to trigger a special meeting.
One of the latest Republicans calling for the meeting is Ron Gant, the House Assistant Majority Leader. He says the caucus needs to discuss its direction.
"I believe we all can recognize the severity of what is happening," Gant told WPLN on a text message Tuesday. "We are all looking for direction and understanding at this time."
His comments come after text messages leaked to the media show Speaker Casada objectifying women with his former Chief of Staff.
Casada also received at least one racist text.
GOP Leadership say the meeting could happen as early as Monday, although a final date has not been set yet.
Meanwhile, more Republican lawmakers are also calling on Casada to step down.
Republicans Curtis Johnson of Clarksville and Jerome Moon of Maryville are the latest to join a list of about nine GOP members who want Casada to resign.
The Tennessee Black Caucus and the House Democratic Caucus have also called for his resignation.
Casada said he is not planning to leave his position.
Copyright 2019 WPLN News
