Congratulations to all who applied for the position of state treasurer, state comptroller and secretary of state. Your name has moved forward in the Republican decision process, or rather indecision.

Despite saying that the best two or three candidates would be recommended to a combined caucus of Republicans from the State Senate and State House, an announcement this afternoon said that all who applied will have their name placed in consideration.

According to a release from legislative Republicans, "A special joint Republican committee appointed to screen candidates for Tennessee's three constitutional officers concluded their work today, opting to recommend that all candidates be placed before their Caucuses for consideration. The Senate and House Republican Caucuses will meet jointly on Monday for the purpose of selecting their nominees for Tennessee's Secretary of State, Treasurer and Comptroller."

Republican members of the legislature are putting their best spin on the situation. State Senate Republican Caucus Chair Diane Black said, "This process gave our members and the public the opportunity to see these applicants interviewed and talk about their qualifications for these jobs. After talking with our members and reviewing the public comments, we have determined that there are many qualified individuals that could fill these roles successfully. Therefore all candidates interviewed will be placed on the ballot."

"The new process we have undertaken has been well received across the state," said Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville). "I hope it will prove helpful not only to legislators in whose hands rest the final decision but to all Tennesseans who have the most at stake."

House Majority Leader Jason Mumpower added, "I believe opening the process was very successful, and I appreciate the comments that were sent to my office. This was a very difficult task, as we had very qualified candidates. I look forward to nominating a candidate, and I know that whoever is chosen will make our state proud."

What is not mentioned is the intense disagreements taking place between GOP caucus members over the contested elections for state treasurer and secretary of state. Only one person applied for the position of state comptroller.

The combined GOP caucus will meet next week to attempt to decide whose names to put forward for the jobs.