Nicely will face State Representative Steve McDaniel in the upcoming leadership elections. Nicely is garnering the support of many Republicans who are worried about the message grassroots Republicans, independents, and some anti-income-tax Tennesseans will receive if the pro-income tax McDaniel is elected to the 2nd most powerful position in the State House.

“This is an outrage,” said State Representative Eric Swafford (R-Pikeville). “It is a slap in the face to his colleagues in the House Republican Caucus. By accepting this money from a leader in the House Democratic Caucus, it seems that Rep. Williams is saying that he is okay with the Democrats killing common-sense proposals like SJR 127 and legislation that protects our Second Amendment rights.” State Representative Chris Crider (R-Milan) cited Williams’ vote in January of 2007 for House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh, adding that this vote, coupled with the monetary donation from a member of the House Democratic Caucus, shows where he stands on the issues. “You can’t claim to be pro-life and pro-Second Amendment, and then support and take money from those who repeatedly stop legislation that supports those values,” said Representative Mike Bell (R-Riceville). All candidates are required to file campaign financial disclosure reports periodically, which are public record. All donations above $100 must be reported. Representative Frank Nicely (R-Strawberry Plains) said that after the most recent filing deadline on July 10th, the donation to Williams showed up on his disclosure statement. Swafford concluded, “I think we know where Kent Williams’ intentions and loyalties lie. They are certainly not on the side of conservative values.”