Top House Republican resigning to become lobbyist

“My family went through a difficult time last session,” the Bartlett Republican said. “I said in ’96 I would serve no more than five terms. I’m in my fifth term.”

Hargett said the decision to go to Pfizer wasn’t easy for him, nor his fellow lawmakers from whom he’s been “overwhelmed with emotional phone calls.”

Jason Mumpower, R-Bristol and the second-ranking Republican in the House, said he wants Hargett to do what’s best for his family, “but it’s sad to see him go.”

“I had known that Tre’ was thinking about options for a while, but I knew it was a tough decision he had to make,” Mumpower said. “I wish him all the best.”

Gov. Phil Bredesen also wished Hargett success in his new position, despite their differences.

“I have enjoyed a positive and productive relationship with Tre’ in his capacity as minority leader,” Bredesen said in a release. “While we may not have agreed 100 percent of the time, we have maintained an open dialogue and a very healthy respect for each other, and I wish him well.”

Hargett, 36, said the Pfizer position is “an opportunity for growth.”

Rep. Paul Stanley, R-Germantown, said that’s understandable considering a lawmaker’s job “is part time, not full time.”

“You have to think about taking care of your family,” said Stanley, the floor leader of the House Republican Caucus. “Our main priority is our occupation.”

Hargett is also vice chairman of the House ethics committee and a member of a joint legislative panel on ethics, both of which are studying ways to strengthen the state’s ethics laws that govern elected officials and lobbyists.

Hargett, who will be handling government affairs for Pfizer in Tennessee and Alabama, said he doesn’t believe his departure will detract from the committees’ focus.

“I think we have the legislators to do what needs to be done,” he said. “I don’t think the work of the committee will stray one bit as a result of my leaving.”

Some states have tried to prevent lawmakers from jumping into lobbyist positions by requiring a waiting period before they can do so.

Democratic Party Chairman Bob Tuke said the Republican Party recently asked the joint ethics committee to adopt legislation that would make legislators wait a year before they can lobby.

“I think that’s a good idea, but it’s hypocritical,” said Tuke, referring to Hargett’s decision. “It makes you wonder if they just like to use ethical words, and then engage in whatever conduct they think is most profitable.”

Republican Party Chairman Bob Davis, however, said he’s confident that once Hargett is at Pfizer he “will meet any and all ethical requirements of that position.”

Hargett has been working in marketing and public relations for an ambulance service. His legislative resignation is effective mid-September.

Meanwhile, Stanley said the Republican caucus will meet soon to look for a replacement. Democrats currently hold a 53-46 majority in the House.

“It’s very important we continue on with what Tre’ started,” Stanley said.