Sumner's Garrett Won't Call for Casada Resignation

45th district state representative Johnny Garrett, who serves Hendersonville, Goodlettsville, and White House in the Tennessee General Assembly, is refusing to call on embattled Speaker Glen Casada to resign. Casada has not denied that he and his former top staffer engaged in racist texts and also exchanged lewd, sexually explicit texts including one in which Speaker Casada inquired if a certain female was "legal."

While Garret calls the behavior "disturbing" he suggests he needs more information before making a decision and indicates he supports the investigation called by Casada into Casada's own behavior.

Here's Garrett's full statement:

I am disappointed and disturbed by the recent news reports from our Speaker’s office. Racism and vulgar text messages between our Speaker and his former chief of staff are regrettable and beneath the office of any public official. In fact, this is behavior should not be tolerated in any setting.

Public officials are held to a higher standard and we should, in every case, treat everyone with respect and dignity as we represent Tennesseans.

I am proud of the legislative achievements the House accomplished. The lawyer in me wants to make sure that we do not make a snap decision before all facts are known. The Speaker has called for an independent investigation into his actions and I fully support the investigation. I believe these actions are a necessary first step by the Speaker to retain order in the House.

This task will be difficult however; it is my hope that the Speaker and all parties will cooperate fully with the investigation so that the public’s trust will be restored and the caucus will decide how to proceed going forward.

Thanks district 45 for your confidence and, as always, it's an honor to serve you!

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