Following the resignation of Georgia Speaker Glenn Richardson (R-Hiram), Rep. Tommy Smith (R-Nicholls) was the first to announce his candidacy for Speaker of the House. In a letter to the House Republican Caucus, Smith said the following:

“Today I am announcing my candidacy for the office of Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives. I look forward to meeting with you and receiving your input at the Republican caucus on Friday (Dec. 11) in Atlanta.

In the coming days you will be receiving information from me on rule changes and additional proposals that I plan to introduce in the House of Representatives when we convene in January. Your comments and suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

As your Speaker, I will make certain that each and every member of the Caucus is an active participant in determining the future course of the Georgia House of Representatives and the State of Georgia. Enclosed is a copy of my biography.

I am grateful for your friendship and would be most honored to have your vote and support.”

Smith was first elected to the Georgia State Legislature in 1978. The longtime legislator represents District 168, covering all of Appling and Bacon counties, and parts of Jeff Davis and Wayne counties. He has the longest tenure in the House of Representatives of any member of the Republican Caucus. Representative Smith currently serves as Chairman of the State Planning and Community Affairs committee, which oversees legislation effecting counties, cities and local governments across the state. This committee also serves as the vehicle for innovative state planning and deals directly with all locally elected officials. Additional committees Representative Smith serves on are Appropriations, Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, and Defense and Veterans Affairs. He is the former Chairman of the Economic Development Subcommittee on Appropriations, and the House Rail Passenger committee.

Representative Smith is a blueberry farmer and manages the family business when he is not serving his constituents under the Gold Dome. He is a member of the Alma United Methodist Church, and an active Lay Speaker in churches of various denominations.

He believes that the one thing, which would have the most positive impact on the state and the nation, is the strengthening of the moral and spiritual fiber of our people.

Speaker Richardson’s resignation will be effective December 31. Many believe that Richardson’s decision to resign came after his ex-wife reported that the speaker had an affair with a female lobbyist who was pushing a $300 million pipeline that he was co-sponsoring. There are also reports that Richardson has been fighting depression and even attempted suicide.

Other representatives announcing candidacy are Larry O’Neal (R-Bonaire), David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) and Bill Hembree (R-Winston). The Georgia Republican Caucus will vote on a nomination for the position on Dec. 17. This will be followed by a full house vote on Jan. 11, 2010.