the members in alphabetical order, instead calling first on the Democrats, then on the Republicans. This allowed Williams to vote last, so that before he voted he knew that his vote for himself would be the deciding vote. Retirement On March 8, 2012; Naifeh announced he would not run for a 20th term in November. By the time of his retirement, he was the only elected Democrat above the county level in much of his district. While he had remained popular over the years, it had long been very likely that his seat would be taken by a Republican once he retired. References 1939 births Living people People from Covington, Tennessee University of Tennessee alumni Military personnel from Tennessee American politicians of Lebanese descent Speakers of the Tennessee House of Representatives Democratic Party members of the Tennessee House of Representatives 20th-century American politicians 21st-century American politicians