Lt. Gov. McNally receives vote of confidence in leadership amid Instagram controversy
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Lt. Governor Randy McNally was granted a vote of confidence by the Senate Republican Caucus by 19-7 Monday.
In regards to the vote of confidence, McNally issued a statement.
I have always been honored, humbled and grateful for the support of my caucus. I remain so today. We have a lot of important work left to do as we complete the legislative session, including the budget. I look forward to getting to it."
This vote comes amid controversy surrounding posts made by social media accounts verified to be owned by McNally, and a GOP member calling him "a predator."
Rep. Todd Warner (R-Chapel Hill) even wanted the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) to probe the incident as a possible sex crime investigation involving a minor.
In a statement issued Thursday, Warner accused the lieutenant governor of "sexually grooming" the victim before the young man turned 18.
The posts in question are mostly on Instagram, and largely depict the account holder, a 20-year-old man, posing in his underwear. On one post, the verified account of Lt. Gov. McNally states "Super look Finn." McNally's account also posted other comments, including fire and heart emojis. Some call the comments hypocritical, pointing to McNally's voting record supporting bills critics say target the LGBTQ community.
McNally has yet to deny the allegations, and instead told the media his comments were meant for "encouragement."
Warner said Tennessee Republicans have become "the laughingstock of the nation."
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GOP lawmaker calls on McNally to resign, wants TBI to investigate possible sex crimes
MATURE CONTENT: These are the photos Tennessee Lt. Gov. Instagram account commented on
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