Some in GOP chafe new building named after Cordell Hull
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Tennessee lawmakers are nearing a move into freshly overhauled offices at the state Capitol complex, but some Republicans are chafing at the building being named after Democrat Cordell Hull.
Hull was the country’s longest-serving secretary of state under President Franklin Roosevelt. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1945 for his role in creating the United Nations and for his work toward improving international relations by resolving bitter trade disputes.
Republican Sen. Frank Nicely of Strawberry Plains asked during a presentation about the new legislative offices on Thursday what lawmakers could do about changing the building’s name from what he called “that old Democrat socialist.”
Republican Sen. Ken Yager appeared to oppose a change, noting that Hull was born in Pickett County, which is in his district.
