Sen. Preston Smith rips Senate leadership

Things are getting ugly as state lawmakers try their damnedest to balance Georgia’s deep-in-the-red budget without raising taxes.

Before taking a break to bask in Augusta sunshine, the Senate approved a measure that would levy a tax on hospital beds. Democrat and Republican opponents of the legislation, which is estimated to generate $170 million, have labeled it the “sick tax.”

We heard word from a source this morning that Sen. Preston Smith, R-Rome, took to the chamber’s well and delivered a blistering speech to explain why he voted against the measure. And for saying “nay,” Smith claimed, Senate leadership stripped him of his judiciary committee chairmanship.

The AJC’s Ernie Suggs has some details:

Smith said that if he cannot vote for the people he represents, then he is useless as a lawmaker.

He specifically called out Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers, and Senate President Pro Temp Tommie Williams as the chief punishers.

“Take the chairmanship and give it to a puppet,” Smith said.

Ladies and gentlemen, meet your new Judiciary Committee Chairthing. So cute.

UPDATE: Smith has posted his speech on his campaign Web site. (Hat tip to the ne’er-do-wells at Peach Pundit.)