NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - State Republican Party Chairwoman Robin Smith plans to announce Monday her decision on whether to oust state House Speaker Kent Williams from the party.

Williams, of Elizabethton, infuriated fellow Republicans last month when he was joined by all 49 House Democrats to win the speakership by one vote over the GOP nominee.

The Chattanooga Times Free Press reports that the party has invited executive committee members to attend the announcement at party headquarters in Nashville.

Williams has emphasized that he will always consider himself a Republican, but that he will leave the party if asked.

If Williams is removed from the party, Republicans would lose their 50-49 majority in the state House.

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Information from: Chattanooga Times Free Press, http://www.timesfreepress.com

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