Political Career
A Democrat, Burnett was first elected to the state legislature at age 28 in 1970, representing a district that included Fentress, Overton and Morgan counties on the Cumberland Plateau. After taking office in 1971 Burnett became a protégé of Ned McWherter, who was then House Speaker. He soon assumed the role of Floor leader for the Democrats during the governorship of Ray Blanton and later became House Majority Leader during the governorships of Lamar Alexander and Ned McWherter.
As a politician Burnett was known for his charm, oratorical skill, persuasiveness, sense of humor, ability to quickly analyze issues, and effectiveness at working across party lines to achieve results. Some state political observers thought he could become governor. He is given much of the credit for winning passage of major education legislation proposed by Governor Alexander, nursing home reforms, the Tennessee Sentencing Commission Act, and tort reform. Among the successful legislation that he sponsored were a law mandating use of seatbelts and a controversial initiative that limited the nighttime hours of work for teenage students.
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