The Republican Party of Rutherford County hosts a luncheon Tuesday and Tennessee's Speaker of the Tennessee House Beth Harwell is the speaker.

Rutherford County Republican Party Chairman Donna Barrett said, "She not only is the first woman speaker of the State House of Representatives and a conservative leader, she is a good friend and former colleague in the General Assembly. We are proud to have her be the featured speaker at the kick-off to our GOP Speaker series."

Tuesday's event begins at noon at C.J.'s Restaurant at 352 W Northfield Boulevard. The charge is $25 (including tax and gratuity). There is limited seating and those interested in attending please click here to order tickets. Tickets may also be purchased by contacting the County GOP at 615-893-7219 or email Annie Uselton at director@RutherfordGOP.org. You may also visit the Republican Party office at 111 East Main Street (next to the City Café) in Murfreesboro. The office is open Monday through Wednesday from 10 AM to 2 PM, Thursdays by appointment and Friday and Saturday 8 am to Noon.

Speaker Harwell serves as Tennessee State Representative from Nashville and is former Chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party (2001 - 2004). A member of the Tennessee House of Representatives since 1988, Harwell previously served as a ranking Republican in the House (former Minority Whip) and Commerce Committee Chairwoman. She is the first woman to serve as Tennessee's Speaker of the House and has been Speaker since January 13, 2011.

In 1978 Harwell received her Bachelor of Arts from Lipscomb University. In addition to her Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University, Speaker Harwell's impressive background includes, Associate Professor, Belmont University, 1986-1990: Trainer, University of Tennessee Center for Labor Management, 1983-1986; as well a Research Analyst, State Board of Regents, 1981-1983. She is married to Samuel Harwell. The couple has three children.