A proposal to let Tennesseans vote directly for their lieutenant governor in 2014 — but not their secretary of state — is almost certain to pass the legislature this year, now that it has the support of Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey.

Two-thirds of both houses of the legislature would have to approve the resolution again in the next session, and it would appear on voters’ ballots in 2010.Ramsey, the Senate speaker and next in line for the governor’s office, said Thursday he will back the House version, despite the fact that the Democrat-controlled House stripped out provisions for direct election of the secretary of state, which Ramsey supported.

“I think it’s the right thing to do. I’m going to support the resolution, even if it is just electing the lieutenant governor,” said the Blountville Republican.

The proposal is complicated somewhat because of another proposed constitutional amendment that would clarify the succession for the governorship, should the state’s chief executive fall ill or die. That bill has no provision for direct election of the lieutenant governor.

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