Ask HN: What Is Going on in Tennessee?

I am European. I have a hard time understanding what is going on in Tennessee. It seems relevant to understanding US politics.

What did the GOP want to accomplish with the exclusion?

Were they not aware that this would have to be upheld in local courts?

Were they aware of the impression they were making on the public?

( Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson have both been reinstated to their seats by local county commissions. https://www.vox.com/politics/2023/4/10/23677366/tennessee-republicans-expelled-justin-jones-justin-pearson )