New TNJ edition: Lawmakers beat hasty retreat, redistricting trial, and feds pan Kelsey’s motion
The latest print edition of The Tennessee Journal is out. Here is what’s in it:
— GOP lawmakers beating hasty retreat amid scandals, setbacks.
— Redistricting trial: Judges to decide if House, Senate maps pass constitutional muster.
— The Kelsey chronicles: Feds urge judge not to let ‘highly sophisticated’ ex-senator renege.
Also: GOP robocall denounces ‘Antifa mob’ during Capitol gun protests, Marsha Blackburn’s big first-quarter haul, a House memorial for the late state Rep. Barbara Cooper, and something smells at the airport.
As always, access the your copy of the TNJ here.
Or subscribe here.
What scandal? GOP news clips ignore Casada saga
House Speaker Glen Casada speaks to fellow Republicans in a caucus meeting on Jan. 10, 2019. (Erik Schelzig, Tennessee Journal)
If you were to rely on the state Republican Party’s media clips, you’d have no idea about that scandal that has rocked the Statehouse this week.
While House Speaker Glen Casada (R-Franklin) desperately tries to cling on to his leadership post following the resignation of his chief of staff for lewd, racist, and drug-fueled text messages, here are the stories the GOP has sent around this week:
- Tennessean: Lee says nonprofit work is answer to problems government can’t fix
- Politico: Tennessee will ask Trump to OK first Medicaid block grant
- Knox News: Five things to know about online gambling in Tennessee
- Daily Memphian: Governor won’t veto any bills, will let sports betting become law
- Buffalo River Review: Governor applauds general assembly for passing agenda
Acting TBI director investigated for alleged misuse of funds during affair
Acting TBI Director Jason Locke has been accused of misusing state funds by his wife and is now the subject of an investigation, reports The Tennessean and other media.
Rep. Byrd cites support from former players, ‘no comment’ on allegations
Rep. David Byrd (R-Waynesboro) and Rep. Sheila Butt (R-Columbia) attend a committee meeting in Nashville on March 28, 2018. (Erik Schelzig, Tennessee Journal)
Rep. David Byrd (R-Waynesboro), who is accused of sexual misconduct with three teenagers when he was a 28-year-old basketball coach, says he has received the support of 66 former players as he embarks on his re-election campaign. As for the allegations from three decades ago? “No comment,” he said.
Byrd running for re-election despite sexual misconduct scandal
Rep. David Byrd (R-Waynesboro) has announced he will seek re-election despite allegations of sexual misconduct with three of his teenage basketball players when he was their 28-year-old high school basketball coach.
Byrd spent much of Thursday’s floor session wandering around House chamber trying to drum up support among fellow lawmakers, embracing some of them and exchanging cell phone numbers. Byrd, who incorporates his nickname “Coach” and the outline of a basketball in his logo, may well benefit from this week’s candidate filing deadline to avoid serious opposition in this year’s election.
But Republicans worried about tighter-than-usual races in other districts likely won’t welcome having to defend inevitable political attacks based on Byrd’s candidacy.
Byrd denies wrongdoing as lawmaker, ‘disappointed’ in Harwell
Rep. David Byrd (R-Waynesboro) attends a House committee meeting on March 28, 2018. (Erik Schelzig, Tennessee Journal)
Statement from State Representative David Byrd (R–Waynesboro):
“First, let me say that I have done nothing wrong or inappropriate during my term as state representative for the 71st District, which I proudly serve. I am disappointed that Speaker Harwell so quickly publicly turned her back on me but understand her political posture.
Second, these recent allegations of inappropriate contact, never before made, date back over three decades ago and are disheartening to me, and my family. One must question the motives of these three former students out of the hundreds of students I have coached.
David Briley sworn in as Nashville mayor
David Briley, Nashville’s vice mayor for the past two and a half years, was sworn in as Metro government’s eighth mayor Tuesday evening, replacing Megan Barry who resigned in disgrace earlier in the day, reports The Tennessean.
Nashville mayor pleads guilty to theft, resigns from office
Nashville Mayor Megan Barry today pleaded guilty to a theft charge tied to her affair with her former police bodyguard, Rob Forrest, then resigned from office. She agreed as part of a plea bargain to reimburse the city $11,000 and serve three years on probation.
The deal also called for her resignation and she officially announced that at a news conference following her court appearance.
Haslam talks with governor accused in extramaritial affair, offers no advice on resignation
Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens, facing an indictment tied to an extramarital affair, cancelled a planned appearance at a weekend National Governors Association meeting in Washington and fellow Republican governors who attended shied away from saying whether he should resign or fight the charges, according to Politico. With Nashville embroiled in controversy over Mayor Megan Barry’s extramarital affir, Gov. Bill Haslam, who chairs the Republican Governors Association, said he has talked with Greitens but isn’t offering advice.
Nude photos of Nashville mayor found on lover/bodyguard ‘s cell phone?
Photographs of a woman’s nude body were found on the cell phone of former Metro Nashville police Sgt. Rob Forrest, who had an acknowledged sexual affair with Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, reports The Tennessean, citing a TBI affidavit filed in seeking a court order mandating access to Barry’s personal cell phone.
