September 29, 2006

Bryson Calls on Bredesen To Investigate Questionable Kisber/Lobbyist Loan

The Chattanooa Times-Free Press follows up on WKRN reporter Trent Seibert's recent revelation of questionable loans involving Gov. Phil Bredesen's Commissioner of Economic Development, Matt Kisber.

Kisber, former chairman of the House Finance Committee, arranged for a $1.2 million loan for a company on whose board Kisber sat, and the loan was profided by a lobbyist who had business in front of Kisber's committee. Kisber originally claimed he made no money from the company, but amended his story after it was revealed that his official state financial disclosure says he in fact did make more than $1,000 from the company. So we're left to take Kisber's word for it as to how much he made.

Now, reports the Chattanooga paper, Republican gubernatorial nominee Jim Bryson is challenging Gov. Bredesen to launch an independent probe of the loan.

"Commissioners should not use their office for personal gain and should certainly not be hired if they have used a previous office for personal gain," state Sen. Bryson said in a statement.

The governor may have full confidence in Kisber, but, then, the governor has retained Deputy Gov. Dave Cooley, despite his role in the Bredesen administration's promotions-for-donations scheme that rewarded Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers with promotions after they or their family members donated to Bredesen's campaign - and the Bredesen campaign has kept the troopers' tainted contributions.

The governor may have full confidence in Kisber, but, then, the governor has retained Deputy Gov. Dave Cooley even after Cooley abused his power and position to get a speeding ticket "fixed."

The governor may have full confidence in Kisber, but, then, the Bredesen administration shredded key documents in a sexual harrassment investigation involving one of the administration's staffers.

Contrast the governor's "full confidence" in Kisber with Bryson's promise "to clean up corruption in the governor’s office" and hire based on experience and ability, not politics and campaign contributions" Bryson further promises that "every department will be led by a commissioner who has not used public office for personal gain. No one will even be considered who has used a previous office for personal gain.