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« Leadership Nashville | Main | Lamar Leads Not-Ned-Ray, Bigtime » October 25, 2007Briley Q&A
Despite all that - and the recent revelation that the married Briley was having an affair with the chief lobbyist for the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association at the same time he was serving as chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, which was handling legislation of great interest to the Trial Lawyers - Briley says he intends to remain in the legislature. Rodgers' Q&A with Briley delves into Briley's alcoholism and Briley's assertions as to its root cause, but Rodgers barely touches the issue of Briley's reported affair with TTLA lobbyist Mary Littleton. Rodgers' one question regarding the affair only asks about the alleged marital infidelity, and doesn't raise the conflict-of-interest and ethics issues involved in having a committee chairman having an affair with a lobbyist with major legislative interests before his committee. There were a lot of necessary follow-up questions that Rodgers should have asked, but didn't. A missed opportunity. In the interview, Briley claims, "I care about the General Assembly a lot as an institution." If that's true, than Briley should resign from the General Assembly. Not because of his alcoholism, but because of his appalling lack of ethics and the appalling disregard he showed for the basic safety of countless Tennesseans during his high-speed attempt to evade arrest. Posted in Tennessee Government News
Comments
I like that he said that he didn't ask for forgiveness from the people who he represents. "Q: Are you asking for forgiveness, from your constituents and others? A: I don't think that's something that anybody ever needs to ask for. Q: Even though you are their representative? A: Well sure, if you think that's what it takes to get forgiveness from people, if you have to ask for it first, sure, I'm asking for forgiveness. Q: I'm not trying to say that's what it takes. I'm just asking. A: I don't know the answer to that question. I would hope that everyone could forgive me, and I think they can."
The 12th step addresses that: It depends on what definition of "affair" you go by. Posted by: Brian McMurphy at October 25, 2007 10:11 AMI sadly agree with you on this on, Bill Posted by: Webutante at October 25, 2007 12:05 PMI was with Representative Briley until he threw his daughter under the bus in this interview. Posted by: notfaulkner at October 25, 2007 3:51 PMThe fact he didn't thank the heavens he had family like his mother, brother, wife and kids that kept caring should clue everyone this was a calculated PR move. His nonchalant statement about mutually leaving law practice with his brother shows me that Rep. Briley is still an angry, self-destructive, self-serving substance abuser with no regard for anything but his own reputation and welfare. The mere notion that he considers getting back to his legislative office a sign of wellness instead of the first sober time with his family gives you real insight into the man. I'm sure he would respond with a claim to privacy but he sure wasn't very "private" or "isolated" with his behavior as he humiliated his family, colleagues and constituents during the past few years. Maybe I'm asking for too much but I don't think selfless honesty and sincerity is too much to be looking for after his recent actions. Posted by: GWB at October 25, 2007 3:53 PMHaving dealt with an alcoholic, I can only say that I don't think he has spent enough continuous time in a good rehab facility. Will take more time than he has allowed or than insurance will pay. Posted by: Donna Locke at October 25, 2007 4:49 PMHow much do you have to pay a lobbyist to get incidental access to the legislature? Maybe Briley is correct to act as if the legislature is not worth making any sacrifice for. Posted by: Danny L. Newton at October 26, 2007 10:50 AMPost a comment
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Reporter John Rodgers of Nashville's The City Paper has a pretty good 