I find this idea kinda illogical. We can easily find corruption under all types of leadership.

To paraphrase a great actor, "politics does not cause people to go bad. Bad people go into politics to be bad."

Ford and the others would have done the same thing regardless of climate on the hill.

I agree that they would have 'attempted' the same things under different leadership. However, I would hope that different leadership would have not enabled their corruption by providing them leadership roles, a blind eye and support during election cycles.

And IF they have become 'family' as Lt. Gov. Wilder stated, it's tremendously disfunctional and needed an intervention long ago.

Amen.

Bill:

In fairness, Betty was an effective lobbyist long before she was affiliated with Jimmy Naifeh. Anyone who knows Betty Anderson can attest she is an incredible strategist and has a vast grasp of the issues. Does she benefit from being the "speaker's wife?" Sure. Does he benefit from her as well? Yes, but it is more likely her personality that benefits Jimmy more than the other connection. She is well liked and legislators on both sides of the aisle respect her for being a straight shooter. Likewise, folks may not utilize her services because of her husband as well. Jimmy Naifeh is fair game and people can go after him for whatever he may have done in this issue or in elected capacity, but I think going after his wife is not fair nor necessarily the best example of corruption in this case. Kindest Regards, JC Bowman

This is interesting. For three years I have been describing the relationship of Speaker of the House Naifeh and his high paid, lobbyist wife, Betty Anderson. I've described it to many, many people. Each and every single one has had the same reaction: "That can't be legal; That clearly shouldn't be legal."

This reaction of surprise and indignation came from people from all walks of life, including those with post-graduate degrees, college degees, high school degrees, doctors and lawyers alike.

While technically legal, no one I have talked to, Republican or Democrat, has defended their behavior as ethical; who could? It is selling influence at the expense of our citizens. That is indefensible. Some partisans might claim that "all parties do it; everyone does it; Republicans are crooked too.." Well, it still reeks of sleaze, and if we are willing to tolerate sleaze in our "leadership," then we deserve it.

Call it what you may, Naifeh and Anderson sell influence for their personal benefit and they use state public office to do it.

Todd:

Look I am not picking a fight. I am staying focused. But I would ask you for examples of selling influence, not innuendoes.

If you want to pass a law and make it illegal, then by all means pass a law and make it illegal. Until that time, as you stated it is legal, so it is the law of the land. But if you are going to do that make sure you apply the law equally to everyone. Why limit it to spouses? Let's make sure children, parents and siblings are also covered by the law you pass.

When I worked for Governor Bush here in Florida, my wife suffered because I had a high profile job. She had to take a job well beneath her skill level. My kids had to go to schools that were not as academically challenging, because if I exerted any influence you could bet it would be in a newspaper somewhere. So, unless you have had to live it yourself you may never know "influence" is a two way street.

But my point Todd is that the immediate focus needs to be on the 7 or 8 individuals we know did break the law. I think every single legislator caught should resign. This is not a partisan issue, but an ethical issue. Naifeh to my knowledge did not get caught in this scandal, if he did he should step down as well.

Make no mistake I am a Republican, but partisanship aside, if I was a house a member I would not vote for Speaker Naifeh, I would find common ground on some issues and work where I could, but I would want a member of my party as the Speaker.

That being said, having been on both sides of issues with Betty I can attest to her effectiveness. She works her butt off. Whether you want to call it influence peddling or whatever, I can only attest she has been one of the more ethical people I have dealt with in Nashville on either side of the aisle. Some well respected Republican leaders will tell you the same thing.

I see two battles Tennessee needs to fight and perhaps you can lead: (1) The need to eliminate the corruption and graft in state and local government. (2) The need for stronger ethical standards with access to state and local open records and open meetings. I think those issues need to be the focus.

By the way, I want to compliment Bill Hobbs, this site is outstanding, and he has been on the cutting edge of bringing blogging to public policy.

Thanks! JC Bowman
flapolicy@hotmail.com

JC, your points are well taken, but there is one crucial difference between all the familial relationships you mentioned. Spouses cannot be compelled to testify against each other.

Thanks Mike you are correct. I did not even think of that point. Maybe that needs to be addressed as well. --JC

Joe Armstrong's wife is a lobbyist also

I will politely reiterate that not all legal acts are honorable.

Now, a new point. I dont advocate a new law. I do advocate that (a) the voters of Tennessee recognize that by definition, Betty sells influence, (b) it is unethical and (c) accordingly, they should vote Naifeh out.

If the Tennessee mainstream media were balanced, which it isn't, this would have likely already occurred. Bloggers are slowly towing the mainstream media back to its primary democratic function, i.e. being a critical press.

If the people of Tennessee dont care, once they have the opportunity to be informed, the we/they deserve this type of sleazy leadership. Again, please understand, this is not a partisan issue; I stand by my original statement: Everyone I have spoken to about the relationship is horrified; no one has said its alright.

For evil to triumph, it is only necessary that good men do nothing. - Edmond Burke.