June 30, 2005

Newton Expulsion Resolution In Stark Contrast to Democrat Inaction

NASHVILLE - New Tennessee Democrat Party Chairman Bob Tuke declined to ask for the resignation of two Democratic state senators indicted on federal felony corruption charges - state Sen. Ward Crutchfield and state Sen. Kathryn Bowers - when offered the opportunity to do so during an appearance on the radio show Steve Gill Mornings Wednesday morning on 99.7 WTN .

Tuke indicated that he does not see the state party as having any responsibility for what members do after they are elected.

Tuke is not alone in failing to call on the indicted legislators from his own party to step aside - neither has Democrat Gov. Phil Bredesen or the Democratic leader of the state Senate, John Wilder.

By contrast, Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Bob Davis has asked Republican House member Chris Newton to resign in the wake of his arrest on bribery charges in connection with the Operation Tennessee Waltz FBI sting operation - and state Rep. Chris Clem has filed a resolution calling for the explusion of Rep. Newton from the state House. Here is the audio clip, which runs 1:14.

Davis will appear on Steve Gill Mornings on Friday July 1. My guess is he'll show a lot more leadership on the issue of restoring the intergrity and public credbility of the state legislature than has Mr. Tuke, Sen. Wilder or Gov. Bredesen so far.