Tennessee lawmaker pleads guilty to bribery, laments 'business as usual'

[Judi Lynn]

Tennessee lawmaker pleads guilty to bribery, laments 'business as usual'

By Woody Baird
ASSOCIATED PRESS

11:58 a.m. August 30, 2005

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – A state lawmaker pleaded guilty to taking bribes in exchange for legislative favors, saying he got snagged "by business as usual" at the Capitol.
State Rep. Chris Newton told a federal judge he sought and accepted bribes from undercover FBI agents, becoming the first lawmaker charged in the continuing federal investigation to admit guilt. Two men described as bag men for lawmakers have pleaded guilty.

Newton and four current or former state senators were charged in May with taking payoffs to help a company called E-Cycle Management get favorable legislation passed in the General Assembly.

After his plea, the Republican lawmaker said he "became caught up in business as usual in Nashville."

"It is time for us to acknowledge candidly that the legislative process has become saturated with money and special interests," Newton said, reading from a statement.
(snip/...)

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/nation/20050830-1158-lawmakersarrested.html



Rep. Chris Newton

[napi21]

1. Gee, if we get enough of these guilty guys, the Dems will win by default

in 2006/08!

I swear, every day I find another article on DU about an indictment, a guilty plea, or at lease an investigation! And they're ALL PUBS!

[Drum]

2. "It is time for us to acknowledge candidly

that the legislative process has become saturated with money and special interests,"

Ya THINK???

[The Backlash Cometh]

3. Folks, this is about as honest as these Republican get.

[ShockediSay]

4. "Business as Usual" - - how sad

how true

how hypocritical of "moral values."

[struggle4progress]

5. kick