Democrats Blast Republicans Following Lawmakers Resignation

Democrats though quickly sensed blood in the water and took the opportunity to strike.

 

"This is unacceptable behavior from people who are elected to the general assembly," said Sherry Jones, a Democrat from Nashville.

 

Jones and two other top Democratic lawmakers addressed reporters Tuesday afternoon and called on lawmakers to repeal what's known as Jeremy's Law.

 

The bill, which passed last year, was unofficially named after former Rep. Jeremy Durham, who was expelled from his seat surrounding allegations he sexually harassed more than two dozen women at the Capitol. 

 

That bill mandates any victim of sexual harassment who sues the state and loses must then pay for the legal fees of the defense.

 

"I would say nobody up here is safe anymore. If we can go through all of the sexual harassment issues that happened last year, and you still have somebody...who would do something like that again, what does that say about this place?" Jones added.

 

After the Durham scandal, Speaker Beth Harwell called for the House's sexual harassment policy be updated and mandated that anyone who works at the Capitol watch a 22 minute sexual harassment prevention video.

 

Speaker Harwell's office did not respond for comment on Tuesday.

 

Former Rep. Lovell defeated longtime incumbent Curry Todd in the Republican primary in August. Todd had been arrested in the days before the vote on charges of stealing Lovell's yard signs. Todd, who was bailed out on the eve of the election by Lovell, is still awaiting trial.

 

Lovell denies any wrongdoing. 

 

He released the following statement after announcing his resignation.

 

“Earlier today I submitted a letter of resignation to The Speaker of the House, Honorable Beth Harwell, to resign my seat serving the 95th House District in the Tennessee House of Representatives.

This was a tremendously difficult decision. I can only hope everyone who placed their trust in me to represent them in the State Legislature including all my constituents, neighbors, family and friends can accept my sincerest apology for having to resign at this time.

Over the past few months, it has become evident to me that I was not fulfilling the promise I made to myself and my family to continue to be available to my family needs both physically and mentally. While I am extremely disappointed that at this time I do not feel I have the capacity to serve my constituents and represent them to the best of my abilities while also giving my family the attention they deserve, I must choose to focus on my family and myself at this time.

Again, I am extremely grateful for all of the trust the great people in my district have placed in me and I apologize greatly for not being able to fulfill my campaign promises to them.

Regarding any sexual harassment allegations, I stand by my statement that no improprieties happened and the allegations are completely false.

So that I may begin focusing on my family, any further inquiries need to be directed to Valerie Morris, my communications representative.” – Mark Lovell