posted July 6, 2005
Rep. Chris Newton said Wednesday he has decided not to resign from the state Legislature despite his indictment on bribery charges.
He said he talked with constituents over the July 4th holidays, and many urged him to stay on.
Rep. Newton, a Republican from Benton, also said resigning would be tantamount to saying he is guilty. He is maintaining his innocence of the Tennessee Waltz charges.
Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Bob Davis responded to the announcement by saying, "Chris Newton has chosen poorly. Tennesseans want elected officials they > can trust. Chris Newton's decision not to resign his office is disappointing for his constituents and disappointing to Republicans across this state.
"That is his decision at this time, but the courts and the people of
Tennessee will ultimately decide his fate.
"My request still stands. I'm asking Chris Newton to step down immediately. Our party has higher standards.
"Now it's up to Gov. Bredesen. If he is really interested in ethics
reform, the governor should follow suit and ask the indicted members of
his party to step down as well. If the governor calls a special session,
how in the world can indicted members of the legislature vote on ethics
reform?"
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