Rep. Chris Newton on Thursday said he was going ahead and resigning from the Legislature now rather than waiting until Nov. 1.
The District 22 representative from Bradley County had been under intense pressure to go ahead and step down after he pleaded guilty on Tuesday to bribery charges in Operation Tennessee Waltz.
Here is his resignation letter:
September 1, 2005
Speaker Jimmy Naifeh
Tennessee House of Representatives
19 Legislative Plaza
Nashville, TN 37243-0181
Dear Speaker Jimmy Naifeh:
I have reconsidered my decision regarding my resignation letter with the effective date of November 1, 2005 that I sent to you dated August 28, 2005. I am withdrawing that letter of resignation.
Therefore, I respectfully submit to you this new letter of resignation effective today Thursday, September 1, 2005.
It has been an honor and privilege to serve in the Tennessee House of Representatives. I am deeply sorry for the events over the last few months and I am asking for forgiveness from the people of Bradley, Meigs, and Polk Counties as well as the people of Tennessee for my actions.
Respectfully,
Rep. J. Chris Newton
Cc: Rep. Tre Hargett
Rep. Charles Sargent
Governor Phil Bredesen
Bobby Wood, chairman of the Hamilton County Republican Party, said, "By heeding the request of his party by resigning from his Legislative office
effective this date Rep. Chris Newton has demonstrated both courage and
responsibility.
"Hopefully his actions will inspire the remaining indicted members to search their hearts and consider the damage their delaying is doing to the confidence of those they represent."