BREAKING: State Rep. Rob Briley Will Not Run For Re-Election
Ken Whitehouse of NashvillePost.com busts out with the large-type exclusive that Representative Rob Briley will not seek re-election to his 52nd District District seat in order to concentrate on his recovery and his new law practice:
“I feel a need to finish what the people of my district elected me to do,” said Briley. “That is to serve out this term. I know I let them down and I feel if I walk away before then I would be doing it again. They have been there for me and have overwhelmingly supported me throughout, even more so after my troubles became public. They have meant more to me than they know, and for that I am eternally grateful.”
On September 8, 2007, Briley struck the rear of a truck in DeKalb County and then left the scene of the accident. Watertown Police arrested him about 15 minutes later on charges of D.U.I., evading arrest and violation of the implied consent law in Wilson County.
The dashcam video of the arrest was released to the media shortly after touching off a wave of national coverage. On the tape, Briley is heard referring to authorities as “Nazis” as well as explaining to those same sworn officers that “they (expletive) ruined my life a week ago. Take me out and shoot me.”
It was later reported that Briley’s brother, David, had let him go from their joint law practice, his mother had locked him out of her home and that his wife had filed for divorce and had taken his kids to Vermont.
The controversy was exacerbated when it was reported that Briley listed the lobbyist of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association, Mary Littleton, as his next of kin contact.
The Nashville Scene later reported that Briley had been carrying on an affair with the lobbyist who often had business before the Judiciary Committee. Briley had been Chairman of that committee but stepped down following his arrest after many including the sitting Governor of his party had called for him to do so.
The alleged lobbyist mistress Littleton was dismissed from her duties at the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association following the controversy a month and a half after the Briley arrest.
Rob Briley pleaded guilty to DUI on December 17. A felony evading arrest charge was suspended for up to two years. Briley was sentenced to serve 10 days in Wilson County Jail on five weekends and was fined $350 plus court costs and was placed on misdemeanor probation.
On charges in DeKalb County that preceded the now infamous caught on tape arrest, Briley pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of an accident and property damage prior to leading authorities on a high-speed chase.
Briley has, since the incident, admitted to a life long addiction to alcohol serving stints in rehab both before and after the incident on Sept. 8 which he has chalked up at least in part to abuse he suffered as a child. Briley missed the start of the current legislative session finishing up a stint at the Discovery Place.
Briley made an impassioned appeal for forgiveness from the well of the State House after which many of his colleagues were seen giving him hugs and attaboys. Several legislators other legislators, including Republicans, expressed their support for Briley in his continuing recovery.
Two candidates had already announced for Briley’s seat, attorney Mike Stewart and Eric Stansell, an attorney and business consultant.
OTHERS:
Nashville Scene
The City Paper
KAG
Sean Braisted
The Tennessean
PREVIOUS AND RELATED COVERAGE ON VV:
Rob Briley Clipped For DUI
The Rob Briley DUI Video
Gov. Bredesen Calls For Rob Briley To Resign
Lawyer-Lobbyist
Representative Rob Briley In The Wind
Rob Briley Resigns As Chairman Of House Judiciary
Representative Rob Briley Found In Tunica Casino
Mary Littleton No Longer Listed As Trial Lawyer Association’s Lobbyist
Briley Pleads Guilty To DUI, Diversion For The Rest
Briley Apologizes To His Colleagues
Bill Hobbs On Rob Briley’s Apologia
The Few, The Brave, The Briley
on March 4th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Salud!
on March 4th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Good news all around. This makes me think he may have actually turned a corner–something many prayed would actually happen. Good on him and his family.
on March 4th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
It’s a win-win situation. He can focus on the things that matter, like his recovery, and the good citizens of his district will elect a new Democratic representative to that seat.
on March 4th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Here’s hoping Briley gets well!