by Joe Kirkpatrick

Politicians taking bribes, I mean "contributions"?  DUH!  I thought that is understood.  Now, from my understanding of the law, Chris Newton is not guilty of taking a bribe.  If he is guilty of anything, it is of bad timing.  Evidently, the law states a state senator or representative cannot take a bribe, (oops - I mean contribution) while the house or senate is in session.

As distasteful as it may be, elected officials are allowed to take contributions and favors in a variety of ways.  Of course when asked, almost all will tell you "but that contribution didn't influence my vote in any way."  Now, for those of you who believe that, I've got a little lakefront property in a desert I own I would like to sell you!

Now, why do people, especially business people give money to politicians if it isn't to gain influence?  For instance, I went through some various contributions Toby McKenzie has made over the past few years.  In 1998, he and his then wife Brenda both gave $250 each to David Ward.  Who is David Ward?  You don't know State Representative David Ward?  Maybe that's because he lives in Wisconsin, and is a state representative up there for Wisconsin District 37.  Now, do you really think the Mckenzies have ever even met this guy?  Probably not, but I will bet in 1998 they needed favorable check cashing legislation passed in the state of Wisconsin.  Do I think what the

McKenzies did was wrong?  No - because everyone is out to get the best deal for themselves, and they made a legal contribution.

Of course, making such a contribution can really be a gamble.  What if you contribute to a candidate and they lose?  Well, sometimes you just better cover all of your bases.  In the 2002 State of Tennessee Governors race, Toby McKenzie donated $5000 to VanHillery, but also made a "what if" contribution to Phil Bredeson for $1000.  I'm sure if Governor Bredesen has looked at VanHillery's campaign contribution report, he might feel a bit shortchanged.

Speaking of feeling short changed, can you imagine what poor Chris Newton must of felt like when the FBI only spent a mere couple of thousand on him, but much more on everyone else - that must really add insult to injury! 

Of course, elected officials don't have to accept outside contributions to have a reason to yield their influence.  In 2001, in the State of Tennessee house and senate, 126 members sat on legislative committees that had the authority to directly influence their own personal business or professional involvements.  Another 8.7% either owned or had interest in firms that lobby state government.  For instance, Chris Newton was formerly employed by a company that supplies and refurbishes rail cars for the railroad industry, and also serves on the House of Representatives Transportation Committee as well.  Could that be a conflict of interest?  You be the judge.

Will it ever change?  No!  An elderly woman up in Athens told me a story 30 years ago that made a lasting impression. A lady came to her husband and said, "Are you voting for John Smith for sheriff?"  Her husband replied, "Absolutely not."  Somewhat taken back, the woman then said, "Why not?  The sheriff we have now is corrupt, a thief, and a womanizer.  John Smith is such a fine young man!"  The husband then replied, "I know he is - but if you remember, the sheriff we have now was also a fine young man until we elected him into that office - why should we ruin two fine young men?"
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