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DEL.ICIO.USSpeaker’s divorce draws an ethics complaint
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Updated at 3:45 p.m.:
The effort by House Speaker Glenn Richardson to obtain a speedy divorce and quickly seal the documents has prompted a complaint to be filed to the Joint Legislative Ethics Committee.
Read the document in its entirety here. The author of the complaint is George Anderson, a self-appointed government watchdog.
The complaint says that Richardson used his influence ”to obtain favoritism, unlawful/illegal gain, and control of the judicial system of the state of Georgia….”
“Richardson has had the audacity to have his friend/former law partner, James Osborne, preside over his personal divorce case, in private/closed chambers [and] seal the records of the civil divorce case, immediately,” the complaint reads.
The document is wide-ranging, and often vague — clearly not written by a legal professional. Included in the complaint is the speaker’s decision to deprive four House Republicans of their leadership assignments in retaliation for their failure to toe the line on the election of members of the state transportation board.
Updated material: Some mentioned in the report say Anderson is well off-base in many of the facts he posits. For instance, Anderson accuses Richardson and House Rules Chairman Earl Ehrhart (R-Powder Springs) of using a plane owned by a title loan company executive for a trip to Las Vegas.
“It’s garbage,” Ehrhart said. “I’ve never been to Las Vegas.” The rules chairman said he did use the executive’s plane once, to attend a conference in Washington D.C., but Ehrhart said the private jet was headed in that direction anyway — and that he reimbursed the company for the expense.
Anderson has also filed a complaint with the Judicial Qualifications Commission against Judge Osborne. See it here.
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By One
February 13, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
Just like a Rethuglicon!!
By Mike K.
February 13, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
Ah yes, the party of family values strikes again. “Do as I say and not as I do.”
By courtwatcher
February 13, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
Richardson is not alone, Judge John B . Sumner presiding Juvenile court judge in Cherokee county had his divorce in Bartow County so locals would not see his dirty laundry. A juvenile court judge who did not practice what he preached or should I say COURT ORDERED. The alleged allegations in the Bartow file should have had a DFCS investigation, but nothing was ever investigated. Why, because he is a judge.
By paulding Voter
February 13, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
Ah! George do you not have something better to do that you get into someones personal Life. What does Glenn’s personal life have to do with the fact that he removed those House Republicans any way. They should have been removed.
By paulding Voter
February 13, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
Ah! George do you not have something better to do that you get into someones personal Life. What does Glenn’s personal life have to do with the fact that he removed those House Republicans any way. They should have been removed.
By bigdaddy
February 13, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
I have to cry foul on this. I am a long time conservative but this type of good for me but not for thee, elitest attitude that many politicians (Republicans included) possess turns me off. I would like to see Mr. Richardson’s peers from both sides of the aisle speak out against this. I am not opposed to try any legal means available to keep your personal life personal but not at the expense of breaking the law. Don’t look for the conservative base come November if this is the type of company you keep.
By Brock B
February 13, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
What I have learned from Republicans…a lie is only a lie if you get caught.
By H. T.
February 13, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
Sorry - this is no one’s business except he and his wife, and I would bet a lot of money that those were the only two people involved in the divorce. The ONLY REASON people want to delve into it? To look for dirt, which leads me to the old adage: clean up your own back yard - you tend to your business and I’ll tend to mine.
By bob
February 13, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
I agree that his personal life should remain personal. However, the problem here is the law that everyone else has to follow was not applied in Richardson’s case. The Speaker had his former law partner “steal” the divorce case from the originally assigned judge and enter a ruling. There was NO hearing to determine if the file or procedings should be shielded from public inspection as required by law. No 30 day wait for a divorce. The average Joe Blow would not have received this type of favorable treatment. There is no defense for this, clearly.
By G C
February 13, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
Richardson’s divorce is the root cause for this complaint. While a “personal” matter, it is still a civil proceeding whose records, like other Georgia citizens’, are open to the public. Richardson has used his public position and personal network of friends to circumvent the law. It needs investigation.
By Tony
February 13, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
In case you forgot, there were allegations that Glen had an inappropriate relationship with a lobbyist. Tie that to the hush-hush divorce and you have something shady going on here. Call it a potential coverup of inappropriate actions with lobbyists and legislation. So those saying to stay out of his personal life, he made this public due to involving his influence as a legislator with a lobbyist. It’s fair game and open season for speculation.
By Jeff G
February 13, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
I really could care less about the contents of his divorce. But it’s obvious this guy is as dirty a Georgia politician as we’ve seen in a long time. He looks like a compilation of Lester Maddox, Tom Murphy, Herman Talmadge(Sr. & Jr.) rolled into one and topped with a cup of Saddam Hussein.
By Sandra
February 13, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
Enquiring Minds … I personally have no desire for the details of the failure of his marriage. I respect that he did not make his personal affairs the business of those he represents. I don’t know him nor did I vote for him but I probably will next time because this has definitely made an impression on me!
By gttim
February 13, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
The Republicans and the religious right have been complaining that divorce is too easy and that if it is even allowed, it should be very hard to get. What does this guy do? He makes it even easier- for himself! Are their any members of the GOP who are not slime or hypocrites?
Family values for the people, but not the rulers!
By Capt
February 13, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
Is she good lookin’??? Anyone got her number?????
By Rosie
February 13, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
I believe the speaker’s divorce should have been handled just as any taxpaying citizen’s divorce would have been handled - filed, wait 30 days, ATTEND DIVORCE PARENTS SEMINAR (did they have to do that?), and then go to a hearing just like every body else.
By BH 2007
February 13, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
I think you’re half right HT. Folks do love the dirt and that’s why this matter was attempted to be brushed under. But I disagree that there were only 2 involved. Which is probably the reason for the divorce anyway. If there were standard laws and protocols not followed, then there should be some fallout. Everyone should have to live by all laws - not just some of them because you hold a certain office. I can’t stand elitist arrogance on either side of the aisle.
By John
February 13, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
Saddam Hussein? No person is above the law especially elected officials.
By Dan
February 13, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
Emblematic of a pattern of sleaze and deception in the Georgia G.O.P. - time to throw the bums out, all of them.
By Open Records Request
February 13, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
Capt
The Georgia Power lobbyist he was accused of having an, ahem, private relationship was rather cute..
Paulding voter… You should be very proud of your speaker for not following the rules like you and I have to.
By G354ME
February 13, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Remember folks, that this is the same person that was having an affair with a key Lobbist of the group pushing Legislation that Richardson also was pushing through the House. The information contained in the divorce, while between he and his wife, also concerned all Georgians if this information showed favoritism and political favors for sex.Wasn’t the Republican party that was pushing for ethic reform just a few years ago. What, are we to believe that monetary gain is wrong, but sexual favors are okay? So I guess if I gave a Representative a $1,000 to push a Bill through we both would be in the wrong. But if I set him up with a “nice” girl/guy (depending on the side of bread they like buttered) every now and then it would be just fine..as long as the Representative is a Republican of course.
By Bob in Sandy Springs
February 13, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
My god…with all the corruption in state govt this is what you spend your time on. George, you are most definately overpaid. What the Hell does divorce have to do with corruption in state govt. Next he’ll ask for his resignation if he gets a parking ticket….
Hey Monica, pass me that cigar…..
By WingNut
February 13, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
England does it right. Uncontested divorces are sealed permanently and by default. They are only unsealed if the original ruling is appealed for some reason.
The public has no right to one’s divorce filings, any more than they had the right to show up uninvited to the wedding or civil ceremony. If a married couple decides that they should divorce, why should any information on the divorce be public? A couple can’t be required to reveal personal details of their lives or finances when they get married consentually. If they choose to get divorced consentually, they should not be subject to some intrusive, self-righteous legislators’ demand to bare their souls and their private lives to the general public. We voters have demanded that our representatives to get out of our bedrooms, and we should do the same for uncontested divorces.
Glen Richardson should be censured by the legislature, and the judge who intercepted the filings and sealed them should be censured at a minimum, or have his law license suspended. That judge, and the Richardsons, had NO right to seal their records when the rest of us citizens cannot do the same.
His utter lack of integrity on this is apalling, and he should be removed from his leadership position by his peers.
By kiljoy
February 13, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
Impeachment proceedings must begin immediately against Speaker Richardson. A special prosecutor must be appointed to investigate his sex life. And, he must be put under oath to deny his relationship with this “lobbyist.”
Where is Ken Starr when we need him?
By Tom
February 13, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
paulding voter - you sound just like a Clinton defender.
“Why does it matter if he’s getting ‘serviced’ in the White House because it doesn’t have to do with how he governs?”
You should know better - a person who acts unethical in their personal life is even more likely to act unethically in their professional life. The removal of those Republicans from their committee assignments was pure spite and anger because he found he didn’t have the power to dictate everything.
I may tend to vote Republican (mostly because I believe the Democrats are willfully underminding this country’s strengths) but its jerks like Richardson that remind me why I don’t want to be called a Republican.
By MH
February 13, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
Who cares!!! Please do something productive and move on.
By MH
February 13, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
Who cares!!! Please do something productive and move on.
By clickity-clack
February 13, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
Paulding County is going through major growing pains in is local leadership at the moment. The county is becoming a more noticed metro ATL player and it is steadily gaining attention when “good ole’boys” do something that the media can get a claw on….I see more embarrassment in the future…Did you see their Sheriff the other day on the news????!!!!!
By elevenpoint
February 13, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
Awww, hypocrisy abounds on this board between our two party political system! What I learned from “Democraps”! “It depends what your definition of is is.” Memba that! If not it came from a president who was impeached and you “Democraps” think is one of the best presidents in recent history!
I also voted for that “Democrap” and greatly regret it after his serial philandering, lies, and power hungry wife/partner. At least the Bush’s keep their flys zipped and do what they say.
I am an independent do not care for either party.
By Gardener
February 13, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
geez people wake up.. privilege has it’s privileges. You don’t think this happens every day??
By baxter
February 13, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
Richardson claimed that gay couples seeking the same legal rights as straight couples would ruin the “sanctity of marriage.”
So how exactly is he upholding this time honored tradition? With a shady divorce, just like his bible buddy Sadie Fields!
By SKINFAN
February 13, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
Always good to know that the Georgia Repubs are the same as the rest. Favoritism, Back Room Dealing, I got a friend who got a friend… Mr. Speaker, one word…Trifling.
By Roman Centurion
February 13, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
Rank hath its privileges. Only George the gadfly-nut and ajc leftists give a hoot.
By Dick
February 13, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
Complaint has nothing to do about wanting to air dirty laundry, find out settlement etc, the complaint has to do with the fact if this couple had been a couple who lived in an auto, went thru restaurant dumpsters to eat, lost children to DFCS, they would have had to wait the number of days, papers would not have been sealed regardless of how hard they begged. He also got to choose the judge who heard their case, that is just not right. Way to go Glenn, give republicans another black eye. Republicans had control of all aspects of state and fed governing bodies several years ago and ;you continue to screw it up. If I was a Rep, I would place bill on floor to have Glenn dismissed.
By SP
February 13, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Nice to see that more than 200 years later, people like Roman Centurion still adhere to the idea that a monarchy (the ultimate government rank privilege) is still viable.
Yes, we “leftists” still give a hoot in that we consider government of the people, by the people, and for the people; not just for those who hold rank.
By Censorship in action
February 13, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
Interesting how lots of comments are disappearing here today? Old Glenn got a buddy at the AJC?
By david
February 13, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Re-thug-licans. Hilarious.
By claude
February 13, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
Give me a break! Get a life people! What does it really mater he cares about the state and what happens to us! His personal life is his. He does his job, you knuckleheads should recognize this…..
By claude
February 13, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
Give me a break! Get a life people! What does it really matter he cares about the state and what happens to us! His personal life is his. He does his job, you knuckleheads should recognize this…..
By Jane
February 13, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
A divorce is a private matter that does not need anyones interrpertation. Sealing the records keeps the matter private. I don’t need/nor do I want to know why. Divorce is not an easy decision and having every Tom Dick and George insert their opinion NEVER helps either party.
By Fred
February 13, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
Oh BS Clod. He doesn’t give a big fat rat’s a…… butt about either the state OR us. None of those yammerheads do. They are interested only in enriching themselves, their friends. Gain “power” and hold power. THAT is all they give a crap about.
By Ima Nidiot
February 13, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
(boo) sob… why….cant….we….all…(sniff) …just….get ….along.
He cares about the state and what happens to us….righhhhtt.
His “job” is not to be in the pocket of every gas company or pipeline builder.
His “job” is not to sponsor legislation that allows these companies to charge US voters for things like a $300 Million dollar pipeline.
If this is care and concern, I’d really like to see your definition contempt, corruption, and abuse of power.
By mike
February 13, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
I am humored by the people that see nothing wrong. He skirted court procedures, skirted the law, got his buddy to hear the case instead of the judge who should have heard it, is in a position of leadership in our government, and people see nothing wrong? Give me a break. He needs to be at least be removed from his position in the House, if not from office beucase of his abuse of the law and the principle that noone is above the law.
By 26belly
February 13, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
One man’s junk is another man’s “Treasure”! She looked real nice in that inauguration picture in the ajc! Wonder what she will look like on the beach this spring when she begins her single-lady spring-time bloom!!!
By Peaches
February 13, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
O look. Democrats nut jobs are now interested in someones private life. They spent eight years in the last Clinton administration saying that porking an intern and lying about it was none of our business. Even when it went to perjury. Now they and the AJC want an “investigation”. What hypocrites! They lie every time they speak. It’s not about right and wrong, it’s about what they think might give them a little partisan advantage. Sanctimonious hypocrites!
This kind of partisanship is tearing our country apart. Is there nothing that the democrats won’t do?
By mr. nice
February 13, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
LOL. It just goes to show that it’s not who you know, it’s who knows you. A typical republican example of cronyism.
By Ima Nidiot
February 13, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
His divorce resulted from him sleeping with a lobbyist for the legislation that he co-sponsored.
what’s so wrong about that????
I mean, it’s not like WE would have to pay for the $300 million pipeline! (well actually we would have)
And it’s not like WE would suffer the damage to the environment, the land taken by eminent domain, or the flood of illegal aliens who would build the pipeline (well actually we would).
The divorce proceedings ARE material. The sexual favors from the lobbyist were a bribe, and the divorce proceedings document the crime.
By bill
February 13, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
I’m still trying to figure out how his divorce made the front pages of the AJC. I know it is a liberal rag but come on….surely..something else was happening!!
By ryan
February 13, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
Seems to me Richardson is not defending the sanctity of marriage. Maybe he will help get marriage rights for gays next? Oh wait…
By zaphod9977
February 13, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
I am a new Paulding voter, now 1 yr in Paulding. Richardson used his influence to get a quickie divorce, but I really don’t see a problem with it. If it was unfair, his wife’s lawyer would have been getting some publicity about it. It was just someone exercising their perks. However, I will vote against him every time I see his name on the ballot because he is a little dictator, I don’t like his tax reform plans, and I don’t like most of what he stands for. But what really gripes me is I have not seen a picture of the lobbyette. Anyone gotta link?
By Ima Nidiot
February 13, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
So EARL got a free trip on a private luxury jet owned by the title-pawn industry to DALLAS.
not a
Free trip on a private luxury jet owned by the title-pawn industry to LAS VEGAS.
that’s like saying “I never took a single dollar in bribes”
“Because I only accepted hundred dolar bills”
By amused democrat
February 13, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
To all the IQ-challenged Clinton bashers out there, please cite any instances of unethical/illegal conduct by him or his wife in the White House that involved something other than Bill’s active sexual libido. Richardson is clearly a hypocritical, power-hungry, ethically-challenged pol who believes rules he doesn’t like only apply to other people.
There is absolutely no evidence that Clinton’s extra-marital dalliances had any bearing whatsoever on how he dealt with his duties as President. You can’t say the same for the line of hypocritical Republicans who cheated on their wives, lambasted Clinton for doing the same and tried to impose their intolerant social views on those of differing beliefs/sexual persuasions.
The pathetic group of Republicans in Washington during the Clinton administration perverted the legal system by trying to run him out of office on a bogus legal charge they convinced a gullible Arkansas tart to file. They continue to obsess over the ex-President’s sexual history while engaging in their own sleazy affairs, some of them like Richardson involving women they have business dealings with.
The joke is that the likes of Gingrich, Richardson, et al, actually think they’re morally superior to Clinton, who last time I checked, was still married to his first wife and helped raise an accomplished young woman under less than ideal circumstances.
Unfortunately for the Clinton-haters of the world, it looks like you won’t get the chance the slime his wife like you did him in his two runs for the White House. Can’t wait for the racist/anti-Muslim attacks from the right wing smear machine against Obama. Hope he stands up to it better than the last several Democratic candidates for President not named Clinton have done.
By They pulled this posting earlier and will pull it again
February 13, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
But here goes anyway
http://www.ethics.ga.gov/Reports/lobbyist/Lobbyist_Name.aspx?FilerID=L20050126
By Ron
February 13, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
He was representing himself and his wife had no lawyer. With his powerful position why would they need a lawyer?
By I Know More
February 13, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
Which lobbyist? The skanky one or the semi-pretty redneck one?
By Michael
February 13, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
FWIW, what’s wrong with a $300 million natural gas pipeline that crosses the state? Did it not cross through enough legislators personal real estate so that they could get rich off the condemnations?
By Rodney
February 13, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
Funny how Richardson can’t even abide by the law that he pushed through. The one that says common folk have to wait 30 days, and possibly go through counseling to get a divorce. Looks like it’s time to show him the door.
By Jan
February 13, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
To Amused Democrat Your response was our comedy reading for the afternoon, right? The Clintons (BOTH Slippery Willy and Hildebeast) did nothing illegal or unethical during their EIGHT LONG YEARS in the White House? There isn’t space here to list their legal and moral infractions, but suffice it to say, they should both be serving prison terms. The frosting on the cake, after all their other SLIME, was being forced to repay the government (we, the taxpayers) for STEALING items belonging to the White House in their departure, to the tune of $200,000. Oh no, they weren’t thieves or liars, just those good ole’ DEMOCRAPS.