Rep. Tyrone Brooks resigns, son ready to take his place

Even before longtime state Rep. Tyrone Brooks resigned his state House seat on Thursday, his son was apparently waiting in the wings to take his place.

Brooks Sr, a Civil Rights activist who served 35 years in the state House, resigned before pleading guilty to a federal tax fraud charge and no contest to mail and wire fraud charges.

May 23, 2013 - Marietta - Family members and supporters greet Tyrone Brooks after the press conference. Former Gov. Roy Barnes holds a press conference on behalf of his latest high-profile client -- indicted state Rep. Tyrone Brooks, D-Atlanta, at his Marietta law office on Thursday. In a federal indictment, Brooks was charged with tax, wire and mail fraud. BOB ANDRES / BANDRES@AJC.COM

Credit: James Salzer

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Credit: James Salzer

Todd Rehm on Georgia Pundit noted Friday that Tyrone Brooks Jr. opened a campaign account about a week before the end of the 2015 General Assembly session. He listed Fulton County Commissioner Marvin Arrington Jr. as his campaign chairman. Arrrington is the son of former Atlanta City Council President Marvin Arrington, who later became a Fulton County Superior Court judge.

A bio from the web site of his business consulting business says Brooks Jr. has been a political consultant for various campaigns since 2001, including in congressional, legislative and local elections. Arrington Jr. serves as director of legal affairs for the company.

Campaign finance reports shows Brooks Jr. was paid $1,200 for campaign work done for Brooks Sr.'s re-election campaign late last year. Brooks won another term without opposition.

Gov. Nathan Deal will now call a special election to replace Brooks Sr.