Dems Say Claims on Richardson Point to "Culture of Corruption"

By Odette Yousef

Atlanta, GA – Democrats in Georgia's General Assembly say the resignation of Republican House Speaker Glenn Richardson has opened the door to change what they call a "culture of corruption."

WABE's Odette Yousef reports.

House Minority Leader DuBose Porter says he feels personally for Richardson, who announced last month that he has suffered from depression following his divorce. But Porter points to statements from Richardson's ex-wife who claims that the Paulding County representative had an affair with a lobbyist, while pushing legislation that benefited her industry.

PORTER: This is finally confirmation of trading favors for legislation.

Porter says that's a byproduct of the so-called "hawk system" that Richardson introduced as House Speaker. It allows the speaker to appoint members at any time to any committee.

Porter says Richardson derailed legislation on uncollected sales taxes and transportation by sending in his hawks when it came time for the committee to vote.

PORTER: This system has held Georgia back, and if that culture doesn't change, Georgia will still be held behind, rather than being the leader in the Southeast that we should become.

Richardson steps down January 1st.

Odette Yousef, WABE News.