Memo documents allegations of sexual harassment by new House Speaker

Mumpower detailed 2007 incidents on advice of counsel

Email | Print By A.C. Kleinheider

Susan Lynn

The rift in the Republican State House Caucus that led to new Speaker Kent Williams rising to power over GOP Majority Leader Jason Mumpower last week may be as much personal as political.

NashvillePost.com obtained through a public records request to Mumpower’s office a copy of a memo written by Mumpower on April 17, 2007 stating that, on more than one occasion, Williams was called into meetings with his caucus leadership over his alleged behavior towards a female colleague.

The document, which was prepared by Mumpower on the advice of counsel, recounts two incidents where Rep. Susan Lynn reported Williams’ actions made her feel “sexually harassed.”

The first incident documented in the memo occurred on March 27, 2007 in a legislative parking garage. The document states Lynn alleged that Williams and then Rep. Doug Overbey encountered her and Rep. Debra Maggart following a night of legislative receptions.

"Rep. Lynn said that when Rep. Williams came up to her and told her how beautiful she was. She said he also told her, 'I will give a weeks pay just to see you naked.'" Mumpower wrote.

Mumpower goes on in the memo to say that Overbey confirmed the version of events reported to him initially by Lynn and Maggart. A meeting then took place attended by Mumpower, Lynn and two legislative staff members. In that meeting, according to the memo, Rep. Williams agreed that the events of the night transpired as Lynn said they did and apologized. Mumpower also notes that both the Speaker of the House Jimmy Naifeh and Chief Clerk Burney Durham were briefed on the meeting.

The memo also recounts a second event occurring eight days later on April 5, 2007 reportedly witnessed by Rep. Janis Sontany in which Williams allegedly approached Lynn from behind in front of the Speaker's office "put his arm tightly around her and embraced her." He then is described as putting his face close to hers and saying, "Have a nice weekend."

Mumpower describes Lynn in the document as being distraught about the second incident fearing that a pattern was developing.

Another meeting was called where Williams is described as again apologizing and makes assurances that there would be no further incidents.

When contacted by NashvillePost.com, Mumpower confirmed only that the meetings had taken place but would not comment further.

Lynn also refused comment, saying only, "I have reviewed [Mumpower's memo] and it is accurate."

After the events of last Tuesday — when Williams shocked the Tennessee political world by adding his vote to those of the 49 Democrats in the House to be elected speaker — the state’s press corps has been combing over his short career looking for clues for what led to the Carter County Republican to abandon his caucus and Mumpower’s speaker bid.

Some have pointed to political differences noting Williams’ vote for Naifeh as speaker immediately after Williams defeated an incumbent GOP legislator and an ensuing conflict with conservatives that led at least one member of the Republican caucus to openly campaign against him in 2008.

GOP sources say the conflict between Mumpower and Williams over the Lynn allegations may also have played a role in the rift. News of the allegations spread on blogs in 2007 and 2008. In addition, members of the press – including NashvillePost.com – confronted House Republicans about the allegations last year though Mumpower, Lynn and others would not comment.

In a written statement issued this afternoon, Williams issued a general denial that he had ever sexually harassed anyone. The statement did not speak specifically to the allegation documented in Mumpower’s memo, citing state law making sexual harassment complaints in the legislature “confidential.”

“The Sexual Harassment Policy of the Tennessee General Assembly requires that any and all information falling under the parameters of the policy must be held confidential,” Williams stated. “The policy strictly prohibits the release of any information as upheld by the courts. All matters pertaining to issues involving the Sexual Harassment Policy should be referred to Connie Ridley, Director of Legislative Administration. However, I have never sexually harassed anyone nor have I been reprimanded for any such behavior.

“Right now my focus continues to be on moving this state forward and getting to the business of governing,” Williams added. “This week, I have brought House Democrats and Republicans together to coordinate bipartisan committee assignments and with these talks our forward momentum is building. I am looking forward to getting on with the people's business.”

Keep reading NashvillePost.com and Post Politics for updates to this story throughout the day.