Stanley resigns from the state Senate

Embattled state senator to step down Aug. 10

Email | Print By A.C. Kleinheider

07-28-2009 5:31 PM —

Late today, spokesman to Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey Lance Frizzell released a statement confirming that Ramsey had accepted the resignation of Sen. Paul Stanley from the state Senate. The resignation is effective Aug. 10.

Stanley was revealed to have been a victim of an extortion plot one week ago by a boyfriend of an former intern of the senator. In court documents, both Stanley and the intern, McKensie Morrison, conformed that a sexual relationship existed between the two.

In recent days, several prominent Republicans — including the Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris as well as the chairman of the local GOP in Shelby County — have called for the senator's resignation.

Earlier today, it was revealed exclusively by NashvillePost.com that Morrison may not have been the only other woman in the life of the senator.

Stanley's letter of resignation to the Lieutenant Governor was terse.

"It has been an honor to serve with you in the State Senate in the 105th and 106th General Assemblies.  Due to recent events, I have decided to focus my full attention on my family and resign my Senate seat effective August 10, 2009.

Thank you for your service as our Speaker of the Senate and Lieutenant Governor."